Thursday, December 31, 2009

AFFECTED TRADERS THANK KARACHI NAZIM FOR REQUIRED SUPPORT

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that all the affected traders of M.A Jinnah Road will be rehabilitated at their previous location. City Government has started one window operation by setting up a camp office at the Bolton Market from Friday to facilitate the traders in their rehabilitation process. All the utility service providers including KWSB, KESC, PTCL, SSGC and KBCA would depute their concerned officer and staff at this camp office so that the affected traders could be saved from hanging around different offices.

He expressed these views during a joint press briefing with the representative committee of the affected traders of M.A Jinnah Road at Civic Center on Thursday. The 30 member committee comprising affected shopkeepers and traders of Bolton Market and Denso Hall on this occasion acknowledged the swift action taken by the fire brigade of city government to quench the fire. They said that the fire brigade had started its work on time but the terrorists stopped them when they opened fire on them and injured firemen. Earlier the committee members called on City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal at his office.

Addressing the press conference Nazim Karachi said that the affected traders will be rehabilitated at the place occupied by them as they have demanded their rehabilitation at the exact location where they were doing their business before the incident. He said that in order to provide maximum facilities the rehabilitation work has been started on war footing basis. The camp office established at Bolton Market will work on permanent basis and the affected traders would have the opportunity to contact with only office for resolution of their problems.

Nazim Karachi also announced that the special fund established by city government for rehabilitation of traders will now be used under coordination of 30 member representative committee of affected traders instead of the representatives of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The member of the trader’s committee Saleem Farooqui speaking on the occasion said that all the affected traders have unanimously selected the 30 members of committee and only this committee has been made authorize to talk and deal at every level with regard to the problems facing by the affectees. He also thanked City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal for doing extra ordinary efforts for their early rehabilitation. Saleem Farooqui further said that City Nazim has taken practical steps for resolution of their problems by working day and night. He said that presently the main problem facing by them was not the arrangement of money for reconstruction of their business place but the hanging around for making their work done in different government offices and they are thankful of City Nazim that he has established permanent camp office in our area even before our demand.

Another member of the committee Rafiq Jadoon said that the fire brigade had begun its operation in time but the terrorists never allowed it to quench the fire and the delay in the fire fighting operation resulted in the fire getting out of control. He said that City Nazim has patronized them and worked round the clock during fire fighting operation while ensuring all required machinery available in the affected area…

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

BOLTON MARKET VICTIMS FUND SETUP, KCCI DEMANDED INVESTIGATION AND FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR VICTIMS OF ARSON ON M. A. JINNAH ROAD

Federal Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik, Governor Sindh, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad and Federal Minister, Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar, on the request of Siraj Kassam Teli, Chairman, Businessmen Group & former President-KCCI and Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad, President-KCCI, to express solidarity and condolence visited Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry and ensured the victims of fire-destruction of Bolton Market and other M. A. Jinnah Road Markets for financial relief and punishment to culprits. Rehman Malik announced to setup “Bolton Market Victims’ Fund” wherein Federal and Provincial governments, KCCI, All Pakistan Memon Federation and generous circles of the society will contribute.

Chairman, Businessmen Group and former President-KCCI, Siraj Kassam Teli while representing the Business Community demanded to investigate the M A Jinnah Road havoc happened on 28-December, whereby thousands of shops/ godowns were blazed to fire and goods worth billions of rupees turned to ashes. He demanded the government to provide financial relief to the victims who lost their entire business and properties in the tragic incident. He also demanded to raise a fund for victims, which Rehman Malik agreed and announced thereby. Siraj Teli termed the said incident as another bolt on the blue after 27-December and demanded to arrest and severe punishment of perpetrators. President-KCCI, Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad informed that he along with Managing Committee Members of KCCI, immediately reported to the affected area and deliberated there with Government Officials till midnight. Abdul Majid expressed his deep sorrow and condolence to the victims and ensured them complete support from KCCI for their financial relief in order to restore their businesses. Abdul Majid also ensured that KCCI will maintain a strong connection with government and law-enforcing agencies to arrest and punish the culprits. He welcomed the announced of Bolton Market Victims’ Fund by Rehman Malik at that juncture and informed that a cell has been setup at KCCI for the survey of losses and for financial relief to victims.

