URBAN NEWS.COM

CDGK completed 2,159 mega projects with an average of 2 per day, revealed City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal

2010-02-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

Joint formal farewell meeting of nazims held

February 17, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) during last four-year tenure completed 2159 mega development projects in the city. None of these mega projects was included below the investment of Rs 300 million.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal stated these figures during a formal meeting with the representatives of the Press and television channels at a local hotel on Wednesday.

The meeting was informed of the formal and official departure of the elected representatives of the CDGK, the city nazim, city naib nazim Nasreen Jalil and Town Municipal Administrations. Town Nazims, CDGK officials were present on the occasion.

The media representatives were informed that the CDGK had served the city for 52 months of which 268 days were public holidays excluding those days when the city remained closed owing to strikes, protests and any other reason.

The meeting was told that during that period the CDGK has averagely completed 2 mega projects per day and 48 mega projects per month. This did not include the ongoing 126-mega development projects development projects.

The city nazim told the meeting the quake in Northern areas was in focus in initial days of the CDGK and the team was raw to deal with the administration and the beaurocracy at the CDGK level but his leader Altaf Hussein, the citizens and the media had supported him through thick and thin.

The meeting was told that the CDGK was the pioneer of Pakistan’s first close circuit television vigilance system and 1339-complaint centre, which no other city government in the world has yet launched. The CDGK was the first Pakistani city government that has earned an ISO-9001 certificate.

While talking about future development programmes for the city, the city nazim said that a 50-year Master Plan for Karachi Water and Sewerage Board has been prepared and it would include a water treatment plant and S-III water scheme for city’s water need of additional 600 million gallons per day.

The meeting was informed that the CDGK would soon establish Pakistan’s first garbage station alongwith 5 garbage transfer stations within the city would be started soon to meet city’s need for solid waste management.

The meeting was further informed that under the Mass Transit System, Karachi Circular Railways would also start this year while a company KUTP has been assigned to carry out this project while its feasibility report has been sent to Japanese government after the ECNEC approved it.

The city nazim added that by the Jun 2010, around 5,000 CNG buses would be on city’s road while the federal government has already released Rs 300 million to State Bank of Pakistan for subsidizing the cost of CNG buses.

Signal Free Corridor-IV would be completed by Feb 2011 while two more flyovers have been added to the existing project plan, he said.

The city nazim concluded his speech as he said that people were the best judges to decide about the good and the bad. In today’s time, it has become impossible to conceal anything from the masses.

However, the CDGK alone could not take the credit of all these achievements but the citizens of the city and the national press has played a vital role in this regard.

The city nazim offered his special thanks to Sindh governor Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan, former president Gen. (Retd) Pervez Musharraf and president Asif Ali Zardari for their special concessions and considerations as regards to city’s development.

DHA Cogen Power and Desalination Plant to resume operation soon

2010-02-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

February 11, 2010

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The Clifton Cantonment Board (CBC) was making concerted efforts to overcome the elusive problem of acute water shortage in the area.

He said that CBC would employ scientific and specialized machinery for detecting and identifying 30 to 35 percent underground water leakages from water supply lines, which accentuate the water shortage problem.

CBC president Brig Tirmizi stated this during a meeting with the representatives of Association of defence Residents (ADR) on Thursday. ADR chairman Attique-ur-Rehman had led the delegation. CEO Cantt Board Clifton Ms Zeenat Ahmad also attended. DHA and CBC officials were also present on the occasion.

The ADR was further informed that the Siemens engineers have lately completed the intricate repair works of DHA Cogen Power and Desalination Plant, which might resume uninterrupted operation once again soon after the final check and certification by a German expert.

Meanwhile, Brig Tirmizi has asked DHA to arrange a presentation for the residents’ associations on the efficacy of plant by the management of Defence Cogen Ltd (DCL).

Brig Tirmizi stressed the need of frequent interaction between residents associations and DHA for getting realistic and useful feedback on various issues of interest, adding that ADR’s active participation in DHA’s affairs was catalyst in building it as an elite housing scheme.

The delegation was informed that the Zamzama Parking Plaza was being completed by 50 percent. Nevertheless, the contractor was finding it difficult to complete the project due to the financial crunch but the DHA was negotiating the issue to get the project completed at the earliest.

The delegation was further briefed that the DHA had recently imposed differential charges on all residential and commercial plots in DHA Phase-VII Extension area in order to make payment to Sindh government on account of increased cost of land and for obtaining land lease. However, The DHA would request the Sindh government at apex level to review the case of differential charges favourably in the best interest of the public.

The meeting was also informed that DHA has asked National Institute of Oceanography to suggest concrete measures for sea view wall repair from Village Restaurant to Golf Course. The Delegation was further informed that since the last eight years DHA has not laid any Asbestos-made water infrastructure while the older such installations were being replaced.

The ADR secretary Asad Qizalbash, Aziz Suharwardy also attended the meeting.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\12\story_12-2-2010_pg12_9

House demands religious parties to manifest unity against terrorist

2010-02-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

February 11, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

"Black water with the help of local partners was behind the carnage"

KARACHI: “System Ja Raha Hay – Herr Tarha Ka System Ja Raha Hay” (System of all kind was being ended). The City Naib Nazim and convener of the City Council, Nasreen Jalil uttered these extemporal and meaningful phrases while she was taking notice of mike of a member who was trying to speak on point of order but the mike was out of order.

This indicated the ongoing tense situation about the local government system, which has been on the verge of being rolled out since last Oct.

Meanwhile, a number of members also cited the session could be last or second last.

However, the convener had fixed date for the next session as on Monday, Feb 15 at 3:30 pm.

As a matter of fact, the session was convened for the offering of condolences to those who had lost their lives during chains of bomb blasts especially member of the house, Khalil Ahmed who had lost his life at JPMC bomb blast incident while he went there for donating blood.

The house passed with complete consensus of the house various resolutions in condemnation to terrorist activities while the house urged for the unity among the people and political and religious parties.

Leader of the house, Muhammad Asif Siddiqui on point of order said that Muttahidda Qaumi Movement Chief Altaf Hussein has been expressing his concerns on Talibanisation in the city but his warnings were taken for granted.

He said had the nation and the authorities taken due action, the city’s ongoing situation could have been prevented in advance.

Speaking on point of order, Dr Ziauddin Ahmed said that he was fully conversant with MQM Chief Altaf Hussein’s warnings for the last half and two years against strong positioning of the terrorists in the city.

However, he claimed that his party leader, Khan Abdul Wali Khan was the first one who had warned the nation of consequences of encouraging the students of religious seminaries to fight in Afghanistan in the name of jihad.

He added that Khan had also warned that after the Afghan war was over, Pakistan would have to pay the prices in terms of extremism and terrorism, which has engulfed the country and the city today.

He appealed all political and religious parties to unite against the enemies of the country.

Speaking on point of order, Imran Baghpatti raised question as he asked why the security and law enforcement agencies had failed to provide due security to elected members of the house and the citizens that lost their lives in bomb blasts.

Speaking on point of order, Haji Muhammad Jumman Darwan said that Indian and Isreali agents engineered terrorism in country and the city.

He urged the religious parties to manifest complete solidarity against the extremist and the terrorist failing which the terrorist would even make them a target next.

Abdul Razzak while speaking on point of order said that the American security agency, the Black water was behind the target killings and planted bomb blasts in country as well as the city while certain groups in the city have been cooperating with the Black water.

The house observed one-minute silence on the sad demise of 6 of a Christian family who had lost their lives at JPMC bomb blast.

The house offered prayers for the departed souls of Awami national party leader Late Ajmal Khattak, eminent journalist Irshad Ahmed Haqqani, Haq Parast UC nazim Khalil Ahmed, Arif Shafique, martyrs of Ashura and Chellum.

The house also passed various resolutions in this regard.
LINK: http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\12\story_12-2-2010_pg12_5

SFC-IV projects PIDC and Jinnah flyovers take a start now

2010-02-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

February 11, 2010

By Irfan Aligi

"Funds worth Rs 1153.86 million approved to CDGK"

KARACHI: The signal free corridor-IV cycle of projects have now completed after construction work of two pivotal segments including one flyover in the vicinity of PIDC and the other on Jinnah International Airport that were pending due to availability of funds has been initiated.

The construction work would be initiated in 15 days.

City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has officially performed groundbreaking ceremony of these two flyovers on Tuesday and Wednesday night.

The SFC-IV would complete in four months including newly added later two flyovers. The funds that were in paucity earlier and had prevented starting the construction have now been fully arranged and in hand.

The completion of these two major segments of SFC-IV would cost Rs 289.94 million and Rs 263.92 million respectively.

City District Government Karachi (CDGK) would further launch construction work on 2 more flyovers on SFC-IV at Malir Halt and Malir 15 in March 2010 with an estimated cost of Rs 600 million.

These two major SFC-IV projects would play an important role making a route commencing from Jinnah Flyover to Steel Township and from Toll Plaza on Superhighway to Karachi Port Trust on either side.

Speaking on the occasion, City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal claimed that the concept followed by physical presence of SFCs in city has paved concrete ways to boost Pakistan’s economy as these have added to new means of communication and the transportation of goods across the country and for the entire region has been accelerated. This acceleration has started paying back and would improve further.

As well, people’s movement on intercity and interprovince level would also be affected positively due to shortening of the passage and end of traffic gridlocks, which in return would help save foreign exchange spent on fuel import, said Kamal.

The process of development has been reshaped from top to bottom in all aspects such as saving of time and cost. Henceforth, the scope of further mega scale projects has impressively risen, he vowed.

While explaining the philosophy of U-turn in response to a question, city nazim said that the claims that none could dare give a U-turn to city’s development was basically oriented keeping in view the change in peoples’ mindset, which was being embossed by the idea of owning the city and everything of the city. This vital change would not sit calm on issues and conversely, the improvement of facilities would go around like the moving wheel of the economy.

In reply to another question, Kamal said that the politics of groups and dividing the city into fragments based on any ideology would not work any more in the city because the people of the city have plainly witnessed provision of facilities and delights of development works at their door step and above all without any sign of discrimination, which was the landmark of CDGK.

LINK: http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\11\story_11-2-2010_pg12_8

Karachi DCO to be city administrator?

2010-02-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

February 09, 2010

By Irfan Aligi

“Chances are high that one of Sindh LG Secretary Fazlur Rehman, Sindh Secretary Information Technology Mumtaz Ur Rehman and the DCO Karachi Muhammad Javed Hanif Khan may be assigned to function as city administrator”

KARACHI: Farewell preparations have been accelerated at the city District Government Karachi to welcome administrators for the local bodies. In this regard, District Coordination Officer (DCO) Karachi Muhammad Javed Hanif Khan has been said to take the charge as City’s administrators.

According to sources privy to the development, preparations at the City Nazim’s secretariat were almost completed. It might be possible that the City Nazim would hand over the charge to forthcoming administrator on Thursday or Friday.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Member Provincial Assembly Dr Muhammad Salem Hingoro told Daily Times that due to certain reasons, the Local Government (LG) amendment Bill was not tabled in the house but it would not be as late as Wednesday or Thursday.

He said that at least the issue of City’s administrator would be finalised in the house while other vital amendments would be an afterward business.

He added that the Core Committee had been on a moot in the evening and it could be decided that the LG Amendment Bill especially regarding legislation on administrator’s appointment would be summed up.

He said that passing of LG amendment bill would be quite easier as the two major allies in Sindh government, the PPP and the MQM have settled out all relevant matters.

The sources in CDGK told Daily Times that all relevant pons and crons on the existing LG system have been reached by consensus and the City Nazim would be leaving his office in a couple of days, may be as late as Friday.

According to sources in the Sindh government, Muttahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) has presented three names for being City’s administrators including incumbent Sindh LG Secretary Fazlur Rehman, Sindh Secretary Information Technology Mumtaz Ur Rehman and the DCO Karachi Muhammad Javed Hanif Khan.

PPP Sindh chapter sources told Daily Times that in case these three names on the list, they would vote in favour of Sindh LG Secretary Fazlur Rehman so as to assist Sindh government to finalise a name for City’s administrator.

It is pertinent to mention that Sindh LG Secretary Fazlur Rehman had served as DCO Karachi prior to existing DCO while Sindh Secretary Information Technology Mumtaz Ur Rehman had remained as CDGK Enterprises and Investment Promotions Group of Offices Executive District Officer and Karachi Building Control Authority’s Chief Controller.

LINK: http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\09\story_9-2-2010_pg12_3

2010-02-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

February 08, 2010

By Irfan AligiKARACHI: The citizens of Karachi are compelled to pay Rs 70 for a kilogramme of sugar as the government has completely failed in bringing the prices of the commodity under control.

Wholesalers Grocers Alliance Chairman Anees Majid said that traders could only procure 615 tonnes out of 1,170 tonnes of sugar for which 25 selected traders have paid Rs 40.5 million in advance.

Each trader was allowed to buy a stock of 50 tonnes for Rs 1.8 million paid in advance.Majid said the government had increased the support price of sugarcane from Rs 80 per mound to Rs 102, which went on escalating and it now ranges between Rs 170 and Rs 190 per mound.

The prices of certain agriculture raw materials have also increased, affecting the cost of input, he claimed.

He further said that due to the high profit of sugar business amid the ongoing crisis, many businessmen have procured tonnes of sugar and confined it in their private godowns to sell it for higher rates later.

He said the crisis would never end unless the government draws a smooth policy for sugar production, stock keeping and sale to the common man.

Last November, it was claimed that the citizens would buy sugar at Rs 40 per kg as a stock of 1,250 tonnes was procured from a local sugar mill located in Thatta district.

This was announced in the light of a meeting of certain officials including the Karachi District Coordination Officer Muhammad Javed Hanif khan and traders’ representatives with the cane commissioner, who had also vowed that arrangements for additional 15,000 tonnes of sugar were finalised.

Thus the total amount of the then announced sugar stock was 16,250 tonnes.It was claimed that 1,250 tonnes stock of sugar was being loaded onto trucks that would reach the city’s trading centre.

The traders’ representatives had also claimed that they had booked that stock of sugar for Rs 36 per kg, which they would pass on to wholesalers at the rate of Rs 36 while the consumers would pay Rs 40 per kg.

The wholesalers had claimed that they had bought the stock of sugar for Rs 36 per kg and would sell it to retailers at the rate of Rs 38 per kg.

The consumers would buy sugar from the retailers for Rs 40 per kg. But that stock of sugar never arrived in the city.

The Utility Stores Corporation made life more miserable for the common man by putting a condition that those who wanted to buy sugar would have to spend Rs 500 to buy other commodities as well.

Meanwhile, influential people are grabbing the sugar stocks from utility stores and selling them at higher rates.

LINK: http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\08\story_8-2-2010_pg12_4

LG elections in Sindh tricky business

2010-02-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

February 08, 2010

By Irfan Aligi

Appointment of bureaucrats in place of nazims not simple unless Sindh Assembly amends the Sindh LG Ordinance (SLGO)-2001

KARACHI: Although the Sindh coalition partners’ core committee has reached a consensus on the appointment of administrators in place of nazims and new local bodies elections, there are many complications that need to be sorted out before the polls are actually held.

The appointment of bureaucrats in place of the nazims is not simple unless the provincial assembly amends the Sindh Local Government Ordinance (SLGO)-2001. Contrary to expectations, the legislation for this purpose has not been introduced in the recent Sindh Assembly sessions so far.

The appointment of administrators would be a cumbersome task due to various legal reasons, as the SLGO does not have any clause for administrators.

It says that the existing nazims would be relieved after new ones were elected through ballots.

The replacement of the existing nazims by administrators would not be possible without legal amendments to the SLGO.

Despite the fact that the ongoing local governments have completed their legal tenure last Oct, there is a strong likelihood that the existing local bodies system would continue till the end of the current year.

In the meantime, the Sindh governor could help handle the situation through the promulgation of an ordinance.

If administrators were appointed this February, the functioning of the local governments from top to the union council level would be an arduous task owing to two reasons, the 90-day legal binding for holding the local government elections and the presentation of the annual budget.

For example, if the provincial government appoints administrators on Feb 15 after amendments to the SLGO, the 90-day deadline would be over by July 15.

Further, it would require at least 30 days for holding the local government elections. Meanwhile, the political confrontation between Sindh coalition partners – the Pakistan People’s Party and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement - has escalated in recent times.

The core committee has so far held a number of meetings on the local government system on the issue of administrators and it has been decided that the MQM would give three nominations on behalf of gazetted officers for each city and town for appointment as administrators.

The agreement therefore meant that the PPP and MQM would share administrators of their choice in areas of their majority and political dominance.

However, the PPP Sindh chapter has expressed its reservations and has presented a detailed report on the pros and cons of the local government system in the future.

According to contents of the report, the SLGO framed by the “dictator” violates the basic principles of the constitution.

The flaws that have been mentioned include that a single constituency provides 13 members’ elections instead of one and it provides financial and administrative powers to indirectly-elected members such as UC nazims, town nazims and the city nazim.

It further said that the existing local government system provides the leader of a party to have more executive powers, which is a violation of the basic principles of the constitution.

It said the valid and just principle of making districts has been repeatedly set aside for political expediency as five of Karachi’s districts having a population of more than 156 million have been merged into one, while Hyderabad having a population of 3 million and has been divided into four districts.

The report said that Karachi was underrepresented as the city’s UCs have an average population of 55,000 as compared to the UCs in other districts in Sindh that have an average population of 25,000.

The report claimed that the devolution of power to lower level has been turned into a joke as the district enjoys powers more than the provincial government while the UCs were powerless.

The report said old districts should be revived and five districts should be made in the city of Karachi.

It also gave some suggestions, which include that the present nazims and DCOs should be replaced with non-political officials belonging to DMG/CSS. Neutral officials of good reputations should replace all old officials of the EDO level. The audit of the district governments’ accounts under the law should not be delayed.

LINK: http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\08\story_8-2-2010_pg7_28

471 graveyards in city out of space, tribesmen occupy burial lands

2010-02-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

February 08, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Tribal families have encroached lands reserved for major graveyards to meet the city’s need for burials.

The Sindh Board of Revenue (BoR) had allocated three lands at different remote locations to the City District Government Karachi to establish graveyards as the existing 471 graveyards in the city have been officially closed due to lack of space.

The Sindh BoR had allotted a 200-acre land in Gadap Town, a 50-acre plot in the vicinity of the Hub Dam and a 100-acre plot on the National Highway.

However, different tribes have converted these lands into specific family graveyards, while armed tribesmen have been preventing citizens to bury their dead there.

There are around 471 large and small graveyards in the city inclusive of graveyards of other religious communities such as the Christian and the Hindu. Out of these 471 graveyards, 50 percent have been closed due to lack of space, while the remaining have very little space available only in the form of ruined graves.

The CDGK has control of around 70 graveyards in the city. Seventeen different authorities administratively control the rest of the graveyards, while certain religious communities have their own graveyards wherein burial of dead belonging to other communities is not allowed.

The city’s major graveyards - PECHS Graveyard, Sakhi Hassan Graveyard, Mewa Shah Graveyard, Paposh Nagar Graveyard, Hassan Square Graveyard, Essa Nagri Graveyard, Bhangoriya Goth Graveyard, Colony Gate Graveyard, Korangi No 6 Graveyard and Khokhrapar Graveyard - have been officially closed since long, but burials have still been taking place in them.

When contacted, CDGK Municipal Services Executive District Officer Masood Alam told Daily Times that the CDGK was working on a different option, according to which a plot of land was being looked for in the heart of the city.

He said the city was controlled by 17 different agencies such as cantonment boards, Karachi Port Trust, Civil Aviation Authority, Pakistan International Airlines, Defence Officers Housing Authority and others; however, these agencies do not have specific graveyards for the burial of their dead.Consequently, the burial takes place in the city’s already closed graveyards; therefore, these authorities should also delineate land for graveyards.

He also said the immediate concern was to evict the encroachers so that necessary development work could be initiated there.

As far as the security of the people taking their dead for burial to these distant graveyards was concerned, it could be managed, but the citizens would have no other choice except to take their dead there, he added.

Apart from other businesses, burial of the dead is one of the most promising ones in the city. Old graves that have been abandoned since long or graves that, with the passage of time and due to environmental affects, have been ruined, are replaced with new ones as the spaces of the old graves are sold for new burials.

The authorities concerned should monitor the situation closely and protect these officially closed graveyards. Sooner than you think, these officially closed graveyards would not be able to offer another inch to the dead for burial.

The city is on the threshold of such a situation, but, unfortunately, there are no lands in the city for new graveyards.

The CDGK had allocated Rs 10 million for the city’s graveyards in the 2006-07 budget, but the project could not get going.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Sindh BoR had in 2006-07 allocated the CDGK a 580-acre land on the Super Highway near the new vegetable market, on which the CDGK had carried out basic development work, but the current status of that land is so far uncertain and there are reports that the land has also been encroached by the land mafia.

In 2006, the CDGK had also received various plots including 400 acres in Deh Choarh; 29 acres in Deh Mull, Malir Town; 45 acres in Rehri; 29 acres in Sector 5, Scheme 33; and 75 acres in Deh Doozan in Sector 44, Scheme 33.Different committees at town, union council and community levels were also constituted to monitor the situation of graveyards, especially deliberate destruction of abandoned graves, and extortion of money from the aggrieved families.

Nonetheless, these committees could not manifest any concrete discipline in connection with their assigned tasks.Graveyards are considered among sacred premises irrespective of religions.

On different occasions, graveyards become one of the most visited places, especially during religious months.

There is a dire need for the CDGK and the Sindh government to pay attention to the establishment of graveyards on a few amenity plots.
LINK: http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\08\story_8-2-2010_pg12_5

ASH Searched For Explosives

2010-02-15T08:59:00.000-08:00

February 06, 2010
By Irfan Aligi
KARACHI: The bomb disposal squad searched the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH) for explosive materials after a bomb blast occurred at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC).

However, nothing was recovered until the filing of this report. Earlier, ASH Medical Superintendent Dr Mashhood uz Zafar Farooqui had immediately ordered a search of the premises using metal detectors soon after the JPMC blast.

Dr Farooqui told Daily Times that a body and four injured were brought to the hospital and three of the wounded were sent home after treatment.

He said special arrangements had been made, including making 50 beds available in three different departments, so as to cope with any emergent situation.

District Officer Health Dr Zafar Ejaz said Executive District Officer Dr Shahab Imam had been deputed at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) to look after the victims regarding their medical facilities.

However, Dr Imam could not be contacted despite several efforts. He said Dr Capt (Retd) Abdul Ghafoor had been assigned the Liaquat National Hospital (LNH), while all the other key City District Government Karachi hospitals, including ASH, had been placed under high alert.

LINK: http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\06\story_6-2-2010_pg12_2

Haematologic Disorders in Gynaecology and Obstetrics by Tahir Shamsi - Nazli Hossain launched

2010-02-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

February 9, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Health professionals stressed the need for a stronger and effective working relationship between professionals and haemotologists to curb maternal deaths due to blood disorders, and prevent hereditary blood diseases such as thalassemia, which is the largest genetically, transmitted blood disorder in Pakistan.

They were addressing more than a hundred doctors, mostly specializing in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at the launch of 'Haematologic Disorders in Gynaecology and Obstetrics' here on Tuesday.

The launch was addressed by Professor Masood Hameed Khan, Vice Chancellor, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi, Major General (retd) Masood Anwer, Dean, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Professor Nusrat H Khan, Head of Gynaecology & Obstetrics Unit I, Civil Hospital and DUHS, Karachi and eminent haematologist, Dr Khalid Zafar Hashmi. Gynaecologist.

The speakers agreed that the book is a comprehensive desktop resource for both practicing doctors and medical students.

Blood disorders in women of reproductive age are diverse and complicated—ranging from iron deficiency anaemia, menorrhagia and pregnancy complications such as postpartum hemorrhage—and pose a significant public health problem, especially in Pakistan. Beta-thalassemia has a carrier rate of 5-8 percent and around 5,000 children are diagnosed each year in the country.

MU Health Comm – Pakistan’s first health communication and publishing bureau – and National Institute of Blood Diseases & Bone Marrow Transplantation (NIBD), Karachi, has published the research publication, edited by Dr Tahir S Shamsi and Dr Nazli Hossain.

It provides updated information and case studies for clinicians, especially obstetricians and gynecologists when confronted with hematological disorders, some of which can be very challenging from both diagnostic and management point of view. In addition, related issues like transfusion practices and thalassemia prevention programme have also been included.

British HC agrees with City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal that city's development should go further

2010-02-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

"The city of Karachi offers lucrative investment opportunities to business community worldwide where they can earn maximum profits on their investments. Increase in business and trade activities in the city of Karachi would be beneficial for the country while the entire region would also avail similar benefits"

February 11, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: There was a consensus on the city’s profile that it was not only the biggest city and economic hub of Pakistan but also an important city of the region.

Increase in business and trade activities in the city of Karachi would be beneficial for the country while the entire region would also avail similar benefits.

The city of Karachi offers lucrative investment opportunities to business community worldwide where they can earn maximum profits on their investments.

These views were exchanged between the British High Commissioner in Pakistan Adam Thomson and the city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal during a meeting held at city nazim’s secretariat on Wednesday.

The British HC on this occasion appreciated termed the recent infrastructure uplift and development projects as good omen.

Both the officials had agreed that the current development process should go further because any impediment in this regard would give rise to various social and economic problems to the citizens.

The British HC further said that the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has taken appropriate measures to curb environmental pollution through the “Green Karachi Campaign”, which has received due applause from the international community.

On the occasion, the city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal apprised the British HC of the development process in the city particularly provision of water and sewerage system and road infrastructure development.

The British HC was briefed on the mechanism of signal free corridors for addressing the traffic problems and improvements in health and education sectors ensured during last four years.

OUP Launch of book on indigenous design culture of Pakistan

2010-02-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

February 10, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Oxford to launch book on indigenous design culture of Pakistan
Oxford University Press will launch its latest publication, Mazaar, Bazaar: Design and Visual Culture in Pakistan, edited and designed by Saima Zaidi.

An interdisciplinary study on design and visual culture in Pakistan, this book documents contemporary visual vernacular and provides an overview of the impact of diverse cultures assimilated over several millennia.

The launch will feature a presentation on the book by the contributors and the editor of the book. Speakers at the launch will include Professor Naazish Ata-ullah, Samina Raees Khan, and Ameena Saiyid.

H.E. Joost Reintjes, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, will be the Chief Guest at the function being held on Feb 11, 2010 at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi.

Media representatives enjoy paan feast from hands of Syed Mustafa Kamal

2010-02-10T09:10:00.000-08:00

"The city nazim also got a pack of double saada paan for his wife as he said, “My wife who had missed me during last four years as I could not spare enough time for my family would be pleased to see that I have bought her paan with love”

February 10, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal offered Paan (beetle-leaf) to journalists and common man that had gathered around to see a glimpse of him on Wednesday and Thursday night.

The city nazim alongwith a convoy of police and Rangers and journalists after performing groundbreaking ceremony of signal free corridor-IV project, the Jinnah terminal flyover had reached PIDC to perform another groundbreaking ceremony of a dedicated major project of signal free corridor-IV, the PIDC section flyover.

