Sindh Chief Minister Sardar Ali Muhammad Mehar has expressed his optimism regarding the settlement of differences of provinces on issue of National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
Addressing "Meet the Press" Programme here at the Lahore Press Club on Saturday, he said four provinces of the country held diversified point of view on question of distribution of national resources, adding: "It was their right to hold on to their specific point of view, in view of specific requirements of their people."
Mehar was of the view that all provinces should show flexibility arriving at consensus on NFC issues, saying: "Every province must be provided its justified share and the right of any province must not be ignored."
Earlier, dilating on performance of the Sindh government, he said it was improving with each day and the viable position of the Karachi Stock Exchange is indicative of that fact.
The Sindh chief minister averring on law and order situation in the province, stated that it was showing positive signs.
Emphasising that issues which affect national harmony can damage the sovereignty of the country must be avoided, he stressed the need for promoting love and harmony among the people of Pakistan.
To a question, the Sindh chief minister said that people responsible for the murder of Sindh Assembly member would be arrested soon. He invited media from Lahore to visit Sindh on the occasion.
Responding to a question on the arrest of MQM (Haqiqi) chief Afaq Ahmad, he said that his government does not believe in political victimisation, adding his case would solely be dealt on facts and merit.
Ali Muhammad Mehar said though people of Sindh had serious reservations on Kalabagh issue, but it would be settled by consensus and mutual understanding of the provinces.
He warned the miscreants, who try to take law and order in their hands, would not be tolerated and dealt with iron hand.
He said those who want to become chief minister of Sindh were involved in the destabilisation of the Sindh government.
He was of the view that conflict of two groups does not mean that law and order situation in Sindh had worsened.
Speaking if he had any differences with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, Mehar said that no such differences existed.
To a question, he clarified that there was no any plan to make Karachi a new province on the occasion.
Responding to a question on bringing "Beharis" to Pakistan, he said the people who possessed nationality of Pakistan would be allowed to come to Pakistan.
He avoided responding to a question on Wana operation and said that it was not a provincial subject. Replying to another question whether MQM was involved in unjustified fund collection in Sindh, the Sindh chief minister replied in negative, saying that he was willing to co-operate to find an amicable solution for implementation of Seventh Wage Board of journalists.
Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari welcomed the Sindh chief minister, and announced an honorary life-membership of the Lahore Press Club for him.
The Sindh chief minister announced a donation of Rs 0.5 million for the Lahore Press Club.