Federal Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik strongly condemned the tragic incident claiming precious lives and properties. He announced that investigation report will be brought to daylight and culprits will be punished. Rehman Malik informed that President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani were in contact with him for latest update on the tragic incident. He said that Federal Cabinet was flying to Gawader to attend cabinet meeting, however, he on the direction of Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani arrived Karachi to ensure the victims about relief by the Government and punishment to offenders. Likewise, he added that he called for meetings with all the stakeholders. He informed that ready availability of petroleum products on the accidental place proves a pre-planned destruction by the perpetrators. He quoted the recent speech of Prime Minister wherein its was hinted that some non-state-actors wanted to disturb the law and order situation in Pakistan. He further hinted that anti-Pakistan elements intend to weaken the economy of Pakistan and 28-December tragic incident implicit the same. He appreciated Karachiites for their patience on such tragic incident. He referred the said destruction is attack on the economy of Pakistan and requested the victims and business community to remain patient and not opt for strikes. Rehman Malik, for the relief of sufferers, announced Bolton Market Victims’ Relief Fund, wherein Federal and Provincial Government and alongside KCCI, APMF and generous people will contribute. He said that a survey will be taken to find out the estimate of losses, and after verification from NADRA, financial relief will be given to victims. He iterated that first priority of the government is to improve and maintain law & order situation in Pakistan and their government will not take rest till the total elimination of terrorist elements from Pakistan. He informed about recruitment of 20000 personnel to stabilize Sindh Police. He commented that fire-incident in three separate blocks of Bolton Market clearly shows a pre-planed destruction. A committee headed by Home Minister Sindh and police officials is setup to investigate the incident, he maintained.

Governor of Sindh, Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad Khan, on the behalf of leader of MQM, Altaf Hussain ensured entire support and cooperation to the victims and sufferers. He informed that his visit along with the Ministers is to express political ownership and relief for the tragic incident claiming precious lives and blazing of goods and business properties worth billions of rupees.

Federal Minister, Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar, on behalf of MQM, while addressing to KCCI, business community and the victims of tragic incident ensured entire support and announced that MQM will not touch any political matter or agenda till the provision of justice and financial relief to the victims. He ensured, on behalf of MQM, to reserve all their energies to restore the business activities of Bolton Markets and other destroyed markets of M A Jinnah Road to their normal business routine. He termed the said incident as 9-11 for Karachi. He lamented that Karachi was torched to fire on 27-December and now again its business-line is burnt to ashes. He declared the present situation as war-like and urged for taking concrete measures on war-footing for which patience was mandatory for all. He said the he was well familiar the feelings and sentiments of victims and the business community. He disclosed that video footages were already acquired by the government and criminal will be unveiled soonest. He suspected that if anyone acting as black-sheep from law-enforcing agencies being involved in criminal negligence will also be unveiled and punished.

Leaders and representatives from Small Traders and Victims strongly condemned the tragic incident and recorded their protest and demanded severe punishment to the perpetrators and financial relief to restore their businesses. They also demanded ban on processions. The President of Second-hand/used clothing Association informed that on outbreak fire, people approached Fire Stations, but Fire Engines were, forcefully delayed to despatched due to interference of some criminal elements equipped with arms present there. Rafiq Jadoon, Old City Alliance of Markets Association, apprehended that in the presence of law-enforcing agencies at M A Jinnah Road, it is not understandable, why and how perpetrators burnt the markets.

President-KCCI, Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad along with other leadership and Managing Committee Members, since the happening of the incident, maintaining contacts with high-ups of the government and meeting them for provision of relief to the sufferers.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

U.S. Embassy Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Muzaffarabad and Karachi

Islamabad - The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan condemns the terrorist attacks targeting innocent people during Muharram processions on Sunday and Monday in Muzaffarabad and Karachi.