After he finished his the groundbreaking ceremony and his talks to the media representatives, he was requested to offer popular paan from Bi Amman Paan Shop located near the PIDC.

It was around 2:30 am when the city nazim took all the media representatives to the Bi Amma paan shop and placed an order for “double saada paan” for each media representative.

Two of the paan shop owners were delighted to see city nazim at their paan shop. They started preparing special double saada paan while the city nazim had served everyone with his own hands. It took around one hour to finish.

The paan shop owners were reluctant to accept payment from city nazim but the city nazim convinced him to receive the payment. He paid Rs 1, 500.

During the entire period, the city nazim kept on telling his memoirs of his childhood and the media representatives felt free to chat with him quite informally.

The city nazim also got a pack of double saada paan for his wife as he said, “My wife who had missed me during last four years as I could not spare enough time for my family would be pleased to see that I have bought her paan with love”.

When the city nazim was leaving, the owners of an adjacent paan shop requested him to take a paan from their shop.

City nazim who was already chewing a paan was reluctant to take another beetle leaf but he accepted it.

LG elections in Sindh tricky business

2010-02-08T09:38:00.000-08:00

Appointment of bureaucrats in place of nazims not simple unless Sindh Assembly amends the Sindh LG Ordinance (SLGO)-2001

February 8, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Although the Sindh coalition partners’ core committee has reached a consensus on the appointment of administrators in place of nazims and new local bodies elections, there are many complications that need to be sorted out before the polls are actually held.

The appointment of bureaucrats in place of the nazims is not simple unless the provincial assembly amends the Sindh Local Government Ordinance (SLGO)-2001. Contrary to expectations, the legislation for this purpose has not been introduced in the recent Sindh Assembly sessions so far.

The appointment of administrators would be a cumbersome task due to various legal reasons, as the SLGO does not have any clause for administrators. It says that the existing nazims would be relieved after new ones were elected through ballots. The replacement of the existing nazims by administrators would not be possible without legal amendments to the SLGO. Despite the fact that the ongoing local governments have completed their legal tenure last Oct, there is a strong likelihood that the existing local bodies system would continue till the end of the current year. In the meantime, the Sindh governor could help handle the situation through the promulgation of an ordinance.

If administrators were appointed this February, the functioning of the local governments from top to the union council level would be an arduous task owing to two reasons, the 90-day legal binding for holding the local government elections and the presentation of the annual budget. For example, if the provincial government appoints administrators on Feb 15 after amendments to the SLGO, the 90-day deadline would be over by July 15. Further, it would require at least 30 days for holding the local government elections. Meanwhile, the political confrontation between Sindh coalition partners – the Pakistan People’s Party and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement - has escalated in recent times. The core committee has so far held a number of meetings on the local government system on the issue of administrators and it has been decided that the MQM would give three nominations on behalf of gazetted officers for each city and town for appointment as administrators. The agreement therefore meant that the PPP and MQM would share administrators of their choice in areas of their majority and political dominance.

However, the PPP Sindh chapter has expressed its reservations and has presented a detailed report on the pros and cons of the local government system in the future. According to contents of the report, the SLGO framed by the “dictator” violates the basic principles of the constitution. The flaws that have been mentioned include that a single constituency provides 13 members’ elections instead of one and it provides financial and administrative powers to indirectly-elected members such as UC nazims, town nazims and the city nazim. It further said that the existing local government system provides the leader of a party to have more executive powers, which is a violation of the basic principles of the constitution.

It said the valid and just principle of making districts has been repeatedly set aside for political expediency as five of Karachi’s districts having a population of more than 156 million have been merged into one, while Hyderabad having a population of 3 million and has been divided into four districts. The report said that Karachi was underrepresented as the city’s UCs have an average population of 55,000 as compared to the UCs in other districts in Sindh that have an average population of 25,000. The report claimed that the devolution of power to lower level has been turned into a joke as the district enjoys powers more than the provincial government while the UCs were powerless. The report said old districts should be revived and five districts should be made in the city of Karachi. It also gave some suggestions, which include that the present nazims and DCOs should be replaced with non-political officials belonging to DMG/CSS. Neutral officials of good reputations should replace all old officials of the EDO level. The audit of the district governments’ accounts under the law should not be delayed.

LINK: http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\08\story_8-2-2010_pg7_28

471 graveyards in city out of space, tribesmen occupy burial lands

2010-02-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

February 8, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Tribal families have encroached lands reserved for major graveyards to meet the city’s need for burials. The Sindh Board of Revenue (BoR) had allocated three lands at different remote locations to the City District Government Karachi to establish graveyards as the existing 471 graveyards in the city have been officially closed due to lack of space.

The Sindh BoR had allotted a 200-acre land in Gadap Town, a 50-acre plot in the vicinity of the Hub Dam and a 100-acre plot on the National Highway. However, different tribes have converted these lands into specific family graveyards, while armed tribesmen have been preventing citizens to bury their dead there.

There are around 471 large and small graveyards in the city inclusive of graveyards of other religious communities such as the Christian and the Hindu. Out of these 471 graveyards, 50 percent have been closed due to lack of space, while the remaining have very little space available only in the form of ruined graves.

The CDGK has control of around 70 graveyards in the city. Seventeen different authorities administratively control the rest of the graveyards, while certain religious communities have their own graveyards wherein burial of dead belonging to other communities is not allowed.

The city’s major graveyards - PECHS Graveyard, Sakhi Hassan Graveyard, Mewa Shah Graveyard, Paposh Nagar Graveyard, Hassan Square Graveyard, Essa Nagri Graveyard, Bhangoriya Goth Graveyard, Colony Gate Graveyard, Korangi No 6 Graveyard and Khokhrapar Graveyard - have been officially closed since long, but burials have still been taking place in them.

When contacted, CDGK Municipal Services Executive District Officer Masood Alam told Daily Times that the CDGK was working on a different option, according to which a plot of land was being looked for in the heart of the city.

He said the city was controlled by 17 different agencies such as cantonment boards, Karachi Port Trust, Civil Aviation Authority, Pakistan International Airlines, Defence Officers Housing Authority and others; however, these agencies do not have specific graveyards for the burial of their dead.

Consequently, the burial takes place in the city’s already closed graveyards; therefore, these authorities should also delineate land for graveyards.

He also said the immediate concern was to evict the encroachers so that necessary development work could be initiated there.

As far as the security of the people taking their dead for burial to these distant graveyards was concerned, it could be managed, but the citizens would have no other choice except to take their dead there, he added.

Apart from other businesses, burial of the dead is one of the most promising ones in the city. Old graves that have been abandoned since long or graves that, with the passage of time and due to environmental affects, have been ruined, are replaced with new ones as the spaces of the old graves are sold for new burials.

The authorities concerned should monitor the situation closely and protect these officially closed graveyards. Sooner than you think, these officially closed graveyards would not be able to offer another inch to the dead for burial. The city is on the threshold of such a situation, but, unfortunately, there are no lands in the city for new graveyards. The CDGK had allocated Rs 10 million for the city’s graveyards in the 2006-07 budget, but the project could not get going.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Sindh BoR had in 2006-07 allocated the CDGK a 580-acre land on the Super Highway near the new vegetable market, on which the CDGK had carried out basic development work, but the current status of that land is so far uncertain and there are reports that the land has also been encroached by the land mafia.

In 2006, the CDGK had also received various plots including 400 acres in Deh Choarh; 29 acres in Deh Mull, Malir Town; 45 acres in Rehri; 29 acres in Sector 5, Scheme 33; and 75 acres in Deh Doozan in Sector 44, Scheme 33.

Different committees at town, union council and community levels were also constituted to monitor the situation of graveyards, especially deliberate destruction of abandoned graves, and extortion of money from the aggrieved families. Nonetheless, these committees could not manifest any concrete discipline in connection with their assigned tasks.

Graveyards are considered among sacred premises irrespective of religions. On different occasions, graveyards become one of the most visited places, especially during religious months. There is a dire need for the CDGK and the Sindh government to pay attention to the establishment of graveyards on a few amenity plots.

http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\08\story_8-2-2010_pg12_5

First day of mourning call leaves city paralysed

2010-02-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

February 07, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The city witnessed a gloomy Saturday following the Chehlum bomb blasts at Shahrah-e-Faisal and the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre on Friday.

The city wore a deserted look on the first day of the three-day mourning, while citizens faced difficulties to carry out routine work.All the major markets in the main city areas, including North Nazimabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, North Karachi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, PIB Colony, Liaquatabad, New MA Jinnah Road, Bolton Market and Saddar, were closed except a portion near the Empress Market and a small area of the Burns Road Food Street.Above all, certain food charity centres in the Hyderi Market, Jama Cloth Market, Saddar and Water Pump areas also remained closed due to which around 30,000 street children could not benefit from free food.

Public transport was absent from the roads, while the majority of petrol and CNG filling stations were also closed, causing difficulties to private vehicle owners.

The City District Government Karachi’s CNG bus service was also suspended.Schools, colleges and universities were off the schedule in attendance and studies, while attendance at public offices remained thin.Certain rural outskirts and spatial settlements in the city, such as Pathan Colony, Qasba Morr, Machhar Colony, Baldia Town, Orangi Town, Tin Hatti, Gujjar Nullah, Paposh Nagar, Shahnawaz Bhutto Colony, Akhtar Colony and Keamari, were less affected by the closure of markets, as essential commodities were available from small shops within these localities.

However, majority of the daily-wage labourers, who live in these localities, were greatly affected, as they could not go out to work and earn to feed their families.

Moreover, the daily-wagers of the shops in the city’s markets were also deprived of the necessary resources for livelihood.

The closure of markets, public transport, and petrol and CNG filling stations inflicted the national exchequer a colossal loss of revenue.

As per Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association chairman Abdul Sami Khan, petrol and CNG sale on Friday was only 30 percent of the usual due to Chehlum and Kashmir Day, while the sale decreased to 20 percent on Saturday. He estimated a loss of around Rs 12 billion to the national exchequer with regard to only POL items.

LINK: http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\07\story_7-2-2010_pg12_7

Chhipa urges society should help the blind

2010-02-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

February 8, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Eminent Social worker and Chhipa Welfare Association (CWA) founder and chairman Ramzan Chhipa has said that those who have lost their eyesight due to any ailment or were born blind were not necessarily deprived of intuition but those that lack such intuition were the real blind.

The people having eyes but lack alleviating grievances of the less privileged and deprived people and also ignore measures for their assistance and rehabilitation are the real deprived.

He stated this while talking to “The Organisation for the Welfare of Special Persons” life president K. M. Jamaluddin (Blind) at his office on Sunday.

According to a statement issued on Monday, he also met with other special people especially the blind and enquired about their problems and assured them of due resolution of their problems.

He said that there were a large number of blind people in the country but this segment of the society never took to the streets or went door to door for charity while they preferred to earn their bread and butter through hard working.

However, many of them were not physically strong or sick enough to carry out laborious work for their bread and butter. This situation has caused their family and them to starve of hunger.

“Henceforth, citizens and philanthropists should come forward to help these people so that they could play their role for the country and live their lives in a respected manner, he urged.”

He said that Chhipa's campaign “Keep the Stove burning” was part of the same struggle, which strives for the assistance of deserving families with necessary ration and essentials of life on monthly basis.

He once again appealed to the people that they should liberally donate for the cause of humanity and should help “Chhipa” with their donations.

Later on, he donated “white sticks and necessary ration” to the blind.

JPMC bomb victims unsatisfied with treatment facilities

2010-02-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

February 6, 2010
Script and photos By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The second bomb blast that had hit the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre’s (JPMC) Accident and Trauma Centre on Friday rendered the later ineffective as regards to entertaining the injured with urgent medical assistance and resuscitations.

There were 62 injured brought in these two hospitals each while 8 dead bodies were shifted to LNH while 3 to AKUH.

Earlier, 18 dead bodies and 35 injured were brought to JPMC after first bomb blast that happened at Nursery on Shahra-e Faysal on Friday.

The second bomb blast at the JPMC ATC prevented it to look after the injured so these were taken to other healthcare facilities in private sector in the city including the Agha Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and the Liaquat National Hospital (LNH) for medical help.

At the moment of filing this report, 30 injured were lying in LNH of which 5 were in critical condition and were being admitted in intensive care units.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has deputed Health Group of Offices District Officer (DO) Administration and Accounts at LNH for looking after the injured and to ensure 100 percent medicinal and surgical treatment and provision of drugs without fail.

In this regard, City Nazim has already announced that the City District Government Karachi would bear all expenses to be accrued on these arrangements and to ensure these measure were effectively honoured by the LNH and AKUH management, the CDGK has signed a memorandum in this regard that provides a guarantee that the CDGK would pay for the expenses.

However, these measures did not look working, as the majority of patients were not satisfied with the way the LNH was treating them. On the other hand, the patients in LNH were also doubtful as if the government would fulfill its commitment for the compensation or not.

As well, the majority of patients that this scribe has interviewed belong to Sunny school of thought and majority of them had volunteered them to help the victims of Nursery blast. They had come to JPMC to donate blood just for the sake of humanity but unfortunately, they fell victim of bomb blast.

An injured Muhammad Ahmed son of Muhammad Ibrahim resident of Bazarta lines, a residential colony behind JPMC told Daily Times that he rushed to JPMC to help the victims but he became a victim himself.

Ibrahim said that Ahmed has been under severe pain but he was not administered any medicine as yet because the paramedical staff of LNH has told him that presently there were no medicines available while a stock was being purchased form outside so the patient would be given prescribed medicines after LNH gets the stock.

Muhammad Asif Iqbal son of Iqbal Ahmed aged 32 also rushed to JPMC to volunteer his services for the Nursery blast victims but he was fateful himself as was also hit badly.
Ahmed said that after the bomb at JPMC went off, he fell on the ground. There was a panic and despite he cried for help, nobody came to him.

“I managed to reach an ambulance and thus I was brought to LNH”, he said, adding that as yet none of any MNA, MPA or minister had come to see him while nothing has so far been done as regards to compensation money.

Muhammad Nadeem son of Muhammad Rafique aged-28 is a daily wager and has two young children told Daily Times that he also rushed to JPMC to donate blood and help the victims but at the time when Nursery blast victims were being shifted to AKUH and LNH, a bomb had went off. At that time I was standing beside the gate of JPMC ATC. “I got my legs broken and arms and face were badly wounded. He also said he was a daily wager for Rs 6,000 a month. He added that no government official had come to him for compensation.

Syed Asif Raza Zaidi son of Syed Raza Zaidi aged-30 works for a private security company told Daily Times that he went to JPMC to donate blood but there was a sort of commotion at the JPMC ATC and the injured were being shifted to other hospitals. In the meantime, a bomb blast had taken place, which hit him and caused him to fall on the ground.

He said that he managed to reach a police post inside the JPMC but the police personnel did not help him. “I managed to reach an ambulance and I called my mother I was heading toward LNH”, he claimed.

Zaidi asked if the authorities have claim that they have grabbed bomb blast via close circuit television cameras, why they could not grab the terrorists that planted the bomb.
He further asked why the authorities failed to detect a planted bomb at Nursery because the Shahra-e Faysal was a key avenue for the VVIP movement.

He regretted that LNH had asked him to leave after they had stitched his wounds. “I am not fully satisfied with the treatment and care at LNH because I have injuries in my skull and a CT scan was also performed but I have not been informed about anything as yet. No government official has yet contacted me for compensation”, he claimed.

A local denting and Painting worker Muhammad Sikandar son of Muhammad Rafique aged-28, resident of Gujjar Nullah in Liaquatabad Town told Daily Times he went to JPMC to donate blood but before he could do it, a bomb had went off.

He said that after he was hit, he fell on the ground and cried for help but to no avail. However, some volunteers had brought him to LNH.

Sikandar’s brother Muhammad Ayub told Daily Times that the bomb blast was an act against the humanity, which even the Kaffir would not commit. He claimed that the bomb blasts were happening owing to government and agencies’ negligence.

Sikandar’s brother-in-law told Daily Times that LNH management has informed them that Sindh Chief Minister would visit the hospital soon. The management has ensured complete security after thorough screening for any explosive inside the hospital. He asked why the authorities failed to screen the JPMC and Nursery for bombs.

He further asked why ministers and MNAs and MPAs never fall victim of any bomb blast except common man.

They claimed that they were not satisfied with treatment and the way of treating the injured would cause delay in healing.

Mourning call leaves citizens paralyzed

2010-02-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

February 6, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The city witnessed a gloomy Friday in response to series of Chellum day bomb blasts at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical centre preceded by bomb blast at Nursery on Shahra-e Faysal on Friday that claimed 39 lives and left 169 injured and in response to three-day mourning call by political parties in city, the city remained almost shut while citizens faced difficulties regarding carrying out routine works.

The impact of call for the strike-cum-mourning for consecutive three days could be easily judged with the situation that was manifested on Friday.

All major markets were closed especially in main city areas including North Nazimabad, Gulshan-e Iqbal, North Karachi, Gulistan-e Jauhar, PIB Colony, Liaquatabad, New M A Jinnah Road, Boulton Market, Saddar except a tiny portion in vicinity of Empress market was opened while food streets in city and bread bakers’ outlets, restaurants were also shut. However, a small area of Burns Road Food Street was opened.

The public transport was absent while petrol pumps were also shut in majority except a few on certain safe locations in the city. Schools and colleges and universities were also off the routine schedule of attendance and studies. Attendance in public offices was also below the normal category.

Above all these scenes, certain food charity centres were also closed due to which around 30,000 street children could not avail free food from certain centres in the city including one located near Hyderi Market, Jama Cloth Market, Saddar and Water Pump areas.

The petrol and CNG filling stations also remained shut, which caused difficulties for the private vehicle owners and bikers who wanted to go to offices.

The public transport had remained parked at different parking terminals in the city, which was another major paralyzing element. City District Government Karachi’s CNG Bus service was also suspended.

Certain low lying areas especially the rural outskirts and spatial settlements in the city were less affected by the closure of public transport and markets because of availability of essential commodities from small shops within the localities.

However, the majority of daily wagers that live in these spatial settlements and low lying areas such as Pathan Colony, Qasba Morr, Machchar Colony, Baldia Town, Orangi Town, Tin Hatti, Gujjar nullah, Paposh Nagar, Shahnawaz Bhutto Colony, Akhtar Colony, Keamari and others were greatly affected as the labourers could not go out for work so they could not earn for feeding their families. Not only these but also daily wagers of shops in city’s markets were also deprived of necessary resources for livelihood.

The closure of markets, public transport, petrol and CNG filling stations have inflicted the national exchequer with colossal loss of revenue.

According to Petrol dealers Association president Abdul Sami Khan, the petrol and CNG sale on Thursday was only 30 percent due to Kashmir Day holiday and Chellum while on Friday, the sale of petrol, diesel and CNG remained only 20 percent. It is not sure how much was the loss to the national exchequer but the loss could be around Rs 12 billion as regards to POL items only, he said.

In general, citizens were completely paralyzed by the closure of public transport, petrol and CNG stations, milk and vegetable shops and take away stalls, medical stores, puncture shops, commercial oven and restaurants.

The situation also affected citizens of other cities, as they could not travel as per their schedule due to the fact that intercity and interprovince bus services were also halted.

CDGK to bear expenses of blast injured

2010-02-07T10:20:00.000-08:00

ASH also searched for explosive by BDS:

February 5, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has announced that the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) would bear all expenses that would be accrued on treatment of Chellum blast victims especially for all private hospitals.

CDGK Health Group of Offices District Officer Dr Zafar Ejaz said that in this regard, CDGK Health Group of Offices Executive District officer Dr Shahab Imam as been deputed at the Aga Khan Hospital (AKH) to look after all the victims as regards to medical facilities.

On the other hand, Dr Capt. (Retd) Abdul Ghafoor has been assigned to look after similar matter at the Liaquat National Hospital, said Dr Ejaz, adding that all other key CDGK hospitals have been placed under high alert including the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH).

He added that 6 doctors from each town have been summoned at ASH while all operation theatres have been placed ready to meet any emergency and availability of life saving drugs has also been ensured by 100 percent. The ASH Medical Superintendent (MS) and all medical and paramedical staffs would stay alert round the clock.

Dr Capt. (Retd) Abdul Ghafoor told daily Times that he had been at the Liaquat National Hospital all day long where 8 dead bodies and 62 injured were brought. Five of the slightly injured were sent home after necessary treatment.

He added that the same number of dead bodies and the injured was brought to AKH of which five slightly injured were sent home as well.

He said that as yet, details of expenses could not be ascertained but the CDGK has signed an agreement with the AKH for ensuring all types of medical treatment and administration of drugs. The AKH would take care of all such operations while the CDGK would release payment of the expenses.

At ASH, 3 injured were brought for treatment and were sent home after necessary treatment.

Dr Ejaz said that placing all major CDGK hospitals on high alert was meant to receive any victim for further care. Henceforth, these emergency steps have been taken.

ASH MS Dr Mashhood Uz Zafar Farooqui told DailyTimes that 1 dead body and 4 injured were brought to ASH. Three were sent home while one was being operated at the time of filing this report.

He said that special arrangements have been made including availability of 50 beds in three different departments so as to cope up with any emergent situation especially when the injured would be shifted to ASH from other private hospitals.

He said that all life saving drugs for 500 patients including a stock of medicines for 200 patients have been ensured at in-patient and trauma and casualty respectively.

The bomb disposal squad has reached the ASH for search of any explosive material after Jinnah Postgraduate medical centre blast incident. However, nothing was recovered till filing of this report.

Earlier, ASH MS Dr Mashhood Uz Zafar farooqui had Immediately after JPMC blast started search from metal detectors. More than one attendant with patients being admitted in ASH have been sent out the hospital premises.

EDO health Dr Shahab Imam could not be contacted despite efforts.

SFC-III completion halts due to lack of funds

2010-02-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

CDGK looking at Sindh government for further Rs 450 million:

February 4, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The construction of the Signal Free Corridor-III was started in Apr 2009 and was scheduled to complete by Jun 2009. However, the fateful SFC-III is yet to be completed as one of the vital projects of the SFC-III, the loop down inside the central prison Karachi has stuck to drag the deadline ahead.

The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) and Sindh government had funded the SFC-III project with bearing load of expenditures by 50 percent each. The PC-I cost of the central prison loop was Rs 1.16 billion and it had three major segments including a loop down inside the central prison, a ramp and an At Grade road toward the Civic centre.

However, the SFC-III is yet to be completed due to various problems. The biggest hurdle ahead of the CDGK is to arrange the sum of money of its 50 percent share because serious financial deficit and certain types of retrenchments have compelled it to look for funds from other stakeholders.

In this regard, the CDGK had sent a summary to Sindh Chief Minister with a formal request to arrange for additional 50 percent share that is to say that Sindh government would take the responsibility of funding the SFC-III by 100 percent.

The summary for 50 percent funds was moved around three months ago but it is not yet sure when it would be approved or rejected. If it were not done, the remaining project would remain as it is.

The Sindh Home secretary had fully cooperated with the CDGK and the later was permitted to pass a loop from inside the jail premise. However, the jail staffers are using the premise as residential area. The CDGK committed to construct a high rise building at the demarcated location with 100 residential apartments so that the jail staffers should be shifted to that building. The construction of the loop could only start after the jail staffers were fully shifted there.

The CDGK works and services department is carrying out the work on construction of the high-rise building but at a pace of a turtle due to stingy funds at hand. The summary sent to Sindh CM for another 50 percent share would be around Rs 450 million.

The project was the oldest one in the history of city as well as CDGK, which was left, abandoned for long due to issue of shifting of 1385 families settled around the Preedy Street flyover, a project of SFC-III. However, Muttahidda Qaumi Movement managed to shift those families and rehabilitated them in Mehmoodabad. Each of the families was allocated plots and Rs 50,000 cash was paid in advance.

The PC-I cost of the entire SFC-III was increased to Rs 2.5 billion due to addition of various schemes for beautification and others. Very recently, the cost has once again increased by Rs 400 million after completion of 20 pedestrian bridges on different locations besides the SFC-III. Thus the cost comes to nearly Rs 3 billion.

The City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal had performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the SFC-III in Apr 2009.

In May 2009, the construction work of SFC-III was complete by 70 percent except the central prison loop, which still lingers on despite the fact that the City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal had issued directives that the entire corridor should be completed by Aug 12 so as to ensure its inauguration on Aug 14, the Independence Day and Sindh governor Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan had inaugurated the SFC-III on Aug 13, 2009.

Confrontation would be harmful, Pakistan needs more reconciliation, reciprocal harmony, says Mustafa Kamal

2010-02-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

February 3, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that reciprocal reconciliation, peace and harmony among people and political parties was the need of the hour while Pakistan could not afford any confrontation amid present national and global situation. Muttahidda Qaumi Movement has always strived for harmony as was elaborated by MQM Chief Altaf Hussein and it would not be withdrawn.

He was addressing a congregation of citizens, print and electronic media representatives and Gulberg Town Municipal Administration’s personnel on the occasion of book launching ceremony by the Gulberg TMA on late Tuesday night.

He said that huge development works and provision of basic civic facilities that have improved the living standard of the citizens of the city while the city has become a role model for other cities regarding good governance manifested MQM’s efforts for the reconciliation and mutual harmony.

He further said that MQM’s legislators have struggled for the better economy of the country and they have also ensured constant stability in this regard because of their contribution in all aspects. However, they never claimed they have finished development process because the development process goes alongwith the life.

City nazim was briefed of 4-year progress made in the Gulberg TMA. Gulberg TMA officers were give awards for best performances.

NMC delegation calls on City nazim

2010-02-07T10:16:00.000-08:00

February 2, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that street crimes could be overcome in mega and metropolitan cities of Pakistan through local and community based policing. He stated this while addressing a delegation of trainee officers of National Management College (NMC) Lahore on a study tour of Karachi. The NMC delegation led by NMC Dean Iftikhar Ahmed called on City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal at his office on Monday.

The City Nazim said that the city holds strategic importance in the region. The City District Government Karachi presented the best model of good governance before the world while ensured city’s huge development with Rs 250 billion during the last four and half years.

He said that the city contributes 68 percent in the national income that is why the anti state elements wanted to destabilize the economy of the metropolis so that they hit the country.

However, thanks to the timely and effective action of the intelligence agencies the city could be saved from the terrorist, adding that the CDGK has introduced a unique and latest command and control system, which proved helpful in controlling crimes.

The members of the NMC delegation said that they got to know more about the city and the development process initiated by the present CDGK during their visit to the city.
They appreciated the command and control center and other steps for provision of better facilities to the citizens.

NADRA signs MoU with FAFEN

2010-02-07T10:15:00.002-08:00

February 2, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: In a bid to educate and motivate the citizens to get registered in national database, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has decided to get the help and support of the civil society.

In the first stage, NADRA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday with Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), a civil society organization working in the rural areas. NADRA deputy chairman Tariq Malik, and FAFEN Chairperson Mossarat Qadeem signed the MoU.

