No administrative change in Sindh: governor

Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan has dispelled impression of any administrative change in Sindh province and categorically said the provincial government and the administration remained intact and making all out efforts for the welfare of the masses. Whatever step has been taken by the Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim was his right and there was no harm to the credibility of the government, the Governor replied to questions by the newsmen here at the Circuit House on Thursday.
He said the Prime Minister' s Inspection Team had been engaged to probe into allegations and appearance of its report was still awaited.
Replying to a question about the forthcoming local government elections, the Governor said the Sindh Government had submitted its recommendations to the federal government for appointment of administrator in place of Nazims before the commencement of the elections. The matter in that direction would be decided with consensus by the federal government after considering the recommendations from all the provinces of the country, he added.
Responding to a question about bifurcation of Hyderabad into two districts, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan said whatever the decision made by the provincial government would be in the interest of the people. The government was also considering other options in that direction in the larger interest of the people of Hyderabad, he added.
To a question about preservation of cultural heritage and historic buildings, the Governor said the government was making efforts in that direction. Replying to a question about the presence of rangers' personnel in educational institutions, the Governor said rangers had been deployed to help the administration and their accommodation was the responsibility of the government. However, he said the government was making efforts to arrange alternative accommodation for rangers.
About the opening of Khokhrapar-Monabao Railway link, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad replied besides two options for opening the railway link, the government was also considering another proposal and the feasibility report in that direction would be submitted to the government soon by the authorities of Pakistan Railways. The government was also considering the proposal of construction of Chore-Khokhrapar Road to provide better communication facility to the area people, he added.
About the implementation of President's Development Package for Hyderabad, the Governor said a meeting would be held on March 10, 2005 in that direction, which would review the utilisation of allocated amount of Rs I billion. Efforts were being made to remove all bottlenecks in that regard so that the package could be implemented in letter and spirit, he added.