Govt denies interference in Mir Raza probe

The 78th death anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was observed at his mausoleum on Friday, with Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, representatives of the armed forces, DG Rangers Sindh and Karachi mayor paying their respects. The dignitaries laid floral wreaths at the grave of the Father of the Nation and offered Fateha. Quran Khwani was also held for the departed souls of Quaid-e-Azam and other leaders of the Pakistan Movement. The governor and the chief minister also recorded their remarks in the visitors' book, paying tribute to the services and sacrifices of the Founder of Pakistan. Speaking to the media, CM Shah said the division of Sindh could not be imposed without the consent of its people. "Any attempt to alter provincial boundaries without the consent of the province concerned would be unconstitutional and unacceptable," he said, pointing to resolutions passed by the Sindh Assembly against any division of the province. The chief minister also rejected the impression that the provincial government was interfering in the investigation into the Mir Raza Ali murder case. "We are committed to providing justice to Mir Raza's family," he said, adding that the government had constituted a Judicial Commission to independently review the matter. On the drug menace, the chief minister reiterated the provincial government's zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. He said the police, Excise Department and anti-narcotics authorities were working to eliminate drugs from society, describing the fight against narcotics as a collective responsibility. Governor Hashmi said the Quaid-i-Azam had sacrificed his personal comfort and interests and devoted his life to the creation of Pakistan. He said the Founder had given the nation the guiding principles of unity, faith, discipline and adherence to principles. Responding to a question about sit-ins, Governor Hashmi said holding protests was a fundamental right but protesters should ensure that their actions did not cause hardship to patients, ordinary citizens or students. On the regional and international situation, the governor said developments abroad inevitably had an impact on the country, but the government was striving to promote peace and stability in the region.