We extend our condolences to the victims' families and friends, and to the Pakistani people. (Press Release)

Monday, December 28, 2009

Suicide blast in Karachi Ashura procession kills 30, injures 80

At least 30 persons have been killed while 80 injured as a powerful suicide blast ripped through Central Flagellation Procession of Yaum-e-Ashur on M.A. Jinnah Road Karachi, reported Dunya News on Monday.
The blast occurred when the central flagellation procession of 10th Muharram reached near Light House Cinema. According to sources, the suicide bomber blew himself up near young boy scouts camp as one of the Rangers personnel Abdul Razzaq stopped him. The blast triggered stampede and panic among the mourners. The blast was so powerful that it could be heard from several kilometers. Police and law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area after the incident whereas rescue teams rushed to the blast site and shifted the injured to Civil and Jinnah hospitals. Emergency has been imposed in all hospitals of the city. The injured also includes some media persons and two Rangers personnel.
Angry mourners torched several vehicles parked alongside the road and a four-story building. Several persons were caught helpless in the building. The angry mob also torched shops in Landa Bazaar adjacent to Light House Cinema. Meanwhile, several incidents of firing and violence have been reported from different areas of Karachi after the incident.
The blast occurred at 4:22 pm while Dunya News team was present there for the coverage of the central flagellation procession.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

CCPO KARACHI WASEEM AHMED, POLICE OFFICERS MONITOR 9TH MUHARRAM PROCESSION THROUGH COMMAND & CONTROL CENTER

City administration has been facilitated greatly due to the availability of Command & Control Center and surveillance cameras in its monitoring the area from Nishter Park to Tower during Muharram-ul-Haram. So far city government has installed 275 video cameras on different locations and 100 more will be installed within a week. No one can abolish this system in future as any such attempt would be resisted by the people who have owned this system.

This was stated by City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal while talking to media representatives on Saturday at Command & Control Center. Earlier he reviewed the city condition specially the situation at Nishter Park and M.A Jinnah Road during the 9th Muharram procession and afterwards attended the procession at M.A Jinnah Road and met with the organizers and religious leaders.

The CCPO Karachi Waseem Ahmed along with SSP Dr. Aamir Yousuf Zai and other police officers were also present on this occasion and inspected the main procession from the screens of command and control room.

City Nazim said that the present day challenges could not be dealt without using latest technology. City Government has provided this facility to administration that has helped and enabled them to monitor the condition of city during Muharram-ul-Haram. He said that the Nishter Park was now regarded as the key place for holding of religious and other people’s gatherings. This system was not specific to Muharram and has been established on permanent basis. All the entrance routes of Nishter Park and its internal area were being monitored completely.

City Nazim said that not only this system was helping the police but was also used to control the fire brigade, ambulance service 1122 and city wardens who are also on the ground. He said that the system could record the data for next 10 years and its capacity was being enhanced on regular basis. The area from Airport to Metropole Hotel and from Saddar to Safoora Chowk(Corridor III) will also include in the coverage area within a week.

The CCPO Karachi Waseem Ahmed on this occasion said that the city government’s command and control system was supported by latest technology and has been proved effective and helpful for Karachi Police. He said that the surveillance system could save the city from any possible terrorist act and the police and other law enforcement agencies could be informed instantly in case of any emergency situation. He also acknowledged the help and coordination received by police from the town nazmeen and the town administration in Karachi.

Friday, December 25, 2009

CDGK COMPLETES FLOOD LIGHT STADIUM IN NORTH KARACHI

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal inaugurated flood light stadium in North Karachi on Wednesday night. The stadium has been built by CDGK with a cost of Rs50million. Provincial Minister for Youth Affairs Faisal Sabzwari, DCO Karachi Javed Hanif Khan and large number of people attended the inaugural ceremony.

Talking to media representatives on this occasion City Nazim said that during last four years more than 18 sports stadiums and 18 cricket academies have been established by city government in different parts of the city. Payment of salaries to members of town cricket team and their coaches will also start from 1st January 2009. City Government has so far completed 7 flood light stadiums in Karachi which have been opened for public.

Nazim Karachi said that 2 country clubs in Baldia and Orangi Town, Sangam Cricket Ground and three astro turf hockey stadiums have also been completed while the football stadium will be inaugurated next week. All these grounds and stadiums will be handed over to prominent sports persons who would besides running their affairs also arrange for training of youths.

He said that an indoor sports complex has also planned at one side of this ground which will be completed soon. Nazim Karachi said that by giving importance to sports and recreation facilities, City Government Karachi has set up new example for other district governments in Pakistan.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN TO INAUGURATE SHAHEED BENAZIR BHUTTO PARK

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari will inaugurate Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park in Clifton next month. The park has been constructed by City District Government Karachi in just five months time with the funding of federal government.

This was stated by City Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal while talking to the media representatives after he inspected the ongoing development works of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Park with DCO Karachi Javed Hanif Khan.

