HYDERABAD, Jan 19: Sindh Minister for Excise and Taxation M.A. Rauf Siddiqui said on Saturday that Sindh was Pakistan’s gateway to development and prosperity and if Sindh was not prosperous, the country will not prosper.

He was speaking at Bhitshah after laying a Chaddar on the mausoleum of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.

Eulogizing the contribution of the great Sindhi Sufi saint, Mr Siddiqui said that the government was duty-bound to promote cordial relations between all groups of society to maintain Sindh’s image as the land of peace and love.

Underlining the need to plan public-oriented schemes, adding that measures were being taken to gradually improve the province’s affairs.

The minister urged the officers of the excise and taxation department to work with sincerity to makes changes in the present system.

He further said that no decision had been taken in haste, adding that positive steps would be taken in all walks of life.

He promised to promote efficient and honest officers and punish those against whom there was any public complaint.

The Sajadah Nasheen of the Dargah, Pir Mazharuddin alias Hazan Saeen, welcomed the minister.

CONTRACT DOCTORS: Contract Doctors Forum, Sindh, at a meeting held on Sunday, resolved to launch a protest movement throughout the province against the non-regularisation of their services.

Dr Mohammad Khan Shar presided over the meeting.

The meeting deplored that, notwithstanding the instructions of the Sindh chief secretary, the summary for the regularization of the services of contract doctors, had not been prepared by the concerned officials.

The meeting resolved to hold protest demonstrations outside press clubs of different cities of Sindh to press the authorities for the acceptance of the demands of the contract doctors.