KarachiObserver.com

ARRANGEMENTS FOR 12TH RABI-UL-AWWAL

2012-02-01T23:28:00.003+05:00

Administrator KMC Muhammad Hussain Syed has directed to remove all garbage collection points around the mosques and route of main procession of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi(PBUH)and complete all necessary arrangements including cleaning before 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal. He also instructed to carry out repair and maintenance work of all streets lights and sewerage system in the city.Administrator Karachi said all the municipal resources including machinery, vehicles and manpower should be mobilized for 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal. He said measures should be taken in an efficient way for ensuring cleanliness on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal especially in and around the Nishter Park.In a meeting held in connection with the arrangements for 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal.

Nasreen Masood elected Rotary Karachi Airport President for 2013-14

2012-01-18T23:16:00.000+05:00

Rotarian Nasreen Masood was elected as President of the Rotary Club of Karachi Airport (RCKA) for the Rotary year 2013-14 in the club meeting held at Rangoonwala Hall, Karachi, on December 31, 2011.

Rtn Abdul Hamid was re-elected as President for 2012-13 while Rtn Khalique Laiq and Rtn Mohammad Younus were elected as Vice President and Club Secretary respectively.

Rtn Mahmood Nawaz was re-elected as Joint Secretary while Rtn Nazakat Ali Khan was elected as Treasurer with Rtn Waseem Yousuf getting re-elected as Sergeant At Arms and Sarfaraz Khan getting elected to the post of Club Coordinator.

Rtn Syed Khalid Mahmood (Director Membership Development), Rtn Anwar Jabeen Qureshi (Director Club Service), Rtn Shah Mohammad Anwar (Director Community Service), Rtn Abdul Mobin Khan (Director International Service) and Rtn Anwar Siddiqui (Director Vocational Service) were also elected to the Board for the Rotary year 2012-13.

Board of Secondary Education Karachi announces poverty-cum-merit scholarship

2012-01-13T16:53:00.000+05:00

Mrs Hoor Mazhar

Mrs. Hoor Mazhar Secretary Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) announced that the board will offer poverty-cum-merit scholarship for deserving students enrolled in Class-X in the government secondary schools of the metropolitan. She said that all public-run schools were bound to submit names of 10 deserving students from their schools. The students should have at least 45 per cent marks in the SSC-I exams.

Syed Khalid Mahmood appointed Assistant Governor for 2012-13

2012-01-10T15:52:00.000+05:00

Rotarian Syed Khalid Mahmood, Charter President, Rotary Club of Karachi Airport (RCKA), has been appointed as Assistant Governor of the RI District 3271 for Rotary year 2012-13.

The written confirmation in this regard was issued by District Governor-Elect, Rtn, Jalaluddin Shaikh, vide an email dated January 9, 2012, which has been circulated to the RCKA member for information.

”This indeed is an important position and the District Management has assigned him a very important job which is full of challenges and opportunities. Rtn Khalid Mahmood is a pioneer and founder member of the RCKA and the club feels greatly honoured by his appointment and wishes him best of luck in this position. We extend felicitation to him and pray for his success in his new assignment,” Club Secretary, Rtn S M Anwar wrote while sharing the confirmation letter with the RCKA members.

The RCKA President, Rtn Abdul Hamid, also congratulated Rtn Khalid Mahmood and described his appointment as Assistant Governor as an accomplishment for the club as well. The RCKA was chartered in June 2008.

Jumbo Karachi Guide arrives

2012-01-04T23:36:00.000+05:00

Jumbo Karachi Guide took a good number of years to be compiled, edited, produced and finally published. Its inaugural edition has arrived and the early feedback has been phenomenal.

It’s Karachi’s first-ever comprehensive travel guide. The paperback, published by Jumbo Infomedia, is spread over 148 pages of A-5 size in four-colour and it’s printed on Matt Finish paper with a wealth of information inside the covers.

Besides Karachi Important Telephone Numbers, Karachi Postal Area Codes, Karachi Facts and Chronology of events, the articles published with eye-catching and historic photographs of the city are Introducing Karachi, Modern Karachi, Climate of Karachi, From Kolachi to Karachi, Karachi’s Architectural heritage, Cultural history of Karachi, Karachi Tramway becomes a thing of past, Education remains identity of Karachi, Evolution of new media through blogging and social networking, Hub of business, Karachi Port continues to offer new opportunities, Enchanting beaches and coastline, Engagement in sports and recreation, Premier hotels of Karachi, Hot and spicy food, Shoppers Paradise for everyone’s delight, Multiplexes revive cinema culture in Karachi, My Karachi: Oasis of harmony, Hamara Karachi Festival rocks, Karachi International Book Fair gladdens bookworms, Fashion Week making waves in Karachi, Karachi Literature Festival illuminates literary scene and Social sector development in Karachi.

The maps of Pakistan, Sindh and Karachi have been printed separately while Practical Information section has the listings of Airlines, Ambulance Services, Art Galleries, Banks, Blood Banks, Booksellers, Breakfast & Brunch, Chocolates & Sweets, Cinemas, Clubs, Coach Services, Courier Services, Cultural Centres, Departmental Stores, Farm Houses, Fast Food, Florists, Foreign Mission, Fun Spots, Gift Shops, Golf Clubs, Handicrafts, Health Clubs, Hospitals, Hotels, Ice Cream Shops, Laboratories & X-ray Centres, Libraries, Medical Stores, Money Changers, Museums, Photo Colour Laboratories, Photographers, Rent A Car, Restaurants, Travel Agents and Tour Operators.

The handy book, priced Pak Rs 600, is available at all leading bookstores in Pakistan and it can also be obtained directly from the office of Jumbo Infomedia.

http://jumboinfomedia.blogspot.com/

Dr Abdullah hails Chancellor Nizami for turning Aligarh dream into reality

2011-12-29T13:08:00.000+05:00

Dr Abdullah

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

“The establishment of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET)is a unique achievement of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys’ Association(AMOUBA) which has been made possible by Z.A. Nizami, President AMUOBA and ChancellorSSUET.”

These remarks came from Dr. Abdullah, a Pakistani scientist settles in the USand now on a visit to Karachi, after a meeting with Chancellor Nizami, onDecember 28.

Dr. Abdullah, also an Aligarian and a Trustee of Aligarh Alumni Association,USA, described the SSUET as a realization of the meaning of Aligarh Movement.

He informed the Chancellor that Aligarh Alumni Association USA is deeplyinvolved in community services and has been supporting some 225 studentsstudying in Aligarh University and also supporting about 15 educationalinstitutions as a mission of Sir Syed Khan – the promotion of cause ofeducation.

He reiterated that SSUET is a unique achievement and one could find a very rareexample of establishment of such universities by an association and its creditgoes to Mr. Nizami.

Chancellor Nizami informed the visiting scientist, who served in NASA andGeneral Electric for many years, that during his lifetime, Sir Syed, the greateducationist and reformer was told to name Aligarh University after his namebut he refused and said that only after his death an institution could be namedafter his name if anyone felt that he had done something for propagating thecause of education and Muslims at large and it was after 6 years of his deaththat this University came into being as Sir Syed University.

He informed Dr. Abdullah that SSUET today has 6000 students on its roll besidessome 200 doing Masters and Ph.D. Besides, there were 3000 students in theAligarh Institute of Technology and another 1500 admitted in the Continuouseducation Programme.

Karachi International Book Fair: All roads lead to Expo Centre as KIBF 2011 opens

2011-12-16T15:30:00.000+05:00

The areas surrounding the Expo Centre are buzzing with activity and there’s a lot of noise inside three halls since morning as the 7th Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF) 2011 was opened to the public at the designated time of 10 am on December 16.

The stalls have been tastefully decorated and there has been considerable rush of people of all ages from the moment the gates were opened on a Friday morning on which life generally is slow in Karachi.

There were students, clad in uniform, as well as teachers and professionals who not only visited the various stalls but also availed the opportunity of purchasing books in comparatively less crowded environment as more people are expected to pour in during the weekends.

