KARACHI: Responding to concerns expressed by PPP’s Sindh leadership over diversion of the province’s water through the Chashma link canal and dwindling supply of water from the Indus river system for the Rabi season, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani asked the minister for inter-provincial coordination on Sunday to take up the matter.

The issue was raised by the party’s office-bearers at a meeting with the prime minister at the Chief Minister’s House.

They pointed out 2.25 million acres of land in Sindh had been lost to the sea because of water shortage.

They demanded implementation of the 1991 water accord in letter and spirit to save Sindh from becoming a desert.

According to sources, PPP legislators also urged the prime minister to take steps to ensure that Sindh got its share of water. They also conveyed the province’s concern over the local government issue and law and order.

The political situation, law and order problem, the policy of reconciliation with coalition partners the thorny issue of local government elections came up under discussion.

Addressing what he termed a party convention, the prime minister promised to do everything possible to address the concerns over the water issue, development projects and jobs in the federal government, besides problems caused by Section 27B of the Banking Companies Ordinance.

According to the sources, the chairman of the parliamentary committee on constitutional reforms had pointed out that Section 27B of the Banking Companies Ordinance was causing difficulties.

Mr Gilani promised to strengthen institutions and take the opposition along by pursuing the policy of reconciliation envisioned by the late Benazir Bhutto.

The prime minister said party conventions would be held in all districts.

He called upon the Sindh government to bring to justice the terrorists involved in the Ashura and Chehlum attacks in Karachi and provide protection to all citizens.

The governor and the chief minister said the situation was now under control and efforts were being made to apprehend the terrorists.

Prime Minister Gilani emphasised the need for respecting each party’s mandate.

Briefing Mr Gilani on the political situation in the province, the governor and the chief minister assured him that there were no differences among coalition partners and the MQM had ended its protest.

The prime minister was informed that the local government bill would be presented in the provincial assembly next week and all parties would participate in the elections expected to be held within four months.

The prime minister also announced a grant of Rs2 billion for the government of Sindh.