According to MoU, NADRA would identify the areas to the FAFEN where the registration of the people is low and FAFEN would run the public mobilization campaign to bring folks in rural areas out to register.

The goal is to achieve the target of 100 percent registration through creating awareness and motivation among the people in the rural areas by using FAFEN help. The goal is to register every eligible voter before elections, said Malik.

He said NADRA has already registered 98 per cent of the male population and 71.2 per cent of the female population in the country. Overall percentage of the registered population in the country is 86 per cent. Now only 12.82 million citizens eligible for the registration are remaining un-registered, he added.

NADRA is seeking partnership with other NGOs as well to create awareness especially in the tribal and remote areas, he said.

Further, a joint committee would be formed to identify areas with low coverage of the Computerized National Identity Card especially among the women. Such areas will be chosen as the model areas for the aggressive campaign.

According to MOU, the role of FAFEN was restricted to create awareness and motivation among the people regarding the CNIC while it would not be allowed to collect any forms, application, materials, documentation, personal or private data or information or collection of any fee from any person on behalf of NADRA.

CDGK stops rehabilitation work on arson-affected markets

2010-02-07T10:15:00.001-08:00

February 2, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has announced to immediately stop all ongoing rehabilitation work on arson-affected buildings and traders.
In a statement issued on Monday, the CDGK said that it has closed down all such work and has asked the arson-affected traders to contact Siraj Kasam Teli for any further assistance.

It was further stated that the City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that the CDGK had nothing to do with the committees, which the Karachi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has constituted for the assistance of the affected traders or Siraj Qasim Teli who had been made incharge of all such affairs regarding rehabilitation of the traders.

The statement said that the City nazim has advised all the affectees of Ashura Blast and arson are requested to contact Siraj Qasim Teli and provincial government for all their matters and assistance as the CDGK has concluded its efforts it had initiated in this regard.

The decision has surprised the majority of traders and it looks as if the CDGK and the KCCI were in confrontation to each other in an attempt to surpass each other for their efforts for the rehabilitation of the arson-affected Boulton Market Traders.

This decision has come at a time when the CDGK had already ensured maximum relief work and it had also completed repair and renovation and reconstruction of 9 arson-affected major markets within 22 days while the traders of these markets had received keys from City Nazim’s hands.

While talking to Daily Times, Sindh government constituted Karachi Affected Markets Relief Committee (KAMRC) spokesman Abdul Qayyum Khalil said that the KAMRC was a gazetted committee constituted by the Sindh government and the role of the CDGK and the KCCI was independent regarding rehabilitation of the traders.

He said that the City Nazim had done his best as the Father of the City and was not linked to that of the KCCI. However, the decision of concluding the rehabilitation work could be due to some misunderstanding, which might be removed in a couple of days.

As far as Siraj Kasam Teli was concerned, he had today (Monday) briefed Sindh governor Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan and Dr Farooque Sattar that there was a misunderstanding on the part of the City Nazim, which should be removed immediately because he had always lauded the role of the city nazim and his efforts for the rehabilitation of the traders.

Khalil added that the City Nazim would soon visit the KCCI.

In reply to a question, Khalil said that Sindh government should be contacted for the answer why the City Nazim was not taken as member of the KAMRC, adding that the committee was constituted with the consultation of Sindh governor and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah.

In reply to another question, Khalil said that it was essential to form a committee because of distribution of Rs 3.5 billion, which the federal and the provincial governments had allocated for the relief work.

Khalil said that the CDGK and the KCCI were independent institutions and they were free to make efforts within their limits.

Traders Association of Marriot Road president Haji Usman Sharif told Daily Times that KCCI was an independent representative institution on behalf of the traders and has been formulating its policies and making decision for the betterment of the traders with their consent and support. Henceforth, all KCCI decisions would be sure in the interest of the traders.

He said that CDGK has its own limitations and only Boulton Market, Lunda Bazar market and Paper markets were under CDGK’s jurisdiction. Therefore, the CDGK had the responsibility to address their issues.

He further said that the KAMRC was formed for fair and justified distribution of funds worth Rs 3.5 billion.

Building construction business going to halt as CDGK declares KBCA building plans illegal

2010-02-07T10:13:00.000-08:00

KBCA-CDGK conflict worsens over non-transferring of betterment charges:

February 2, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has declared as illegal all the building plans that have been approved by the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA). The CDGK has moved to this after reviewing all such plans for which the KBCA has so far failed to pay to the CDGK legal charges.

The CDGK has claimed that the KBCA had in violated the rules laid in the Sindh Local Government Ordinance after it had failed to transfer mentionable amounts of money to CDGK, which the KBCA has collected in terms of betterment charges while it approved the building plans. The situation has caused the CDGK to suffer colossal loss.

The CDGK also claimed that the KBCA had conveyed to the CDGK that it had not transferred the collected sum of money for the betterment charges to the CDGK because of the displeasure of Sindh Local Government minister thus the KBCA Chief Controller had refrained to carry out the task of transferring the money.

The CDGK has termed the failure to transfer due amounts of money to CDGK a backlash at a time when the CDGK was already passing through serious retrenchments of funds and the CDGK employees have suffered for delayed disbursement of salaries and legal perks and other benefits.

Henceforth, the CDGK has decided to take the matter to City Council where a resolution would be passed to declare all KBCA building plans null and void especially that have been approved during past six months.

There is a strong likelihood that the situation would create a fuss for the building construction businesses in the city and the Town Municipal Administrations and the Union Councils might take a strong action to prevent any such commencement unless the dispute was not settled at the higher level.

CDGK sponsors KCL T20 cricket tournament with Rs 20 million

2010-02-07T10:12:00.001-08:00

Rs 20 million cash award for winner and runner-up:

February 2, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has allocated Rs 20 million for the promotion of Cricket through Karachi Champions League (KCL) T20 with 27-match tournament among 16 contesting teams, gymkhanas and clubs.

The allocated amount of money would be used in two different categories including huge cash prize money ever announced at city level in Pakistan’s history. City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal disclosed this during a press conference at Rashid Latif Cricket Academy (RLCA) on Monday.

The City Nazim claimed that it was first ever event in the history of the sub-continent Asia that such a big event was going to be held with cash prizes worth Rs 20 million at a district level.

He expounded that the winner of the KCL T20 would earn a cash prize of Rs 10 million while the runner-up would get Rs 5 million. Those four contesting teams that would qualify for semi-final but remain unsuccessful would receive Rs 2.5 million each.

The CDGK sponsored KCL T20 27 matches would be held day and night at 9 newly developed floodlight cricket stadiums located in New Karachi, Landhi, Gulberg, Orangi Town, Baldia, Malir, Korangi, North Nazimabad and Liaquatabad Town. A local private TV channel would air all matches live.

He further said that the KCL would entertain needs of the young talented players while Pakistan Cricket Board would be indirectly assisted with emergence of new talent in the field of cricket.

He endorsed District Coordination Officer Karachi Muhammad Javed Hanif Khan’s suggestion that KCL network would be extended upto national level by next year, adding that international cricket players would be invited to participate in the event from next year.

It is pertinent to mention that the CDGK has established around a dozen of sports stadium in the city for cricket and hockey. These stadiums have cost CDGK billions of rupees despite the fact the CDGK had quite limited revenue generating resources. Even the CDGK would accrue hefty expenses on electricity consumptions as all stadiums have been electrified with heavy floodlights.

The holding of KCL T20 type sports gala would solicit IPL 20/20 type business opportunities not for the city or CDGK but for the country and the City Nazim has also delineated the idea as he said that the KCL T20 cricket gala would open new avenues for the revenue.

Lack of pedestrian bridges, over speeding; under-aged drivers kill at least 6 citizens daily

2010-02-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

“There is need to redefine role of traffic police and to devise a solid strategy for the safety of citizens. Placing traffic police under CDGK’s control as trial should also be considered”

“City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal wanted to put an end to the road casualties and the menace of over speeding but he regretted that he had no control on traffic personnel. There should be at least a trial that the traffic police should be placed under CDGK’s control for three months to witness the improvement and if it worked, then necessary legislation should be made at the floor of the provincial assembly for permanent control of the traffic police”

December 31, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: There is a need of around 350 pedestrian bridges in the city of which only 52 have so far been established. Eight out of 52 bridges were installed on Built and Operate Basis. Seven pedestrian bridges are under construction. So far the CDGK has spent Rs 880 million on 44 pedestrian bridges.

The CDGK T&CD has sent a summary to federal government for the sanctioning of Rs 600 million for further 30 pedestrian bridges’ installation. The summary has been approved and has been forwarded to Sindh government for onward process.

After devolution in 2001, the traffic engineering Bureau was redesignated to City District Government Karachi’s (CDGK) Transport and Communication department (T&CD), which bears the responsibility to ensure establishment of U-Turns on main avenues, road marking, lane marking, traffic signs and construction of over head bridges.

Over speeding has claimed hundreds of lives in city while number of casualties and accident and trauma cases are reported at all major public health facilities in the city.

Unfortunately, the authorities especially the ministry of transport, Capital City Traffic Police and local government has lacked appropriate measures to curb the menace of reckless and under-age driving while at the above level, there is no implementation of law and order and devising strategy for the elimination of the menace has yet to be made.

The CDGK T&CD Executive district Officer (EDO) Shabih Ul Hassan has claimed that it was the duty of CCTP to ensure implementation of Traffic rules and regulations and casualties recurring on roads due to over speeding was due to lack of CCTP’s potential planning and control.

The EDO said that the City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal wanted to put an end to the road casualties and the menace of over speeding but he regretted that he had no control on traffic personnel. There should be at least a trial that the traffic police should be placed under CDGK’s control for three months to witness the improvement and if it worked, then necessary legislation should be made at the floor of the provincial assembly for permanent control of the traffic police.

He said that the CDGK T&CD has invested millions of rupees to prevent wrong diversions from U-Turns after the T&CD had installed road spikes on U-Turns but what a misery that the drug addicts had dug out dozens of such installations. It was the duty of police to ensure these measures were protected.

He said that as far as the menace of over speeding was concerned, the CCTP and Police were responsible and they should concentrate on their professional challenges.

Replying to a question, the EDO said that he would request the city nazim to depute City wardens (CW) on various spots on main roads other than main traffic signal because traffic personnel already flooded majority of traffic signals and there was no need to depute any CW as well.

In this regard, citizens demanded establishment of special courts for dealing with reckless drivers with heavy penalty and imprisonment while government should ensure the victim get due medical treatment and cash compensation on time by any means.

The citizens also said that in case of accidents, the area police incharge should also be removed of service while sped monitoring devices and special cameras should be installed.

Interestingly, one traffic police officer said that traffic police and Police should be placed under direct control of high court and it should be made accountable for any negligence. He added that placing traffic police and Police under the supervision of a justice of high court would prevent deployment of police on VVIPs’ protocol duty and would be free from political pressure.

There are various spots in the city that are considered most dangerous as regards to passerbys such as from Surjani Chowrangi to KDA chowrangi in North Nazimabad, from Nagan Chowrangi to Gulshan Chowrangi, From Civic Centre to People’s secretariat Chowrangi, From Matric Board Office to Rizvia Chowrangi, From Tin Hatti to Liaquatabad No 10, From Ayesha Manzil to Ancholi, From Jama Cloth Market to Mithadar Chowk and many others where traffic crossings were a routine despite the fact that a number of CCTP’s personnel have been posted for control of traffic.

These areas are majority of times during 24-hours cycle under high speed traffic volume and paucity of over head bridges and lack of traffic police’s interest to control the devastating over speeding especially by under-aged drivers has wreaked havoc on helpless citizens.

CDGK to procure 26 new fire tenders, 21 road-sweeping vehicles

2010-02-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

December 30, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) Municipal Services Department (MSD) has planned to procure new fire tenders, road sweeping mobile vehicles. Daily Times has learnt.

The City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has asked the CDGK Finance Group of Offices to arrange for necessary funds in this regard while the CDGK MSD has already completed its preparations to float tenders inviting bids for the procurement of the required machinery.

It is a perplexed situation on behalf of the CDGK finance Group of offices to ensure the availability of the required funds especially when the financial deficit has escalated to Rs 590 million and the salaries of employees of the defunct Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and the defunct Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) have already been delayed as the CDGK still has a shortfall of Rs 120 million to disburse the salaries that come to Rs 600 million.

However, the CDGK MSD Executive District Officer Masood Alam told Daily Times that the funds required would be derived from the Annual Development Fund (ADP).
He further said that the CDGK has filed a compensation claim of Rs 77.7 million with Sindh government for a lump sum claim for the compensation of burnt vehicles, markets and injured CDGK personnel.

According to CDGK, there was an urgent need of Rs 2 billion to procure fire extinguishers as per city’s need especially after arson on M A Jinnah road when dozens of markets were gutted after a bomb went off on Muharram 10.

The CDGK has said that federal government should provide Rs 2 billion to CDGK to equip its fire department with the essentials or else the paucity of such machines would add to the problems.

It is pertinent to mention that CDGK was going to float tenders for the procurement of 26 new fire tenders and 21 road sweeping mobile vehicles while it has also started operation for fixing the mechanically flawed 24 fire extinguishers.

It is also worth mentioning that the City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal had recently appealed to president and prime minister for pecuniary assistance so that the situation after the Ashura arson could be addressed.

CBC to dedicate 20pc of annual budget for spatial settlements’ development

2010-02-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

December 30, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The Clifton Cantonment Board (CBC) president Brig. Khalid Masood Tirmizi has said that DHA and CBC were taking all out measures for development and uplift of CBC’s Katchi Abadis including Punjab Colony, Chandio Village, Lower Gizri and Delhi Colony so as to alleviate the problems of these localities. These measures have been lined up under the special instructions of DHA Executive Board president and Commander 5 Corps, Lt. Gen. Shahid Iqbal.

Henceforth, CBC would dedicate around 20 percent of its total annual budget towards the development and welfare of these less privileged areas, he claimed.

The CBC president stated this on the occasion of CBC and DHA sponsored cantonment boards football tournament final event on Friday.

The final event was played at Punjab Colony floodlight Football Stadium while Keamari Mohammedan and Malir Union were the teams. The Keamari Mohammedan had defeated the Malir Union by 1-0.

The CBC president also termed sports was of pivotal importance especially for the socio-intellectual growth of the society as it ensures healthy entertainment and inculcates the spirit of teamwork, co-operation and cohesion.

He added the provision of sports facilities not only helps the youth to streamline their energy but also creates healthy tendencies of tolerance, patience and balance in the society.

He reiterated that DHA would go all out for its promotion in all forms.
CBC vice president Aziz Suharwardi was also present on the occasio

CDGK Health Group of offices’ claim for 24-hoiurs OPD unrealistic

2010-02-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

Why accident and Trauma facilities worldwide?

December 28, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) Health Group of Offices has on Dec 14 announced all major CDGK hospitals would continue catering to the ailing fraternity visiting these hospitals round the clock. However, the round the clock OPD theme failed to emboss any fruitful affect on both the medical facilities and the patients. However, the 24-hours OPD has proved ineffective due to operations and financial difficulties, Daily Times has learnt.

In this regard, well-informed sources told Daily Times that for instance, the largest medical health facility within CDGK’s domain, the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH) on which CDGK has spent more than 900 million and all latest medical diagnostic facilities have been established under single roof.

Nonetheless, the ASH has also come under tremendous turn out of patients, which has increased from around 500 OPDs to around 5,500 in a day. This situation also caused spending of hefty funds to meet the regular expenses, added the sources.

The idea was only fabricated to attract momentary applaud and to manifest that the new management of the CDGK Health Group of Offices had magic solutions to all problems, commented the sources, adding that the idea of charging just Rs 5 from patients so as to guarantee provision of all the required diagnostic and medical and surgical facilities could not work because it had involved giant amounts for the successful operations.

The sources were of the opinion that this situation could be examined with some cumbersome facts that the Medical Superintendent has been released Rs 20 million under Local Purchase (LP) facility every year to arrange for medicines and other goods in cases of emergency and sudden shortage of necessary medicines.

Unfortunately, the beaurocratic red tape culture has prevailed in the CDGK Health Group of Offices as the Executive District Officer has kept all powers while the MS who spends around 16 hours in the field facing all types of problems could not buy medicines worth more than Rs 2,000 in a day. It is also a fact that the MS could only spend Rs 2,000 from LP on patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU) while those in medical of surgical wards do not have access to that LP facility, said the sources.

Sources said that recently, the federal government started releasing annual Zakat fund to ASH worth Rs 10 million from July 2009, which also remains a special jurisdiction of the MS but still he was not authorized to spend any amount at his own discretion except the EDO could decide how much and when the money would be spent.

Sources added that the round the clock OPD claims were not applied to CDGK’s largest health facility, the ASH because its Accident and Trauma Departments (ATD) work round the clock.

It was a befooling step that the round the clock OPD was started at the ASH and in fact it had nothing to do with the entire situation. The OPD at the ASH only works from 8 am to 8 pm. The medical and surgical OPDs have to shift to ATD after 8 pm, said the sources. Adding that only certain routine medicines could be provided to the visiting patients except those lying in ICUs.

Round the clock OPD was not possible anywhere in the world and if it was feasible, then the concept and facility of the A&TD should be wound for good, claimed the sources.
However, ASH Deputy MS Clinical Dr Najam claimed that the OPD was working at the ASH round the clock and there were no paucity of the required medicines.

Let the talented you play a role for stronger Pakistan: City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal

2010-02-07T09:53:00.002-08:00

City nazim at KASBIT reception:

December 27, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Karachi Jan 27: The Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari Institute of Technology (KASBIT) hosted a reception in City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal’s honor on Wednesday to allow KASBIT students share the experience and know-how on administration and good governance in the prevailing political and social situation of Pakistan especially the city of Karachi.

While addressing the students’ assembly inside the KASBIT, the city nazim defined the precincts of the elite ruling classes’ dynasty with reference to gap between the rulers and the citizens. He added that the core elite class has with full force impeded the way of true democracy and citizens’ sharing in public making measures while they have ruthlessly obstructed outlets for the talented, intelligent and educated youth from the middle class from playing their vital role for stronger, prosperous and politically as well as economically self-reliant Pakistan.

But still, the youth were the future of the country and they should recognize their status and realize their responsibilities toward building the country from all aspects so they should focus on most modern scientific innovations, tools and means for a better country, said city nazim, adding that the future of Pakistan was associated with the youth filled with ambitions and logical aims and objectives, which is just one step away from them.

The only step was to allow the youth hailing from the middle class with appropriate opportunities. The youth from the middle class constitutes around 98 percent of country’s whole population that could build the country in just four years as was done by the youth of the city of Karachi.

City nazim added that 38 families have governed the country since past 60 years but they did not even establish a primary school in their jurisdiction while they sent their wards to foreign countries for education.

“How could Pakistan progress in such conditions”, he asked adding that only those who have suffered with the problems could perceive the pangs of the real problems of society. The youth from the middle class youth could only solve the problems of common man because they could be held accountable to the people, which were impossible as regards to aforementioned 38 ruling families.

City nazim said claimed that his leader and Muttahidda Qaumi Movement Chief Altaf Hussain was the leader who ensured opening of new avenues for the youth, which was manifested in city’s immense development.

The city of Karachi has thus set up a new example of serving the people and addressing their grievances in just four years.

On this occasion a documentary depicting city’s development during last four years was also screened.

CDGK-NED Varsity sign MoU for better traffic management research

2010-02-07T09:53:00.001-08:00

December 25, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) and the NED University of engineering and technology have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for utilization of its Command and Control Center for the improvement of traffic flow and development of intelligent transportation system (ITS) for the city.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal and NED University Registrar Engineer Javed Aziz Khan signed the MoU at a ceremony held at Karachi Water and Sewerage Board Head Office on Monday.

On the occasion, the city nazim exchanged his views while appreciating CDGK’s traffic engineering and operational infrastructure said that the research work on behalf of the NED University would besides providing the recommendations and remedies to cope up with these issues for better traffic management system in the metropolis help identify the traffic problems and causes of traffic management failure.

City nazim added that the digital vigilance facilities at the Command and control centre could play pivotal role toward the traffic flow management diligently and reducing traffic congestion on major avenues and supplementary arteries.

He hoped that hope that with the coordination of universities especially professional educational institutions, traffic problems could be identified and resolved with appropriate remedy.

He regretted that despite billions of rupees have been spent on traffic engineering, however, problems continued to persist owing to absence of enforcement and lack of due action on behalf of Capital city traffic police against traffic rules violations.

He said that unity of command was the key to solution of city’s problems. CDGK has established Pakistan’s first car parking plaza with modern facilities but hundreds of vehicles were still seen parked in no parking zones.

He said majority of the traffic problems were related to management and big cities have resolved them through mass transit system (MTS) but the CDGK was lacking resources complete MTS as it requires billions of dollars. So, federal government could take up the task in the city.

According to the MoU researchers from NED University would gain access to the Command and Control Center while Corridor-III would be used as NED-CDGK Road Lab for research and development of ITS based traffic management system.

It is pertinent to mention that the ITS was a research project of the NED University of Engineering and Technology and the University of Mississippi, USA under USAID.

Defunct KDA, KMC still await devolution

2010-02-07T09:50:00.000-08:00

December 24, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The two major autonomous authorities, the defunct Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and the defunct Karachi Municipal Corporation (LMC) have yet to be devolved fully while despite a decade has passed over, the fateful authorities and consequently their employees are still in dilemma particularly they are facing cumbersome environment regarding all aspects, Daily Times has learnt.

Sources privy to these situations have said that as regards to the specific situation of the city of Karachi, which is the largest metropolitan city of the country, the disbursement of salaries and perks and lawful privileges of these two defunct authorities are still a big question mark.

The sources have reminded that it was pertinent to mention that the devolution plan was aimed at to decentralize the powers upto the grass root level in order to ensure involvement of the citizens in policy-making and planning compartments of the system in Pakistan. This was followed by the establishment of local government systems in the country with separate local government ordinances (LGO).

The agenda thus prescribed was to reconstruct the national institutions of the state. However, the prime objectives of the devolution in case of these two defunct authorities especially ensuring functioning of offices to improve service delivery and to eliminate delays in decisions made for disposing of the matters concerned via increased administrative and financial authority are yet to be given to these two defunct authorities.

The sources have further added that these two defunct authorities have been merged with the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) but these were not devolved. Henceforth, the CDGK has to cater to these defunct authorities for their financial and other related concerns, which have proved an awesome responsibility.

The sources have claimed that the CDGK has to arrange for monthly salaries of officers and these two defunct authorities, which comes to Rs 600 million of which Rs 100 million and Rs 400 million are for the defunct KDA and the defunct KMC respectively. Further, around Rs 100 are for pension for both.

The sources further said that after devolution, provincial government has been held responsible for salaries plus 20 percent increases in salaries and pension money for all devolved institutions but these two authorities have been pending with the decision for declaring them as fully devolved departments.

However, the provincial government releases funds for the salaries and perks and pension only for those employees that fall under fully devolved category. Nonetheless, the defunct KDA and the defunct KMC stand to be as being suspended amid devolved and non-devolved category.

The sources added that the CDGK has not yet disbursed salaries or pension for the month of Dec to the employees of these defunct authorities, which is Rs 600 million. Although the CDGK has arranged for the required funds but still they are facing an acute shortfall of Rs 120 million of which Rs 80 million and Rs 140 million are for the defunct KDA and the defunct KMC respectively.

The sources claimed that the Single Line Transfer Fund are restricted to only devolved portion of the CDGK and the employees of this portion get their salaries and other benefits from the provincial government through Accountant General of Sindh.
The sources said that the financial releases in terms of Octroi and Zilla Tax in favour of the CDGK are also insufficient as this amounts to Rs 284 million.

City’s posh areas to get 14-km new SDS worth Rs 500 million

2010-02-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

Under the aegis of CDGK, KWSB allocates development funds:

December 22, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: For the first time in its history, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) under the aegis of City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has allocated funds for the installation of a new storm drain system (SDS) in city’s posh residential sectors including Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society and key areas in the vicinity.

The localities had been under high risks of damages that were inflicted by the accumulation of storm water but owing to challenging hindrances the installation of SDS was went on pending for decades. These challenges included high profile residential and business centres’ entity while Pakistan’s key avenue Shahra-e Faisal was lying midway to age-old SDS.

City nazim who has officially performed the ground breaking ceremony of the SDS for these posh city areas on Friday said that he had urged the KWSB management to partake a little ownership of the city and should allocate funds for the installation of the system, which was responded to positively. Sindh Information Technology minister Raza Haroon, KWSB additional vice chairman Imamuddin Shahzad, KWSB managing director Qutubuddin Shaikh, Gulshan-e-Iqbal nazim Muhammad Wasay Jalil, Jamshed Town nazim Javed Ahmed and others had accompanied the city nazim.

DailyTimes had meanwhile conducted a survey of the entire area and found that the tail end of the already working storm drain canal was grossly encroached by thousands of huts and spatial settlements and in fact, this has prevented any further widening or fresh installation of SDS. Further, the encroached land was owned by the Pakistan Railways, which they could not get evicted nor any measures for the rehabilitation of the residents of these huts and spatial settlements were acted upon.

When this scribe asked the city nazim as how he would deal with the situation, he replied that the project would have commenced quite earlier but the things that this scribe has pointed out were reviewed in detail with much consumption of time. The issue of encroachment was also considered and would be resolved with the assistance of authorities concerned.

He added that the consultant firm of the project had engaged top experts and carried out the study that covered every aspect of the project and has involved data of past 100 year rains in the city to cope up with the assorted problems and to ensure the new system would perform undisturbed for next 50 years.

He said that the experts and senior consultants had been hired for this project and the drain will be constructed in accordance to the modern demands.

The project would facilitate the residents of Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Jamshed Town municipal administrations’ 2 union councils including PECHS Block-2, 6, Nursery Market, KDA Scheme-1, Bahadurabad, Sharfabad and cooperative housing societies, Tipu Sultan Road, Katchi Memon Society, Hill Park, Jinnah Cooperative Housing Society, Molai Park area, Umer Colony, Karachi Administration Cooperative Housing Society, Mehmoodabad, Manzoor Colony, Shahra-e Quaideen, Tariq Road, Khalid Bin Walid Road, Sindhi Muslim Cooperative Housing Society, E Market and Chaneesar Goth.

City nazim further said that the KWSB would construct 14-km long SDS with PC-1 cost of Rs 500 million. The estimated time of completion of the project was one year but due to importance of these localities, the project would be completed within just 4 months form now onward.

He lauded KWSB for partaking the installation of the new SDS for allocating those hefty funds, adding that the CDGK would provide all help as regards to technical, mechanical and machinery support.

The encroachments have caused choking of 2-km of present storm drain, which would be cleared to ensure smooth flow of storm water while rehabilitation and cleaning of other storm water drains located around Shahra-e Faisal, Railway Crossing, Manzoor Colony, Mehmoodabad and Waris Shah drain would be a part of the ongoing project.

