KARACHI, July 8: Sindh Governor Mohammedmian Soomro here on Monday hinted at further expansion of the Sindh Cabinet and explained that the objective behind it was to develop closer liaison with the people.

He said that new financial year has begun and financial award had also been established and now we want to install public links as a bridge so that the award is effectively implemented and development schemes carried out for greater benefit of people.

He said the induction of ministers would help provide a guidance as well.

The governor pointed out that the first tranche of World Bank grant would be of 100 million dollars and the World Bank has also committed two more tranches as Sindh had already carried out all the reforms which include education, health, financial sector, industrial sector policy, overall governance.

He said that there is always room for improvement in law and order but of late, with the grace of Allah, a lot of good developments have taken place.

“The police have performed well and people can judge it very well with the recent successes achieved”, he said during his visit to the APP offices here.

Regarding highway robberies, he said, these have been brought under control and now only rarely one hears of such cases due to beefed up highway patrolling.

“Maximum resources have been provided in the 2002-2003 budget for law and order”, he said.

Replying to a question, the governor said that the government had forcefully clarified that general elections will take place on schedule as mandated by the Supreme Court and that there should not be any doubt in this regard.

In Sindh, he said, the logistic preparations for the general elections are under way.

He pointed out that election arrangements is the task of the Election Commission but the support needed from the government is being provided.

To a question, the governor said a lot of investment is coming to Sindh. In this regard, he referred to setting up of industrial units in Hyderabad and Kotri with foreign investment.

He observed that law and order is certainly a psychological factor, but the government has effectively controlled it. The investors, he said, want a clear and consistent policy regarding investment in which we have made a good headway.

In this regard, he referred to minimal inspections of industrial units.

He said although law and order is a factor, but if a consistent policy is extended- with assured profitability and no harassment- then, the investors are bound to come.—APP