The officials and volunteers of the KIBF are there at the reception area to greet and facilitate the visitors. The KIBF Convener, Owais Mirza Jamil, and the Chairman of the Pakistan Publishers & Booksellers Association (PPBA), Aziz Khalid, are supervising all the arrangements with the assistance of their team members.

A record number of 290 stalls have been set up in the KIBF 2011 which promises to become the largest event of its kind in Pakistan.

(Jumbo Publishing. Com)

Revamped Jumbo Publishing website launched

2011-12-09T21:28:00.001+05:00

Jumbo Publishing has launched its revamped website www.jumbopublishing.com which offers customers greater knowledge about its books in addition to important news and updates.

The newly designed website is user-friendly that makes it easy for the customer to find and learn about Jumbo Publishing’s books.

The customers can easily read a review of the book they are interested in. They can also order it very conveniently by downloading and printing the form and sending it over with the cheque/draft of the appropriate amount.
Three latest articles from the blog of Jumbo Publishing, www.jumbopublishing.blogspot.com appear on the home page and the visitors can access them rather comfortably.

The launch of our newly redesigned website is in line with Jumbo Publishing’s philosophy of spreading knowledge and providing the best possible services to its customers.

ALTAF HUSSAIN LAUDS MQM WINGS PRAISES ZONES, SECTORS, UNITS AND PARLIAMENTARIANS FOR MAKING EFFORTS FOR PEACE AND HARMONY ON YOUM-I-ASHUR

2011-12-07T21:06:00.001+05:00

Chief of Muttahida Quami Movement Altaf Hussain has lauded the MQM Co-ordination Committee, parliamentarians, Karachi Tanzimi Committee (KTC), Interior Sindh Tanzimi Committee (ISTC) and all the zones and sectors of throughout the country for making efforts in maintaining peace and sectarian harmony.

Mr Hussain said that the MQM had demonstrated by taking part in the ritual mourning processions and religious gatherings that the MQM is working strenuously working for peace, brotherhood and sectarian harmony.

Mr Hussain also praised the doctors, paramedics, and volunteers of the KKF and the Medical Aid Committee of the MQM for performing duties at the medical camps and other locations throughout the country.

Mr Hussain also thanked the scholars for preaching unity among the Muslims and the need for harmony among different shades of religious persuasions.

Mr Hussain also praised the Federal Interior Minister, Provincial Home Minister, and officials and personnel of police and rangers for making effective security arrangements on Youm-e-Ashur.

Nawabshah Akhbar Farosh Union honoured

2011-11-05T16:54:00.001+05:00

By Rashid Zia

Newspaper hawkers are section of society that continue itswork under all circumstances of grief and happiness and for that reason it hasthe status of artery in the world of newspapers selling.

These views were expressed by District Coordination OfficerJamal Mustafa Syed at a relief program organized by All Pakistan Newspaperssellers Federation in honour of “Nawabshah Akhbar Farosh Union”.

Jamal Mustafa Syed said that where on one side rain broughtdisaster in the province on the other side newspaper hawkers were alsoadversely affected and it was their passion that they continued newspaperssupply in rain also. He said that hawkers who enjoy a status in society must beprovided help on government level as it is the manifesto of present government.

Vice President All Pakistan Akhbar Farosh Federation Sindh,Abdul Sattar addressing the occasion said that newspaper hawkers were severallyaffected during recent unprecedented rains but they did not receive any reliefon government level. He said that hawkers are that part of society who continuepapers supply keeping his grieves aside.

President Anjuman Akhbar Farosh Karachi , Haji Iqbal Noonsaid that hawkers are fighting the war of right and truth in the era of eachfor himself. He said that hawkers should work and play role for the bettermentof community keeping their differences aback. He said that newspaper hawkersthroughout the country are united under the leadership of Central SecretaryGeneral All Pakistan Akhbar Farosh Federation, Tikka Khan.

He said that Tikka Khan feeling the pains of hawkersextended help to affected hawkers in cooperation with newspaper owners on whichthey are thankful to Jang, Express and Dawn groups who remembered hawkers inthis difficult time.

President Nawabshah Press Club, Muhammad Anwar Shaikh saidthat hawkers are that part of society who is serving newspaper industry withdedication but lack admiration. He said that hawkers are devoid of many basicrequirements in this developed era.

Senior Vice President Anjuman Akhbar Farosh UnionKarachi, Choudhry Nazeer, Secretary Information Shafique Bhai, PresidentHyderabad Akhbar Farosh Union Aamir Afzal, President Mirpurkhas Ayub Mahar,President Nawabshah Ashraf Qureshi, Chairman Muhammad Shafi, Member FederationNawabshah Abdul Khaliq, Lachman Thadani of DawnJang Hyderabad Agent RafiqueKareemi and Farooq Vayani of Nawabshah also addressed the program. DCO on theoccasion announced to give 25 cycles to hawkers while Lachman Thadani andPresident Press Club Muhammad Anwar Shaikh announced cash help for hawkers.

Senior journalist Ismail Domki acted as stagesecretary. Earlier the guests were presented traditional Sindhi Ajrak as gift.

Sir Syed University students distribute ration in flood-affected Nawabshah

2011-10-31T17:02:00.000+05:00

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

The students of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi,distributed two truck loads of relief goods including food items among the rainand flood affected people of District Shaheed Benazirabad.

A team of the university teachers and the volunteer students carried the rationpacks to an affected village in Deh Hakro, a remote area of Taluka Daur of thedistrict and distributed among the affectees with the cooperation of ChaudharyIrfan Hameed, a local landlord.

In order to make the relief distribution transparent, the university volunteerscompiled a list of affected people and later distributed ration among them.

Speaking on the occasion, a university teacher, Abdul Khaliq Khanzada, remarkedthat the relief ration was collected and transported on the directives ofChancellor SSUET Z A Nizami

He disclosed to the audience that the SSUET, in the past, had also distributedration among the affected people of Badin and Mirpurkhas on humanitariangrounds.

Later the SSUET team visited Nawabshah Press Club and presented the universitysouvenir to the Club President, Muhammad Anwar Shaikh, and senior member,Rashid Zia Qureshi.

They were taken on a visit to the Club's Seminar Hall, Press Conference Room,Computer laboratory and Library.

The Nawabshah Press Club President, Anwar Shaikh, appreciated the efforts ofthe of Chancellor Sir Syed University, Z A Nizami, and described this act ofhis as real service to humanity.

NIM DELEGATION VISITS KARACHI CITY GOVERNMENT

2011-10-30T20:54:00.000+05:00

The participants of 12th Mid Career Management Course in National Institute of Management visited head office of City District Government Karachi on Thursday. The delegation called on District Coordination Officer Karachi Roshan Ali Shaikh in his office at Civic Center.

Later during a meeting attended by the delegation with EDOs of City Government and Director General National Institute of Management, DCO Karachi Roshan Ali Shaikh appraised the delegation about the preparation of development plan and other mega projects initiated in Karachi.

He said that the shifting of rural population to urban areas all over the world had been creating many problems for mega cities including Karachi.

City Government Karachi has taken various measures to ensure the availability of civic facilities for every citizen. Unfortunately, the city of Karachi did not have any mass transit system which had created traffic related problems. The population of Karachi would exceed 30million mark by 2030. The city administration was therefore taking all initiatives to solve the problems regarding mass transit system and solid waste management.

DCO Karachi said that the city government was making all efforts to provide better facilities to citizens in each sector including education, health & fumigation, transport and infrastructure development. Anti encroachments cell of city government had been taking action against all illegal occupations of land.

He said the rules and regulations of transparency international and SPPRA were being implemented in Karachi to set a tradition of good governance.

SSUET to have a Center of studies for Irrigation and flood relief

2011-10-18T20:51:00.000+05:00

ByAbdul Qadir Qureshi

Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) is going to have a centerof studies for Irrigation and Flood Relief – the first of its kind to beestablished by an engineering university.

An announcement in this regard was made by Chancellor SSUET Engr Z.A. Nizami,while presiding over the Sir Syed Day function held at the University’sConvocation Ground in Karachi.

Mr Nizami made the announcement on behalf of Pakistan’s noted engineer and mostsenior Aligarhian Engr Bashir A. Malik, who was the chief guest at the Sir SyedDay function which is iberved every year on October 17.

