‘PPP’s mandate is a testament of people’s faith in the party’

We will extend full support to PML-N in the federal government, says Sindh chief minister.

SUKKUR:

The 10-party Alliance tried to steal our mandate but the people of Sindh have spoken and voted the Pakistan Peoples Party to power, said Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, while speaking to the media at the mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bux on Saturday.

He vowed that the government will serve the people with a renewed vigour and make all efforts to bring lasting peace in the province. Among the tasks which will be given special attention by the government, he listed providing potable water to the citizens and developing health and education sectors.

“The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has accepted PPP’s mandate in Sindh while we have accepted PML-N’s strength in the federal government,” said Shah. “The 18th Amendment is being implemented in letter and spirit. We hope that PML-N will give Sindh its due share in the National Finance Commission Award. We will extend our full cooperation to their government in the centre.”



According to Shah, opposition is opposition - friendly or not. “The Muttahida Qaumi Movement took part in the election for the leader of the House, the speaker and deputy speaker while other parties didn’t.” When asked whether MQM would support the PPP in the election for the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Shah said that only the MQM would have the answer for it.

Newly-elected Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani, former Sindh Assembly Speaker Nisar Khuhro and newly-elected MPAs Owais Muzaffar, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Murad Ali Shah and Manzoor Wassan were among those who accompanied the third-time Sindh CM.

Earlier, Shah had denied the allegations of patronising criminals. “Lyari is our own area and we are free to go there whenever we want. Keeping the law and order situation under control will be our priority and I will monitor this task myself.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2013.