The Director General Parks & Horticulture City Government Liaquat Ali Khan on this occasion gave a briefing regarding project. He said that the park is spread over an area of 152acres with 3km length. Various facilities including food courts, wooden walking and jogging tracks have been arranged in this huge park with more than 35 exercise machines and a good number of swings for children. He also informed that a linking bridge was also constructed between the two parts of the park and large numbers of trees and seasonal flowers have been planted to give it a greener and attractive look.

Expressing his views on the construction of park Nazim Karachi said that like other projects in Karachi City Government had to indulge in a battle with the land mafia and other agencies to save this costly piece of land for construction of Shaheed Benazir Butto Park. He disclosed that some people wanted to build a commercial complex or housing scheme on this land.

Monday, December 21, 2009

KARACHI CHAMBER & KESC ARRANGED KHULI KACHEHRI AT KCCI

As a result of meeting of President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad with Mr. Tabish Gauhar, CEO, KESC on December 10, 2009, KCCI has arranged a ‘Khuli Kacheri’ at Chamber’s auditorium on December 17, 2009 to facilitate KCCI members regarding KESC issues specially for long pending issues. It was first time in the history that a “Khuli Kacheri” was arranged. Members were invited to forward their complaints to KESC for taking prompt and early action to resolve the issues. Members were very keen to participate in Khuli Kachery as each member individually presented his case and all issues were thoroughly discussed and considered in the meeting.

The most frequent issues pertaining to KESC like Excess Billing, Average Billing, Fixed charges, unjustified arrears, unannounced load shedding, testing of electricity meters, replacement of electricity meters and old wires in absence of consumer, delay in load extension, low voltage, delay in new connections and poor performance of BOC’s staff were discussed.

Mr. Mehmood Ahmed, General Manager, Mr. Shariq Subhan, Deputy General Manager, Ch. Tanveer Arshad, Manager and Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Manager, KESC were the representatives from KESC.

Mr. Shamim Ahmed Firpo, Chairman, Public Sector Utilities Power & Gas Sub-Committee, KCCI specially highlighted the long pending issues regarding new connection and extension in load. He expressed his gratitude to KESC officials for their cooperation. He also said that this liaison will be continued in future also. He also announced that a next follow-up meeting will be held after one week for further discussion and to review the issues.

Mr. Mehmood Ahmed, General Manager, KESC while responding to all queries assured the members that their cases will be resolved soon. He also said that we need to study the cases and will try to resolve the issues in two-three day or within a week time.

The Khuli Kachehri was very successful. All other Associations and Trade bodies were also invited to present their respective issues. The KESC has appreciated the suggestions given by the members and assured that all valuable proposals will be considered.

The meting was also attended by Mr. Rasheeduddin Rashid, Senior Vice President, KCCI, Mr. Javed Ahmed Vohra, Vice President, KCCI, Managing Committee Members, Representative form Small Traders and a large numbers of KCCI members.

Custom House Karachi

Since independence Custom House Karachi is located on Eduljee Dinshaw Road, Karachi adjacent to the Karachi Port Trust Building. At that time there was only one Collector of Customs and after 1973 the Collectorate of Customs Appraisement fragmented out and there were two Customs Collectors i.e. Preventive and Appraisement. Owing to the rush of work and influx of trade people approaching the Old Custom House it was felt necessary to have a new and prestigious building of the Custom House where the offices could be placed properly and the trade as well as staff members can perform in a better environment. Accordingly in the year 1979, a piece of land measuring 2,30,260 sq feet was procured from Karachi Port Trust. Foundation stone of the new building was placed by the then President of Pakistan General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq on 07.03.1979. It took 8 years to complete the 12 storied prestigious building and the new building was inaugurated on 08.05.1987 by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad Khan Junejo. The newly constructed building has 12 floors having covered area of 1,60,140 sq feet. Besides the Collectorates of Customs Preventive and Appraisement more offices and Collectorate of the Central Board of Revenue were shifted in this new building. During the year 1990 the Collectorate of Customs Preventive defragmented into another Collectorate namely Exports Collectorate. This Collectorate also has its headquarters in the same building. The Central Board of Revenue also had its camp office of Member Judicial in this Custom House but as a result of reforms and re-structuring that office did not exist anymore, however the Directorate of Internal Audit, Inspection, IOCO etc were also shifted to this building.
As a part of major reform that took place was the introduction of Model Custom Collectorate. In order to accommodate the new environment and offices having a lot of IT equipment and also to facilitate the trade it was felt necessary that mezzanine floor of the Custom House besides the previous Cash and Accounts Section be re-designed for the Model Custom Collectorate. In the year 2004 Model Custom Collectorate was established and its new offices were placed in the newly constructed extrusion of the Custom House building. At present the building of Custom House Karachi is accommodating following Collectorates and Directorates;