Mr Nizami said Engr Bashir Malik, has announced to wholly sponsor theestablishment of this center. It was Engr Bashir Malik who donated the entire Rs12 million cost of an Auditorium of international standard at SSUET.

The Chancellor noted that establishment of such a study center was the need ofthe house and work on its establishment will start within a week. He said thecenter will feed the entire country on irrigation and flood relief issues.

He announced yet another sponsorship from Engr Bashir Malik for theestablishment of Lahore Campus of Sir Syed University and said the legalrequirements in this respect would be sorted out first to pave the way for thispurpose.

On the occasion, Engr Nizami announced the conferment of status of ProfessorEmiratus of SSUET for Engr Bashir Malik in recognition to his services in thefield of civil engineering and more particularly the water issues.

Nizami said that no one else but SSUET has been instrumental in keeping the“Aligah Spirit” alive and said that it is the only university in Pakistanwhich, besides imparting education in six engineering didsciplines, madePakistan Studies, Aligarh Movement and Pakistan Movement compulsory subjectswhile following the spirit and mission of great reformer and educationist SirSyed Ahmed Khan.

He referred to the host of studies carried out on disaster management at theUniversity and said that the bulky reports were sent to some 32 organizationsand only three of them took the pain to go through these world standardreports.

Mr Nizami said that keeping the mission of Sir Syed, this university keepspursuing its students to only focus on their academic pursuits besides extraacademic activities.

Earlier, speaking as chief guest, Engr Bashir A. Malik who did his civilengineering from Aligarh Muslim University and served as Technical Advisor toUN on water issues, described Sir Syed Ahmed Khan a great personality and saidsuch personalities never die and their achievements are always remembered.

He said that achievements of the great reformer and educationist are countedeven after 110 years – his biggest achievement being the Aligarh College whichlater became the world fame university.

He said the students of Aligarh Muslim University led the movement for thecreation of a country in which today we are living as a free nation. He saidthis country was carved out under the sterling leadership of Quaid-e-AzaMuhammed Ali Jinnah which otherwise it was not possible to get it from the yokeof imperialists and hindus.

“It was not an easy task to bring a country on the world map, and the basicrole towards this was played by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan through the establishmentof college in Aligarh”.

Bashir Malik said that the seed for establishment of Pakistan was sowed by SirSyed Ahmed Khan but what not is being done to this country today. He said oncethe Muslim were a great united nation but had no country while today we have acountry but with a divided nation.

He said it is wrong that Pakistanis are inferior to anyone. “We should come outof inferiority complex and be proud of achievements of our people like the onewho made it a atomic power.

Engr Bashir Malilk made a special mention about his book “save water savePakistan” and said the book has special philosophy behind it.

He pointed out that the world has only 2.5 percent of water for drinkingpurposes and 70 percent of it was underground and thus the world has less thanone percent of water available for drinking.

He warned that after 10-12 years Pakistan will not have enough water to meetthe drinking needs of its 22 million people and, therefore, it is imperative totake up this issue on war footing. He said any government in power should notonly work on construction of dams but also control the population growth at thesame time.

He said it is important to meet the country’s energy requirements and overcomethe load shedding problem, but it must be remembered that we cannot livewithout water for more than one week. He said there would not have been loadshedding, if the governments in power had focused on construction of dams.

Other speakers on the occasion included noted writer and poet, Muslim Shamim,snior most Aligarhian Saeed Siddiqi and noted writer Prof Dr Waqar Rizvi, whopaid glowing tributes and recounted the achievements of great reformer andeducationist and said he was the torch bearer of Islamic renaissance.

They said that Sir Syed laid the foundation of Muslims renaissance with theestablishment of Aligarh College. They said that he was the motivating forcebehind the rebirth of learning. They said he created educational and politicalconsciousness among the Muslim youth and led sectarianism to an end.

Noted poet Khumar Farooqi presented poetic tributes to Sir Syed Ahmed Khanwhile the boys and girls of Sir Syed University sang “Tarana-e-Aligarh”.

SSUET students Fatima Saima and Omer Ali kazmi delivered speeches on Sir SyedAhmed Khan in English and Urdu respectively.

Pakistan Panthers Veterans end goodwill tour of Sri Lanka on winning note

2011-10-07T10:00:00.000+05:00

Karachi Observer Report

Pakistani Panthers Veterans XI regained its Midas touch and ended the goodwill tour of Sri Lanka on a winning note by overwhelming Kandurata Veterans XI defeated by79 runs at the Trinity College Ground in Kandy on October 6.

It was third victory in four matches played by Pakistan Panthers Veterans, led by all-rounder Fawad Ijaz Khan, during their one-week tour of the Island. They had earlier defeated Western Province Veterans XI at the SSC Ground in Colombo on successive days.

They managed to avenge the defeat they suffered at the hands Kandurata Veterans XI at the same venue a day earlier. It remained their solitary loss during the trip.

Put into bat, Pakistani Panthers Veterans XI amassed a huge score of 266 for eight in the allotted 35 overs. The hard-hitting Ashraf Pakhali topscored with 76 while useful contributions also came from Najeeb Sadiq (44), Jaffer Qureshi (34), Mansoor Akhtar (27) and Ghaffar Kazmi (27) with Chinthaka Girihagama (2-26 and Gamini Debehapuwa (2-56) sharing the bowling honours.

Kandurata Veterans lost wickets at regular intervals while chasing a stiff victory target of 267. They were bundled out 187 runs in 29.2 overs despite fine knocks by Ravi Punchihewa (45), Wasantha Kumara (44) and Gamini Debehapuwa (32).

The Pakistani Panthers Veterans XI trio of Mohammad Sharif (2-38), Fawad Ijaz Khan (2-43) and Usman Haq (2- 52) bowled effectively to engineer an emphatic 79-run win for the tourists. Ashraf Pakhali was adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant knock.

Summarized scores:

Pakistan Panthers Veterans XI: 266-8 in 35 overs (Ashraf Pakhali 76, Najeeb Sadiq 44, Jaffer Qureshi 34, Mansoor Akhtar 27, Ghaffar Kazmi 27; Chinthaka Girihagama 2-26, Gamini Debehapuwa 2-56)

Kandurata Veterans XI: 187 in 29.2 overs (Ravi Punchihewa 45, Wasantha Kumara 44, Gamini Debe 32; Mohammad Sharif 2- 38, Fawad Ijaz Khan 2-43, Usman Haq 2- 52)

Result: Pakistan Panthers Veterans XI won by 79 runs.

Pakistan Panthers Veterans’ winning streak ends in Kandy

2011-10-06T11:09:00.001+05:00

Karachi Observer Report

The winning streak of Pakistan Panthers Veterans in Sri Lanka came to an end when Kandurata Veterans XI defeated them by five wickets at the Trinity College Ground in Kandy on October 5.

The Pakistan Panthers Veterans outfit, captained by Fawad Ijaz Khan, had emerged triumphant in both their earlier games on the tour, having outsmarted Western Province Veterans XI at the SSC Ground in Colombo on successive days.

Kandurata Veterans XI chased down the target of 232 with 6.3 overs and five wickets in hand, after having bowled out the visitors for 231 on the final ball of the innings.

Put into bat, Pakistani Panther Veterans XI played out the full quota of 35 overs to score 231 with major contributions coming from Jaffer Qureshi (57), Rafiq Ghaziani (40), Ashraf Pakhali (31) and Mansoor Akhtar (21) while the wickets were shared by the trio of Oril de Mel (5-43), Ajith Ekanayake (3-45) and Wasantha Kumara (2- 29).

Kandurata Veterans XI remained ahead of the clock and successfully completed the task of chasing a victory target of 232 runs which they did in 28.3 overs. Suresh Peiris (78), Jalitha Ratnayake (76), Palitha Thilakasiri (20) and Lanka de Silva (34 not out) scored fluently to take the match away from the visiting side.

Pakistani Panthers Veterans XI will get an opportunity to avenge the defeat when they take on the same opponents on what is going to be their fourth and last game of the tour, also in Kandy.