Banaras flyover nearing completion, would be open for traffic in Mar: City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal

2010-02-07T09:48:00.002-08:00

December 21, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The ongoing construction work on Banaras Flyover is nearing completion on a fast track basis as 80 percent of the construction work has been completed. The flyover is the only one in the history of the city that has been delayed due to changes in its design for two times, one for the increase in total span of the bridge while the other was to save hundreds of shops, hotels and residential premises.

The overhead heavy transmission lines were also a major impediment, which the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has recently resolved after reaching a modus operandi and expenses’ share with the Karachi Electric Supply Company as the KESC was demanding Rs 100 million to meet the shifting of poles and cables from the venue.

The flyover was stretched for further 1.25-km in length. Henceforth, these changes in the designs and subsequent delay in completion of the flyover has also caused a hefty increase of development expenditures from Rs 370 million to Rs 1.10 billion.

The CDGK under drastic financial deficit has to bear 50 percent of total expenditures while the Sindh government is the counter shareholder for the remaining 50 percent expenses. However, CDGK and KESC had agreed to an amount that would not exceed Rs 20 million.

The delay was also enhanced due to lesser releases of funds by the Sindh government on quarterly schedule of releases and the delay has caused around 2 million people to suffer in different aspects such as traffic gridlocks, narrow muddy passage for constantly heavy traffic round the clock, dust storm and elongation of travel time with jolts and shovels.

In this regard, City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal visited the site of construction as he has been frequently visiting the construction site of Banaras Flyover caused triggering the pace of ongoing construction work.

On Thursday, he again visited the construction site of the flyover after he had inaugurated the Afza Altaf children park in Orangi Town on Thursday.

While talking to media persons, city nazim claimed that the flyover total cost of construction would come to Rs1.4 billion and it would be open for the traffic by Mar 2010.

He added that the flyover would cater to millions of people while Orangi Town and other areas in the vicinity would get connected to main city routes because the flyover would also cause a vivid decline in traveling problems including passage of time.

He also announced that CDGK would establish an institute of heart diseases in Orangi Town and another bulk water supply line would be installed besides that CDGK has already completed a water project for the Orangi Town for supply of 5-million gallon of water per day.

In reply to a question, city nazim said that the National Highway Authority had initiated the construction of a link road connecting Orangi Town to North Nazimabad via Shahra-e Noor Jehan but they had left the project halfway. This had caused CDGK to spend Rs 40 million to complete the project.

Government strives to resolve citizens’ grievance at grass root level, says Rafiq Engineer

2010-02-07T09:48:00.001-08:00

December 21, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Sindh government has been striving so as to ensure the citizens get maximum relief and to minimize their grievance at grass rot level. In this regard, the lawmakers under the aegis of president Asif Ali Zardari have been playing their role through open katcheris to resolve people’s problems at their doorstep. Meanwhile, they also attend to the masses over telephone regarding their complaints and get the departments concerned engaged to proceed for the removal of difficulties. Sindh Katchi Abadis minister Engineer Muhammad Rafique Advocate has stated this while talking to media persons at Sindh Chief minister’s complaint cell at CM House on Thursday.

The minister further said that citizens should feel free to approach him while they would find that the doors of his portfolio, the Katchi Abadis were open for the resolution of their complaints.

The minister claimed that Sindh Assembly has unanimously passed the regularization of Katchi Abadis Bill for a period from 19985 to 1997 so as to provide the inhabitants with the right of ownership.

The minister also claimed that government was providing various incentives to the poor including construction and provision of free of cost houses, monthly stipends to the deserving women and to un-employed youth alongwith during vocational training.

The minister had assumed the charge of the complaint cell as for his turn and had in this regard received around 919 complaints over phone from the masses. Majority of 919 pertained to basic civic problems such as telephone, gas, electricity, water and sanitation and other general problems.

“Lack of education is the biggest challenge for the nation”

2010-02-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

DADG Bilingual Declamation Contest-2010:

December 21, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Oratory is a great art and weapon which effective use could change the destiny of nations and bring a vivid transformation in the lives of people. Referring to Islamic history, he mentioned last sermon of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and fiery speech of Tariq Bin Zayed after burning the boats had influenced the masses and a revolution was brought about in the entire human history. Eminent scholar Obaidullah Baig stated this on the occasion of “Inter Collegiate Bilingual Declamation Contest-2010” held at Defence Authority Degree College (DADG) on Thursday. Baig was the chief guest of the event. Students of more than 20 educational institutions of the city participated in the contest.

Baig termed the illiteracy and ignorance as the greatest of all vices, adding that education was such a great force, which enlightens and empowers people.

The biggest challenge of today was lack of education in masses, which leads to militancy, extremism and obscurantist tendencies in society and the salvation of the nation lies in promotion of education and enlightenment in society, he reminded.

Earlier, DADG Principal, Commodore (retd) Imran Ansari said that development of public speaking skills was an important element at all levels in the education curriculum.
One of the essential qualities for assuming leadership role in the life was the art of public speaking. Henceforth, declamation contests and debates were helpful in inculcating healthy values in the students and developing their mental faculties, he claimed.

In the English declamation, Masooma Maryam of Bahria College secured first position, Saba Fatima of DOW University of Medical Sciences stood second and Sindira Junejo of DADC For Women and Naveed Zaman of SZABIST were jointly declared third.

In the Urdu declamation, Sadaf Bashir of Sir Syed Girls College stood first, Mudassir Majeed of Defence Authority SKBZ got the second position and Nain Tara Leghari of DADC For Women was declared third. Bahria College won the trophy of the Declamation Contest 2010.

KWSB: Heavy particle detaining gauzes at trunk lines at Gharo missing

2010-02-07T09:46:00.000-08:00

December 20,2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has overlooked repair and maintenance and replacement of heavy particle-stopper gauze at the starting point of bulk water supply lines at Gharo and ahead.

According to sources, heavy metallic gauzes were installed at the opening of bulk water supply lines in order to check passage of heavy particles, dead animals and birds, used and empty cans, woods, grass and other raw material.

These heavy metallic gauzes get destroyed frequently due to formation of rust and other reasons for the decaying of these gauzes.

However, recent cases of decaying of these heavy metallic gauzes have been lacking appropriate replacement with newer ones. The KWSB Chief Engineer Bulk has verbally instructed KWSB lower cadre personnel to perform the operation manually with use of long forks, which is doubtful in a manner that manuel performances in this regard could not ensure 100 percent safety as compared to mechanical arrangements and that with use of gauzes.

A well-placed KWSB officer at Gharo Pumping Station told daily Times that removal of such gauzes were not creating any threat to human consumers of KWSB water because the residents have been supplied water after proper filtration at COD and NEK.

The officer claimed that in case the gauzes were damaged, these were repaired immediately as the KWSB personnel were having the facility of welding components at the site.

However, another well-informed officer claimed that the bulk water trunk lines were without essential gauzes and the officers concerned had embezzled the funds released for the repair and maintenance and replacement of heavy particle detaining sieves.

Confrontation would be harmful, Pakistan needs more reconciliation, reciprocal harmony, says Mustafa Kamal

2010-02-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

"Muttahidda Qaumi Movement has always strived for harmony as was elaborated by MQM Chief Altaf Hussein and it would not be withdrawn - Syed Mustafa Kamal"

February 3, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that reciprocal reconciliation, peace and harmony among people and political parties was the need of the hour while Pakistan could not afford any confrontation amid present national and global situation.

Muttahidda Qaumi Movement has always strived for harmony as was elaborated by MQM Chief Altaf Hussein and it would not be withdrawn.

He was addressing a congregation of citizens, print and electronic media representatives and Gulberg Town Municipal Administration’s personnel on the occasion of book launching ceremony by the Gulberg TMA on late Tuesday night.

He said that huge development works and provision of basic civic facilities that have improved the living standard of the citizens of the city while the city has become a role model for other cities regarding good governance manifested MQM’s efforts for the reconciliation and mutual harmony.

He further said that MQM’s legislators have struggled for the better economy of the country and they have also ensured constant stability in this regard because of their contribution in all aspects. However, they never claimed they have finished development process because the development process goes alongwith the life.

City nazim was briefed of 4-year progress made in the Gulberg TMA. Gulberg TMA officers were give awards for best performances.

CDGK stops rehabilitation work on arson-affected markets

2010-02-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal issues directives to offciers on arson-affected traders' rehabilitation work

"Sindh government should be contacted for the answer why the City Nazim was not taken as member of the KAMRC, adding that the committee was constituted with the consultation of Sindh governor and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah - Karachi Affected Markets Relief Committee (KAMRC) spokesman Abdul Qayyum Khalil "

February 2, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has announced to immediately stop all ongoing rehabilitation work on arson-affected buildings and traders.

In a statement issued on Monday, the CDGK said that it has closed down all such work and has asked the arson-affected traders to contact Siraj Kasam Teli for any further assistance.

It was further stated that the City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that the CDGK had nothing to do with the committees, which the Karachi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has constituted for the assistance of the affected traders or Siraj Qasim Teli who had been made incharge of all such affairs regarding rehabilitation of the traders.

The statement said that the City nazim has advised all the affectees of Ashura Blast and arson are requested to contact Siraj Qasim Teli and provincial government for all their matters and assistance as the CDGK has concluded its efforts it had initiated in this regard.

The decision has surprised the majority of traders and it looks as if the CDGK and the KCCI were in confrontation to each other in an attempt to surpass each other for their efforts for the rehabilitation of the arson-affected Boulton Market Traders.

This decision has come at a time when the CDGK had already ensured maximum relief work and it had also completed repair and renovation and reconstruction of 9 arson-affected major markets within 22 days while the traders of these markets had received keys from City Nazim’s hands.

While talking to Daily Times, Sindh government constituted Karachi Affected Markets Relief Committee (KAMRC) spokesman Abdul Qayyum Khalil said that the KAMRC was a gazetted committee constituted by the Sindh government and the role of the CDGK and the KCCI was independent regarding rehabilitation of the traders.

He said that the City Nazim had done his best as the Father of the City and was not linked to that of the KCCI. However, the decision of concluding the rehabilitation work could be due to some misunderstanding, which might be removed in a couple of days.

As far as Siraj Kasam Teli was concerned, he had today (Monday) briefed Sindh governor Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan and Dr Farooque Sattar that there was a misunderstanding on the part of the City Nazim, which should be removed immediately because he had always lauded the role of the city nazim and his efforts for the rehabilitation of the traders.

Khalil added that the City Nazim would soon visit the KCCI.

In reply to a question, Khalil said that Sindh government should be contacted for the answer why the City Nazim was not taken as member of the KAMRC, adding that the committee was constituted with the consultation of Sindh governor and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah.

In reply to another question, Khalil said that it was essential to form a committee because of distribution of Rs 3.5 billion, which the federal and the provincial governments had allocated for the relief work.

Khalil said that the CDGK and the KCCI were independent institutions and they were free to make efforts within their limits.

Traders Association of Marriot Road president Haji Usman Sharif told Daily Times that KCCI was an independent representative institution on behalf of the traders and has been formulating its policies and making decision for the betterment of the traders with their consent and support. Henceforth, all KCCI decisions would be sure in the interest of the traders.

He said that CDGK has its own limitations and only Boulton Market, Lunda Bazar market and Paper markets were under CDGK’s jurisdiction. Therefore, the CDGK had the responsibility to address their issues.

He further said that the KAMRC was formed for fair and justified distribution of funds worth Rs 3.5 billion.

Building construction business going to halt as CDGK declares KBCA building plans illegal

2010-02-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

KBCA-CDGK conflict worsens over non-transferring of betterment charges:

February 2, 2010
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has declared as illegal all the building plans that have been approved by the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA). The CDGK has moved to this after reviewing all such plans for which the KBCA has so far failed to pay to the CDGK legal charges.

The CDGK has claimed that the KBCA had in violated the rules laid in the Sindh Local Government Ordinance after it had failed to transfer mentionable amounts of money to CDGK, which the KBCA has collected in terms of betterment charges while it approved the building plans. The situation has caused the CDGK to suffer colossal loss.

The CDGK also claimed that the KBCA had conveyed to the CDGK that it had not transferred the collected sum of money for the betterment charges to the CDGK because of the displeasure of Sindh Local Government minister thus the KBCA Chief Controller had refrained to carry out the task of transferring the money.

The CDGK has termed the failure to transfer due amounts of money to CDGK a backlash at a time when the CDGK was already passing through serious retrenchments of funds and the CDGK employees have suffered for delayed disbursement of salaries and legal perks and other benefits.

Henceforth, the CDGK has decided to take the matter to City Council where a resolution would be passed to declare all KBCA building plans null and void especially that have been approved during past six months.

There is a strong likelihood that the situation would create a fuss for the building construction businesses in the city and the Town Municipal Administrations and the Union Councils might take a strong action to prevent any such commencement unless the dispute was not settled at the higher level.

CDGK sponsors KCL T20 cricket tournament with Rs 20 million

2010-02-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

"City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal announces Rs 20 million cash award for winner and runner-upmteams"

CNG Bus Terminus starts operation with fleet of 25 enroute-III

2010-01-29T09:45:00.001-08:00

None other than Muttahidda Qaumi Movement had offered any role model of good governance and dedicated service to the humanity –

Syed Mustafa Kamal

December 29, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: A 4-acre terminus for a fleet of 25 CNG buses in the close vicinity of Northern Bypass, Gulshan-e Zia, Gadap Town has been made operational on Friday noon. The 4-acre CNG Bus Terminus has cost CDGK Rs 85 million with a capacity to house 100 CNG long buses. Presently, a fleet of locally assembled 25 dedicated CNG buses has been scheduled to station on-and-off at the venue.

The new fleet of 25 CNG buses worth Rs 140 million would ply on a newly defined route-III, which encompasses around a dozen of major location enroute and would be for Shahra-e Qaddafi, Shahra-e Orangi, Banaras Chowk, North Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Hasan Square, Jail Chowrangi, Nazimabad Matric Board Office, Lines Area, Preedy Street, Saddar and many others upto its final destination in Clifton.

By the addition of this new fleet of 25, the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has plied 75 buses so far under the CNG Bus Pilot Project.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has launched the operation.

The city nazim in his address said that with the start of route-III, the people would find a dedicated transport service without assorted menaces such as that of a conductor and frequent stoppages.

He said that the new commencement would be entirely electronically managed as the commuters could buy in advance debit cards worth Rs 50 and Rs 100, which would be made available on all CNG ticketing booths and common general items stores, as well.

He claimed that although the CDGK has completely outsourced all three aspects of the project and would accrue an acute loss worth Rs 75 million per annum but it was comparatively less important in the light of CDGK’s commitment for revolutionizing the transport service in the city.

The city nazim added that the Federal government had announced to ply 5,000 CNG buses in the city some three years ago with Rs 5 billion. The CDGK had first completed its homework and submitted a plan for CNG Buses, which the federal government had approved.

Later on, the scheme was changed and the CDGK was told that the allocated funds would be divided so as to let other cities of Sindh get CNG buses. Thus, the city was assured of 50 percent of total allocations, Rs 2.5 billion.

Initially, it was approved that the CDGK would patronize the CNG bus project but then it was decided that the funds would be released through ministry of environment due to assessment on environment in the city. The CDGK had also consented to that proposition. However, the environment ministry has lagged to use Rs 300 million that were released a year ago, he said.

He said that the CDGK had no other choice except to start a CNG bus pilot project, which was launched with 50 CNG buses. The CDGK had procured 25 CNG buses each from Daewoo Company and Hino Pak respectively but unfortunately, the Daewoo made CNG buses had soon developed technical and mechanical problems so the CDGK dropped the Daewoo and preferred Hino Pak for further procurement.

However, he asked Hino to consider withdrawal of increase of Rs 800,000 to the cost of a single CNG bus, adding that if they fail to do so, the CDGK would procure CNG buses from other buyers.

He claimed that none other than Muttahidda Qaumi Movement had offered any role model of good governance and dedicated service to the humanity.

There were hundreds of thousands of people that lined up from Orangi Town No 1 to Northern By Pass as if it was a national event or a political victory procession.

Salient Features:
Total No of fleet: 3
Total No of CNG Buses: 75
Total investment Rs: 4400000 per bus (Rs 330000000 for 75 buses)
Total area covered: (42-km+30-km+28-km) 100 kilometers on 3 routes
Total cost on new terminus+25 Buses+Booths: Rs 210 million
Total ticketing booths: 164
Total Booth staff: 700
Drivers 180
Support staff: 50
Further procurement: CDGK has invited tenders for further 21 CNG buses, which may be procured possibly by June, 2010

Is KESC implying all Karachiites are thieves?

2010-01-29T09:39:00.001-08:00

“KESC humiliating citizens by telling them they steal electricity”

December 23, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) ltd has started a unique style of humiliating the electricity consumers and taxpayer citizens.

The utility has recently started sending colourful electricity bills to its consumers, which makes it clear that the consumers at the receiving end of KESC’s electricity bills were not involved in any violation to the utility including the fact that these consumers have been paying off their electricity bills regularly. Only a few consumers could fail to pay their monthly electricity bills and for that they have to pay the accumulated bill they receive the following month alongwith late payment surcharge and interest on it.

The KESC could not claim that the residential consumers had not paid KESC’s monthly electricity bills because the utility’s team assigned to disconnection constantly monitors those consumers who due to any reason failed to pay off their electricity bills for successive three months or upto Rs 5,000 of accumulated amount of electricity bills.

The utility has a print of shameful text on the front of monthly electricity bill, which is as:

“Hum Bijli Chooratay Hain Tub hi Hamaray Bachchay Iskoolon Main Garmi Say Behaal Hotay Hain” (Since we (the KESC’s consumers) steal the electricity therefore our children face hot climate in classrooms).

Definitely, KESC do not send bills to those electricity consumers who steal the electricity by Kunda system, as the utility has claimed. Proper bills could only be served to those who have legal electricity connections.

KESC feels no reluctance to disconnect electricity connections of any consumers who fail to pay the dues. The KESC was sending such bills to legal consumers with humiliating text.

The KESC should rather take measures for improving flaws in the distribution system and reducing line losses. If the KESC feels there were illegal connections in the city, it should ask the government for help rather they should hurt the self-esteem of the legal and respectable consumers.

In fact, the citizens of the city have been left at the mercy of KESC. There is no time limit of load sheding, which exceeds many hours but the bills carry cumbersome and heavy amounts.

While talking to Daily Times, many citizens who pointed out that humiliating text on KESC’s electricity bill said that if the government or any authority was unable to address citizens’ agony that has worsened by the KESC’s heavy and increased tariff, at least they should ask the KESC to remove such indecent language from bills.

Defunct KDA, KMC still await devolution

2010-01-29T09:37:00.000-08:00

December 24, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The two major autonomous authorities, the defunct Karachi Development Authority (KDA) and the defunct Karachi Municipal Corporation (LMC) have yet to be devolved fully while despite a decade has passed over, the fateful authorities and consequently their employees are still in dilemma particularly they are facing cumbersome environment regarding all aspects.

Sources privy to these situations have said that as regards to the specific situation of the city of Karachi, which is the largest metropolitan city of the country, the disbursement of salaries and perks and lawful privileges of these two defunct authorities are still a big question mark.

The sources have reminded that it was pertinent to mention that the devolution plan was aimed at to decentralize the powers upto the grass root level in order to ensure involvement of the citizens in policy-making and planning compartments of the system in Pakistan.

This was followed by the establishment of local government systems in the country with separate local government ordinances (LGO).

The agenda thus prescribed was to reconstruct the national institutions of the state.

However, the prime objectives of the devolution in case of these two defunct authorities especially ensuring functioning of offices to improve service delivery and to eliminate delays in decisions made for disposing of the matters concerned via increased administrative and financial authority are yet to be given to these two defunct authorities.

The sources have further added that these two defunct authorities have been merged with the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) but these were not devolved. Henceforth, the CDGK has to cater to these defunct authorities for their financial and other related concerns, which have proved an awesome responsibility.

The sources have claimed that the CDGK has to arrange for monthly salaries of officers and these two defunct authorities, which comes to Rs 600 million of which Rs 100 million and Rs 400 million are for the defunct KDA and the defunct KMC respectively. Further, around Rs 100 are for pension for both.

The sources further said that after devolution, provincial government has been held responsible for salaries plus 20 percent increases in salaries and pension money for all devolved institutions but these two authorities have been pending with the decision for declaring them as fully devolved departments.

However, the provincial government releases funds for the salaries and perks and pension only for those employees that fall under fully devolved category. Nonetheless, the defunct KDA and the defunct KMC stand to be as being suspended amid devolved and non-devolved category.

The sources added that the CDGK has not yet disbursed salaries or pension for the month of Dec to the employees of these defunct authorities, which is Rs 600 million. Although the CDGK has arranged for the required funds but still they are facing an acute shortfall of Rs 120 million of which Rs 80 million and Rs 140 million are for the defunct KDA and the defunct KMC respectively.

The sources claimed that the Single Line Transfer Fund are restricted to only devolved portion of the CDGK and the employees of this portion get their salaries and other benefits from the provincial government through Accountant General of Sindh.

The sources said that the financial releases in terms of Octroi and Zilla Tax in favour of the CDGK are also insufficient as this amounts to Rs 284 million.

KESC can give no guarantee to end load sheding unless theft was not stopped, says CEO Tabish Gauhar

2010-01-29T09:33:00.000-08:00

December 26, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Karachi Electric Supply Company’s (KESC) new grid station installed at Gulshan-e Maymar was officially inaugurated on Tuesday. City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal had performed the inauguration. The new grid station is claimed to cater to around 17,000 new consumers mainly city new industrial zone, the SITE-II alongwith domestic consumers, as well.

Speaking on the occasion Ahsan Arshad of SITE-II Association claimed that with the start of the grid station, foreign investors have in acclamation to KESC’s efforts showed their interest to shift their capital from Punjab to city.

Speaking on the occasion, the KESC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tabish Gauhar said that the utility had assured the government for 9 new grid stations of which 6 have so far been installed. The new grid station installed at Gulshan-e Maymar has cost the utility Rs 460 million and it was completed in 11 months.

The CEO claimed that the grid station would cater to power needs of SITE-II, Housing projects of scheme 33, Federal A and B areas where power load was enhanced while the system had depreciated to end.

The CEO further claimed that the utility has till date invested Rs 20 billion in the system of which Rs 16 billion were drawn from Al-Abraaj’s shareholders while the remaining Rs 4 billion was from Federal government. Thus, the utility has thus added 450 MW to the system, he added.

The CEO said that certain projects for further improvement work in many of city areas worth Rs 2.5 billion would be completed by Jun 30, 2010.

The CEO alleged the theft of power in city was rampant due to which the utility was driven to shed load. The utility could not offer any guarantee as when the load shedding would come to an end until the theft of power was not fully eliminated. The theft of power was the key reason behind utility’s financial deficits, which has prevented it spending money on purchase of fuel oil, he added.

The CEO said that the utility could not overcome the power crisis with investments only but the leakages and thefts need to be eliminated promptly. “We could not give any deadline for end to load shedding unless the theft of power was not stopped”.

As well, there was a gas supply shortage as the utility in Dec had received just 100 million cubic feet (cu/ft) instead of 190 million cu/ft, he said.

The CEO said that two of Bin Qasim Thermal Power Station’s power generation units were completely outdated and has been closed for maintenance work.

The CEO said that the utility was passing through severe financial deficits while outstanding dues have reached upto Rs 45 billion at government’s end.

The CEO said that the utility would from coming Friday hold open public hearing starting from Gulshan-e Iqbal Town in order to listen to their grievances, complaints and suggestions regarding KESC.

The CEO said that the increases in power tariff were due to rise in fuel oil at international markets.

“The utility has around 18,000 faithful employees and has to take care of these as well, he informed”.

The CEO said that the utility has approached the government to award 40 percent subsidy to the poor consumers while the accumulated revenue would be returned to the consumers in terms of better services and system, he claimed.

The CEO said there was a gap between supply and demand suggesting that energy conservation plan should be adopted in full letter and spirit, which could ensure saving around 200 MW.

The CEO said that the utility has proposed that city’s markets should open in the early wee hours and close by 7 pm but if they do not come up with their consent then they should use their private generators after that time.

In his address, city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal said that criticizing the KESC blatantly was not justified because doing so would levy damage to citizens. Henceforth, care should be taken when condemning the utility. Being citizens, problems at the KESC’s end should also be considered, as the utility was one of national assets.

He said that although the load shedding has levied damage to CDGK’s efforts but the later has always offered its best cooperation to the utility for its efforts for improvements in the system.

The CDGK has also owned the KESC for the last four years. It was an easier job to create a fuss against the utility but since the utility proved they owned the city so the CDGK did not tolerate road cutting and even Karachi water and sewerage Board’s Managing Director was booked in an FIR for road cutting but the KESC was always exempted.

He said that in the prevailing scenario when the institutions have been engulfed by the corruption, the utility looks as if they were the angels so irrespective to ethnic or political affiliations, the utility should be assisted.

He said that those who steal the electricity and do not pay utility bills especially electricity and water were taking Haraam and all their good deeds were useless. Not a single religious scholar ever preached for the true Jihad, not to tell lie, not to indulge in power theft, etc.

He said that if power stealing was not eliminated, the load shedding would never end even if a dozens more power utility start their operations.

He urged for appropriate and formal arrangements between the utility and the towns and union council nazims for consolidated efforts for the improvement measures.
He urged the citizens to take up the Jihad for paying KESC’s bills and stop stealing electricity.

He asked what was the difference between mobile snatchers at gunpoint and those that steal the electricity?

Salient Features:
Project 132 KV GULSHAN-E-MAYMAR GRID STATION with Capacity of 40 MVA is an outdoor station and hybrid of conventional and GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) with control and monitoring through a state-of-art automation system.

Total cost: Rs. 450.29 million
Feeders Energized: 09 Nos.
Areas benefited: Gulshan-e-Maymar area, Ahsanabad Area, New Societies in KDA Scheme-33, SITE-II Industrial Area.
Feeders:
1.Maymar Complex
2. Kali Market
3. Ahsanabad
4. Pole – 21 RMU
5. Pole 19/5
6. Chambelli RMU
7. NCB
8. Win Mark
9. Sector ‘R’

Turkey considers rescue workers’ training in city

2010-01-29T09:26:00.000-08:00

City District Government Karachi has already completed infrastructure upliftment in the city so as to promote incentives for foreign investment and the Turkish investors would also be provided with best facilities and support: Syed Mustafa Kamal

December 28, 2009
By Irfan Aligi
KARACHI: The ambassador of the republic of Turkey Hizlan called on city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal at city nazim’s secretariat on Thursday and had discussed matters of mutual interests.

On the occasion, the city nazim apprised the Turkish convoy about importance of city of Karachi in the wider perspective as regards to South East Asian region.

He said that the city offers countless opportunities for trade and industry especially to the foreign investors while the Turkish businessmen should also benefit from the geo-economic role of the city.

He further said that the City District Government Karachi has already completed infrastructure upliftment in the city so as to promote incentives for foreign investment and the Turkish investors would also be provided with best facilities and support.

