KARACHI - Voicing support for Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s statement that “state within the state” was unacceptable, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah asserted on Friday that the parliament had the major role in a democratic system and the people fully endorsed it for their representation.
“Conspiracies against democracy and to pack up the elected government would not be accepted,” said Qaim as he called on the people and all forces to unite for strengthening democracy and the democratic institutions, particularly the parliament.
Interacting with mediapersons during his visit to the Karachi Central Prison, where he inaugurated a NADRA CNIC mobile service for prisoners, the chief minister maintained that “if there was any issue, the same would be brought to the Parliament for debate. Then, the right and wrong would be verified”. He, however, asserted that the government was working within its constitutional ambit.
Qaim also inaugurated a public call office (PCO) on the jail premises so that prisoners could avail this facility to keep in touch with their family members, children and relatives. He himself talked to the family member of a prisoner over telephone on this occasion. Qaim was of the view that due to the illegal use of cellphones at jails, crime rate shot up alarmingly. He said that the use of mobilephones had been banned while jammers had been installed at all prisons in the province.  It may be mentioned here that the PCO and NADRA centre installed at the jail started functioning from Friday.
The government was, averred the chief minister, paying attention to provision of health facilities, education, computer literacy, religious and cultural activities in jails under its social reformation programme. “All-out efforts are being made to bring prisoners in the mainstream population.”  The chief minister also visited various sections of the prison, including bakery, wards, school, computer lab, handicraft ward, fine art centre etc.
Qaim was also presented a painting of of President Asif Ali Zardari by a prisoner.
Those who accompanied the chief minister included Sindh Senior Minister for Education Pir Mazharul Haq, Minister for Law Muhammad Ayaz Soomro, Siddique Abu Bhai, Waqar Mehdi, Rashid Rabbani, Ghulam Muhammad Shahlyani MPA, IG Prisons Ghulam Qadir Thebo, the NADRA provincial head, NTC chief and others.
In the memory of the services rendered by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Qaim announced two-month punishment remission for all prisoners, except those involved in heinous crimes, of Sindh jails on the eve of the former slain premier’s fourth death anniversary on December 27.
The chief minister said the present government had, under its Jail Reforms Programme, taken various measures to improve conditions of jails. Besides quality flood, prisoners were being provided with the facility of clean drinking water, fans and charpoys etc, he added.
Qaim further said that medical camps, libraries and study facilities had been arranged at all jails for prisoners. He lauded the efforts of Sindh Minister for Prisons Ayaz Soomro, who had made untiring efforts to make several facilities available to jails. In response to a media query, Qaim said that under the directives of President Zardari, salaries of prison staff had been enhanced.
Bandit killed:  An alleged bandit was killed while two others managed to escape in a police shootout in the limits of Malir police.
The incident took place on the Link Road near Mehran Bridge, where three bandits were busy in looting valuables from passers-by. As the patrolling police rushed to the spot, the bandits tried to escape and open fire. Resultantly, the police also opened fire. During crossfire a bandit was died on the spot.
Police official said the killed bandit was identified as Ali Sher son of Mohammad Bux from Muzaffargarh Punjab. They also recovered a TT pistol from his possession. The body was shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for legal formalities. Police said he was identified with the help of NIC found from his pocket.
He directed the technical services director general to prepare a helipad at the Mazar-e-Quaid. He also instructed the DIG (Traffic) to plan alternate routes for traffic through the media and make arrangements for parking in China Ground, Tai Ground and Saddar Parking Plaza.
He also directed that fool proof security arrangements must be made while the buses and coaches coming for Tehreek-e-Insaf public meeting be affixed with stickers.