Referring to protests by the nationalists, he said that the 'friends' left no opportunity in condemning the Sindh government, adding that the case still was effectively argued before President and Prime Minister. The government was conscious of its responsibility and refrained from jumping to conclusions or forming its own opinion on such a sensitive issue, he said adding that there wasn't an element of confrontation with other provinces but political acumen and prudence would help in resolving it.

Scarcity of rains had created water shortage in Umerkot, Badin and Thatta for which official measures were being taken to make it available at tail-ends and wheat growing areas, said Mr Shah.

The Sukkur Barrage, he said, was experiencing record shortage as only 19,000 cusecs flow was recorded and it's pretty obvious how harmful this 44 Megawatt project could be for the people of this province. Besides, Isra did not even mention it in 91 Water Apportionment Accord which forms the basis for water distribution between the provinces, he questioned.

Balochistan was supporting Sindh as the effects would have been directly proportional because of water diversion in Indus at Guddu, said Mr Shah.

He questioned as to how come Chashma-Jhehlum link canal was part of Indus Basin Treaty when it was not even mentioned in the accord.

He hoped of getting resolved the issue before CCI could be involved but with the warning that no decision should be taken without the consent of Sindh.

GORAKH HILL STATION The government is making efforts for the provision of basic necessities and moreover to the people of backward areas such as the Gorakh Hills and adjoining areas.

The government, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said, had taken the task of developing this area, which within two years would become a hub of tourist activities.

He told media people, after inauguration of water supply scheme at Gorakh Hill Station, Dadu, on Friday that the government had provided running water facility even at the top most places such as this hill station.

Gorakh Hill site was identified for development as a summer resort in 1860 by the British rulers but unfortunately it remained in cold storage for one reason or the other till 1989 when the project was taken up on the orders of the Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

She took interest not only to develop this area and convert it into tourist spot but also provide employment opportunities to local people.

He said that the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) and other consultant firms were engaged in preparing feasibility report for the development and construction of roads and provision of essential services but the project was again shelved on the sudden dissolution of the PPP government.

Now the PPP government had established the Gorakh Hill Development Authority (GHDA) to convert it into an attractive tourist resort, he said adding water, electricity and communication services were being provided besides building a high standard restaurant. The Chief Minister directed the GDHA to establish view corners around the hills for the convenience of visitors while Ecnec he said had approved equal sharing of both federal and provincial governments but unfortunately the former was not providing its portion since the last two years.