He reminded that Pakistan and the republic of Turkey have time-tested strong brotherly relations and suggested that since Istanbul has one of the best rapid bus transport system while they have also excelled in the rescue works particularly in the earthquakes, it could provide valuable cooperation to CDGK in its Rapid Bus Transport System and training program for the rescue workers and in the solid waste management field.

The Turkish ambassador assured city nazim that Turkey would soon arrange for the training of the rescue workers in the city for which a permanent office would also be established in the city so that the training could be arranged on permanent basis.

Let the talented you play a role for stronger Pakistan: Says Syed Mustafa Kamal, the City Nazim

2010-01-29T09:14:00.000-08:00

City nazim at KASBIT reception:

38 families have governed the country since past 60 years but they did not even establish a primary school in their jurisdiction while they sent their wards to foreign countries for education

December 27, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Karachi Jan 27: The Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari Institute of Technology (KASBIT) hosted a reception in City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal’s honor on Wednesday to allow KASBIT students share the experience and know-how on administration and good governance in the prevailing political and social situation of Pakistan especially the city of Karachi.

While addressing the students’ assembly inside the KASBIT, the city nazim defined the precincts of the elite ruling classes’ dynasty with reference to gap between the rulers and the citizens.

He added that the core elite class has with full force impeded the way of true democracy and citizens’ sharing in public making measures while they have ruthlessly obstructed outlets for the talented, intelligent and educated youth from the middle class from playing their vital role for stronger, prosperous and politically as well as economically self-reliant Pakistan.

But still, the youth were the future of the country and they should recognize their status and realize their responsibilities toward building the country from all aspects so they should focus on most modern scientific innovations, tools and means for a better country, said city nazim, adding that the future of Pakistan was associated with the youth filled with ambitions and logical aims and objectives, which is just one step away from them.

The only step was to allow the youth hailing from the middle class with appropriate opportunities. The youth from the middle class constitutes around 98 percent of country’s whole population that could build the country in just four years as was done by the youth of the city of Karachi.

City nazim added that 38 families have governed the country since past 60 years but they did not even establish a primary school in their jurisdiction while they sent their wards to foreign countries for education.

“How could Pakistan progress in such conditions”, he asked adding that only those who have suffered with the problems could perceive the pangs of the real problems of society. The youth from the middle class youth could only solve the problems of common man because they could be held accountable to the people, which were impossible as regards to aforementioned 38 ruling families.

City nazim said claimed that his leader and Muttahidda Qaumi Movement Chief Altaf Hussain was the leader who ensured opening of new avenues for the youth, which was manifested in city’s immense development.

The city of Karachi has thus set up a new example of serving the people and addressing their grievances in just four years.

On this occasion a documentary depicting city’s development during last four years was also screened.

Long awaited Banaras flyover would be open for traffic in March

2010-01-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

The CDGK under drastic financial deficit has to bear 50 percent of total expenditures while the Sindh government is the shareholder for the remaining 50 percent expenses. However, CDGK and KESC had agreed an amount that would not exceed Rs 20 million.

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The ongoing construction work on Banaras Flyover is nearing completion on a fast track basis as 80 percent of the construction work has been completed. The flyover is the only one in the history of the city that has been delayed due to changes in its design for two times, one for the increase in total span of the bridge while the other was to save hundreds of shops, hotels and residential premises.

The overhead heavy transmission lines were also a major impediment, which the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has recently resolved after reaching a modus operandi and expenses’ share with the Karachi Electric Supply Company as the KESC was demanding Rs 100 million to meet the shifting of poles and cables from the venue.

The flyover was stretched for further 1.25-km in length. Henceforth, these changes in the designs and subsequent delay in completion of the flyover has also caused a hefty increase of development expenditures from Rs 370 million to Rs 1.10 billion.

The CDGK under drastic financial deficit has to bear 50 percent of total expenditures while the Sindh government is the counter shareholder for the remaining 50 percent expenses. However, CDGK and KESC had agreed to an amount that would not exceed Rs 20 million.

The delay was also enhanced due to lesser releases of funds by the Sindh government on quarterly schedule of releases and the delay has caused around 2 million people to suffer in different aspects such as traffic gridlocks, narrow muddy passage for constantly heavy traffic round the clock, dust storm and elongation of travel time with jolts and shovels.

In this regard, City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal visited the site of construction as he has been frequently visiting the construction site of Banaras Flyover caused triggering the pace of ongoing construction work.

On Thursday, he again visited the construction site of the flyover after he had inaugurated the Afza Altaf children park in Orangi Town on Thursday.

While talking to media persons, city nazim claimed that the flyover total cost of construction would come to Rs1.4 billion and it would be open for the traffic by Mar 2010.

He added that the flyover would cater to millions of people while Orangi Town and other areas in the vicinity would get connected to main city routes because the flyover would also cause a vivid decline in traveling problems including passage of time.

He also announced that CDGK would establish an institute of heart diseases in Orangi Town and another bulk water supply line would be installed besides that CDGK has already completed a water project for the Orangi Town for supply of 5-million gallon of water per day.

In reply to a question, city nazim said that the National Highway Authority had initiated the construction of a link road connecting Orangi Town to North Nazimabad via Shahra-e Noor Jehan but they had left the project halfway. This had caused CDGK to spend Rs 40 million to complete the project.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal delivers keys of arson-affected markets to traders

2010-01-29T08:54:00.000-08:00

Out of 26 arson-affected markets 9 have been reconstructed and keys of these markets have been delivered to the original traders

December 19, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has delivered keys of several markets to the traders after completing necessary repair, reconstruction and renovation was done to these markets.

This was performed during a ceremony held at the arson-affected Bolton Market on Tuesday.

Those who received keys included Muhammad Mumtaz of Zameendar Market, Noor Ahmed Rehan of Farooque Fancy Feroze market, Muhammad Saeed of Hamid market No 1, Habib Hashim of Hamid market No 2, Syed Zahid Ali of B K Trust Market, Imran of Bolton Market (Marvan Plastics), Mansoor of Bolton Market (Fine Plastics) and Suhail of Good luck Plastics and Juma Khan of Light House Used Cloth market Traders Association’s president.

The traders on the occasion addressed the ceremony and a trader Muhammad Hanif presented a resolution on behalf of the traders fraternity in condemnation to certain political and religious parties, which they claimed had tried to manipulate the arson and carnage for their interest and to create unrest in the city on ethnic and religious grounds.
Bolton Market Traders Association (BMTA) Chairman Asif Rasheed while addressing the ceremony lauded Muttahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) and city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal for their contribution for quick rehabilitation of the arson-affected traders within three weeks.

He requested city nazim to play his role regarding immediate lease of their premise in Bolton Market because that traders were in dire need of it.

Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) Managing Director Tabish Gauhar said that his company had installed around 900 electricity tariff meters while Rs 1.20 million have been spent on different operations.

He said that the utility had exempted electricity bill for the month of Dec while bills for Jan to Mar have been deferred till Apr. The traders would be taken into confidence on the issue of deferred bills to see how they could manage to settle the deferred payments.

He said that KESC has in collaboration with Phillips Pakistan arranged for 10,000 energy savers of which the later would give 4,000.

Addressing the ceremony, city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal said that out of 26 arson-affected markets 9 have been reconstructed and keys of these markets have been delivered to the original traders.

He said that it was a gigantic task to address but City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has within 20 days completed it with the help of the citizens, different institutions, MQM lawmakers, Association of Builders and developers (ABAD), KESC, Sui Southern Gas Company, contractors of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) and CDGK.

He said that those who had tried to politicize the CDGK Fire department should answer why authorities failed to detect a bomb and why they failed to control the rioters that wreaked havoc and set market on fire.

He assured that no matter how much was the total loss but 90 percent of that would be reimbursed to the affected traders.

He said that neither the CDGK nor the provincial or federal governments paid any penny to the affected traders but they were the citizens that have arranged for the financial assistance till date.

Ground breaking ceremony of reconstruction of Quetta Walla Building:

Later, city nazim performed groundbreaking ceremony of reconstruction of Quetta Walla Building and assured traders that the building would be reconstructed according to older plan and the premise would not be squeezed.

It is pertinent to mention that ABAD would reconstruct the said building and according to an ABAD’s representative, it would cost around Rs 100 million.

Inauguration of 12 development projects in Baldia Town:

Meanwhile, city nazim inaugurated 12 different projects including a sports complex in Baldia Town worth Rs 105 million.

While talking to media, city nazim said that the sports stadium would be handed over to Rashid Latif for onward management.

City nazim said that CDGK has developed the sports stadium for the people of Baldia Town, which was considered as largest residential colony of the under-privileged and it could be compared to any other sports stadium in country and abroad.

In reply to a question, city nazim said that CDGK has developed hundreds of parks and sports grounds for people’s recreation. These projects have cost billions of rupees but despite drastic financial deficits, CDGK would not impose any fee on citizens but the citizens would own these projects with their contributions in all respects.

He said that these parks and playgrounds have created thousands of job opportunities for the citizens and sportsman and their organisations.

Challenges could only be coped with use of modern technology, says city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal

2010-01-03T09:08:00.000-08:00

CCPO Waseem Ahmed visits CDGK Command and Control Room:

December 27, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Karachi Waseem Ahmed alongwith SSP Dr Amin Yousuf Zai and other police officers visited City District Government Karachi’s (CDGK) Command and Control Room to witness the city’s digital monitoring facility on ninth of Muharram on Sunday.

The CCPO Karachi said that the law enforcement agencies particularly the Police have effectively used CDGK’s command and control system for eyeing on the routes of Muharram procession so as to ensure maximum protection to the citizens.

On the occasion, city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal addressed the media and said that CDGK has facilitated city’s administration with 275 video cameras being installed on different location enroute while further 100 were in pipeline.

Kamal added that the purpose of establishing such a state of the art surveillance system was only for the citizens’ security amid escalating threats of terrorist activities. As yet, the authorities, law enforcement agencies, Capital City Police, elected legislators; CDGK and its officers and nazims have through a collective effort ensured peace and harmony in the city and throughout the routes where the surveillance system was available, inch-by-inch were being monitored constantly.

Kamal while talking to Daily Times said that every step would be taken to ensure complete harmony in the city and none would be allowed to disturb the city because this city is the backbone of country’s economy and people from every district, province and area of the country have lived here.

Kamal urged the citizens should also play their role and come forward to assist the government to ensure peace and so to send a message across the world that the Karachiites were lovers of peace and they hated the terrorists.

Kamal reminded that the present day challenges were of an era of internet technology and in order to cope with these challenges, it was imperative that the use of modern surveillance technology was guaranteed in full letter and spirit.

Kamal said that his party, Muttahidda Qaumi Movement was a liberal one and has a uniform policy for everyone. “The Haq Parasts believe in humanity and the have been catering to the citizens in strict accordance with the teachings of MQM Chief Altaf Hussein.

CDGK Veterinary Department has yet to be devolved after 9 years

2010-01-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

“The Veterinary Department has a crucial role to play regarding quality and hygienic edible food such as veal, meat and poultry but it has just one vehicle for a city with huge population, thousands of meat and veal shops. The DO Vet.D is so powerless that he could not impose just one rupee as fine against offenders”

December 27, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Since devolution in 2001, the veterinary department (Vet.D) of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has been ignored while it has key role to play as regards to ensuring quality of certain edible goods.

A well-placed officer told Daily Times that the devolution made in 2001 and protected with the Sindh Local Government Ordinance-2001 has made it mandatory for the Town Municipal Administrations (TMA) to adopt necessary measures for enabling the Vet.D to function in the true spirit of quality-assuring bureaux for the protection of citizens’ rights for quality goods.

The officer further said that the section 45-A (K) of the SLGO-2001 binds the TMAs to make necessary arrangements to curb illegal slaughterhouses and ensure constant quality of meat and veal through flawless monitoring and examination of the product at the time of slaughtering and while on sale at shops. Unfortunately, these measures have yet to be taken.

The entire Vet.D is barren in terms of logistic support as there is just a single van for a city of around 18 million people, more than 400 small, medium and large markets and 25,000 meat and veal shops, around 1,000 shops for poultry meat, two official slaughter House and countless illegal private abattoirs but one poor Vet.D without required manpower, equipments, powers for regulating schemes and ordering the maintenance of quality and hygiene of these edible varieties of food, the officer claimed.

The officer said that the District Officer Vet.D had once banned outcoming of live animals from city’s largest slaughterhouse but to no avail as the stakeholders had posed great law and order threat.

The said DO had sought imposition of section 144 of the Cr PC time and again but it was not favoured due to undisclosed reasons. The Vet.D has another plan to seek these measures take force after tenth of Muharram so as to strictly monitor and curb the menace, Daily Times has reliably learnt.

The officer added that it is the TMAs’ responsibility especially Town Officer Municipal Regulations (TOMR) to see that no single piece of meat and veal was sold at shops without Vet.D’s official stamp. The stamped product is sign of quality while the rest was risky and could be hazardous to citizens’ health. The unstamped product has lesser value in terms of price and is inflicting loss of revenue as well.

The officer regretted as he termed that these TMORs were a burden on CDGK because they had failed to fulfill their official responsibilities, but still they have been offered such lucrative jobs with mentionable pay and perks and extraordinary powers adding that it was a misery that the DO Vet.D was not allowed to impose fine even for Rs one to any offender while these TMAs’ secretaries have been conferred upon these lavish powers, who could impose penalty upto Rs 500.

It has been revealed to Daily Times that the TMAs secretaries and TOMRs have turned a blind eye on these issues of illegal abattoirs for personal benefits.

Shopkeepers also told Daily Times that the members of CDGK price control committee and Sindh government food inspectors had been receiving their shares in terms of best part of product for free and some money once in a week.

In this regard, a veal merchant who sells “pressure walla gosht” (water-injected veal for increasing weight) told Daily Times that Police of the area concerned was paid Bhutta (Extortion money) worth Rs 1, 000 per month per shop.

However, the Vet.D has so far conducted more than 150 raids and confiscated around 35,000 kgs of meat and veal without legal stamping, Daily Times has learned.

City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal satisfied with CDGK’s vigilance measures for Muharram

2010-01-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

December 26, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has ensured concrete security measures for Muharram-Ul Haram while Capital City Police (CCP) and Citizens Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) have been facilitated with direct access to CDGK’s Command and Control Room for strict vigilance on certain sensitive areas especially from the Nishter Park to Merewether Tower through latest close circuit cameras and latest monitoring technology.

Thus the CDGK has paved ways for flawless vigilance of city’s specified routes so as to ensure maximum protection for the citizens of the city, as the arrangements have been made to cover inch-by-inch of the areas under vigilance.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal stated these views while he spent hours in the CDGK’s Command and Control Room to oversee the efficacy of these measures on Saturday.

Kamal then took to the streets to look at the practicability of assigned tasks, which he declared satisfactory.

During his visit, officer deputed on ascertaining the pons and crons of the arrangements briefed him that the CDGK has in pursuance to Police’s advice established various monitoring camps on the routes of Muharram while city wardens and fire brigade would remain alert at various designated locations.

Kamal on that occasion said that CCP personnel led by a senior police officer and the CPLC officials would monitor city’s situation from CDGK’s Command and Control Room for two days, adding that the city government has already finalized all the arrangements in this regard.

Kamal said that the entire route of Muharram procession commencing from the Nishter Park to Merewether Tower especially M A Jinnah Road was sensitive and important as regards to religious and political events. Henceforth, CDGK has arranged for the monitoring of every inch of the area.

Kamal added that CDGK’s Command and Control System was not devised only to function during Muharram days but it tends to be serving throughout the year and round the clock.

Kamal expressed his hopes as he commented that with the use of CDGK’s Command and Control System, CCP and other law enforcement agencies would get tangible assistance regarding executing their professional responsibilities.

Kamal said that in order to provide dedicated services to the mourners, CDGK has made excellent arrangements for Muharram as the fire brigade, doctors, paramedics, ambulances, water and sewerage jetting machines have been deployed on different locations on the route of procession so that they could react anytime in cases of emergencies.

It is pertinent to mention that the CDGK has deployed CWs, CDGK Ambulance service 1122, fire brigade and KWSB officials at Missile Fuwwara Chowrangi and Preedy Street. The CWs have been assigned to stay alert at Kharadar, Jama Cloth Market, Old Numaish, Ayesha Manzil, Nishter Park, Ancholi, Jamia Sibtain, Abu Turab, DHA Phase-IV and at signal free corridors.

City Nazim inaugurates postgraduate bloc at Sir Syed College

2010-01-03T08:30:00.000-08:00

December 22, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has inaugurated a new postgraduate courses block in Sir Syed Government Girls College on Tuesday. City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has spent Rs 83.89 million.

Further, city nazim laid foundation stone for a 400-seat Auditorium Hall in the college, which would further cost CDGK Rs 10.21 million. Installation of centralized air-conditioning system and electric generators would be an additional feature of auditorium.

The international standard of the hall would be used for holding national and international events and conferences besides college functions. City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal stated this while talking to media on the occasion.

District Coordination Officer Karachi Muhammad Javed Hanif Khan, Executive District Officer Works and Services Rasheed Mughal, Liaquatabad Town Nazim Hafiz Usama Qadri and other officers accompanied city nazim.

He said that CDGK has so far completed construction of 451 buildings including more than 20 model schools in education sector during last four years with a cost over Rs 9,300 million.

He said that if he had started inaugurating one by one, it would result inauguration of 50 projects per day.

He said that the construction of postgraduate block in Sir Syed College would provide an opportunity to students for higher and the postgraduate campus would be affiliated with Karachi University for Master degree courses in Computer Science, Commerce, Quran, Suunah and the Islamic Studies.

Bacha Khan Flyover: Meanwhile, City Nazim has said that construction of Bacha Khan Flyover at Banaras Chowk would be completed in next four months with an estimated cost of Rs 1,400 million.

He said that the flyover at Banaras Chowk starting from Abdullah Government Girls College North Nazimabad to Metro Cinema in Orangi Town was named after Bacha Khan and it was very tedious to complete due to several impediments while it has cost lot of labour and money.

The pace of construction work would not be delayed or slowed down due to any excuse including paucity of necessary funds. All these projects were financed by public money and it would be a national loss if stopped.

The flyover would have completed much earlier but shifting of the underground water trunk line and other utilities beneath the flyover had caused unnecessary delay.

The shifting of water trunk has cost CDGK Rs 40 million. High-tension cables were other big hurdles, which would additionally cost CDGK Rs 45 million.

KW&SB officials patron of illegal hydrants, says KWTOWA

2009-12-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

December 22, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Despite stern measures and imposition of section 144 of Cr PC by the City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has failed to curb operations of illegal water hydrants in city.

KWSB officials have been blaming law enforcement agencies for not providing security during disconnection campaign.

These officials have tie and again said that the Police of area concerned were involved in the menace for money. On the other hand, Hydrant Owners have alleged KWSB officials were behind the menace.

As well, KWSB Chief Engineer Bulk Najmi Alam had recently told Daily Times that a high profile religious scholar was also involved in illegal hydrant business and has been operating an illegal hydrant in SITE town’s limits.

Alam had also said that during disconnection move of the illegal hydrant, supporters of that scholar had created law and order situation while Police of the area concerned had lagged to take any action. Henceforth, the disconnection could not complete.

There are around 200 illegal hydrants that are operating in the city while ancient conduit has also been damaged for digging out a connection.

It has also been alleged that KWSB officials were involved in selling water quota for the residents of certain residential colonies especially Malir Town to industries for hefty bribe. In this regard, a member of City Council Afsar Khan had pointed out this on various occasions.

There are certain popular hydrants, areas and owners or operators with majority of illegal hydrants such as Raees Mianwali hydrant, Future Colony and alongside the Liyari River, hydrants in Chakra Goth, Zia Colony and Sharifabad, Manghopir, Ayub Goth at Super Highway, Malir Town, Landhi Town and Gadap Town. M Jan Afridi, M Mushtaque and Mashallah, a police officer named Khanzada and others including Iqbal Soomro and Niazi run illegal hydrants in Korangi Town.

Karachi Water Tankers Owners Welfare Association’s (KWTOWA) General Secretary Hazoor Bux told Daily Times that the Chief Engineer Najmi Alam, Executive Engineer of area concerned and other KWSB officials were behind illegal hydrants for hefty money.
Bux claimed that Najmi Alam had received Rs 200,000 to 400,000 for awarding permission for illegal hydrant. As well, each water tanker owner pays Rs 400 to these hydrant operators for water filling for 2,000 gallons, he alleged.
Bux further claimed that the Town Municipal Administrations concerned have been extorting Rs 100,000 from each of illegal water hydrants monthly falling in their limits. Recently, the TMAs have raised monthly fee up to Rs 200,000 per hydrant.
Bux said that six month ago, he on behalf of KWTOWA had written an appeal to KWSB Managing Director Qutbuddin Sheikh for ban of illegal hydrants and curbing KWSB officials’ involvement but to no avail.
Bux also said that on Monday, Dec 21, he had called a well-placed officer in the CDGK and had given him a letter on the same issue so that necessary measures could be taken regarding control of illegal hydrants in the city.

Hotels, shops, marriage halls occupy Karachi’s 80% footpaths

2009-12-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Encroachment of public places, such as footpaths, link roads and main roads, all over the city has become a menace.

Concerned town municipal administrations (TMAs) of the City District Government Karachi have failed to fulfil their responsibilities regarding removal of such encroachments.

A well-placed officer in the CDGK Land Revenue Department said around 150 marriage halls, and barbeque hotels, restaurants and burger stalls have encroached more than 80 percent of the city’s footpaths on either side of the roads and in the middle as well.

He cited that the highest number of such violations could be observed in the towns of North Nazimabad and Gulberg - from Gulberg Chowrangi to Samanabad, from Ayesha Manzil to Yaseenabad, from Ancholi to Gulberg Chowrangi and from Water Pump to the entire rear side of Yousuf Plaza.

He said the city’s marriage halls generally and those particularly in the towns of Gulberg, North Nazimabad and Gulshan-e-Iqbal have been causing constant gridlocks, especially from Golden Gate near Matric Board Office to Sakhi Hassan Chowrangi in North Nazimabad and from Mukka Chowk to Yaseenabad in Gulberg Town.

He also said the encroachments were worst in North Nazimabad, as all barbeque hotels, shops and restaurants around Five Star Chowrangi, Pakistan Shipowners’ College and Landi Kotal Chowrangi had encroached every single footpath.

He further said the area in North Nazimabad from Five Star Chowrangi to Sakhi Hassan becomes blocked due to parking of hundreds of cars on both sides of the link roads and main roads.

It is the duty of concerned TMAs and DIG traffic to ensure the roads are clear, but unfortunately, the practice of parking vehicles on roads in front of the marriage halls continues and it is entirely basic human rights’ violation that the restaurants have encroached footpaths besides their premises for a petty fee, he added.

On New MA Jinnah Road in Jamshed Town there are no footpaths for the pedestrians as countless car showroom owners have occupied them, while a popular barbeque hotel near Allah Wala Chowrangi on Tariq Road had permanently occupied a link road, he said.

KIHD launches 3-year diploma in cardiac technology

2009-12-25T07:46:00.001-08:00

December 24, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases (KIHD) has a 3-year diploma course in the faculty of cardiac technology after the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan approved and recognized the KIHD for the faculty.

Cardiologist Prof. S M Abdur Rab in his address said that Karachi was a mega city and the only cardiovascular institute did not meet city’s requirement regarding heart patients from every nook and corner of the city.

Prof. Rab further said that without use of latest technology and advanced healthcare facilities survival becomes a question itself so it was imperative that we should equip ourselves with latest developments in all fields especially the medical science.

He said that KIHD was in fact like a dream come true for the people and it would surely serve the ailing humanity.

He advised the students to take their studies seriously and explore new dimensions of professional expertise and excellence in their performances.

While addressing the audience, KIHD executive director Dr Abdus Samad paid tribute to City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal as he said that KIHD has been transformed into a well standard cardiac institute of the city because city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal wanted so as he kept him involved in the development personally. City nazim has with utmost devotion ensured upgradation of a small clinic to present cardiac medical complex.

He added that KIHD would soon have a nursing institute as well while the medical and surgical wards would start functioning soon.

CDGK Health Group of Offices Executive District Officer Dr Attur Das Sanjnani said that CPSP’s recognition of KIHD as teaching institute was an honor for KIHD and CDGK.

He added that despite worst financial constraints CDGK has managed to fulfill all requirements of its hospitals and medical institutes.

City Nazim’s coordinator for health affairs Masood Naqi said that spent Rs 600 million on completion of phase-II of KIHD.

It is pertinent to mention that city Nazim Sued Mustafa Kamal had to perform the launch of diploma but due to hectic engagements in other vital sectors, he could not do it. People had gathered across the venue of KIHD to see a glimpse of him but they were disappointed.

2000 patent applications withdrawn, rejected: PPMA

2009-12-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

December 24, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: More than 2,000 patent applications of multinational pharmaceutical companies (MNCs) have been withdrawn by them or rejected by the drug authorities in Pakistan because of the firm legal struggle of Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA).

This was stated by the legal consultants of PPMA Karim Ali Adni during a seminar organised by PPMA WTO Committee. He said that these applications of MNCs did not even meet the basis criteria of patentability. Chairman PPMA Zahid Saeed, Regional Chairman Tariq Ikram, and Former Chairman Dr. Kaiser Waheed also present on the occasion.

As much as, 5,000 black box patent applications were filed during 2008 by MNCs in response to government's initiative to register patents. They filed dual applications in violation of law as they were seeking protection of internationally expired patents, he added.

He clarified that a "patent" carries an inventive step and is a significant development and must have industrial application.

He said that PPMA has so far filed 434 patent opposition, which is about 50 percent of pharmaceutical patent applications advertised. Of these, over 50 applications have already been decided in PPMA's favour through withdrawal and abandonment, he added.

Adni pointed out that replies have been received in 195 cases and added that PPMA was opposing those applications on the ground that they were "unlawful".
He said that WTO Committee of PPMA has decided to protect the generic industry in Pakistan and take offensive against MNCs who were trying to defame PPMA at every platform.

He said PPMA has opposed some important molecules including PEG-Interferon, Omeprazole, Gabapentin, combination of Pregablin and Gabapentin, Azithromycin, Aripiprazole, Benzimidazole, Tegaserode, atorvastatin, Resuvastatin and Clopidogrel.

Adni said that Pharma Bureau, which is representing MNCs, has started a campaign to tarnish PPMA's reputation and feeding disinformation to authorities and the public in addition to filling fraudulent and ever green patents.
MNCs are trying to create a misconception that generic production was equal to counterfeit.

He said WTO Committee is fighting MNCs tooth and nail and is successfully challenging these misconceptions.

Adni pointed out that WTO Committee has been successfully fighting to prevent the enactment of Data Protection and Patent Linkage legislation, which are being forced upon the government by MNCs and international pressure.

These measures can cripple PPMA members and restrict them from entering new areas.

WTO Committee has challenged this campaign by giving presentations and lobbied PPMA's position before the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Health Secretary, DG Health, Chairman IPO, DG IPO and members of the Cabinet Division and Planning Commission.

