KARACHI, April 22: Sindh minister for local government Dewan Muhammad Yousuf Farooqui has said that the elected representatives were not under any pressure and were free to act according to their conscience.

Addressing over 200 Nazims, Naib Nazims and councillors from Landhi-Korangi and Gulshan-i-Iqbal at the Civic Centre Auditorium, Karachi, on Monday, he called upon them to continue to serve the people as it was their prime duty.

They might face difficulties as the system was still in its early age. However, it can be strengthened if the elected representatives played their due role in this regard, the minister said.

Dewan Yousuf maintained that voting for President Gen Pervez Musharraf was inevitable as his success would bring stability in the system and develop persistent policies.

He appealed to the councillors to ensure maximum participation of the people in the public meeting of the president in Karachi on April 28 and referendum on April 30.

The elected representatives would be provided all facilities including transport etc. The minister said adding that the number of polling stations has already been doubled. At the public meeting, there would be separate enclosures near the stage for them, he told.—PPI