Rampant corruption in Sindh poses a major threat

ISLAMABAD: Security officials in Sindh have warned that if the present political dispensation does not ensure good governance and does not check massive corruption, the nationalist and separatist voices in the province would strengthen beyond anyone’s imagination, sooner rather than later.

Official sources told The News that things are going from bad to worse, both in terms of governance and corruption in the province, leading to the worsening law and order situation and a greater sense of deprivation among the people, particularly in the interior Sindh.

Corruption, it is said, has reached extreme levels and there is no check on such illegal practices. The provincial bureaucracy is badly politicised and the police and Rangers, particularly in Karachi, are completely frustrated for not getting the political backing; instead they are facing hurdles from government authorities and political parties in going after the criminals.

It is said that as the government is preparing to do some huge purchases worth Rs5 billion for the Sindh Police, a reputed Additional Home Secretary Syed Mumtaz Hussain Shah was transferred on Sunday.

While Rs5 billion for police procurement is being released, the Rangers demand for Rs01 billion for the purchase of weapons, protective clothing and vehicles is not being cleared for several months. The source alleged that it is being done because for the Rangers procurement, a transparent system is to be followed.

It is added that despite of late frustration of the DG Rangers in public, the provincial government is not ready to announce head money for 162 most wanted criminals, belonging to different political parties and groups. They are also waiting for the appointment of prosecutors.

They lament that despite the promise made by the provincial government in the presence of the prime minister, the development package for Lyari is not being announced. “Such is the situation in the province that some of the senior police officers have been approached by chief minister’s daughter Nafeesa Shah requesting the top cops to press Qaim Ali Shah to announce the Lyari package.”

Despite the recent Thar embarrassment that involves the death of nearly 200 children due to the apathy and callousness of the provincial government, it is said that things are not improving and the state of affairs remain unchanged.

The security official said that only a few months back, some key political figures were trapped in a Rs06 billion hawala scandal. These political figures were alleged to have sent their Rs06 billion abroad through a hawala agent who, interestingly, fled to Canada with the money.

No FIR could be lodged as these public figures had no justification to tell the world from where they got this money. They reportedly raised the issue with one of their political superiors, who allegedly gave them a shut up call and suggested them to forget and move on.

JUI-F Chief condemns attack in Kunming, says terrorism poses regional threat

BEIJING: A senior Pakistani religious scholar and Chief of Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI-F) Maulana Fazalur Rahman said that terrorism has become a regional threat.

Maulana Fazalur Rahman, expressed these views while talking to Chinese Ambassador, Sun Weidong, Islamabad Tuesday, said a Xinhua news agency news report from federal capital.

The JUI(F) Chief said that Pakistan has all weather friendship with China and the people of both countries have supported each other in very difficult circumstances, the news report said.

He said that JUI-F has always condemned terrorist acts against Chinese people and it's government and will continue to do so.

He pointed out that militancy and terrorism has no future and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif government was trying to deal with the problem through various options including dialogue and reconciliation as set out by the Parliament.

According to JUI-F spokesman, Jan Muhammad Achakzai, the party chief said that Islam is a religion of peace, stability and development and it is only possible after restoring peace.

He said that parts of Pakistan and China are suffering from terrorism so both countries have shared interest for securing their people against the menace.

The JUI-F Chief welcomed the ground work on Economic Corridor project by the Chinese government saying that this project will bring in enormous opportunities for Pakistan.

The Maulana said that being part of current coalition, JUI-F strongly supports Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's government in attracting Chinese investment in Pakistan.

The Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said that China recognizes and appreciates Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism.

"Terrorism is the common enemy of the world, Pakistan and China. We see China and Pakistan as victims of terrorism. Terrorism is also a complex background. We want to cure the symptoms and roots of terrorism. But it should not be tolerated", he concluded.

China would want to further strengthen the relationship between Pakistan and China.

"We share the same common perspective and common dreams that China, Pakistan and other countries have so we should develop together", he said.

He said that restoring the old Silk Road will link China, Pakistan and Central Asia and beyond. Now planning of Pak-China corridor will help in practically restoring one part of that Silk Road.

He said the Corridor will link Kasgher to Gawadar port creating huge opportunities of cooperation and collaboration between the people of two counties.

"I appreciate the vision shared by Maulana Fazalur Rahman to build economic zones and develop economy in the region", said the Chinese Ambassador.