Summarized scores:

Pakistan Panthers Veterans XI: 231 in 35 overs (Jaffer Qureshi 57, Rafiq Ghaziani 40, Ashraf Pakhali 31, Mansoor Akhtar 21; Oril de Mel 5- 43, Ajith Ekanayake 3- 45, Wasantha Kumara 2 -29);

Kandurata Province Veterans XI 232-5 in 28.3 overs (Suresh Peiris 78, Jalitha Ratnayake 76, Palitha Thilakasiri 20, Lanka De Silva 34 not out)

Result: Kandurata Province Veterans XI won by five wickets.

Sri Lankan authorities urged to send cricket teams to Pakistan

2011-10-05T20:48:00.001+05:00

Karachi Observer Report

KARACHI: The Sri Lankan cricket authorities have been urged to resume sending teams to Pakistan.

The special request was made during the dinner-reception hosted in the honour of the visiting Pakistan Panthers Veterans cricket squad in Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, the other day.

Former Test captain and batting legend, Zaheer Abbas, who is also the Cricket Ambassador of the touring party, expressed the hope that the Sri Lankans will consider their request of sending their teams to Pakistan.

“The need of the hour is sending of teams to play in Pakistan. We desire Sri Lanka to play cricket in Pakistan. As neighbors and friends in cricket it’s our humble request to let other Sri Lankan cricket teams to play against Pakistan if there are reservations about sending the national team,” Zaheer Abbas remarked in his speech.

He acknowledged the Sri Lankan hospitality which made him feel the beautiful Island as his second home. He appreciated the Veterans series being arranged in the region. He conveyed his special thanks to Chandana Amaradasa and his team at Island Leisure for the excellent arrangements.

Fawad Ijaz Khan, captain of the squad and Chairman of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA), explained the importance of their role in cricket.

“In Pakistan a cricketer is considered a senior above 35 years, veteran above 50 years and super veteran above 60 years of age once he is retired from international cricketing career. When considering the conditions in the region including Sri Lanka and India, above 35 years seniors’ cricket could be promoted with a lot of competition. This would attract a lot of media and commercial sponsorships which makes it highly marketable,” the PVCA Chairman observed.

“The PVCA initiated a series of cricket matches against India which succeeded as an annual event. This tour to Sri Lanka would be another landmark event for Pakistani veterans who look forward to a Triangular Veterans Series with India and Sri Lanka in the future,” Fawad Ijaz added.

Ashiq Hussain Qureshi, CEO, PVCA, stressed on the social welfare projects being carried out by the association apart from working for the betterment of the game.

“Joining hands with Imran Khan Foundation to provide healthcare facilities in Pakistan and working towards a better retirement scheme for the cricketers feature proninently in the list of our priorities,” he said.

A few of the Sri Lankan cricketers of the past added colour to the occasion with the presence of renowned gentlemen of the game like Michael Tissera, Roy Dias, Asoka De Silva and Anura Tennekoon who shared the golden memories with their Pakistani counterparts. It was a chance for all of them to meet once again and perhaps continue with their style in cricket as veterans in the game. Mr. Upali Dharmadasa Chairman and Prakash Schaffter Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket also witnessed a Match in Colombo and met the Pakistani Team there.

A team of veteran Pakistani cricketers are currently undertaking a goodwill tour of Sri Lanka. They have played two matches in Colombo before having moved to Kandy for the last couple of games.

Pakistan Panthers Veterans secure second successive win in Sri Lanka

2011-10-04T15:22:00.000+05:00

Karachi Observer Report

KARACHI: Pakistani Panther Veterans registered their successive win duringtheir ongoing tour of Sri Lanka when they whipped Western Province Veterans by39 runs at the P. Sara Ground in Colombo on October 3.

Pakistan’s veteran outfit, captained by Fawad Ijaz Khan and containing formerTest and first-class cricketers, is currently on a goodwill tour visiting SriLanka where they will play their last two matches in Kandy against KandurataVeterans XI later in the week. They had overpowered Western Province Veteransby three wickets in the opening game.

Pakistani Panther Veterans made the most of friendly batting conditions andeasy paced pitch while batting first after winning the toss. Jaffer Qureshi ledthe run spree with an aggressive 106 while the momentum was sustained by theother batsmen.

Skipper Fawad Ijaz contributed an attractive 33 while Mansoor Akhtar, a formerTest cricketer, contributed 21. The innings ended with a flourish as AshrafPakhali and Najeeb Sadiq remained undefeated on 43 and 22 respectively to raisethe total to 274 in 35 overs despite fine bowling by A J Samarasekara and M D FRavindra, who shared five wickets between them.

Chasing a formidable y target of 275 runs in 35 overs, Western ProvinceVeterans responded positively but ran out of steam in the end to be bowled for236 in 32.5 overs.

Useful contributions from Nallaiah Devarajan (29), Asoka De Silva (29), LindanHannibal (24) and M D F Ravindra (21) kept the match alive but the fine bowlingby the Pakistan trio of Ghaffar Kazmi (3-18), Najeeb Sadiq (3-25) and JafferQureshi (3-53) won the day for the visitors. Jaffer Qureshi was adjudged Man ofthe Match for his terrific all-round performance.

Summarized scores:

Pakistan Panthers Veterans XI: 274-5 in 35 overs (Jaffer Qureshi 106, FawadIjaz Khan 33, Manzoor Akhtar 21, Ashraf Pakhali 43 not out, Najeeb Sadiq 22 notout; A J Samarasekara 3-48, M D F Ravindra 2-43)

Western Province Veterans XI: 236 in 32.5 overs (Nallaiah Devarajan 29, AsokaDe Silva 29, Lindan Hannibal 24, M D F Ravindra 21; Ghaffar Kazmi 3-18, NajeebSadiq 3-25, Jaffer Qureshi 3-53).

Result: Pakistan Panthers Veterans XI won by 39 runs

Mahtab Rashidi delivers inspiration speech at SSUET

2011-09-08T19:57:00.000+05:00

Karachi Observer Report

Former Sindh Secretary for Information and Education, Mrs Mahtab Akbar Rashdi has said that the younger generation is our replica in which we have great hopes as future is waiting for them.

She was addressing a students and faculty members of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) while delivering a lecture on the topic of “Professional Grooming- Personal excellence comes first” the other day.

Mrs Rashdi was the first woman who joined Sindh Government as Secretary and served at different important positions till her retirement from service.

“We are the past and you are our replica and we want to you grow” she told the students.

“We have great hopes in our younger generation and they have all the opportunities to grow with knowledge and technology being in their reach”

At the outset of her lecture she paid rich tributes to great reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan for his vision for the Muslims of the sub-continent and produced people like Mr Z.A. Nizami and many other outstanding personalities.

She said that Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah carved out this country and today we are proud of our country and our being Pakistanis.

Telling that “we are the past now and you are the future”, Mrs Rashdi told the students that now it was for them to achieve which they are to achieve as being future hope of the country.

She said that when she and people like her entered the practical life, no one was there to tell them about professional grooming. But whatever they learnt, they had it from their home, parents and ultimately their teachers.

Mahtab pointed out that today is the world of competition and it is time fior them to learn how to march ahead as their strength is to be channelized for the country.

With the help of slides she explained to them at length as to what is a professional image and how to create it and quoted Laura Morgan Roberts who said that “if you are not managing your own professional image, others are”.

She categorized professional image as desired and undesired ones and explained as to what steps they can take to ensure that they are projecting the professional image they want. Their concern should be as to what their key constituent might say about them when they are not in the room.

She informed them about components of professional image which include personal appearance through clothing, grooming and personal behavior through manners and etiquettes and communication effectiveness.

Mrs Rashdi reminded them that judgments are made about people based on the professional image they display. She told them to think of a person who made a reat first impression on them and said having a good professional image is key because they never get a second chance to make a first impression.

She dilated upon projecting professional image matters, attributes of a professional image, appropriate professional appearance, professional personal behavior, manners and etiquettes, non-verbal communication and verbal and written communication.

In his presidential remarks on the occasion, the Chancellor SSUET, Mr Z.A. Nizami assured that such lecture sessions will continue for grooming of youth for augmentation of their knowledge to help lead them to their successful future career..

