Karachi - Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the formation of alliances against Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is not a new thing.
“We are not afraid of the alliances, because people of Sindh have always rejected them,” he said.
Talking to media at Lat Basti just after offering condolences to the family of PPP leader Umer Jat, who died recently, he said that the opponents of PPP had always been rejected by the people of Sindh, and that’s why they found other ways and means to fight against PPP. “But, this is not possible for them because PPP has the support of people; the followers of Benazir Bhutto and workers of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto,” he said, and added, “Let them make fruitless efforts.”
Replying to a question, the chief minister said that he would address the reservations of minorities on the minority bill. “It is PPP which takes care of minorities, because we believe that they are equal citizens of this country,” he claimed.
He defended the induction of 18 ministers in his cabinet, saying he had the constitutional right to do so. “Members of my cabinet are working well,” he said, and humbly added, “My performance is visible because media has been kind to me; otherwise all the ministers are hard working.”
However, he cautioned that those who would fail to perform would be replaced in consultation with the party leaders.
Replying to another question, Murad said that the chief secretary had not informed the high court that advisors had been removed. “The executive powers of advisers have been withdrawn,” he informed.
The CM further said that the impression was being created that the Chinese were being given the contract for garbage lifting. “Actually, it is an international tender, and whichever company gives a successful bid, will be awarded the contract,” he clarified.
Responding to another question, Syed Murad Ali Shah said that he would direct Sindh Police IG AD Khawaja to assess the numerical strength of each and every police station in the city. “The strength of police stations, which are understaffed, would be beefed up by giving them additional force. “We are also planning to build police stations and upgrade residential colonies for the policemen,” he informed.
Talking about Malir district, the chief minister said that it was his district, and he would start development works in its rural areas. “I am not ignoring any area or district. Each and every district, city and village belongs to me and my party. “The PPP government will be serving them without any discrimination,” he vowed.
Earlier, the chief minister offered condolences to Haji Younus Jat over the death of his brother Umer Jat. “Umer was our strength and an old worker. Our party leader Asif Ali Zardari is also grieved over his death,” he said, and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace.
The CM was accompanied on the occasion by PPP General Secretary Waqar Mehdi.
He was received by District Council Chairman Salman Murad and other PPP leaders when he arrived at Lat Basti, located on a sea shore.
Apex Committee restored peace in city: Murad:
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the Apex Committee has taken most important decisions.
“As a result, not only peace has returned to the city, but sectarian harmony has also developed all over the province,” he said while talking to Corps Commander Karachi Lt General Naveed Mukhtar who met him here at the CM House on Thursday.
The chief minister thanked the Corps Commander for giving his input at the Apex Committee meetings and supporting the Sindh government and police’s quest for latest gadgets and army trainings. “It was our collective wisdom, efforts and strong strategy that the Sindh government successfully defeated terrorists, extortionists, target killers and terrorists operating in Karachi,” he said.
The corps commander said that the Sindh government was performing well under the active leadership of the chief minister. “This is very good that you are giving special attention to the development of the city,” he said, and added that after a lengthy and strong clean-up operation, rehabilitation of this terrorist-ravaged city would make peace sustainable. They also vowed that there would no compromise on peace and targeted operations being carried out against terrorists and criminals.