DHA establishes free medical camp

2009-12-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

December 24, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: As part of DHA’s initiative on health awareness programme on diabetics, hepatitis, anemia and other serious health problems, free medical camps alongwith necessary diagnostic facilities have been established at various institutions of DHA.

In this regard, DHA has ensured establishment of free medical camps with the support of a private laboratory and diagnostic centre under the aegis of DHA Medical on Dec 23 and would continue till Jan 8.

Further, eminent doctors and medical experts have been taken on board to deliver awareness-based lectures to the DHA residents.

DHA administrator Brig. Khalid Tirmizi has on the occasion of inauguration of first free medical camp established at DHA Main Office in Defence Phase-I said that health awareness was vital for developing a dynamic society with positive outlook towards life because a healthy mind was possible with a healthy body.

Brig Tirmizi appreciated the initiative of Dr Essa’s Lab and hoped that a large number of DHA residents and employees would benefit from the erstwhile healthy awareness arrangements.

Is KESC implying all Karachiites are thieves?

2009-12-25T07:34:00.000-08:00

December 24, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: As part of its efforts to curb power theft, the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) has come up with a unique way of reminding consumers that stealing electricity results in negative consequences, however, the power utility has ignored the fact that in the process it is humiliating the bill-paying and law abiding consumers.

The KESC has printed a shameful slogan on electricity bills, which goes as: “Hum bijli churatay hain tub hi hamaray bachay iskoolon main garmi say behaal hotay hain” (Since we [KESC’s consumers] steal electricity, our children have to suffer the heat in schools.)For those who pay their bills on time and still endure long hours of load shedding, this is like rubbing salt into the wounds.

Those consumers who are being sent a bill obviously have legal connection, and even if they are stealing power through the kunda (hook) system, then it is the KESC’s inefficiency of not being able to take stern action against power thieves that is to blame.

Humiliating the law-abiding citizens through implying that they are power thieves is a strategy that makes little sense.Instead of hurting the self-esteem of legal consumers, the KESC should take measures to improve flaws in its distribution system and reduce line losses.

Talking to Daily Times, many citizens said they felt offended by the humiliating slogans printed on the KESC bills.They said if the government was unable to address the citizens’ woes, which have been worsened due to the tariff increase; it should at least ask the KESC to remove such language from bills.

Sindh Minister Katchi abadis Muhammad Rafique Engineer Advocate oversees construction of SBBMC in LGH

2009-12-25T07:29:00.000-08:00

December 23, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Sindh minister for Katchi Abadis and Spatial Development Engineer Muhammad Rafique Advocate has said that the Liyari general Hospital was a precious gift by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto while the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Medical College is also a gift by the President Asif Ali Zardari to the lyarities under the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

The minister stated this on the occasion of his visit to LGH on Wednesday to witness the pace of development work of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Medical College, which is being established in LGH.

The Minister had on the occasion issued directives to LGH Medical Superintendent Dr Mukhtiar Khawaja to ensure completion of development works on time so that the academic session should start during current academic year.

The Minister said that the Government has initiated various programs to provide basic health facilities to the masses.

The minister also said that the people of Liyari would soon start taking benefits of these development projects under Lyari Development Package as government was taking concrete steps for the welfare of the people.

On the occasion the MS LGH Dr Mukhtiar Khawaja informed the Minister that Rs 222 million has been allocated for the purpose for the year 2009-10, which have been released.

He also informed the minister that in order to provide quality health facilities to the people, Rs 114 million have also been allocated during current year 2009-10 for the construction of cardiovascular ward in the hospital premises.

On the occasion, Lyari development package Project Director Shafique Ur Rehman Paracha informed the Minister about the ongoing development schemes in the area and said that a special monitoring system has been evolved to ensure quality of work in these schemes.

The minister also inaugurated installation of generator facility at the Lee Market and shah Waliullha Water Pumping Stations worth Rs 250 million.

The minister said that the conspirators have once again started their efforts to topple the elected government. He said that under a vested design, the youth of Liyari was engaged in unemployment and uneducated but Pakistan People's Party's elected government would address all such issues.

On the occasion, member provincial assembly Dr Saleem Hingoro said that ongoing development projects were a sign that the PPP's government has complete understanding of people's grievances and these would be resolved.

On the occasion, nazim Liyari Town Hashim Mehmood said that the Liyari has started the journey of development and prosperity while the elected legislators especially Rafique Engineers, Sardar Nabeel Gabol have been struggling for the betterment of Liyari.

Liaquatabad TMA disburses salaries to Christian employees

2009-12-25T07:25:00.000-08:00

December 23, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Liaquatabad Town Municipal Administration has disbursed salaries of Christian employees prior to the Christmas so as to facilitate them to celebrate their religious event with dignity and freedom. Liaquatabad Town nazim Hafiz Usama Qadri has stated this.

Qadri further said that Liaquatabad TMA has completed all necessary sanitation and lightening arrangements around the churches falling in the limits of the Liaquatabad TMA. He also greeted the Christian fraternity on the occasion of the Christmas.

KBCA claims to follow law on recruitments

2009-12-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

December 23, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) has said that recruitments on vacant positions in the KBCA were completely in accordance with the existing law.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, KBCA’s spoke person has clarified that linking a suit regarding recruitments on the basis of domicile of Sindh rural and the city to Sindh High Court’s decision dated Dec 18 was not correct.

The statement further said that the necessary formalities regarding the recruitments were lawfully adopted while a KBCA Board that comprised senior KBCA officials was interviewing the applicants.

MQM wants LG elections, says MNA Waseem Akhtar

2009-12-25T07:23:00.000-08:00

December 23, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Sindh Health Minister Dr Saghir Ahmed alongwith member national assembly Waseem Akhtar has inaugurated first computerized monitoring camp at M A Jinnah Road.

The Jamshed town Municipal Administration has established the computerized monitoring camp in order to ensure effective control of Muharram processions on M A Jinnah road amid escalating threats of terrorism.

In his address, Sindh Health Minister Dr Saghir Ahmed said that establishment of the computerized monitoring camp was a step ahead for securing the entire sensitive area during Muharram days.

The minister lauded nazim Jamshed town Javed Ahmed for executing the concrete measures for the protection of the citizens especially the mourners.

On the occasion, MNA Waseem Akhtar said that establishment of the computerized monitoring camp was a major step toward maintaining law and order in the area.

On the issue of Local Government System’s fate, Akhtar said that the government has been conveyed of necessary suggestions regarding local government and that Muttahidda Qaumi movement wanted local bodies elections so as to ensure continuation of the LG System.

CDGK established 350 parks in city, says city Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal

2009-12-25T07:19:00.000-08:00

December 23, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has so far established 350 parks in the city while Shuhada-e-Haq Model Family Park in union council No 8 in North Nazimabad Town has constructed this 4-acre park with a cost of Rs 20 million.

These 350 small and big parks and number of sports grounds would help improve the environment while various types of pollution and the citizens have got better and quality recreation facilities near to their homes.

He expressed these views on the occasion of inauguration of Shuhada-e-Haq Model Family Park in union council No 8 in North Nazimabad Town on Wednesday.

Hameed, member provincial Assembly Abdul Moeed Siddiqui, District Coordination Officer Karachi Muhammad Javed Hanif Khan, North Nazimabad Town Nazim Mumtaz Hameed and Director Parks and Horticulture Department Liaquat Ali Khan were also present.

He said that development was an ongoing process and it never ends at any point. Adding that the present development process in city must continue or the whole nation would have to bear the brunt of its stoppage.

Despite thousands of projects completed during last four years, not all the problems of citizens have been resolved and still a lot of work has to be done.

While developing the city, we never considered affiliation of locals to any particular group or party and besides main city areas, katchi abadies, rural areas and islands were also given equal importance in the journey of development.

He also cited the upgradation of Leprosy Hospital in Manghopir to a modern general hospital with state of the art facilities.

PAF VCAS lauds City nazim for cleanliness

2009-12-25T07:11:00.000-08:00

December 23, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Pakistan Air Force’s Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hifazat Ullah Khan has complimented City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal for his outstanding efforts to control the free movement of birds around the PAF airfields in the city especially during the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.

In a compliment letter to City Nazim, he has said that the PAF in her role as the sentinel of the nation against the external and internal challenges, strives continuously to preserve its combating potential and the effective measures that the city nazim had instituted in support of safe operations of the PAF have contributed immensely in fulfillment of this objective.

He expressed hope that the proactive approach of the city nazim supporting the PAF to fight the problem of birds around its airfields in the city would continue.

This may be noted that City District Government Karachi has improved sanitation condition in the city and lifted and transferred heaps of garbage and domestic waste to landfill sites.

The burial of offal kept the city clean during Eid days and protected the airplanes from being destroyed due to birds around the airfields and airport.

President Asif Ali Zardari to inaugurate Benazir Park next month, says city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal

2009-12-25T06:47:00.000-08:00

December 23, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City District Government Karachi (CDGK) had to indulge in a battle with the land mafia and other agencies to save the precious part of land reserved for landmark Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park. Some influential people wanted to grab this land for erecting a commercial complex or housing scheme on this land.

The Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park is nearing its completion and President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari would inaugurate the Park next month. CDGK has executed all works from construction to completion while the federal government had provided necessary funds in this regard.

City Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal stated on the occasion of Park’s inspection for overseeing the ongoing development works alongwith District Coordination Officer Karachi Muhammad Javed Hanif Khan.

CDGK Director General Parks and Horticulture Department Liaquat Ali Khan on that occasion briefed city nazim on the Park.

He said that the park was 3-km length and spread over 152-acres. Provision of various facilities such as food courts and wooden walking and jogging tracks have been ensured in the park alongwith more than 35 exercise machines and number of swings.

He also informed that a bridge was also constructed in order to link two sides of the park while plantation of lucrative and decorative trees and seasonal flowers would add to the scenic beauty of the Park.

CDGK spending Rs 25 million on Tyre Killers to prevent wrong entry

2009-12-25T06:33:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Installation of steel spikes at U-turns on city main roads and Signal Free Corridors (SFC) has added to financial deficit of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK).

The installation of steel spikes, which is given a common name of ‘Tyre Killers’, has become unavoidable so as to prevent traffic jamming and to control increasing road trauma and accidents.

A well-placed officer in CDGK Transport and Communication Department T&CD has told Daily Times that despite the fact that the CDGK has invested billions of rupees on infrastructure, roads and pavements, SFCs city, citizens have yet to manifest maturity towards use of public facilities.

Unfortunately, it has been presumed that standing in line or crossing road using pedestrian bridge would put an affront.

However, by the time, the situation would change especially the new generation’s change as regards to owning the city was a positive sign.

It is very inspiring that the citizens have played their role for protecting the bus shades so it is expected that the motorists would also make a show of responsibility.

CDGK T&CD Executive District Officer Shabih Ul Hasnain said that the motorists have been in a hurry to reach their place while they pose threat to lives of their own and others especially at U-turns.

The increased number of road trauma and accident has panicked the situation so it was necessary that steel spikes should be installed on around 100 U-turns in the city.

Hasnain further said that it was a cumbersome situation for the CDGK amid serious financial deficit that CDGK has to spend Rs 250,000 on each U-turn installation.

Presently, steel spikes have been installed on four U-turns while further 16 would be shortly covered. Completing installation of steel spikes on all 100 roads would cost CDGK Rs 25 million, which is quite hectic as regards to ongoing financial situation.

Hasnain said that these measures could be avoided and money saved with the cooperation of the motorists but realizing the hurriedness on behalf of the motorists, City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal had decided to proceed for the installation of steel hikes because he had said that lives of pedestrians could not be compromised over a few million rupees cost. Henceforth, the installation work was immediately initiated.

Hasnain added that CDGK T&CD has as yet completed installation of Tyre Killers at U-turns at University Road near Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town Office and Chandni Chowk, at Nipa Chowrangi, Gulshan Chowrangi, and Federal B. Area near Power House, Shara-e-Shah Waliullha and at various points of 5000 Road in North Karachi.

State of the art digital visual security system worth Rs 2 billion for city in the offing

2009-12-25T06:26:00.000-08:00

"The digital visual facility would add to the Police’s efficiency and in case of any suspicious activity, Police would be in a better position to react within the shortest possible time -DIG Ghulam Nabi Memon"

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: In view of enhanced risk of terrorist activities in city, special measures at the provincial level have been initiated.

These measures would at one hand; this would improve Police’s efficiency while at the other hand peace in the city would be strengthened. Capital City police DIG South Ghulam Nabi Memon said on the occasion of overseeing security measures adopted at the M A Jinnah Road and around and inside the Nishtar Park alongwith Member National Assembly Abdul Rasheed Godial, Nazim Jamshed Town Javed Ahmed and other high officials.

Nazim Jamshed town Javed Ahmed had briefed Capital City police DIG South Ghulam Nabi Memon. Member National Assembly Rasheed Godial, Nazim Union Council 12 Asghar Ali Mama accompanied him.

DIG South Ghulam Nabi Memon said that the efficacy of the Command and Control System installed at the Nishtar Park so as to remain vigilant for any untoward situation on the occasion of Muharram rituals.

Memon said that under present circumstances, CCP was making use of CCS installed by the Jamshed TMA, which is an augmentation of City District Government Karachi’s CCS.

Memon further said that the digital visual facility would add to the Police’s efficiency and in case of any suspicious activity, Police would be in a better position to react within the shortest possible time.

However, the need of such facility has merged as most wanted. Henceforth, Sindh government has already financed to procure a state of the art digital visual vigilance system worth Rs 2 billion. The said system would be completely installed before end of 2010, claimed Memon.

While talking to Daily Times, Ahmed said that the entire Jamshed TMA was a sensitive area due to countless political and religious activities especially on M A Jinnah Road and inside the premise of the historical Nishtar Park, which also remains as the main venue for the largest religious congregation of Shia Muslim during Muharram days.

Owing to its sensitivity, it was unavoidable to ensure flawless and foolproof security arrangements here. Under this theme, a separate command and control system has been established inside the Nishtar Park. The Jamshed TMA has completed renovation of the Nishtar Park for Rs 150 million.

Besides renovation of the Nishtar Park, the Jamshed TMA has borne hefty cost against security arrangements while 25 close circuit cameras worth Rs 2.5 million have been installed, which would assist the law enforcement agencies in their timely execution of responsibilities. Every street opening into M A Jinnah road and the Nishtar Park and religious buildings have been covered with the CC cameras.

Apart from these security arrangements, the Jamshed TMA has provided 10 Walk-in-Through Gates, which would be controlled by the law enforcement agencies. Thus it the possibility of carrying any illegal or banned destructive material inside the Nishtar Park has been eliminated.

Meanwhile, a water filter plant was inaugurated on Sunday.

Nazim Jamshed Town Javed Ahmed said that the water filter plant was one of 240 others, which the previous government has installed in all UCs but this was pending due to reason that the contractor had claimed that the previous government had not paid for 239 water filter plants. Henceforth, the Jamshed Town Municipal Administration (TMA) completed the water filter plant with Rs 1.6 million.

Ahmed said that the water filter plant would give 4,500 gallons of filtered water per day.

KATI demands government to allow Syed Mustafa Kamal to continue as City Nazim

2009-12-25T06:14:00.000-08:00

December 19, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) Patron In-Chief S M Muneer has said that the business community of the city would demand government to allow City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal to continue as City Nazim of Karachi until the next local bodies elections were held. He was addressing a formal gathering of businessmen on the occasion of a dinner hosted in the honour of City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal on Friday at a local hotel.

Muneer expressed his concern on rampant corruption in public organizations and pointed out that losses in Steel Mills have gone up to Rs 22 billions in just one year. The loss swells upto Rs 5 billion in couples of months in an organization, which was earning profit worth Rs16 billion only a year ago.

He also demanded Supreme Court should take notice of unjustified increase in gas and electricity tariffs and should nullify the rate increased announced by the government on IMF and World Bank’s pressure.

“If apex court intervenes in sugar prices it should also take notice of ever-increasing prices of utilities”, commented Muneer.

Earlier, Hashim Razzak Paracha in his welcome address said that the city needs more infrastructure reforms and for this purpose all factions of the society should join hands with city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal.

He said that work speaks louder than words and Kamal’s work is evident that how much progress has been done in Karachi.

While addressing the audience, Kamal said that city of Karachi has served to be the frontline as regards to revenue generation for the country as it extends upto 70 percent of entire national revenue. City’s development has ensured economic stability and has added to the prosperity across the country.

Kamal also pointed out that the city was the main gateway to the newly freed estates to the North while the supplies to the allied forces engaged in combating the extremist that have posed threats to global peace were securely managed from this city. Thus the city’s strategic role could not be ignored and any step to curtail its development would prove fatal for the country as well as the entire world.

It would be absolutely impossible for the international forces fighting against the extremist whether in Afghanistan to eliminate the roots of terrorism to maintain peace and harmony unless the citizens were not provided with opportunities for a better tomorrow, which could only be possible through good governance and provision of better essential facilities. The key to win peoples’ hearts is in providing them what they need for a better and respectable livelihood, claimed Kamal.

There is a need of change of war strategy because with simple use of bombs and missiles and drone attacks, no army could claim any success in war, warned Kamal.

NWFP and Balochistan are burning because of terrorism and Punjab too is not stable due to terrorism and only Sindh especially Karachi is politically stable and that has been possible due to Muttahidda Qaumi Movement’s strategy of good governance, claimed Kamal.

“We have given good governance to the people of Karachi, which is heart of country’s commercial and industrial activities and tried our best to maintain law and order due to which economy is prospering”, Kamal said.

Kamal said that his performance was obvious to everyone. We provided water supply to even those areas, which did not have access to the drinking water even before partition.

This is the good governance, which has maintained peace and tranquility in citizens’ lines and has helped prevent producing suicide bombers.

Kamal lauded the business community for separating the genuine from non-genuine instead of praising everyone in power.

KATI’s Sub Committee Chairman on Civic Issues, Shaikh Afzal Husain also spoke on the occasion.

CDGK financial deficit peals at Rs 2.5 billion, needs Rs 210 million to pay current month salaries

2009-12-25T06:12:00.000-08:00

December 19, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has come under worst financial crunch worth Rs 1.5 billion owing to short releases of certain pecuniary amounts such as the Single Line transfer Funds (SLTF) and Octroi and Zilla Tax (OZT) from provincial Sindh government. Sources in CDGK Finance and Recovery Department (FRD) said.

According to sources, CDGK FRD has been struggling to gather necessary funds so as to disburse CDGK employees’ salaries and perks on time. Presently, the FRD needs Rs 210 million to diligently meet the target.

The financial deficit has reached Rs 2.5 billion, which got worsened after Sindh government had imposed ban on lease.

The decision had prevented CDGK to earn hefty revenue through auctioning of certain established projects such as Saddar Car Parking Plaza, which has cost CDGK Rs around 860 million and collectively the fee of CDGK contractors worth Rs 1 billion has also been delayed due to lack of funds at hand.

The retrenchments as regards to decreased release of funds in terms of OZT have caused CDGK suffer a colossal loss of Rs 1.5 billion. Conversely, CDGK had no alternate resources for generation of revenue except earning money from lease works.

The SLTF and OZT pecuniary releases were linked to National Finance Commission for three years. However, induction of more than 20, 000 citizens as employees also gave a bump in CDGK’s existing funds.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal had recently claimed that the CDGK had an acute shortfall of Rs 350 million due to which CDGK employees could not receive Eid salaries in advance and Bonus was also pending with the CDGK.

City Nazim had also regretted paucity of funds that prevented cash awards worth Rs 5,000 to low-cadre employees of pay scale 1 to 5 for lifting, dumping and burying the sacrificial animals’ offal on three consecutive days of Eid Ul Adha this year.

According to CDGK FRD sources, the devolved portion of CDGK consisted of two major components including the defunct KMC and the defunct KDA.

The defunct KMC portion’s Salaries were Rs 320 million in past but after 20 percent increases in pay and pension of the employees and induction of 20,000 employees has increased the liability to Rs 400 million.

The salaries of the defunct KDA employees have also jumped from Rs 90 million to Rs 110 million.

Twenty percent increases in pay has resulted in increased liability of Rs 60.4 million for the defunct KMC portion while Rs 90 million liability has also been added in terms of pension for both the defunct KMC and the defunct KDA portions.

It is pertinent to mention that disbursement of CDGK employees’ salaries has been almost one month late.

Maldives HC calls on Nasreen Jalil

2009-12-25T06:11:00.000-08:00

December 18, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The High Commissioner of Republic of Maldives stationed in Islamabad Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam called on City Naib Nazim Nasreen Jalil at city Naib Nazim’s secretariat on Friday. They discussed issues of collateral interests.

On the occasion, Jalil said that Karachi was the largest city of Muslim world and the citizens of the city were entirely peaceful.

She added that the elected representatives of the city have been striving with their best to resolve people’s grievances while peace and harmony has been ensured through close interaction among different cultural entities.

Jalil said that despite widespread threats of terrorism across the country, Muttahidda Qaumi Movement has challenged the Talibanisation threats in the best interest of the country.

She said that the citizens of the city have realized the devastating consequences of the Talibanisation so they have fully supported it.

The High Commissioner said on the occasion that although she has been first time in the city but she has felt the city was peaceful and MQM’s liberal philosophy has caused people of different origins and cultures to come closer to each other.

The High Commissioner also lauded City District Government Karachi for its immense contribution on the plane of development.

DHA administrator Brig. Tirmizi says dropped frequency by KESC caused tripping of DHA Cogen Power and Desalination Plant

2009-12-25T06:08:00.000-08:00

December 18
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The DHA administrator Brig. Khalid Tirmizi has said that the delegation was informed that the stalled DHA Cogen Power and Desalination Plant, which was put back into operation after hectic efforts of nine months in Oct 2009 got tripped this month due to a surge causing unprecedented frequency drop in the KESC’s Grid System.

He was talking to a representative delegation of Association of Defence Residents (ADR). ADR vice Chairman Attique Ur Rehman alongwith the delegation had called on administrator at DHA’s Main Office on Friday.

The delegation later held a meeting with DHA and CBC Officials to discuss various civic problems of the residents.

Brig. Tirmizi further said that the problem has accentuated since the desalination technology, first of its kind in the country, is very sensitive to unstable power supply conditions.

Six German engineers and 25 technicians of Siemens (Pakistan) are currently working day and night to put the plant back into operation. The Desalination Plant is expected to become operational by 15 Jan’ 2010.

He said that City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has also been approached and requested to help DHA in getting enhanced quantity of bulk water supply from Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, which presently was much less than the actual requirement and consumption of water in DHA and CBC areas.

DHA was exploring all avenues to resolve the pressing problem of water scarcity in the areas concerned. Henceforth, 6 firms have been prequalified to study exploration of alternative source of water supply and the technical proposals submitted by them were under evaluation, he added.

The delegation requested the DHA/CBC officials to install spikes on the congested market lanes, of different phases of Defence Areas.

The delegation said that the spikes already installed at Dalton Market have ensured easy traffic flow.

ADR General Secretary Asad Kizalbash lauded DHA, CBC for the special arrangement of cleanliness and removal of offal’s made on the eve of Eid-ul-Adha.

Meanwhile, DHA Educational Institutions interschool and intercollege sports week concluded here on cycle and marathon races conducted at Defence Authority Public School (O and A Levels).

Cricketer Moin Khan was the chief guest of the event. DHA Education Director Brig (retd) Iftikhar Arshad Khan was also present on the occasion.

In the cycle Sheryar Sabir and Zahid Hussain of Defence Authority High School Ph-VIII clinched the race with first two positions respectively.

The winner of the Marathon was Owais Afzal of DHA Degree College while Munib Mir of DHA Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed College secured the second position.

DHA Degree College had won the trophy while DHA Public School O and A Levels remained runners up.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal issues directives for cleaning work at 29 corridors

2009-12-25T05:53:00.000-08:00

December 15, 2009
BY Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has directed Municipal Services Department to make the sanitation system more coordinated and efficient at all 29 corridors of the city. He also instructed to form special teams for cleaning work at bridges, flyovers and underpasses.

During an inspection of CDGK Machinery Pool located near the Mewashah Graveyard he said that the allocation of machinery and manpower on these corridors would also provide help to concerned town administration in its usual cleaning work and they would be able to concentrate more on inner areas falling in their jurisdiction.

He also directed EDO Municipal Services to devise a well-coordinated program to bring further improvement in the sanitation condition on 29 major corridors of city government so that the vehicles and manpower of city government could be deployed at these corridors.

City Nazim also instructed concerned officials to ensure proper and immediate repairing and maintenance of vehicles and solid waste machinery stationed at CDGK machinery pool. He said that regular service of vehicles and machinery would keep this asset in good running condition.

He said that the municipal services department was established in city government to improve sanitation condition in every nook and corner of the city. The department has been provided with necessary machinery worth millions of rupees which is used in cleaning and de-silting work on all major drains, lifting and transfer of heaps of garbage and domestic waste and to keep the city clean during Eid-ul Adha.

Nazim Karachi said that besides paying attention to development projects and improvisation of infrastructure, Haq Parast City Government has also taken key steps to improve sanitation condition and make the city green and beautiful.

DCO finalizes strategy for alternate routes with stakeholders

2009-12-25T05:48:00.000-08:00

Construction of SFC-IV in the offing:

December 16, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: District Coordination Officer (DCO) Karachi Muhammad Javed Hanif Khan has said that the construction work of the Signal free Corridor (SFC)-IV was in the offing so the arrangements for moving the traffic flow to alternate routes should be immediately identified so as to avoid any bad connivance on the key avenue of the city, Shahra-e Faisal.

The DCO has reviewed these measures during an exigent meeting that he had convened on Wednesdays following a detailed visit of the Shahra-e Faisal for overseeing the pons and crons of construction of SFC-IV prior to initiation of commencement of construction work.

The stakeholders and city’s administrative agencies that attended the meeting included National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), Karachi Cantonment Board (KCB), Capital City Traffic Police (CCTP), Karachi Water and sewerage Board (KWSB) Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC), Pakistan Telecommunication Company (Pvt) Ltd (PTCL) Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and Five corps.

These have assured the DCO of their best cooperation so as to facilitate the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) for fast track construction of the SFC-IV.

The DCO urged the CCTP to diligently finalize alternate routes for converting the heavy tidal flow of Traffic at certain points of the Shahra-e Faisal so that unwanted gridlocks and inconvenience to citizens should be prevented.

The meeting has decided that traffic signals located at Tipu Sultan Road and City School would be closed so that the traffic flow on these venues should be uninterrupted because these would serve as key alternate arteries for the purpose.

The DCO was told that the utility service providers such as KESC, PTCL and others would ensure shifting of underlying cables if needed so that the SFC-IV project would not come under any undue hurdle.

The meeting also decided that certain roads meant for the alternate routes could be expanded for better flow of vehicular traffic and condition of certain roads would be improved through necessary carpeting.

The DCO was informed that Rafiqui Shaheed Road and Iqbal Shaheed Road would be expanded immediately while the meeting also reviewed possibility of widening the road at PAF Base at Shahra-e Faisal upto Hotel Mehran, which would be finalized in a meeting with the KCB shortly.