Mr Nizami said the University will continuously hold grooming lectures for its students with regard to their behavior and appearance for which all required facilities will be provided and which the university was already doing through career planning.

On the occasion Mrs Rashdi was presented university plaque and souvenirs by Chancellor Mr Z A Nizami.

As it was Defence of Pakistan Day, the participants and guests lit the candles to demonstrate their commitment to the Defence of Pakistan and in memory of the martyrs of 1965 war with India.

"My Parliamentary Dairies" launched in Karachi

2011-08-30T22:07:00.000+05:00

Marvi Memon, a former parliamentarian, launched her book ‘My Parliamentary Dairies’ at a five-star hotel of Karachi on August 27. Addressing the launching ceremony, Marvi remarked that during her three years in the National Assembly, she had a choice; either to enjoy the perks of power ignoring the injustice with 99% of Pakistanis and playing the politics of hypocrisy or strive to bring a change in the system. “So I decided to bring that change”, she said.
Marvi said that she had taken her first step. She traveled through the length and breadth of Pakistan to highlight the issues and injustices that enslaved the nation. She spoke about people’s struggle for rights on the floor of the House, in the streets and in front of the judiciary. Marvi said that her people and she lived, laughed, cried, ate and struggled together and most importantly believed in each other. The former MNA said that she simply fought for people’s rights.
“We have to rediscover the meaning of Pakistan and act honesty and loyally with our family and country or we can continue watching and contributing to the downward slide till the meaning of Pakistan becomes irrelevant,” she pointed out. “We should treat each other as the Quaid-e-Azam advised, with no discrimination and no distinction among the communities, castes or creeds,” Marvi urged.
She has dedicated the book to her son Murtaza and all children of Pakistan. She plans to have the book translated and published not only in Urdu and Sindhi but all other national and regional languages.Marvi served as Member of Parliament from March 2008 to June 2011 as a PML MNA. She resigned from her party and parliament in order to set new standards in politics. She was born in Karachi in July 1972. After schooling in Karachi, Paris and Kuwait, she graduated from the London School of Economics with a B.Sc (Econ) Honors in International Relations. She started her career as a banker at Citibank Pakistan where she specialized in Marketing and Quality Management for the consumer bank.
www.Jumbopublishing.com

DCO KARACHI URGE FLOUR MILL OWNERS TO MAKE SUBSIDIZED FLOUR SCHEME EASY

2011-08-11T12:35:00.002+05:00

DCO Karachi Mohammad Hussain Syed has expressed apprehension on that the general public was not receiving the benefits of Rs2billion and 26 crores subsidy given by the government on flour during Ramazan-ul-Mubarak.Addressing a meeting in Civic Center on Wednesday he asked the flour mill owners and food department to make the whole procedure easy and better so that the people could avail its benefits.

The meeting was attended by EDO Revenue Ghanor Leghari, Addl. EDO Revenue Matanat Ali Khan, District Officer Revenue, DDOs Revenue, representatives of Food Department of Sindh Government and floor mills association.

The meeting reviewed in detail, the benefits receiving by public from subsidized flour scheme.DCO Karachi urged the mill owners and food department to make the delivery of subsidized flour easier so that it could reach to maximum number of poor people in city.He also directed DDOs Revenue to check that how many flour bags were brought to market. He also instructed to compile the complete record of delivery of subsidized flour on town level.

Pak-American student receives US President’s education award

2011-07-25T16:35:00.001+05:00

Ali Adil Baloch, born to the parents of Pakistani descent, has received outstanding achievement award in education from United States President Barack Obama.

According to a report published in The Capital Post, a Washington DC-based daily newspaper, recently Ali, from Maryland, has been recognized for having scored consistently high in all his subjects and was awarded this certificate at the end of his elementary school tenure.

The achievement award programme is sponsored by the United States Department of Education (DoE) in association with National Association of Secondary School Principals. It was developed to help principals recognize and honor students who have achieved higher academic goals through their hard work and dedication to learning.

Ali, born to the parents of Pakistani descent, Adil Baloch and Salma Baloch, is one such student who was recognized by his school (Jones Lane Elementary School) and was conferred this award of achievement.

The President's Award for educational excellence recognizes academic success in the classroom. To be eligible for President's Award of educational excellence, students at each award level (elementary, middle, or high school) must meet score 90% or above on a 100-grade scale.

Ali was responsible for presenting his class to the crowd at his class’s graduation ceremony. Despite his academic excellence, Ali is also one of the top performers in his school’s chess club. He loves roller coasters, loves to plays golf with his dad and takes online classes of the Holy Quran regularly.

Youth to take a leading part in the country politics in future: Ahmed Chinoy

2011-07-04T16:30:00.000+05:00

KARACHI: Renowned politician and focal personality of political circles Marvi Memon has expressed hopes that the Pakistani youth will change their country’s destiny.

She expressed these views while addressing the third session of the ‘Youth Leadership Development Programme 2011,’ organized by All Pakistan Memon Federation (APMF) Education Board at the National Museum of Pakistan.

The 10-week programme has been launched for Pakistani youngsters between the ages of 17 to 25 years with the slogan of ‘Ae Jazba-e-Dil Gar Me Chahon’ for invoking leadership ability in them. In each session of the programme, leadership in separate sectors is being discussed.

Memon was the chief guest of the third session of programme, which was organized to discuss political leadership. Addressing the session she said that the youth of Pakistan was her only hope.

She expressed her disappointment with the ongoing rulers and politicians present on the floors of assemblies and parliament and said that positive change can be attained if an alternate leadership comprising the youngsters replaces them.

She urged the youth to discharge their duties by casting vote so as to take an active part in constructing the future of Pakistan. Memon highlighted the need of alternative leadership and said that a process was being undertaken and contacts were being made on several levels. She vowed to unite the youth power of both rural and urban areas.

Commenting over the current political situation she said, “Current assembly is a debating club where issues are not solved they are in fact created, political parties fight for power and musical chairs of opposition and treasury benches are played for vested interests”.

Commenting over her resignation she said that she went to the assembly for her people and she has returned for her people. She said that she had been overwhelmed with the respect in response for her decision from across the country.

She termed her struggle as Karavan-e-Haq and said that the only purpose of her struggle was the provision of clean leadership, which will give Pakistanis ‘Rozgar, Tahafuz, Insaaf, and Taraqee’.

Talking about the qualities of her visionary real leadership she said that leadership will be from the people, it will live, eat, suffer, laugh, dream, and progress with them. It will not be only a VIP leadership, which only addresses them through large jalsas. It will be accessible, available, in their streets, their fields. It will understand their pains of not having clean water to drink, their endless load shedding traumas, their gas shortages, their dirty streets without proper sewerage issue. In short it will understand their daily troubles.

She said that talks about the formation of new party was before time. She was of the view that at the time she does not require any separate political forum and people of Pakistan were her platform. To a question she said that under her vision a great alliance of all those politicians, who feel pain of people, is going to be formed and will clean sweep the Pakistani politics.

Responding to a question about the chances of a coalition among existing prominent political parties she said that how would those elements found a greater alliance against corrupts, who had already bestowed them with life. Only Pakistani people will form a greater alliance, which would turn the fate of the country.

On the occasion, Chief Executive Officer Learning Minds Sohail Zindani delivered an eye-opening presentation and highlighted the civic responsibility of Youth in the current political scenario.

An interesting activity was undertaken amid that session in regard with politics. Six political parties were formed. The parties designed their manifesto, announced their candidates and election was held after a short election campaign on the basis of party agenda. Zonar Ponawala was the successful candidate on the occasion. The activity was held so as the participants could examine and understand the political process.

APMF president Ahmed Chinoy urged the youth to take a leading part in the country politics in future and said that their critical contribution will help Pakistan to get politically strong and prosperous.

APMF-Education Board Director Education Rehana Naz also expressed her views on the occasion. She also urged youth to realize their responsibility.

Muhammad Yousuf Adil Chairman APMF-Education Board, Rehana Naz, Director Education, Abdul Razzaq Vayani, Ibrahim Mamdani, Altaf Bawany, Shabbir Bilwani, Farooq Members YLDP Committee also attended the programme.

