President Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday pinpointed the dire need for Sindh to have more water reservoirs and canals for its sustained agricultural growth and held out a firm assurance that the government would take a decision on the construction of reservoirs in the interest of the province. Addressing a huge public meeting, he asked the people not to be misled by vested interests in this respect as water is a matter of life and death for the province in view of lingering shortage and growing requirements for future development.
"Don't be misled, as Sindh direly needs water reservoirs to make up for the shortage of this precious natural resource as well as to ensure enough supply for its sustainable agricultural growth, which is a lifeline for its people.
"Whatever decision the government will take, will be in your best interest," he declared to the gathering organised by water and power minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi. Sindh governor Ishratul Ibad, Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim and local leaders were also present.
The President vowed to the cheering crowd that Sindh is his province and he would ensure that the province gets its due share of water.
"You should be rest assured that I shall never betray your trust - this is my province and I will take care of Sindh," he said.
The province of Sindh, he said, is receiving its rightful water share and now the provincial government is focusing on its better management because it is the duty of the province.
He regretted that some vested interests in the province were talking against national institutions and other provinces and urged the people to discourage such elements.
"Instead, we should devote all our energy and time to the development of Sindh and wellbeing of its people."
He said the armed forces are taking an active part in the nation building and in this context he referred to the services being rendered by army engineers in the repair work of Sukkur Barrage and Left Bank Outfall Drainage in Badin.
Pakistan army, he added, is also contributing in the provision of key health and education facilities in the Thar desert.
President Musharraf said it is a matter of pride for him that 70,000 jawans and 400 officers from the Sindh province are serving in the armed forces under his command.
The President informed the public meeting that a major part of development allocations are being spent on projects in Sindh and Balochistan and the government is striving for poverty reduction.
"Now that Pakistan has gained economic stability, the government is fully focussing on reducing poverty and a number of development projects are nearing their completion."
He also informed the public meeting about several steps the government has taken for bolstering agricultural sector.
He referred to the construction of canals and the Rs 66 billion project for brick-lining of watercourses throughout the country. The biggest number of watercourses will be brick-lined in Sindh, he said.
Referring to the farmers package announced last year, he said now small farmers are getting 90 percent of the Rs 80 billion credit being extended annually to the agriculturists.
In addition to Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, he said, all commercial banks are also extending loan facility to farmers and within a few years the annual credit will touch Rs 150 billion figure.
In his wide-ranging address, the President also asked masses to stop extremist elements from hampering the development of Pakistan.
He deplored the misuse of mosques and loudspeakers by a minority of the Pakistani society and said the people must stand up and be counted against the menace of extremism.
"Our great religion, Islam, clearly calls for promoting tolerance, love, unity, brotherhood, we should stop those fanning hatred and discord."
He observed that the people of Pakistan want a progressive, moderate and enlightened Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam.
The President said minorities enjoy full rights in Pakistan, which have been guaranteed to them under the Constitution and law.
Pakistan, he said, is now economically stable and provinces have enough financial resources to spend on the wellbeing of their people.
He said the country has gained wide international recognition for its prudent policies and is playing a leading role in the Muslim world.
The country, he said, has real democracy for the first time and the local governments, which are financially and administratively empowered, will help bring development at grassroots level in accordance with the ground realities. The President announced a sum of Rs 100 million for development projects in Dadu. He thanked the people for expressing their wholehearted support for his policies.
He said development projects underway would help bring more employment opportunities and reduce poverty in the district.
The President lauded efforts made by federal minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi for progress and wellbeing of the people of the area.
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