Sindh governor denies claims that Centre withheld Sindh’s share

Governor says provincial government not in financial crisis

HYDERABAD: Sindh Governor Imran Ismail rebutted Sindh government's contention that the federal government has withheld release of funds to the province under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award.

Talking to the media after inaugurating the three-day urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan on Wednesday, the governor said the provincial government was not in a financial crisis.

"Sindh has been getting its share under the NFC award," he asserted. He offered to approach Prime Minister Imran Khan to resolve any financial issues that Sindh might be dealing with.

Ismail acknowledged that the country was going through financial straits for which he held the previous governments and the foreign debts which they accumulated responsible.

"Khan is the team's captain and he has the authority to change any player in his team," he said, referring to recent changes in the federal cabinet. When asked about the renewed debate on the presidential form of government in the country, the governor said he did not see any threat to democracy in discussing the matter. He said the president-led governments are functioning in several countries in the world.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2019.