Youths are the backbone of any nation: Ahmed Chinoy

2011-06-20T13:28:00.000+05:00

Future of Pakistan lies in the youngsters, which direly needed proper education and skill development training to meet the global challenges, says chairman Arif Habib Investment and leading businessman. He was speaking as chief guest at inaugural ceremony of Youth Leadership Programme-2011 (YLDP), being organized under aegis of All Pakistan Memon Foundation-Educational Board (APMF-EB).

Vice Chairman, All Pakistan Memon Federation- Education Board (APMF-EB) Hanif Jakhura presenting memento to Arif Habib, the Chairman Arif Habib Investment at the launching ceremony of Youth Leadership Development titled YLDP 2011 organized by APMF-EB. Ashraf Bawany (Convener, YLDP Committee, Ibrahim Mamdani and others also seen the occasion.

Arif Habib laid emphasis on the need of education, saying no nation could run on the track of development with fast pace unless its education system meet the modern requirements. It is an excellent opportunity to interact with youth with diverse academic and social background, Arif said, adding participants should contribute in sessions with fervour and zeal. Chief CPLC and President APMF Ahmed Chinoy lauded the efforts of Memon federation saying youths are the backbone of any nation.

He said youngsters could make the country by their positive and constructive activities and broke as well, if indulge in negative activities. It is our obligation to guide our youths so that they can play their constructive role in betterment of the society, he stressed. Earlier, sharing the details of the YLDP Rehana Naz, Director Education, APMF-EB notified that programme comprising eight consecutive Sundays which will kick off from (Today) Sunday, June 19.

She said some 150 youth applied, of them 135 were selected including males and females between the ages of 17 to 25 years of youth. Participants will be provided opportunities to build their confidence through multiple interactive learning sessions, hands-on and minds-on activities will interact with successful Community leaders, visit to Memon community institutions and lots of fun.

Earlier in his welcome address Ashraf Bawani, Chairman YLDP committee highlighted APMF-EB is working hard to pursue its vision of being the catalyst for quality education to students in an environment that promotes self-discipline, motivation and excellence in learning. He was of the view that the degradation of our educational system has been one of the major factors hampering our national development.

Bawani marked that YLDP-2011 will be focusing on young male and female students to develop in those competencies and skills which would not only help them to unleash their potential but also groom them as good human being and a successful person not only for themselves and their families but also for playing their due role for the enlistment and well being society and country at large.

He said organising YLDP-2011 is a gigantic task, however, APMF-EB is moving forward resolutely and successfully with the support of people who are generously contributing in form of sponsorship, advertisement and donations to this noble cause. Secretary General, APMF Razzak Vayani, Vice Chairman, APMF-EB Hanif Jakhura, Convenor, YLDP Committee and others were also the key note speakers.

GOVT. LOOK FOR WAYS FOR PERMANENT SOLUTION OF STORM WATER DRAINAGE

2011-06-12T22:15:00.000+05:00

Minister for Local Government Agha Siraj Khan Durrani said storm water drainage a big problem in Karachi which is due to the presence of lot of encroachments on the old natural drains system that dates back to colonial era. Blockage in the flow of water resulted in overflow of drains and ultimately creating problems for surrounding localities. Government is now mulling over the plan to clear these drains from encroachments by providing alternate residence to people residing there.

He expressed these views while addressing a press conference in DCO Camp Office on Saturday.

The Provincial Secretary of Local Government Ali Ahmed, Administrator Karachi Muhammad Hussain Syed, M.D KWSB Misbahuddin Farid, EDO Revenue Roshan Ali Shaikh, EDO Municipal Services Masood Alam and other officers were also present on this occasion.

Agha Siraj Durrani said despite of huge spending on the repairing and maintenance of drains required results were not obtained due to presence of encroachments on drains. Therefore, he said, efforts were on to find out a permanent solution of this problem for which cooperation of people and people’s representatives was required; we will try to take everyone along to solve this problem.

Provincial Minister said a meeting of town administrators was convened on the directive of Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah to review the preventive measures that have been taken in view of the expected rains in whole province including Karachi. A lot of things came into discussion in this meeting and important decisions were made. City Government in Karachi and Town administration has also taken all necessary measures in this connection. However, he said, encroachments on drains were creating obstacles at some locations especially in Saddar Town which is the main route for all drains. All possible measures will be taken to remove the encroachments from storm water drains and assistance will also be sought from the people’s representatives in this regard.

He said that Karachi is the heart of Pakistan and Sindh, therefore, all possible steps will be taken for its beatification and progress. Efforts were being taken to solve the problems of city government and water board including funding.

Replying a query, the provincial minister said that stern action will be taken against the revenue officers found involved in helping water board’s land occupied.

He also directed Administrator Karachi Muhammad Hussain Syed to take powerful measures for bringing stability in the milk item’s prices in Karachi.

EDO Revenue Roshan Ali Shaikh on this occasion while giving a briefing on the action against land grabbers informed that city government had under the anti encroachments act took action and recover about 3378 acres of government land from the possession of illegal occupiers. He further said that a full operation will be taken next week in Cattle Colony to vacate all occupied government land.

Driving Growth in the Digital Age – Challenges & Opportunities: 1st Marketing & Branding Summit in Karachi today

2011-05-28T16:42:00.000+05:00

Memon Professional Forum and Nutshell Forum in collaboration with Marketing Association of Pakistan and Pakistan Software Houses Association will host 1st Marketing & Branding Summit on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at a local hotel. The theme of this conference is "Driving Growth in the Digital Age - Challenges & Opportunities".

The 1st Marketing & Branding Summit brings leading professionals and top entrepreneurs together in one place for a day of discussion and networking. Those who attend will hear the latest strategic thinking and insights in marketing and branding, offering inspiration and vital information for their organizations's success in the future.

Prof. Dr. Atta ur Rahman, UNESCO Science Laureate/Coordinator General, C O M S T E C H / P r e s i d e n t , Pakistan Academy of Sciences will be the chief guest.

CDGK HEALTH DEPARTMENT PERFORM TOWN-WISE FUMIGATION

2011-05-15T21:57:00.000+05:00

Health Department of City District Government Karachi was carrying out town wise fumigation during which spray teams performed insecticide spray in Jamshed Town, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, Saddar Town and Lyari Town.

More than 30 spray machines and manpower were used in the campaign carried out in residential as well as commercial areas and public gathering points.

Spray teams will perform fumigation in SITE Town on Monday.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad presents Souvenir to late Justice Sabihuddin Ahmed's family

2011-05-02T21:16:00.000+05:00

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry giving souvenir to a family of late judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Sabihuddin Ahmed during a seminar "Designing the Future" on World IP Day organized by Pakistan Intellectual Property Right Association at DHA Golf Club on Saturday night.

CASH AWARDS FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES DRIVERS OF KARACHI CITY GOVT

2011-04-16T21:17:00.000+05:00

DCO Karachi Muhammad Hussain Syed has said that in order to encourage the government officials on good performance and to motivate others to improve their working, a reward-and- punishment mechanism has been established in City District Government Karachi.

He expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of distribution of Rs1000 cash award to 15 municipal services drivers who had performed their duty outstandingly during the cleaning of Mehmoodabad Nallah.

EDO Municipal Services Masood Alam was also present on this occasion.

DCO Karachi said that city government had earlier given cash awards to those officials who had performed well in the polio eradication campaign and now these drivers are given awards for their good work.

He said that the areas of Nursery, PECHS Block-6, Admin Society, Mehmoodabad, Manzoor Colony, Akhtar Colony, Kashmir Colony and other adjoining areas were in past affected due to accumulation of rain water in during monsoon and the residents of these areas had to suffer huge loss of property and human lives. However, he said this year city government has besides full cleaning of Mehmoodabad Nullah also completely cleaned all of its small and big arteries while the encroachments on this nallah have also been removed.

He expressed hope that all these areas would no more affect in future even during torrential rains.

DCO Karachi praised the municipal services staff especially drivers who had worked with full dedication during the cleaning and transfer of garbage.

He said that he had also paid unscheduled visit many times and seen these officials working on the cleaning of nallah.

