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.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
DHA Cogen Power and Desalination Plant to resume operation soon
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Friday, February 12, 2010
Haematologic Disorders in Gynaecology and Obstetrics by Tahir Shamsi - Nazli Hossain launched
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.
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.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
British HC agrees with City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal that city's development should go further
"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.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
OUP Launch of book on indigenous design culture of Pakistan
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.
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
"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.
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.
Monday, February 8, 2010
LG elections in Sindh tricky business
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
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
February 8, 2010
By Irfan Aligi
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
http://dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2010\02\08\story_8-2-2010_pg12_5
First day of mourning call leaves city paralysed
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
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
February 8, 2010
By Irfan Aligi
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.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
JPMC bomb victims unsatisfied with treatment facilities
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.
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
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.
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
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
CDGK looking at Sindh government for further Rs 450 million:
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
“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.
“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
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.
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.
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