Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) chief Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashidi— Pir Pagara—on Friday said his party supported a united Sindh and a united Pakistan.
Addressing a public rally, he said his party wanted to see the nation and the country safe and prosperous.
Pagara said he had joined the coalition government to solve the problems of people of Sindh. However, added that when the party felt that the government was not sincere, it was decided it was better to part ways with the coalition setup as it was a matter of principles.
This was the first speech by Pagara to any political rally and so far the biggest public meeting of the PML-F against the newly-set up local government system in Sindh.
Criticising the incumbent government, he said the sitting rulers had failed to give any relief to people of the country.
“Corruption has reached its peak and everyday Rs 4 to 7 billion are being shifted aboard.”
He said the PPP-led government had wreaked havoc with this country, adding that the government had even failed to provide shelter to the flood-affected people, who had become homeless in floods three years ago.
Pagara said the dual local government system in Sindh was a grave conspiracy against the people of the province.
“We categorically reject the controversial Sindh Peoples Local Government Act,” the PML-F chief said.
Commenting on the law and order in Karachi, he said the rulers had failed to stop targeted killings in the city where 10 to 15 people were being gunned down everyday.
Pagara said his party had no problems with the Urdu-speaking people, or people of other provinces who had settled in Sindh. However, he added, “We want justice and honour.”
“Sindhi youth is facing immense problems for pursuing their educational goals but the rulers have no programme to provide them guidance,” he said.
Rashidi said, “The MQM has to live in Sindh and people of Sindh have to live with the MQM.”
He said all people of the province, irrespective of what language they spoke, were Sindhis, adding that a political game was being played to compel the MQM for sitting on the opposition benches.
The PML-F chief also criticised the controversial Kalabagh Dam.