DCO Karachi said that as an acknowledgement of their service to city and the citizens this process of encouragement of officials on putting up best work will continue in future as well.

Pakistan Disabled Foundation

2011-03-30T01:35:00.000+05:00

Shahid Ahmed Chairman Pakistan Disabled Foundation addressing a press conference about problems and needs of disabled persons at Karachi Press Club.

Income Tax Bar Elections: Anwar Kashif Mumtaz elected as President, Rehan Siddiqui as Gen Secretary for 2011

2011-03-23T01:18:00.000+05:00

Anwar Kashif Mumtaz and Muhammad Rehan Siddiqui have been elected un-opposed as President and General Secretary of Income Tax Bar Association of Karachi (ITBAK) for the term 2011. In the 54th Annual General Body Meeting of ITBAK held at the Income Tax Bar Association's premises wherein Muhammad Zubair elected un-opposed as Vice President, while Abid Husain Shaban, Syed Waseem Hashmi, Abdul Qadir Memon, Khalid Mahmood, Muhammad Arshad, Saulat Bari Khan and Syed Rehan Hasan Jafri were elected as members managing committee. The newly elected President, Anwar Mumtaz Kashif while addressing the general body of the association paid glowing tributes to the outgoing office bearers and ITBAK members and assured the association members to continue with the efforts of the outgoing body.

The Secretary General, Rehan Siddiqui addressing to the audience said that new taxes imposed by the government would adversely affect the trade and industry and the general public. He advised the government not to over-burden the industry with additional taxes but try to plug the pilferages in revenue.

KCCI & ANKARA CHAMBER TO SIGN PROTOCOL OF COOPERATION TO CEMENT BILATERAL TRADE TIES

2011-03-18T20:28:00.000+05:00

Muhammad Saeed Shafiq, President-KCCI, in an interactive session with Nurettin Ozdebir, President, Ankara Chamber of Industry at Ankara stressed upon the need of regular interaction, exchange of trade information and delegations. Saeed Shafiq articulated that Pakistan and Turkey were two brotherly countries with relationship encompassed over decades, however, the bilateral trade was not aligned with the existing potential. Saeed Shafiq asserted for constant cooperation between KCCI and Turkish Chambers and proposed for signing of protocol of cooperation between KCCI and Ankara Chamber of Industry.

Nurettin Ozdebir, President, Ankara Chamber of Industry, appreciated the initiative of Saeed Shafiq, President-KCCI for visiting Turkey with high power business delegation. Ozdebir also expressed interest and consent for signing a protocol of cooperation to ensure maximum cooperation and coordination to further develop economic and commercial ties with KCCI. Ozdebir informed that Ankara Chamber of Commerce was working actively and closely with its partner chambers to develop bilateral relations with a target to foster and facilitate economic and commercial ties with companies of two countries. For this purpose, we were trying to create new models of cooperation such as countertrade, partnership for building industrial zones etc., he added.

Muhammad Saeed Shafiq, President-KCCI and Nurettin Ozdebir, President, Ankara Chamber of Industry ensured each other for effective inter-chamber liaison to achieve the desired objectives.

KARACHI CITY GOVT. STARTS DEMOLITION OF CONSTRUCTIONS IN PARKS

2011-03-02T21:06:00.000+05:00

City District Government Karachi has according to the directive of the Supreme Court of Pakistan started razing constructions made in city parks including library buildings, union council offices and other structures.

The special operation initiated on Wednesday will continue till the removal of constructions from 164 enlisted parks of city.

Additional EDO Revenue Matanat Ali Khan monitored the operation while District Officer Land Management-II Saif Abbas, District Officer Enforcement Abdul Malik and other senior officers of Revenue Department were also present on this occasion.

City Government staff equipped with heavy machinery razed constructions in Niazi Park Sharifabad, Tariq Muhiuddin Park Gulberg Town UC-6 and the park adjacent to Sobhraj Maternity Home.

The demolition of double storey Library Building in Joharabad Football Ground near Azizabad Police Station had been postponed for a day after the protest of area people who said that the library building was constructed by defunct KMC and was inaugurated by its then Administrator Saeed Ahmed Siddiqui on 25th October 1987.

According to details when the city government staff with heavy machinery reached at the Joharabad Park in Azizabad union council 2 adjacent to Azizabad Police Station to demolish the double storey Library Building, the residents of the area protested. They said that the Library Building was constructed by defunct KMC and the area people especially senior citizens had benefited from this facility.

After the negotiations between the city government officers and the prominent persons of the area it was decided to postpone the action till tomorrow and to allow the shifting of all books and other things from this building to some other place.

The demolition squad also demolished construction in Tariq Muhiuddin Park of Gulberg Town with the help of heavy machinery while the concrete building of library adjacent to union council-7 office in Sharifabad(Liaquatabad Town) was also razed after the shifting of all record of union council.

City Government staff will continue this demolition operation till the removal of all constructions in city parks.

Charged Parking in Karachi: Rs.10 for Car, Rs.5 Motorcycle, Not to pay excess amount

2011-02-10T01:20:00.000+05:00

Executive District Officer Local Taxes Jamil Ahmed has appealed to citizens to pay the parking fee of Rs.10/- for Car and Rs.5/- Motorcycle at the designated places and never pay excess amount for vehicle parking.

Chairing a departmental meeting he also directed officers to stop illegal charged parking and overcharging from the citizens. He also directed to boost up the recoveries and achieved the target well in time, adding that he will personally check and monitor the parking sites without prior intimation.

Jumbo Publishing joins hands with Kitabain.com

2011-02-08T23:37:00.001+05:00

Jumbo Publishing, the market leaders in sports publishing in the region, have recently joined hands with Kitabain.com, an online books marketplace, having made great strides in a rather short span of time.

Kitabain.com has been founded by two highly talented young engineers, Usman Siddiqui and Jawad Yousuf, with a mission to connect booksellers/bookstores all over Pakistan with book lovers across the country.

Usman has a degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, with highest distinction, from Purdue University, Indiana, USA, while Jawad has a degree in Actuarial Sciences from Purdue University and a Masters degree in Statistics from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.

Kitabain.com is a centralized platform where individual sellers or bookstores can instantly make their inventory available online using our automated system and where buyers can browse for and purchase books put up by numerous booksellers all in one place.

Their overriding goal is to make access to books easier for readers across Pakistan. They have reckoned that the prices of new books are generally on the higher side, access to old books is limited since there are a limited number of old bookstores which are not always accessible to everyone and the old books that are available at these bookstores or weekly bazaars are poorly catalogued and hence difficult to find.

They have come up with the solution in the shape of www.kitabain.com where properly catalogued and searchable database of thousands of used/new books at deeply discounted prices are showcased, providing an opportunity for small bookstores/book sellers to make their inventory available to a potentially much larger audience than the traffic at their stores and anyone in Pakistan can be their customer.

ICAP and RSRIR battle for Crystal Trophy

2011-02-03T23:51:00.000+05:00

Team Institute of Chartered Accountants Pakistan (ICAP) and Rahman Sarfraz, Rahim ,Iqbal Rafiq (RSRIR) battling for the Crystal trophy at the Asghar Ali Shah Cricket Stadium under flood lights.

ICAP on winning the toss decided to bat first and test RSRIR bowlers. RSRIR struck early putting pressure on ICAP. However, the trusted Shoaib Ahmed being leading run scorer of the tournament and the new found talent Riaz Nawaz stood their ground and put on a 90 runs partnership for second wicket. The partnership was an interesting balance of moods with Riaz thoroughly entertaining the spectators with his delightful cover drives to reach his first 50 and a watchful Shoaib carefully ticking the scoreboard with ones and twos. The two led ICAP to the 100th mark in 14 over and looked set to pose a dangerous total. At this moment Muneeb the slow left-arm orthodox and Tahir Hanif (leg break) changed the direction of the game with their variation and immaculate line and length. Muneeb eventually made inroads in the ICAP batting line up by picking up 4 crucial wickets, while fast bowler Danish Waseem continued creating havoc with his pace and accuracy eventually being rewarded with 2 wickets for his excellent spell. The excellent fielding and the consistent breakthroughs by the bowlers restricted ICAP t o145 at the end of the 20th over. Riaz Nawaz and Shoaib Ahmed, Secretary ICAP topped the ICAP scoreboard with 52 and 44 respectively.

