Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has said the government attaches highest priority to maintaining law and order and called for public awareness to end tribal feuds in Sindh. He expressed his satisfaction over successful reconciliation reached between Mehar and Jatoi clans here on Sunday evening, which was earlier announced by the "Ameen" and Sindh Zakat and Ushr Minister, Mir Manzoor Panhwar.
Addressing a press conference at Circuit House before leaving for Karachi, Dr Arbab said tribal disputes were a social and psychological issue, which had marred the social fibre of our society.
Dr Arbab said he was personally deeply perturbed over the ongoing tribal feud between Mehars and Jatois of Shikarpur, which was continuing since 1988 and hundreds of people on both sides had lost their lives and numerous were injured, besides property was also destroyed. He hoped that after the verdict announced by Mir Manzoor Panhwar, the tribesmen of both sides would behave sensibly and thus start a new life with a clean slate.
Dr Arbab said judiciary was a strong pillar of government and both the judiciary and government had a common goal before them, which, he added, was the supremacy of law and protection of life and honour of the common man. Besides, judiciary had an additional duty to dispense quick justice to the people and government was providing necessary support for that, he added.
The chief minister strongly supported resolution of disputes through reconciliation and dispelled dubbing the arrangement as a "Jirga". He said this was like jury system, in which the members listened to the viewpoints of both the disputing sides and gave verdicts by using their ears and eyes and conscience.
They acted like "Ameen" and their verdicts are to be implemented in letter and spirit.
Referring to the verdict in case of Mehar and Jatoi feud, the Chief Minister said the government would ensure its full implementation and if anybody violated it "then law will take its own course." He said the jury system was also practiced in US and it was also allowed under Islamic 1aw.
The chief minister also gave an indication about proposed legislation in Sindh Assembly for giving legal cover to such reconciliation for which a draft law had already been prepared by the law ministry. Dr Arbab made it clear that as chief minister he was duty bound to go to the last extent to check and control lawlessness.
To a question about NFC Award, the Chief Minister said all the provinces have agreed to accept the award that would be announced by President Musharraf.
The press conference was also attended by Federal Minister Ghous Baksh Mahar, District Nazims of Sukkur and Ghotki and Additional IG Police Sukkur, Niaz Ahmed Siddiqi.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005

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