Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the chief of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) here on Friday strongly criticised the recently promulgated Sindh Peoples Local Government Ordinance (SPLGO) and termed it a conspiracy to divide Sindh province.
Addressing a press conference, he said that the 'discriminatory system' was slapped by the PPPP-led government without debate in Parliament, or consultation with other parties, including the PML-N. He said in the presence of two local government system in Sindh, what one should call it if not the division of Sindh. He said the ruling PPP and MQM were behind this move.
Earlier, Nawaz Sharif visited the ill-fated garment factory in Baldia Town where a tragic fire claimed around 300 lives. Sharif arrived at the scene with several other leaders of his party. He visited the affected factory and met families of the victims. He announced to give Rs 0.3 million for each victim's family on behalf of the Punjab government. Sharif said that the relief and rescue operation at the site of the tragedy was not up to the mark, adding fire extinguishing staff should have been fast in action. He assured the bereaved families of his full co-operation.
He said the division of Sindh is not acceptable. He advised the provincial government of Sindh to take decision with consultation of all stakeholders, and presently focus its full attention on the relief of rain-hit people. Bitterly criticising law and order in Sindh, he said innocent peoples are being killed on daily basis, while harassed Hindu community is leaving the country. He requested the religious minorities not to leave the country, saying that his party will protect their rights. He also criticised Sindh government on its failure to swift relief and rescue of rain-hit people.
He said his party would hold talks with other political parties, adding they want to make alliance with Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F). Earlier, he visited the site of deadly factory fire in Baldia town and said beside the factory owners, the provincial government was equally responsible. He expressed sympathy with the grieved families and announced Rs 0.3 million compensation to each family on behalf of the provincial government of Punjab.