Five Corps Commander Karachi, DIG CCTP Gulzar Kiyani, Senior Superintendents of Police, CDGK Executive Works and services, KESC, PTCL, KWSB, SSGC and NTC attended.

President Zardari addresses PPP members of Sindh Cabinet

2009-12-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

December 24, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari today met members of the Sindh cabinet belonging to the PPP in Bilawal House in Karachi. The provincial chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah also attended the meeting.

Addressing the Sindh cabinet members the President advised them to step up the work they were doing for addressing the issues of the people and ameliorating the lot of poor and downtrodden. Recalling the last command of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to the Party on October 16, 2007, which said, “I wish all of you success in fulfilling the manifesto of our Party and in serving the downtrodden, discriminated and oppressed people of Pakistan”, the President asked them to redouble their efforts in serving the masses.

The President said that he was inspired and motivated by Shaheed Mohtarma’s last formal words to the Party that commanded every one to, “Dedicate yourselves to freeing them from poverty and backwardness as you have done in the past”.

President Zardari said that the PPP government could rightly feel proud of its achievements in a number of areas in the light of this command of Shaheed Mohtarma. These achievements, he said, included the NFC Award in nineteen years that addressed the concerns of smaller provinces, the Aghazi Huqooqi Balochistan program, the retreat of militants in Swat and Malakand, the launch of the poverty alleviation program under the name of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), the international strategic support from the platform of “Friends of Democratic Pakistan”, the reinstatement of sacked employees, the grant of 12 percent shares to workers in state run enterprises, the social and political reforms in Gilgit- Baltistan, the tackling of the energy crisis head on and extricating the country from a near economic meltdown situation.

He said that the government plans to build 32 dams throughout the country. Twelve of these proposed dams will be built in just three years in all the provinces. Out of the twelve dams three will be built in Sindh, he said.

He said that during his last visit China agreed to provide, after the award of contracts, 700 million dollars to finance building these dams. He said that two contracts had already been awarded through international competitive bidding and he will be performing the groundbreaking ceremony during his current visit. It is yet another great achievement of the democratic government, he said.

The dam projects will have special features. The state owned agricultural land in the command areas of the dams would be distributed free among the poor women of the area, the President said.

The free distribution of agricultural land among women is just one measure designed to empower the women as envisioned by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

He said that the Aghazi Huqooqi Balochistan was a far-reaching initiative. The Federal Government announced withdrawal of army from Sui to be replaced by the Frontier Corps (FC). No new cantonments will be made except in Frontier areas where required. The political exiles returning to Pakistan will be facilitated. All new mega projects will be initiated only with the consent and approval of the provincial government. The federal government will pay arrears of gas development surcharge (GDS) from 1954 to 1991 amounting to Rs. 120 billion in 12 years. The federal government will provide five thousand new jobs in Balochistan for which age limit had also been relaxed.

These measures demonstrated the direction in which the government is moving. This is the compass to take us to the destination, the President said.

He said that Pakistan Peoples Party is the largest political party in Pakistan that is why it always acts and reacts in a responsible and democratic manner and follows the vision and mission of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto with full commitment.

He said PPP was a federation’s and would always strengthen the federation. The President was also briefed on the progress of some of the ongoing developmental projects in the province.

CSOAP and CDA disapprove strike decision on Dec 20

2009-12-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

December 18, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: CNG Station Owners Association (CSOAP) and CNG Dealers Association (CDA) have announced disassociation from the strike call given by a CNG association for Dec 20.

In a statement issued on Friday, CSOAP chairman Malik Khuda Bakhsh and CDA president Abdus Sami Khan has said that the call for strike call was not in the interest of CNG station owners and dealers and it would serve the government's interest of resorting to load shedding.

They said that both the associations were opposing gas load shedding for CNG stations and also increase in the prices of natural gas.

As a result of hectic efforts, CNG stations in Sindh and Balochistan were exempted from gas load shedding and the government was convinced to extend gas load shedding period from Nov 15 to Dec 12, they added.

Bakhsh and Khan have jointly clarified that CSOAP and CDA were registered in 2001 and 1992 respectively and they have been invited and consulted by Ministry of Petroleum and HDIP for every meeting.

They urged government not to raise gas prices because ‘CNG Policy-1992’ envisages a price difference of 50 percent to ensure consumers should get a cheaper fuel.

The said policy has attracted an investment of Rs 160 billion in CNG sector, they noted.

They pointed out that in Feb 2007, government had changed CNG tariff from industrial category to above commercial category, which was exorbitant and against the policy.

They rejected the statement of Finance Minister in which he supported the idea to take CNG rates closer to petrol and promote the use of petrol among motorists, adding that it was government’s liability to provide cheaper and environment friendly fuel to consumers.

They were of the view that some elements in government ranks were bent upon destroying CNG industry, which would not only hurt 3 million users but also affect the environment.

Hamdard Naunehal Assembly pays great homage to Quaid-e Azam M A Jinnah

2009-12-22T09:25:00.001-08:00

December 18, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Speakers at the meeting of Hamdard Naunehal Assembly Karachi chapter while paying great homage to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah emphasized on the need of strong character building of Pakistani people, because looting and plundering of national wealth is a result of deteriorating national character.

The meeting was held on Thursday December 17, 2009 on the theme: “We are a living and ever lasting nation” on the occasion of Quaid-i-Azam’s birthday to pay homage to the greatest leader and founder of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah at a local hotel.

Speaking on the occasion, chief guest and President, The Jinnah Society, Liaquat H. Merchant said that even after 62 years Pakistan failed to achieve the required political and economic independence for which Mohammed Ali Jinnah had created this country. It was shameful that our rulers were requesting to every foreign nation for economic aid having begging bowl in their hands, he said adding: “unless we achieve self reliance and economic independence we shall not be able to live as living and ever lasting nation”.

Quaid-i-Azam had struggled for a separate homeland where Muslims would be able to live in accordance with their social customs and religious traditions and to achieve political and economic independence, because in united India they were under the political and economic domination of Hindus, he said, adding that before the creation of Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam in 1945 in his speech had clearly stated: “Muslims of subcontinent, by every definition of a nationality, is a complete nation, because they are different from Hindus by religion, culture, customs, traditions and life style”.

Commending the speeches made by the child speaker at the function, he especially referred to the firry speeches of leader of the opposition of Naunehal Assembly, Kahkashah Anjum and Aquib Hanif, student of Sindh Madaras-tul-Islam where Quaid-i-Azam was also studied.

Prof. Shariful Mujahid said that Quaid-i-Azam advised to students to pay full attention to their studies so that they could be able to perform the great task of nation building. “Today students need more to act on this advice” he added.

Quaid was sent to England to study business management by his father, but he chose to study law, because he had his own opinion. When Ms. Fatima Jinnah chose and decided to become dental surgeon, the Quaid encouraged her, because he wanted that youth should make their own decision and make their character strong. In the light of Quaid’s advice the youth should create ability of making decision by own selves and make their character strong because there was no alternative of character, Prof. Mujahid added.

Paying tribute to Hakim Said, he said that he made a great seat of learning --- Madinat al-Hikmah where emphasis was given on character building.

“Our rulers perform Umrah along with two hundred companions while such worship is not answered unless you make yourself some financial sacrifice”, he said, adding: “it is the result of our extravagancies that no foreign nation is now ready to give us liquid cash”.

Mrs. Sadia Rashid, President, Hamdard Foundation Pakistan said that Quaid-i-Azam had given us a largest Muslim state by his firm determination and untiring struggle through constitutional and democratic means, on the auspicious day of 27th of Ramadan.

“Now our country is passing through a very difficult phase of its history which has rendered our country into acute danger of its survival. Present Pakistan is not that country which Quaid-i-Azam had dreamed of”, she said adding that country was facing acute shortage of electricity, water, health and educational facilities, bereft of national unity and sincere leadership and a victim of rampant terrorism.

She said we must not be disappointed over this awful situation as we could overcome these difficulties by acting according to the advices and ideas of Quaid-i-Azam.

She advised to the youth that they should feel their responsibilities and work for the betterment of their homeland as the youth at the time of Pakistan worked for the creation of Pakistan. May Allah keep Pakistan safe and secure forever, she prayed.

Child speakers Khizer Khan, Kahkashah Anjum, Mehwish Imran, Saima Baloch, Maryam Raof, Auqiub Hanif, Mehwish Khan and Ramsha Sabir also spoke. Ms. Khushboo compeered the function. Besides Begum Liaquat Merchant, teachers, parents and students in a large number attended the function.

Indus Institute Holds 2nd Convocation

2009-12-22T09:24:00.001-08:00

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Convocation of Indus Institute of Higher Education held Bahria Auditorium, Karachi, which was presided over by Nisar Ahmed Khohro Speaker Sindh Assembly.

Abdul Rauf Siddiqui Minister for Commerce & Industries Sindh, Raza Haroon IT Minister Sindh, SM Muneer, Mian Zahid Hussain, Mansha Churra, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig Advisor to PM on Textile attend the convocation as Guests of Honor.

Mr. Khalid Amin, Chairman and Chancellor of Indus Institute of Higher Education in his welcome address thanked the Chief Guest, Guest of honors, diplomats, guests from industries, education sector, Government, parents for their presence in convocation.

He also appreciated and congratulated to the position holders; passing out students and their parents on completion of graduation.

Khalid Amin announced the opening of SITE campus for the people Orangi Town, Baldia, Shersha, Hawksbay and announced 100% scholarship for first 500 female students.

He requested the Governor Sindh for visit of site campus for its opening in the month of Jan 2010 and Feb 2010 for the encouragement of the people of these areas.

Khalid Amin also announced education at Indus Institute of Higher Education on 100% scholarships to the children of the shuhda of Arm Forces, Rangers and Police.

Raouf Siddiqui Industries Minister and Nisar Khoro speaker Sindh Assembly, also addressed the audience.

They congratulated the chairman, management, faculty, students and their parents for holding such a successful convocation.

They assured Govt support for the promotion of Higher Education.

In this convocation 35 Gold Medals and 35 Silver Medals were announced for first and second position holder students besides degrees to 250 graduating students of BBA, BBA (Textile), MBA, MBA (Textile), BBA Textile Designing and BBA Fashion Designing , B.Tech (hon.), M.Tech., B.Ed. and M.Ed.

KW&SB officials patron of illegal hydrants, says KWTOWA

2009-12-22T09:21:00.001-08:00

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Despite stern measures and imposition of section 144 of Cr PC by the City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has failed to curb operations of illegal water hydrants in city.

KWSB officials have been blaming law enforcement agencies for not providing security during disconnection campaign.

These officials have tie and again said that the Police of area concerned were involved in the menace for money.

On the other hand, Hydrant Owners have alleged KWSB officials were behind the menace.

As well, KWSB Chief Engineer Bulk Najmi Alam had recently told Daily Times that a high profile religious scholar was also involved in illegal hydrant business and has been operating an illegal hydrant in SITE town’s limits.

Alam had also said that during disconnection move of the illegal hydrant, supporters of that scholar had created law and order situation while Police of the area concerned had lagged to take any action. Henceforth, the disconnection could not complete.

There are around 200 illegal hydrants that are operating in the city while ancient conduit has also been damaged for digging out a connection.

It has also been alleged that KWSB officials were involved in selling water quota for the residents of certain residential colonies especially Malir Town to industries for hefty bribe. In this regard, a member of City Council Afsar Khan had pointed out this on various occasions.

There are certain popular hydrants, areas and owners or operators with majority of illegal hydrants such as Raees Mianwali hydrant, Future Colony and alongside the Liyari River, hydrants in Chakra Goth, Zia Colony and Sharifabad, Manghopir, Ayub Goth at Super Highway, Malir Town, Landhi Town and Gadap Town. M Jan Afridi, M Mushtaque and Mashallah, a police officer named Khanzada and others including Iqbal Soomro and Niazi run illegal hydrants in Korangi Town.

Karachi Water Tankers Owners Welfare Association’s (KWTOWA) General Secretary Hazoor Bux told Daily Times that the Chief Engineer Najmi Alam, Executive Engineer of area concerned and other KWSB officials were behind illegal hydrants for hefty money.

Bux claimed that Najmi Alam had received Rs 200,000 to 400,000 for awarding permission for illegal hydrant. As well, each water tanker owner pays Rs 400 to these hydrant operators for water filling for 2,000 gallons, he alleged.

Bux further claimed that the Town Municipal Administrations concerned have been extorting Rs 100,000 from each of illegal water hydrants monthly falling in their limits. Recently, the TMAs have raised monthly fee up to Rs 200,000 per hydrant.

Bux said that six month ago, he on behalf of KWTOWA had written an appeal to KWSB Managing Director Qutbuddin Sheikh for ban of illegal hydrants and curbing KWSB officials’ involvement but to no avail.

Bux also said that on Monday, Dec 21, he had called a well-placed officer in the CDGK and had given him a letter on the same issue so that necessary measures could be taken regarding control of illegal hydrants in the city.

Chhipa offers free ration to deserving citizens

2009-12-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Chhipa Welfare Trust has started distribution of necessary ration to citizens especially those in dire need but was compelled to conceal their needs due to self-esteem.

The distribution of ration is part of Chhipa Welfare trust's campaign 'Let us keep the stove burn'.
The packets of ration have been dispatched to residences of such people on Tuesday.

In this regard, Chhipa Welfare Trust had appealed to the philanthropists to come forward with necessary goods and donations so as to meet the requirements and help the needy people with respect.

The citizens and the philanthropists had offered their donations and provided with essential commodities for the cause.

Till date, around 1,115 deserving people have been delivered ration, cash and other goods during last three days.

In this regard, first shipment to certain addresses was made on Tuesday while Chhipa ambulances were used for the purpose. A large number of representatives of non-governmental organisation were present and lauded Chhipa Welfare Trust for carrying out such jobs for the cause of humanity.

Meanwhile, Chhipa Welfare trust's patron-in-chief Ramzan Chhipa said that under the campaign, those who had preferred to die instead of begging charity for livelihood were selected and thus were helped secretly.

He said that these people have reached a stage of despondency due to hard circumstances and illnesses that caused limb deformity thus preventing their physical movement for respectable means of bread and butter.

He appealed to the citizens and the philanthropists to help Chhipa Welfare Trust to take care of such people with their donations.

He said that those visiting Chhipa Welfare trust’s headquarters alongwith donations and other essential commodities should collect receipt so as to ensure transparency in dealings.

Azam Basti renamed as Azam Town

2009-12-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Jamshed Town Council has passed a resolution to rename Azam Basti as Azam Town. This was happened during 43rd session of the council while naib nazim union council No 3 Anwar Sardar had tabled the resolution on Tuesday.

After renaming Azam Basti, streets around sector A and B and the area across the sewage canal would be part of Azam Town.

The council also approved Rs 150 million for the development of the newly named Azam Town.

City Nazim inaugurates postgraduate bloc at Sir Syed College

2009-12-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has inaugurated a new postgraduate courses block in Sir Syed Government Girls College on Tuesday. City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has spent Rs 83.89 million.

Further, city nazim laid foundation stone for a 400-seat Auditorium Hall in the college, which would further cost CDGK Rs 10.21 million. Installation of centralized air-conditioning system and electric generators would be an additional feature of auditorium.

The international standard of the hall would be used for holding national and international events and conferences besides college functions. City nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal stated this while talking to media on the occasion.

District Coordination Officer Karachi Muhammad Javed Hanif Khan, Executive District Officer Works and Services Rasheed Mughal, Liaquatabad Town Nazim Hafiz Usama Qadri and other officers accompanied city nazim.

He said that CDGK has so far completed construction of 451 buildings including more than 20 model schools in education sector during last four years with a cost over Rs 9,300 million.

He said that if he had started inaugurating one by one, it would result inauguration of 50 projects per day.

He said that the construction of postgraduate block in Sir Syed College would provide an opportunity to students for higher and the postgraduate campus would be affiliated with Karachi University for Master degree courses in Computer Science, Commerce, Quran, Suunah and the Islamic Studies.

Bacha Khan Flyover:

Meanwhile, City Nazim has said that construction of Bacha Khan Flyover at Banaras Chowk would be completed in next four months with an estimated cost of Rs 1,400 million.

He said that the flyover at Banaras Chowk starting from Abdullah Government Girls College North Nazimabad to Metro Cinema in Orangi Town was named after Bacha Khan and it was very tedious to complete due to several impediments while it has cost lot of labour and money.

The pace of construction work would not be delayed or slowed down due to any excuse including paucity of necessary funds. All these projects were financed by public money and it would be a national loss if stopped.

The flyover would have completed much earlier but shifting of the underground water trunk line and other utilities beneath the flyover had caused unnecessary delay.

The shifting of water trunk has cost CDGK Rs 40 million. High-tension cables were other big hurdles, which would additionally cost CDGK Rs 45 million.

Bar B Q hotels, shops, marriage halls illegally occupy city’s 80 percent footpaths

2009-12-22T09:15:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Encroachment of public places such as footpaths, link roads and main roads has become a menace all over the city.

In this regard, City District Government Karachi (CDGK) land department and town municipal administrations (TMA) concerned have failed to fulfill their responsibilities regarding removal of such encroachments.

A well-placed officer in CDGK Land Revenue Department said that around 150 marriage halls and Bar B Q hotels, restaurants, burger stalls, and others have encroached more than 80 percent of city’s footpaths falling on either side and in the middle of roads.

He cited that Gulberg Town and North Nazimabad Town are two such areas in the city that have the highest number of such violations. In Gulberg Town, from Gulberg Chowrangi toward Samanabad, from Ayesha Manzil to Yaseenabad, from Ancholi to Gulberg Chowrangi, from Water Pump to entire rear side of Yousuf plaza, and many other sites have been fully encroached.

He said that the marriage halls in the city in general while in Gulberg town, North Nazimabad, Gulshan-e Iqbal Town in particular have been causing constant traffic gridlocks of which the earlier two towns have worst situation especially from Golden Gate near Matric board Office to Sakhi Hassan Chowrangi in North Nazimabad and from Mukka Chowk to Yaseenabad in Gulberg Town.

He said that the encroachment of footpaths was worst in North Nazimabad. All Bar B Q hotels, shops and restaurants at Five Star Chowrangi toward Ship Owners College and toward Landi Kotal have encroached each single footpath.

He said that the area in North Nazimabad from Five Star Chowrangi to Sakhi Hassan becomes blocked due to parking of hundreds of cars on both side of link roads and main roads.

He said that CDGK and other authorities have struggled for the recovery of illegally occupied land but this type of peculiar encroachment was rampant in the city and has been ignored.

He said that TMAs concerned were responsible for correcting these problems.
He said that as far as parking of cars and other vehicles on roads in front of marriage halls in the city, it was the duty of TMA concerned and DIG traffic to ensure the roads clear but unfortunately, the menace was ignored even by the high officials of the two authorities.

He said that the CDGK centralized land encroachment department could simply do such arrangements on a few main avenues of the city.

He said that it is entirely basic human rights violation that the restaurants have encroaches footpaths besides their premises and those lying in between two roads for petty fee. It is noteworthy that these footpaths could not be rented out at any cost because it was citizens right to have footpaths to walk on.

He said that it was a complete misery that the high officials traveling on these roads have been ignoring citizens’ basic rights so in this situation citizens were in helpless condition.
He said that in Jamshed Town, New M A Jinnah Road has no footpath for the pedestrians as countless car showroom owners have occupied them.

He said that a popular Bar B Q hotel located near Allah Walla Chowrangi near Tariq Road in Jamshed Town has occupied link road which the owner of the hotel has closed permanently and has converted the link road into hotel premise.

DHA GB reviews progress on current development

2009-12-22T09:12:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The annual meeting of DHA Governing Body (GB) was held under arrangements Defence Housing Authority on Sunday to review the development projects and other policy matters of DHA at macro level.

Defence Secretary, Lt. Gen Syed Athar Ali (retd), who is also Chairman Governing Body DHA presided the meeting.

The GB approved DHA’s annual budget for the fiscal year 2009-2010. A record amount of Rs 7.73 billion has been earmarked in the budget for various development projects this year.

DHA administrator Brig. Khalid Tirmizi presented the progress report and reiterated that the Housing Authority was poised to move forward with a vision and a well-defined strategy to ensure that DHA remains a versatile organization ready to perform.

The Chairman urged DHA to approach the mega and special projects with positive approach and to move forward on a fast track basis to maintain the credibility of the organization.

He directed DHA to complete the work of Gizri Flyover including installation of sound barriers and road lights on Gizri Bridge and refurbishment of surrounding roads around the flyover at the earliest.

The GB expressed satisfaction over the efficacy and working of newly laid drains in DHA, which speedily drained the rainwater during the last monsoon rains.

The GB was informed that the infrastructure development work in the upcoming DHA City on Super Highway would commence from Dec 2010 onwards after undertaking town planning on modern lines.

The meeting was also informed that land usage in the project has been kept in accordance with international standards and envisages approx 40 percent of area for residential purposes and the rest for roads, green spaces, utility services, recreational spots and commercial areas.

The GB was further informed that the stalled DHA Power and Desalination Plant, which was recently made operational with hectic efforts got tripped on a surge due to an unprecedented frequency drop of 7 HZ/Sec in KESC’s Grid System whereas the plant system was designed to sustain a frequency drop of maximum 1 Hz/Sec.

Currently German engineers and Siemens (Pakistan) technicians were working to repair the fault and it was expected that the desalination plant would start its operations by Jan 15, 2010.

The GB was informed that DHA has made computerization, which included computerized archiving and digitization of more than 118,000 plot files, initiation of an updated and revamped interactive DHA Website, setting up of paper free environment for all interoffice communications in DHA and initiation of e-payment for DHA City in future.

CDGK spending Rs 25 million on Tyre Killers to prevent wrong entry

2009-12-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Installation of steel spikes at U-turns on city main roads and Signal Free Corridors (SFC) has added to financial deficit of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK). The installation of steel spikes, which is given a common name of ‘Tyre Killers’, has become unavoidable so as to prevent traffic jamming and to control increasing road trauma and accidents.

A well-placed officer in CDGK Transport and Communication Department T&CD has told Daily Times that despite the fact that the CDGK has invested billions of rupees on infrastructure, roads and pavements, SFCs city, citizens have yet to manifest maturity towards use of public facilities.

Unfortunately, it has been presumed that standing in line or crossing road using pedestrian bridge would put an affront. However, by the time, the situation would change especially the new generation’s change as regards to owning the city was a positive sign.

It is very inspiring that the citizens have played their role for protecting the bus shades so it is expected that the motorists would also make a show of responsibility.

Talking to Daily Times, CDGK T&CD Executive District Officer Shabih Ul Hasnain said that the motorists have been in a hurry to reach their place while they pose threat to lives of their own and others especially at U-turns.

The increased number of road trauma and accident has panicked the situation so it was necessary that steel spikes should be installed on around 100 U-turns in the city.

Hasnain further said that it was a cumbersome situation for the CDGK amid serious financial deficit that CDGK has to spend Rs 250,000 on each U-turn installation.

Presently, steel spikes have been installed on four U-turns while further 16 would be shortly covered. Completing installation of steel spikes on all 100 roads would cost CDGK Rs 25 million, which is quite hectic as regards to ongoing financial situation.

Hasnain said that these measures could be avoided and money saved with the cooperation of the motorists but realizing the hurriedness on behalf of the motorists, City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal had decided to proceed for the installation of steel hikes because he had said that lives of pedestrians could not be compromised over a few million rupees cost. Henceforth, the installation work was immediately initiated.

Hasnain added that CDGK T&CD has as yet completed installation of Tyre Killers at U-turns at University Road near Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town Office and Chandni Chowk, at Nipa Chowrangi, Gulshan Chowrangi, and Federal B. Area near Power House, Shara-e-Shah Waliullha and at various points of 5000 Road in North Karachi.

State of the art digital visual security system worth Rs 2 billion for city in the offing

2009-12-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

December 21, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: In view of enhanced risk of terrorist activities in city, special measures at the provincial level have been initiated. These measures would at one hand; this would improve Police’s efficiency while at the other hand peace in the city would be strengthened.

Capital City police DIG South Ghulam Nabi Memon told Daily Times on the occasion of overseeing security measures adopted at the M A Jinnah Road and around and inside the Nishtar Park alongwith Member National Assembly Abdul Rasheed Godial, Nazim Jamshed Town Javed Ahmed and other high officials.

Nazim Jamshed town Javed Ahmed had briefed Capital City police DIG South Ghulam Nabi Memon. Member National Assembly Rasheed Godial, Nazim Union Council 12 Asghar Ali Mama accompanied him.

DIG South Ghulam Nabi Memon said that the efficacy of the Command and Control System installed at the Nishtar Park so as to remain vigilant for any untoward situation on the occasion of Muharram rituals.

Memon said that under present circumstances, CCP was making use of CCS installed by the Jamshed TMA, which is an augmentation of City District Government Karachi’s CCS.

Memon further said that the digital visual facility would add to the Police’s efficiency and in case of any suspicious activity, Police would be in a better position to react within the shortest possible time.

However, the need of such facility has merged as most wanted. Henceforth, Sindh government has already financed to procure a state of the art digital visual vigilance system worth Rs 2 billion. The said system would be completely installed before end of 2010, claimed Memon.

While talking to Daily Times, Ahmed said that the entire Jamshed TMA was a sensitive area due to countless political and religious activities especially on M A Jinnah Road and inside the premise of the historical Nishtar Park, which also remains as the main venue for the largest religious congregation of Shia Muslim during Muharram days.

Owing to its sensitivity, it was unavoidable to ensure flawless and foolproof security arrangements here. Under this theme, a separate command and control system has been established inside the Nishtar Park. The Jamshed TMA has completed renovation of the Nishtar Park for Rs 150 million.

Besides renovation of the Nishtar Park, the Jamshed TMA has borne hefty cost against security arrangements while 25 close circuit cameras worth Rs 2.5 million have been installed, which would assist the law enforcement agencies in their timely execution of responsibilities.

Every street opening into M A Jinnah road and the Nishtar Park and religious buildings have been covered with the CC cameras.

Apart from these security arrangements, the Jamshed TMA has provided 10 Walk-in-Through Gates, which would be controlled by the law enforcement agencies. Thus it the possibility of carrying any illegal or banned destructive material inside the Nishtar Park has been eliminated.

Meanwhile, a water filter plant was inaugurated on Sunday.

Nazim Jamshed Town Javed Ahmed said that the water filter plant was one of 240 others, which the previous government has installed in all UCs but this was pending due to reason that the contractor had claimed that the previous government had not paid for 239 water filter plants.

Henceforth, the Jamshed Town Municipal Administration (TMA) completed the water filter plant with Rs 1.6 million.

Ahmed said that the water filter plant would give 4,500 gallons of filtered water per day.

KATI demands government to allow Syed Mustafa Kamal to continue as City Nazim

2009-12-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

“There is a need of change of war strategy because with simple use of bombs and missiles and drone attacks, no army could claim any success in war. Provision of essential facilities and good governance is the key to win the war – Syed Mustafa Kamal”

December 19, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) Patron In-Chief S M Muneer has said that the business community of the city would demand government to allow City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal to continue as City Nazim of Karachi until the next local bodies elections were held.

