HYDERABAD, Feb 8: Sindh Chief Minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim led an election rally in Jamshoro on Thursday, the last day of electioneering, in support of Pir Mujeeb Shah Jillani for PS-71 by-election insisting that he had not violated the Election Commission's code of conduct by campaigning for his party candidate.
The chief minister said after addressing people that as chief executive of the province he was not violating any code of conduct because he was neither contesting himself nor was he a caretaker chief minister who was restricted under the code of conduct.
"…I am president of Pakistan Muslim League-Q Sindh and the chief minister’s office is my assignment which I have not received in charity," he said in response to a question whether he should lead a rally in his capacity as chief minister.
He stressed that he was free to attend his party candidate's election campaign. "There is no ban on me…," he added.
Mr Rahim took a round of the district in a motorcade after landing from a chopper near toll plaza on Super Highway.
"Look at the rally! Is it rigging?" the chief minister pointed to a crowd after addressing a wayside crowd on the Jamshoro Road which showered rose petals on him.
Later, speaking to journalists at the Irrigation Rest House at Kotri Barrage, Mr Rahim said that the PPP had no future in Sindh. If the party’s leaders were interested in politics they should return and face people.
About the president's proposed visit to Sindh for mobilising opinion about Kalabagh Dam he said that "Yes he will be visiting Sindh but not in connection with Kalabagh Dam but for some development works".
He admitted that the indecision on composite exams issue had put students under great psychological strain.
He said that it was more likely that the provinces were granted 70 to 75 per cent autonomy as the first step instead of 100 per cent.