COLLECTORATE OF CUSTOMS PREVENTIVE
COLLECTORATE OF CUSTOMS APPRAISEMENT
MODEL CUSTOMS COLLECTORATE
COLLECTORATE OF CUSTOMS EXPORTS
DIRECTORATE OF INTERNAL AUDIT
DIRECTORATE OF INSPECTION
CONTROLLER VALUATION
IOCO
CAMP OFFICE OF CHAIRMAN/MEMBER FBR
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF COORDINATOR COMPUTERIZATION AND PROGRAMMING

At present almost 1500 staff members are using this building and a lot of people from various trade communities also visit the Custom House, Karachi for their routine day to day work.

Democrats wins Karachi Press Club for 2010

“The Democrats” panel won majority of posts in the elections of Karachi Press Club for 2010 held on saturday. The Democrats won eight seats out of total 12 including president-elect Muhammad Imtiaz Khan Faran with 429 votes against Khursheed Tanveer (320 votes), vice-president-elect Amir Latif with 431 votes against Abdul Majid Bhatti (315 votes), secretary-elect A.H. Khanzada with 459 votes against Ashraf Khan (293 votes), joint-secretary-elect Abid Hussain with 362 votes against Arbab Ali Chandio (318 votes) and treasurer-elect Shaikh Mahmood Mian with 411 votes against Syed Hassan Abbas with 315 votes.
The four members of the elected KPC Governing Body belong to “The Panel” as its candidate Ahmed Khan Malik was elected with 328 votes, Ajiz Jamali with 363 votes, Kamran Razi with 319 votes and Zeb Azkar Hussain with 318 votes.
Three elected members of the Governing Body belong to “The Democrats” including Asif Jiaja with 367 votes, Hina Mahgul with 414 votes and Shams Keerio with 365 votes.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief’s aide held in Karachi

By Faraz Khan

KARACHI: The Crime Investigation Department on Thursday claimed to have arrested Nooran Gul Mehsud alias Rocket, a close aide of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Hakeemullah Mehsud.

According to CID officials, a special team raided Ramzan Goth on a tip-off and arrested the man after a brief encounter.

CID SSP Fayyaz Khan said an incomplete suicide jacket, 20 Kg of explosives, 2 Kg of ball bearings and nails each, six electric timers and wires, and one Kalashnikov rifle was seized from him.

“The man’s name is included in CID’s Red Book in the category of most dangerous terrorists,” the police official said.

Khan said Nooran had organised a terrorist network in Karachi on the directives of the slain TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud.

“In Karachi, the accused used to direct his accomplices to carry out target killings, kidnappings for ransom, bank robberies, snatching oil tankers and other terrorist activities,” Khan said.

“Nooran was also involved in an attack on an intelligence agency personnel and the Anti-Violent Crime Unit (AVCU) in Sohrab Goth,” he said. “Two policemen were killed while several others, including AVCU chief SSP Farooq Awan and an intelligence official were wounded in the incident.”

Khan also said the accused was also responsible for providing medical treatment to terrorists in the city who were wounded while fighting the Pakistan Army in Waziristan. (DT Report)

Monday, December 14, 2009

TYRE KILLERS TO STOP WRONG TRAFFIC MOVEMENT AT U TURNS

City District Government Karachi has started fixing tyre killers at the u turns of signal free corridors to stop the traffic using wrong and illegal direction. On the directives of Cit Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal the department has fixed tyre killers at the u turns at University Road near Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town Office and Chandni Chowk. Tyre killers will also be fixed at the u turn near Nipa Chowrangi, Gulshan Chowrangi, Federal B. Area near Power House, Shara-e-Shah Waliullah and at various points of 5000 Road North Karachi.

