Daily Times

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Sunday that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-Chariman Asif Ali Zardari’s return has agitated his opponents.

Speaking to the media at the Quaid’s Mausoleum, after offering prayers there on Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary, he gave praise to Jinnah’s efforts and struggles in leading the Pakistan Movement. Mentioning Quaid’s golden rules, he said that PPP co-Chairmen Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari intended to follow them and the example set by the father of the nation.

In regards to Zardari’s return to Pakistan, he said that it had agitated the opponents of the PPP and explained that chairman could not move back to the country last year due to illness.

He also praised the former president of Pakistan, adding that Zardari held office at a crucial and challenging time in the country’s history.

The minister also discussed matters pertaining to Karachi’s mayor and the Sindh IG. He said, “It is not in my capacity to give power to the mayor, but it is the law that does so.” He argued that though many are eager to highlight Sindh Inspector General Police A. D. Khawaja’s forced leave, however, everyone had turned a blind eye to the fact that Pakistan was functioning without a foreign minister. “IG Sindh’s leave doesn’t hinder the day-to-day operations,” he pointed out. He added that there were other more pressing issues at hand that needed to be dealt with.

He also responded to questions regarding the recent raids that took place in Karachi, he said that an apex committee meeting with the new military leadership had been scheduled to take place in the first week of January next year. He added to this, saying, “We have a new DG Rangers Sindh.”

In regard to the Anwar Majeed case, he said that it was being reviewed according to law.

The CM also talked about the recent political unrest in the province, saying that the restoration of peace in Sindh was his topmost priority. He said in relation to this, “We [and the provincial government] will work with the local bodies [and their members].”

The minister also remarked that if anyone wanted to make a political statement, they may do so as per their rights as a Pakistani citizen. In addition, he pointed out that parliament, as the biggest institution in the country, should look into the Panama case.