SUKKUR, Feb 16: Sindh Zakat and Ushr Minister Sardar Manzoor Ali Panhwar has said the federal government has provided a special grant of 2.2 billion to the province from the Zakat fund to provide jobs to unemployed people.

Inaugurating gas supply to the Adam Khan Panhwar village on Wednesday, he said the amount would be disbursed soon. Mr Panhwar denied that there were any differences among ministers.

He said the Pakistan People's Party-Patriots would contest the local bodies' elections and added seat adjustment with different groups could not be ruled out. He said a jirga would be held after Muharram to resolve a dispute between Jatoi and Mahar tribes. He said he had held meetings with Ghaus Bux Khan Mahar and Dr Ibrahim Jatoi who had agreed to hold the jirga.

HOSTAGES RECOVERED: Two businessmen kidnapped by a group of bandits last night were recovered by police after an exchange of fire with the kidnappers in the kutcha area of Daharki on Wednesday.

Those recovered were identified as Rana Mohammad Iqbal and Rana Mohammad Zaman, both residents of Sadiq Abad, Punjab, who had come to Mirpur Mathelo to purchase cotton.

The bandits escaped after the encounter, leaving behind the hostages. However, the bandits took away cash, wristwatches and a cotton-loaded tractor-trolley of the two dealers.

LAW & ORDER: Rangers' personnel have been deployed throughout the province to ensure law and order during Muharram. A press release of the Shahbaz Rangers, who have been assigned duties in upper Sindh, here on Wednesday said a comprehensive plan had been chalked out to maintain law and order.

It said Rangers would also coordinate with the army and police. It said the Rangers would help the civil administration in maintaining law and order and also patrol sensitive areas. The press release said a task force had been formed for every district which would help the DPO concerned.