He was addressing a formal gathering of businessmen on the occasion of a dinner hosted in the honour of City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal on Friday at a local hotel.

Muneer expressed his concern on rampant corruption in public organizations and pointed out that losses in Steel Mills have gone up to Rs 22 billions in just one year. The loss swells upto Rs 5 billion in couples of months in an organization, which was earning profit worth Rs16 billion only a year ago.

He also demanded Supreme Court should take notice of unjustified increase in gas and electricity tariffs and should nullify the rate increased announced by the government on IMF and World Bank’s pressure.

“If apex court intervenes in sugar prices it should also take notice of ever-increasing prices of utilities”, commented Muneer.

Earlier, Hashim Razzak Paracha in his welcome address said that the city needs more infrastructure reforms and for this purpose all factions of the society should join hands with city nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal.

He said that work speaks louder than words and Kamal’s work is evident that how much progress has been done in Karachi.

While addressing the audience, Kamal said that city of Karachi has served to be the frontline as regards to revenue generation for the country as it extends upto 70 percent of entire national revenue. City’s development has ensured economic stability and has added to the prosperity across the country.

Kamal also pointed out that the city was the main gateway to the newly freed estates to the North while the supplies to the allied forces engaged in combating the extremist that have posed threats to global peace were securely managed from this city. Thus the city’s strategic role could not be ignored and any step to curtail its development would prove fatal for the country as well as the entire world.

It would be absolutely impossible for the international forces fighting against the extremist whether in Afghanistan to eliminate the roots of terrorism to maintain peace and harmony unless the citizens were not provided with opportunities for a better tomorrow, which could only be possible through good governance and provision of better essential facilities.

The key to win peoples’ hearts is in providing them what they need for a better and respectable livelihood, claimed Kamal.

There is a need of change of war strategy because with simple use of bombs and missiles and drone attacks, no army could claim any success in war, warned Kamal.

NWFP and Balochistan are burning because of terrorism and Punjab too is not stable due to terrorism and only Sindh especially Karachi is politically stable and that has been possible due to Muttahidda Qaumi Movement’s strategy of good governance, claimed Kamal.

“We have given good governance to the people of Karachi, which is heart of country’s commercial and industrial activities and tried our best to maintain law and order due to which economy is prospering”, Kamal said.

Kamal said that his performance was obvious to everyone. We provided water supply to even those areas, which did not have access to the drinking water even before partition. This is the good governance, which has maintained peace and tranquility in citizens’ lines and has helped prevent producing suicide bombers.

Kamal lauded the business community for separating the genuine from non-genuine instead of praising everyone in power.

KATI’s Sub Committee Chairman on Civic Issues, Shaikh Afzal Husain also spoke on the occasion.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal reminds NDC delegation of city’s strategic importance in the region

2009-12-20T08:33:00.000-08:00

December 19, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has presented a successful model of good governance in the country, which has been appreciated all over the world. CDGK has spent Rs 250 billion on city’s development during last four years, which has improved city’s strategic importance in the region.

We have developed the city due to its strategic importance in the region and also due to the fact that the city contributes 68 percent share in the national exchequer. From our first day in office, we set up our strategy as regard to development works.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal stated this while addressing a 77-member delegation of National Defence Course (NDC) at a local hotel on Saturday.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal in his address said that in order to ensure transparency in CDGK works, services of consultants were hired for pivotal projects and adopted a comprehensive system of accountability at each level besides the arrangement of annual audit.

CDK had arranged for major part of development funds worth Rs 250 billion through better use of its resources, recovery of long standing dues and through public private partnership policy, claimed Kamal.

The war on terror could not be won with sheer use of the hard forces alone but this could only be caused to happen with the implementation of good governance both in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Providing basic amenities of life to people such as clean drinking water, proper sewerage system, education and health facilities could ensure the victory, remarked Kamal.

Karachi holds importance also due to reason that it ensures 95 percent of NATO supplies. Drinking water for the NATO forces also goes from here and if this supply line was disconnected, the NATO forces’ operations against the terrorists would get tarnished due to various health disorders that might arise from use of contaminated potable water from battle field, reminded Kamal.

The National Security College Commandant Rear Admiral Khan Hasham representing the delegation thanked City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal and District Coordination Officer Karachi Muhammad Javed Hanif Khan for arranging their visit.

He said that they have been much impressed by the rapid progress in the city, which has provided them with the opportunity to observe this unusual phenomenon closely.

The documentary “Karachi-The Kohinoor” depicting the four-year performance of CDGK was also screened on this occasion.

The 77-member delegation had consisted of senior army officers from Pakistan, France, Australia, Malaysia, Nigeria and other countries on a study tour to the city.

CDGK financial deficit peals at Rs 2.5 billion, needs Rs 210 million to pay current month salaries

2009-12-20T08:29:00.000-08:00

Curbing terrorism possible by providing citizens with their basic facilities, says City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal

2009-12-18T09:03:00.001-08:00

December 18, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The ongoing renovation and construction work of parks and playgrounds should be completed on scheduled time. Any delay would result in waste of public money, which would not be tolerated. Those found involved in negligence would be dealt with stern disciplinary procedures.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal expressed these views on a visit to Suleman Yousuf Moulai Park and Ground in Jamshed Town on Thursday. CDGK Parks and Horticulture Department Director General Liaquat Ali Khan and District Officer Education Works-II Saeed Malik accompanied him.

Kamal said that the land mafia has illegally occupied hundreds of plots of land, amenity plots, playgrounds and even those lands that were reserved for bus terminal and thus the citizens have suffered colossal loss of deserving civic facilities.

Kamal said that it was imperative that no parks or playground in the city should be left at the mercy of the land mafia but these should be converted into recreational facilities for the citizens and the next generations.

Kamal said that the Haq Parast leadership has ensured establishment of more than 350 parks in the city during last four years and 16 sports grounds in the city have provided better sports facilities to the citizens.

Kamal added that the citizens of the city deserve best of all facilities for their contribution as regards to development and sustaining the facilities that the CDGK has established.

Kamal lauded the citizens have shown their high spirits as they have actively partaken the project, “I Own Karachi” which has no antecedent in the history of the country.

Kamal on the spot issued directives to the official concerned to carry out fast track completion of the development work of park, playground and cricket academies in union council 7 of Jamshed Town. He further ordered for the installation of floodlights on ground and park.

Kamal reiterated his resolve as he said that the Haq Parast had not entertained any hurdle in the way to city’s development, adding that, “We never allowed any break in the process of development so that the citizens could avail best possible facilities near to their homes”.

Kamal said that besides huge mega development works in the city, special attention was paid on establishment of parks and playgrounds and on creating such recreational activities so that the economic backbone of the country should keep the wheel of industry going and the people of the city could find more opportunities for livelihood.

Kamal vowed that this mechanism has paved ways for combating the terrorism in the city and should be applied at all corners for a better and logic answer to the menace.

The CDGK has so far established 19 cricket academies in the city, which in future would produce players of international rank. Even the Landhi Town, which was once called the suburb has cricket stadium where first class cricket matches have been held.

Kamal said that the Haq Parast leadership has been striving to serve the citizens in a better way so the citizens of the city should reinforce and own their own city.

MQM City Mayor Syed Mustafa Kamal offers concrete approach for winning the war on terror

2009-12-18T08:32:00.000-08:00

December 18, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City Mayor Syed Mustafa Kamal has given a scientifically applicable and rational concept for fighting away the ugly anomalies that have caused the masses of a selective low social class of the society to act negatively, either on individual sphere or in association with organized gangs of militants across the world particularly in Pakistan.

Kamal has offered the best of all possible solution and above all without any financial assistance from any corner, whether from federal or provincial governments in Pakistan or the United States of America that has time and again pronounced huge pecuniary releases to the government of Pakistan since day one after nine-eleven.

But the results have never been achieved while on the other hand; the militants have grown stronger and have equipped them with latest tools of sabotaging the peace of the world by the time.

Although, there are thousands of academic institutions and hundreds of religious seminaries in Pakistan but the typical curriculae of both the types have never been in line with the emerging needs of the hour. The graduates are jobless and the Master degree holders are washing utensils in restaurants.

What Kamal offers to the nation in general and to the world community in particular is the answer to extremism and militancy. He has been quite pragmatic in his measures he has taken till date.

First when he dug all roads in the precincts of the City District Government Karachi, the Karachiites were stunned assuming that the young man would flee shortly when he would find him incapable of mending the mess.

It took a whole one year that the young City Mayor went on digging the roads but he proved by his strong determination that he had completed his homework prior to hitting the ground.

It is open to the naked eyes of every citizen of the city, of the country and of the entire world through the eyes of envoys and satellite that the young City Mayor has rejuvenated the every nook and cranny of the city like a calculated final stroke of the painter.

The United States of America has been leading the WOT while Pakistan has contributed to the much propagated roots of dens in the country as first category ally, shoulder to shoulder with the US administration.

On the other hand, the WOT has engulfed the country with both hands and the devastating result of a decade long fight has caused the Pakistani Forces to combat face to face with the militants on its own land. Kamal has challenged the ways of combating the war on terror (WOT) with ruthless use of weapons and spending dollars without a true line of direction that is needed for the orientation of the required result, the end of WOT.

In accordance with the pinpoint application of the intuition and guidance of his leader, Altaf Hussein, who has been raising his voice as a warning to the threats of extremism in city, Kamal has established the first state of the art technical institute, the Memon Industrial and Technical Institute (MITI) and surprisingly, the MITI is the right answer to the threats of extremism and militancy at a right time.

Kamal knowing that unless and until the issues related to poverty and unemployment were not addressed; it would be only a fool’s dream to eliminate the extremism and terrorism.

The poverty and issues related to it have given a bump in various crimes from tiny pilferages to gang wars but when these youth are converted into skilled manpower and are immediately accommodated in industries for reasonable emoluments with complete self respect, the root causes of the extremism and terrorism would automatically get eliminated.

Kamal’s concept behind the establishment of the MITI has worked because in order to eliminate the militancy it was unavoidable to create job opportunities for the deprived and the illiterate youth of the city because spending billions of dollars on seminars; awareness campaigns and workshops could not resolve these issues.

The risks are greater for the involvement of the illiterate youth in acts of terrorism for money, as it is now an open secret that the enemies of the country have been buying a suicide attacker for only Rs 1 million, had conceived the establishment of the MITI.

He was straight in his panning that by establishing the MITI; he could offer the world a newer concept to check the increases in militants’ strength.

On the other hand, Kamal has on the social aspect moved a step ahead on June 10 when he announced to take measures for the rehabilitation of thousands of drug addict in city and for that purpose, establishment of 18 dedicated rehabilitation centres, one in each towns has been initiated.

I remember he told me, “We would not only treat these adduct medically but these fellowmen would be helped become normal citizens once again with complete and intact self-esteem and technical education for livelihood”.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal urges business community to help Pakistan prosper

2009-12-18T08:25:00.000-08:00

Inauguration of Memon Industrial and Technical Institute (MITI):
June 1, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: The City District Government Karachi has paved its way to the goal of successful achievements while combating top financial challenges and beaurocratic obstacles. In this regard, one more salient addition to the outstanding performances of the CDGK toward creating resources for the citizens is the Memon Industrial and Technical Institute (MITI), which is a landmark project under the Public-private partnership initiatives.

The MITI has been designed in a way that it should prove from the very beginning a centre of excellence for preparing the youth that by any means could not avail education so that the paucity of trained and skilled manpower should be produced in abundance.

This theme has worked and very soon, Pakistan would be outsourcing these skilled manpower for a greater national interests while this would help change the “being idle attitude” that has been eating up our children like cancer.

City Nazim S Mustafa Kamal said this while addressing a huge congregation of people from all walks of life on the occasion of inauguration of MITI in Korangi Town on Sunday.

It was for the first time that the government (CDGK) had diligently pursued the private partners for the establishment of dedicated centre of excellence in city because it is not government’s job to launch projects but it should facilitate the partners. The World Memon Organization (WMO) had talked about acquiring land for welfare projects for the last eight years but their request was not entertained while they had called on almost every authority at the apex level, commented Kamal.

CDGK has chosen Korangi Town for the MITI because it is located in the vicinity of Pakistan’s largest industrial zone and those who would get trained in MITI would have a direct access to it. The technically trained youth would be able to earn upto Rs 20,000 per month after completing their training for just 24 weeks. The MITI would impart technical education to more than 4 thousand uneducated and unskilled youths annually in 30 different trades. The MITI would only charge Rs 500 from each student while the actual expenses would be around Rs 2,100 per month, claimed Kamal adding that the MITI would also offer training girls for technical courses shortly.

Kamal urged business community to come forward to establish more and more technical institutions across the Sindh province and the country so that people as a nation should take a way toward gross prosperity and self-reliance because it is the only way to bring about revolution in the lives of our people.

The anti-social elements and feudal rivals had been tagging the Haq Parasts with various negative titles but the time has proven that they are the Haq Parasts who have contributed for the prosperity and integrity of the country more than any other claimant, said Kamal.

“The Haq Parasts are the offspring of those who created Pakistan and sacrificed 2 million lives and today when the country is facing threats to its integrity, the Haq Parasts are determined to save the country at any cost,” vowed Kamal.

Kamal also vowed that the CDGK has committed to provide the WMO with land in every town so that every town should have its own MITI for the welfare of the needy youth. It is unavoidable under the prevailing circumstances because empty minds are Devil’s paradise. Providing free or extremely low-cost technical training to our youth would help curb the crime, remarked Kamal.

Kamal regretted that those who wanted to establish public welfare projects and they only needed plot of land were missing favour from the authorities while the land mafia knows no law and was blatantly occupying precious land in the city, said Kamal.

Paying tribute to office bearers of WMO for establishment of this institute, Kamal said that other communities should also join hands with the CDGK so that we as a nation could overcome several challenges such as unemployment, poverty and above all it would help the deprived youth to become a responsible citizens of the country and the industry would also benefit for having skilled manpower in abundance.

Kamal added that the construction of flyovers, underpasses and Signal Free Corridors in city have shortened the distances between different areas so the youth from across the city would find it easier to come to MITI for the training.

WMO President Haji Abdul Razzaq Yaqoob paid tribute to Kamal for completing mega projects in city with commendable speed.

He also said that the Memon community is ready to cooperate and help in the development and progress of the city. Amin Chapal, H.M Shahzad, Shoaib Ismail, Pir Muhammad Kalia and others also addressed the ceremony.

Abubakar Cassim, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Ashraf Machiyara, Ahmed Chinoy, MNA Abdul Rasheed Godel, MNA Asif Husnain, Korangi Town Nazim Arif Khan also attended.

Nishtar Park security measures and renovation worth Rs 150 million completed

2009-12-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

December 12, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Nishtar Park has been renovated at the advent of Muharram as the park serves as the key venue for the largest religious congregation of Shia Muslim while major political and social gatherings were being held here for a long time.

Since the Park is located within the precincts of Jamshed town municipal Administrations (TMA), henceforth, the TMA has carried out Park’s renovation. Member national Assembly Rasheed Ahmed Godial has inaugurated the Park after the renovation was completed.

While talking to Daily times, Nazim Jamshed TMA, Javed Ahmed said that Nishtar Park was a sensitive venue and security concerns all over the country had prompted the Jamshed TMA to initiate special measures on permanent basis.

He said that the Renovation of the Park has cost around Rs 150 million and the facilities that have been ensured include installation of 25 close circuit cameras worth Rs 2.5 million, establishment a fully functional Command and Control System integrated with City District Government Karachi’s main Command and Control System.

He said that the Park, Imam Bargah and streets in the vicinity have been taken under constant and strict vigilance so as to prevent any untoward situation. In this regard, Law Enforcement Agencies and Ulema have supported the Jamshed TMA.

He said that the Jamshed TMA has hired 10 Walk-in-Through Gates for the protection of the participants of Muharram Majalis at the Park, Further, a mobile toilette for the mourners has been provided and electrification work has also been upgraded.
He said that the renovation includes improvement of sports facilities for Basket Ball, Cricket and physical fitness worth Rs 6 million. A separate room for women has also been established inside the Park.

Liyari development Package: Liyari would be most developed town in city in four months, says TMO Raeesi

2009-12-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

December 17, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Town Municipal Officer Liyari Town Muhammad Raeesi has said that under the Liyari Development Package, Liyari would be brought to the status of most developed Town in the city, which would be good for the city in general and the country in particular.

He stated these views on the occasion of Honorarium that was offered in his honour by the All Sindh Peoples Paramedical Staff Association (ASPPMSA) at Liyari general hospital on Thursday.

Raeesi regretted that Liyari has been ignored in past while the water and sewerage infrastructure had ruined that caused the people of Liyari suffer for decades. However, the ongoing development works under the Liyari Development Package would change the shape and look of this area within four months.

He said that low literacy rate and destruction of education system has snatched opportunities from the people of Liyari to take their due share for their personal livelihood and service to the country. These two major ignored sites have now been taken on special notice and shortly; the youth of the Liyari would be transformed into hard-studying one.

He said that illegal encroachments have been a main menace of Liyari. These illegal occupations would be removed and those removed thus would be rehabilitated appropriately after receipt of necessary directives form the Sindh government.

He said that after improvement and extension of the Liyari general Hospital, residents of Liyari would be employed to work here so that the despondency in the lines of people of Liyari should be reduced.

He said that Sardar Nabeel Ahmed Gabol has been paying extra attention on Liyari's development while President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has been very generous for issuing the required funds for the development of Liyari.

ASPPMSA Karachi division President Uzair Baloch said that Liyari General Hospital was a blessing for the people of Liyari but was destroyed in past. The renovation and upgradation of it would open new venues of health and employment for the people of Liyari.

He demanded that jobs should be given to children of those employees of Liyari general Hospital who had died.

Reconstructive surgery hospital under Italian aid

2009-12-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

December 15, 2009
By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Italian government will provide funds and expertise for the construction of a 92-bed most modern medical complex for reconstructive surgery of burn patients and their rehabilitation in Pakistan.

This was stated by a leading international plastic surgeon and head of plastic surgery, Santa Maria Hospital, Udine, Italy, Dr Giuseppe Lasasso while speaking at a meeting organised by Italian Development Council (IDC) between visiting Italian and Pakistani Businessmen here Tuesday.

Senior vice president Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rasheeduddin Rashid, President Eurolls Group Renato Railz and Italian Consul General Domenico Benincasa President IDC Tariq Ikram and others was also present on the occasion.

Dr Lasasso, who has so far done more than 300 reconstructive and skin grafting surgeries of 98 burn patients in Pakistan, said that free medical treatment will be provided to the patients (most of them are girls) who are mostly the victims of acid throwing. This is my 16th visit to Pakistan, but first to Karachi, he added.

Dr Lasasso is the chairman of the hospital, which will be, constructed in Multan over 2 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs 700 million. Italian government will provide most of the funding from a "debt swap facility", he noted.

Syed Masood Haider, project director of Smileagain Foundation which will be undertaking the construction of the hospital said that the hospital, named as International Centre for Reconstructive Surgery, Rehabilitation, Vocational Training and Shelter Home, will not only provide reconstructive surgery and grafting to burn patients, but also facilitate their rehabilitation and arrange vocational training so that they can earn their livelihood in respectable manner.

He said that training of paramedical staff is being conducted in Italy while one doctor was already in Udine for acquiring expertise in reconstructive surgery. Similarly, 10 burns victims have already completed beauticians course in La Quala region of Italy, he added.

Haider said that the hospital project can be completed earlier, if Pakistan philanthropists also contribute funds for the project.

President IDC Tariq Ikram said that the mission of the council is to promote investment and bilateral trade between Pakistan and Italy by way of arranging meetings between the businessmen of both the countries.

CDGK has acute shortfall of funds worth Rs 350 million

2009-12-18T08:08:00.000-08:00

December 16, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has been passing through tedious spell of financial deficit and it was for the first time in the history of CDGK that the employees had missed bonus and salaries in advance on the occasion of Eid Ul Fitr.

The CDGK was still receiving retrenched amounts from Sindh government. City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal stated this on the occasion of inauguration ceremony of B-Tech classes for three disciplines including Architecture, Garment and Electronic Technologies and Library at Polytechnic Institute for Women, Karimabad, F B Area, Gulberg Town and Introduction of Postgraduate Courses in Colleges of Sindh at Shaheed-e Millat Government Girls College, Azizabad, F B Area, Gulberg Town on Wednesday.

Kamal said that despite these self-explanatory facts, the CDGK has been completing all ongoing development projects because of their prime need for the citizens so as to ensure the citizens continue to have better facilities in civic, education and health sectors.

“We would not engage ourselves in confrontation with anyone as we have so far managed things at their best with indigenous resources but there should be a limit to everything”, said Kamal adding that the CDGK has an acute shortfall of Rs 350 million, which has caused severe impediments to smooth conduction of routine and planned progress of businesses.

The CDGK has been keen on promoting and improving education standard and opportunities for girls. Henceforth, besides routine curriculae, special technical education opportunities have also been established, added Kamal.

Kamal said that he would call it was Women’s Day as we have inaugurated two major institutions for technical education for girls in the city. These technical institutions have cost CDGK Rs 200.36 million and the pace of city’s development would not be compromised.

He said that the Bachelor degree awarding technical institution has also been provided with a mini expo centre within the premise of the college so that talented girls could manifest their projects, which would open new avenues of advancements in technical education system.

These projects have been completed by 50 percent while the remaining part would also be shortly completed as the revenue component for these projects worth Rs 54 million was in hand under the Annual development Programme. The Director general Education would be administrative authority of these new institutions, he said.

In reply to a question, Kamal said that the CDGK has under the theme of revolutionizing the education has set forth 38 English model schools in all 18 towns of the city, which would be shortly functional. These English model schools would provide opportunities to the deprived people with modern education for free.

During his inspection of these new education institutions, Kamal expressed his discontent on raising iron bars that covered windows. He directed the engineers to remove those iron bars because those were displaying a scene of prison.

Later on, District Officer Works and services Department (Education) Saeed Malik had explained to this scribe that the purpose of covering windows and corridors with iron bars was to secure the building premises and fixture and furniture from drug addicts, who occupy school premises in the evening.

It is pertinent to mention that the Polytechnic Institute for Women, Karimabad, F B Area, Gulberg Town has strength of 550 students while with the commencement of B-Tech classes, additionally 20 students would be given admissions for three disciplines each. The B-Tech diploma would be for four years in B-Tech simple and Honours category.

Council lauds SCP on NRO; treasury condemns ministry of education for lifting school uniform

2009-12-18T08:05:00.002-08:00

December 17, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: City Council of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has on Thursday passed five council resolutions (CR) on various issues. Important to all such CRs were on the end of condition of school uniforms in all public schools in the province of Sindh, sugar crisis and allocation of CDGK land to Sindh Institute of Urology and transplant (SIUT).

The house debated the National reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), Sindh education ministry’s decision for end of uniform condition in schools and colleges, sugar crisis, excessive electricity bills by the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) Ltd.
Both the treasury and opposition benches had welcomed the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s (SCP) decision.

The leader of the house, while speaking on point of order said he fully supports SCP’s decision on NRO.

He added that the decision would leave positive affects on politics at national level.
Pakistan People’s Party Awam Dost Group Leader in the City Council, Haji Muhammad Jumman Darwan lauded SCP for historical decision as he termed that for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the SCP has given a decision that confirms the freedom of the Judiciary.

Jamaat-e Islami’s Al-Khidmat Group member in the City Council, Imran Baghpatti termed SCP for landmark verdict on the disputed NRO.

He had however expressed his reservations on implementation of the verdict as he said that the SCP has done its job but the implementation was part of the administration.
He said that it seemed as if the beneficiaries of NRO would find a shelter under government’s shade so the implementation on it would be jeopardized.

Opposition Benches Muhammad Yaqoob said that President Asif Ali Zardari was jailed for ten years while no charges were proved against him.

He questioned the status of the Judiciary, as he asked why the Judiciary had not provided justice to him.

Treasury Benches Imran Ahmed had tabled the CR, which the house passed with majority of votes.

He expressed concern on end of school uniform from schools and colleges of the province as was claimed that thus the decision would widen the class system.

The treasury Benches condemned the decision and said that the Education ministry should withdraw such decision.

Treasury Benches Alam Zaib Durrani and Syed Sajid Ali had tabled the second CR pertained to sugar crisis.

They had expressed their concern on government’s failure to establish its writ and ensure sugar was available to citizens at Rs 40 per kg.

They said that the sugar crisis that has prevailed long has created unrest in the lines of the citizens.

They demanded federal and provincial governments to take multidimensional steps such as import of sugar and curbing sugar smuggling so as to resolve the sugar crisis.
The house passed the CR with majority of votes.

Treasury Benches Syed Absar Ul Hassan tabled the third CR that pertained to public participation as regards to maintenance of Law and Order at the Union Council Level.

While debating on the pons and crons of the theme, Hassan said that Sindh Home Ministry had issued order (DO {M&E}/ LG/PPC/2009/579) on Nov 11 for the constitution of Public Participation Committees.

He said that the implementation on the important order has been hampered after the Sindh local Government Department had withdrawn 134 UC secretaries.

He demanded UC secretaries should be restored immediately so that Public Participation Committees could be formed. The house had passed the CR unanimously.

Treasury Benches Asif Siddiqui tabled a CR on allocating CDGK plot of land measuring 3556.44 square yards to SIUT for hospital purpose.

According to details, a plot of land owned by the CDGK, No 9-RC-2 located at CDGK Works and Services Department’s workshop at Ranchor Lines Quarter.

The SIUT would pay annual rent to CDGK, which would be Rs 1 per square yard. The house passed the CR with majority of votes.

The house also approved a CR on payment of emoluments of Christian employees of the CDGK before Christmas Day.

Treasury Benches member Salman Mujahid Baloch while speaking on point of order said that the KESC was at one hand secretly increasing electricity tariff every month while at the other citizens have been issued electricity bill on average basis with high amounts.

He regretted that the KESC has banned facility of installments and the consumers have been threatened of disconnection if they failed to pay their electricity bill on due date.

He also said that the KESC has decided to retrench the strength of contract employees.

He also pointed out that the KESC has been inducting new officer-cadre employees with salary and perks higher than those already working in senior cadres.

He demanded government should take notice of the situation and should ask the KESC to stop these steps immediately.

JI AKG member Ramzan Awan while speaking on point of order alleged that the law enforcement agencies have kidnapped 6 persons of a family including Mrs. Talat Ilyas, her two daughters, two sons and one grandson from their residence in DHA.

He requested the convener of the house to assist in locating the kidnapped family.

He said that the said family was picked as a compelling tactic to assist the law enforcement agencies to grab nephew of Mrs. Talat Ilyas, who was wanted for being an active member of terrorist organisation.

Hamdard Naunehal Assembly pays great homage to Quaid-e Azam M A Jinnah

2009-12-18T08:05:00.001-08:00