This may be noted that in order to maintain smooth flow of traffic on various important roads city government had converted them into signal free corridor and also constructed u turns at these corridors for convenience of motorists. However, unfortunately many of the drivers were using wrong direction at the u turns resulting in accidents.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal had directed concerned department to start fixing tyre killers at u turns to save the citizens from accidents due to wrong side driving. These tyre killers allow traffic access in one direction and puncturing the tyres of the vehicle intruding from the opposite direction…

Biggest bank robbery in country’s history, Rs. 521 million looted, bank guards involved

By Aneel Ahmed Usmani
KARACHI: City witnessed a biggest bank robbery of the country’s history in which over Rs. 521 million were looted from the lockers of Allied Bank Limited central branch situated at main I.I. Chundrigar Road yesterday. According to the details, the looted money comprises local and foreign currencies. A bag containing 40,000 British pounds has been recovered from a police official’s house. The family members of the police official had left the bag home which contained foreign currency. According to police, as many as five bank guards were involved in the bank robbery while raids are being carried out to arrest other robbers. One of the guard was identified as Shahid Mehmood son of Abdul Majeed who made his national identity card from Faisalabad. Police has also taken into custody two bank guards. According to police sources, the license of the private security company has been cancelled whose security guards were reportedly involved in this bank robbery. Police have arrested two accused and further investigation is in progress.

It is said that around 80,000 private security guards are hired by various institutions including banks in Pakistan without their proper registration with police. A reward of Rs. 20 lakhs have been announced by the city police for any information about the culprits. In recent months a number of such cases have occurred when the guards are part of the ‘robberies’ and despite such incidents, no check and balance system has been initiated against the security guards systems. It may also be mentioned here that almost all the big bank dacoity cases do occur in Karachi, the financial hub of Pakistan. Sources further claimed that the involved guard is reportedly had links with some terrorists organisation and also hails from the tribal region. Police further claimed they would soon succeed in arresting the involved culprits. (NC Report)

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Former President of Karachi Press Club Najib Ahmed passes away

The senior journalist and the well-known crime reporter of Daily Jang Newspaper Najib Ahmed has died of cardiac arrest on Thursday morning.
According to sources, Najib Ahmed was associated with Daily Jang Newspaper as a senior crime reporter for last 18 years besides, he has also served on various news assignments for Geo news.
Also, deceased Najib Ahmed has served as President and Secretary General of Karachi Press Club (KPC) and remained associated with a number of prominent newspapers throughout his journalist career.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

KIHD GETS RECOGNITION FOR TEACHING INSTITUTE FROM COLLEGE OF PHYSICIAN & SURGEONS PAKISTAN.

After recognition of College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan, City Government’s Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases (KIHD) has started 4 year FCPS training program in cardiac technology. Earlier a special team of CPSP comprising of senior cardiologists of the country inspected KIHD and declared it an appropriate institute for cardiac teaching. Besides cardiac teaching training the KIHD will also start 3 year Diploma in Cardiology and the institute will be equipped with a cardiac nursing institute.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has called it a welcome step and a gift for the citizens of Karachi. He said that the Haq Parast City Government has paid special attention on the health sector during last four years in Karachi during which it has converted many hospitals under its control into well standard medical institutes.

He said that KIHD has now become Karachi’s second biggest cardiac institute after NICVD to offer full fledged cardiac teaching facility that has made this institute one of the renowned cardiac institutes in Pakistan.

Nazim Karachi said that we have completed the extension phase of KIHD with a cost of Rs400million. The institute has been provided with modern machinery and equipment costing about Rs100million. City Government has also imported 256 Multi Slice CT Angio Machine for KIHD and now this is the first cardiac institute in Asia which is using this facility.

He said that the institute has so far performed angioplasty of more than one thousand patients and angiography of over ten thousand patients while it has also carried out open heart surgery of 100 patients. The establishment of KIHD was aimed to provide cheap and better cardiac care and diagnostic facilities to citizens of Karachi. Accordingly the institute offers angioplasty in just Rs35 thousand, angiography in only Rs3500 and heart bypass for a little expenditure of Rs50 thousand while the same angioplasty cost Rs2 to3 Lac to patients in private hospitals and they charge Rs25 thousand to 30 thousand for angiography and Rs2.25 to 3 Lac for heart bypass which is quite big amount for poor and middle class patients and they can not afford to pay such a huge money.