President to MPAs: I’m watching you
President Asif Ali Zardari reviews flood relief and progress at Bilawal House with legislators and party leaders.
KARACHI:
President Asif Ali Zardari reviewed the Sindh government’s progress and relief work at Bilawal House with legislators and party leaders on Wednesday.
He said that he would personally monitor rehabilitation work. Sources privy to the meeting ruled out any dissatisfaction on the part of the president over the government’s performance. “The president was in a pleasant mood this time and did not ask anyone any questions in a harsh tone.”
The president once again directed the cabinet and other legislators to visit their constituencies. We have to win the local bodies and coming general election, so you people have to do some hard work, he was reported to have told them. “I will see how much time you spend with the people of your constituencies.”
The president called for a questionnaire to be sent to all MPAs to answer questions about what each legislator had done for their constituency.
Irrigation Minister Jam Saifullah Dharejo was asked about the canal repairs and strengthening of the River Indus embankments. “You people should complete the process before March,” he said.
After that, Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza briefed him on law and order.
The president directed the relevant agencies to provide armoured personnel carriers and helicopters to the Sindh police. APCs and helicopters should be used to cover all police stations in the kachcha areas. The president also took note of the Ghotki incident and the registration of cases against demonstrators under the anti-terrorism law and sought for a report.
Katchi Abadis Minister Rafique Engineer requested the president for a livelihood package for Lyari as a result of which the provincial government was told to give its people 200 rickshaws.
The agriculture minister said that they have set target of giving 70,000 tons of seeds and 50,605 tons of fertiliser to people in flood-affected areas. “We have distributed 17,000 of tons seed and hopefully by January will achieve the target,” he said.
Talking to The Express Tribune, minister Haji Muzzafar Shujra said that he had briefed the president that 90 per cent of water has receded and people have returned to their villages.
“I also told him that a UN agency has assured the Sindh government of $30 million for livelihood programmes in Sindh and other countries such as Iran and Turkey are willing to build houses,” he said. “The desalination plant in Ibrahim Hyderi has been in the doldrums and I requested his help.”
After the meeting, adviser Sharmila Farooqui told the media that no issue other than the post-flood work and the progress of the Sindh government was discussed. “We respect the mandate of all political forces, including the MQM,” said Farooqui, quoting the president.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2010.
President Asif Ali Zardari reviewed the Sindh government’s progress and relief work at Bilawal House with legislators and party leaders on Wednesday.
He said that he would personally monitor rehabilitation work. Sources privy to the meeting ruled out any dissatisfaction on the part of the president over the government’s performance. “The president was in a pleasant mood this time and did not ask anyone any questions in a harsh tone.”
The president once again directed the cabinet and other legislators to visit their constituencies. We have to win the local bodies and coming general election, so you people have to do some hard work, he was reported to have told them. “I will see how much time you spend with the people of your constituencies.”
The president called for a questionnaire to be sent to all MPAs to answer questions about what each legislator had done for their constituency.
Irrigation Minister Jam Saifullah Dharejo was asked about the canal repairs and strengthening of the River Indus embankments. “You people should complete the process before March,” he said.
After that, Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza briefed him on law and order.
The president directed the relevant agencies to provide armoured personnel carriers and helicopters to the Sindh police. APCs and helicopters should be used to cover all police stations in the kachcha areas. The president also took note of the Ghotki incident and the registration of cases against demonstrators under the anti-terrorism law and sought for a report.
Katchi Abadis Minister Rafique Engineer requested the president for a livelihood package for Lyari as a result of which the provincial government was told to give its people 200 rickshaws.
The agriculture minister said that they have set target of giving 70,000 tons of seeds and 50,605 tons of fertiliser to people in flood-affected areas. “We have distributed 17,000 of tons seed and hopefully by January will achieve the target,” he said.
Talking to The Express Tribune, minister Haji Muzzafar Shujra said that he had briefed the president that 90 per cent of water has receded and people have returned to their villages.
“I also told him that a UN agency has assured the Sindh government of $30 million for livelihood programmes in Sindh and other countries such as Iran and Turkey are willing to build houses,” he said. “The desalination plant in Ibrahim Hyderi has been in the doldrums and I requested his help.”
After the meeting, adviser Sharmila Farooqui told the media that no issue other than the post-flood work and the progress of the Sindh government was discussed. “We respect the mandate of all political forces, including the MQM,” said Farooqui, quoting the president.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2010.