Criticising the provincial leadership of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Sindh Assembly opposition leader Jam Madad Ali on Thursday called on the PPP leaders to disclose the facts regarding the assassination of Benazir Bhutto to its workers instead of giving political statements.
Participating in the general discussion on budget, Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F)’s Ali complained that if the PPP’s provincial leadership had any problem with the participation of PML-F in the government, they should lodge their complain with party chief Asif Ali Zardari. “They [PPP] should not taunt us [PML-F] by saying ‘ek ticket mein do mazay’ [enjoying two for the price of one] as Pir Pagaro had only extended support to the government due to BB’s sacrifice.”
He added that the PML-F has had no benefits of reconciliation with the PPP but it is continuing due to Pir Pagaro’s commitment made with President Zardari. The PML-F leader said that Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik had stated that he can expose the killers of Benazir, if his party allows him to do so. “Not only have the PPP workers but also the people of Sindh been hurt due to the political statements [given by PPP leaders] regarding the BB murder case.”
Referring to a statement of Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, Ali said the chief minister should explain how Karachi could have experienced civil war if they [PPP] had not continued its reconciliatory policy. “His [chief minister’s] explanation in this regard is necessary as his statement is creating a negative impression among the people.”
For improving the law and order situation of the province, he suggested that police officers be appointed purely on merit, adding that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) can play an important role in eliminating crime and targeted killings in Karachi, as it is the most well-organised party and its workers can keep an eye on criminals. The opposition leader said no examples of good governance could be seen in the province during the present tenure of Qaim Ali Shah as compared to his previous tenure.
“The provincial bureaucracy is divided into two lobbies, severely affecting the administrative affairs.” He further said that the budget is tax-free but no subsidies have been provided to common people on sugar, flour or other essential food items. Expressing concern over the lingering employees-KESC row, the PML-F leader said the government should intervene into the matter and action taken against the management or the employees, whosoever was responsible for the conflict.