In reply RSRIR openers took full advantage of field restriction and blasted 60 runs in the first 6 over, after giving the flying start both openers shortly fell down. The duo Shahzad Suleman and Yasin, wicket keeper took charge and consolidated the position. Shahzad capitalizing on his good form made runs with ease with Yasin supporting him well. RSRIR managed to reach the target with 2 over to spare with Shahzad Suleman and Yasin both remaining unbeaten on 61 and 33 runs respectively. Hasan Jaffri, Member ICAP was the only successful bowler taking 2 wickets for 34. Shahzad Suleman was declared man of the match for his unbeaten match wining knock.

A sizeable crowd with banners and drums had gathered at Asghar Ali Shah Cricket Stadium, supporting their team and enjoying the flood light match. Prize distribution ceremony was attended by Senior Partners of RSRIR, Mr. Abdul Rahim Salim Bhai, Mohammad Waseem and Muhammad Iqbal Sumar. Mr. Mazhar Saleem, partner of KPMG announced the following awards to the exceptional players of the tournament:

Winner trophy received by Abdul Hakim, Captain, RSRIR

Runner trophy received by Shoaib Ahmed, Captain, ICAP

Man of Final, Shahzad Suleman, RSRIR

Best player of the tournament, Shoaib Ahmed, ICAP

Best Batsman of the tournament, Shoaib Ahmed, ICAP

Best Bowler of the tournament, Shahzad Suleman, RSRIR

Best Fielder of the tournament, Talal Rishi, EYFRSH

Best Wicketkeeper of the tournament, Asad Khan, KPMG

As an endeavor to encourage all the participating teams, the Participation awards were given to the representatives of teams present at the final match. The tournament was greatly appreciated by the participants and the crowd with ICAP being appreciated for its role in providing such healthy activity to its students and members. Mr. Shoaib Ahmed, Secretary ICAP announced that as a part of the Council initiative to celebrate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations the 4th ICAP T20 Cricket Tournament will take place in September this year.

Aziz Memon conferred Pride of Performance award

2011-01-26T20:14:00.000+05:00

Aziz Memon

By Mohammad Nazakat Ali

KARACHI: The President of Pakistan, Mr Asif Ali Zardari, has announced civil awards and conferred President's Award for Pride of Performance on Aziz Memon, Chairman Pakistan National Polio Plus Committee and Sitar-e Khidmat on Dr Robert S. Scott, Chairman Rotary International Polio Plus Committee and Chairman, the Rotary International.

The announcement was made by President Asif Zardari the other day when he formally launched the National Emergency Action Plan 2011 for Polio Eradication at the President House in Islamabad by administering polio drops to orphaned children from all the provinces vowing to eradicating polio from the country.

The President complimented the Ministry of Health, the provincial health departments, the Rotary International, the diplomatic community and international partner agencies in making the launch of this program possible and thanked them for their support in the fight against polio.

The President noted that Pakistan has come a long way from 1994, when the polio eradication campaign was first launched formally and the number of cases was more than 30,000.

"Our aim is to make Pakistan completely polio free. We aim that no child lives in the fear of being crippled for life," he observed.

The President said Polio was a crippling disease and continues to threaten opportunities for children. He said unfortunately Pakistan was among few countries which were still not completely polio free.

"We are committed to banish polio from Pakistan," the President said and pointed that the Polio Eradication Initiative was, first launched by the government of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

The President said the Lady Health Workers Programme and Polio Eradication Initiative were both launched by her government and added that it was intended to bring primary health care services to those that need them the most.

"It was a demonstration of her commitment to improving the social sector, particularly the health of children," the President said.

He said she was the first Prime Minister to have personally administered polio drops, to a Pakistani child. "That child was no less than our own daughter, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari," he added.

He said the government has nominated Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, as Pakistan's Ambassador for Polio Eradication and said she was committed to carry forward the mission of her great mother and hope for the people.

"Together she will work with you to end polio. Together we will end polio from the country," he said.

The President said the comprehensive plan for polio eradication, prepared by health managers and professionals was clear and doable, and called for addressing the issues of access, insecurity, accountability and ownership.

The President said that Pakistan needs to produce polio vaccines within the country and said that during his last visit to China the two countries signed an MOU on cooperation in manufacture of vaccines.

"Hopefully this cooperation will also be extended to manufacture of polio vaccines in Pakistan for nation wide anti polio programs.

The President recalled his meeting with Bill Gates, during his recent visit to the United States and said the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation were providing great support to the cause of polio eradication.

"I wish to acknowledge and appreciate the Gates Foundation's contribution to saving Pakistani children from polio," he lauded.

Book Review: Spotlight on World Cup 2003

2011-01-17T17:18:00.000+05:00

By Prof Dr Nasim Fatima

Spotlight on World Cup 2003 is a decent publication. The book in hand competes with the standard followed by Oxford University Press or Cambridge Series. White offset paper has been used; printing is up to the mark; layout desirable; beautiful title cover in gray shades and a colour of full dust cover present a batsman hitting the ball for a six. In the centre a member of the winning team with the trophy is inserted. Title cover spotlights the subject of the publication obviously.

Jalalddin, a former Test cricketer, has written foreword of the book. He reckons that ‘Spotlight on World Cup 2003’ is another worthy compilation of Syed Khalid Mahmood, having carved a niche for himself in cricket journalism.

The book consists of chapters: Dreams and Nightmares, a poetic imagination of the author with sportsmen; On paper Pakistan had a formidable outfit, an analysis and comments by Wasim Akram, a former Pakistan captain; Lack of passion cost Pakistan dearly, thoughts by Sikander Bakht, a former Test fast bowler; Rules should be transparent, opined Syed Ali Raza, President, National Bank of Pakistan; Mind power makes the difference, believed Azeem Sarwar, a legendary broadcaster and commentator; Australia rules once more, wrote Ehsan Qureshi, a seasoned journalist and Top of the Flops authored by Shahid Mahmood, a noted analyst.

The author has thrown light on the exciting matches of the tournament with the standout performance of Lara, Cordington, Fleming, Obuyu, Bevan, Bichel, Ponting and Martyn getting special mention. The scorecards of all the matches have been arranged chronologically followed by the complete records of the tournament.

The book is fully illustrated by full page colorful and action photographs of the top performers to give a vision to the matches. The book should have been adorned with a name index of the players and other eminent persons mentioned between the covers. The author deserves congratulations for producing a wonderful book for the fans of cricket in the country and abroad.

Anjuman Kashana-e-Itfal-o-Naunehal

2011-01-06T14:05:00.000+05:00

Kashana gets fewer babies and therefore the waiting period could be up to two years. They require the adoptive mother to visit their center daily for a week to learn to care for the child placed with her and based on their assessment, they provide their release, which allows one to proceed with getting a birth certificate and guardianship order.

A doctor immediately checks babies that are handed over to Kashana. They are not put up for adoption if there are serious health concerns about the baby or the baby is severely underweight. The staff at Kashana works to bring the baby's weight up to a certain standard, and provide treatment to fix the health issues. In any case, they do not put the baby up for adoption before he/she is at least 3 months old.

They carefully select the couple which they think would be most suitable to raise the baby. They try and "match" the baby with the parents. They believe that this helps the baby to better adjust in the family. Once they think there is a good match, they contact the parents.

The babies are housed in a peaceful nursery with usually three or four attendants. The prospective mother is asked to come to the nursery every day for a week, where she is "trained" to take care of the baby. A separate area complete with a crib is kept aside for this training. The mother learns to clean the baby, feed, change and give the baby a bath.

After the week of training, the baby is taken home. One has to appear with the baby in front of the board at Kashana and there is a formal handing over ceremony with much cheering and blessings for the baby.

Typically, Kashana does not give another child for adoption to a couple who already has one. The reason is the tremendous number of applications they have and the limited number of babies they get. Additionally, they do not hand over the baby to a relative of the adoptive parent. They will inform the parents and wait until the child is picked up by the parent themselves.

In order to apply, one parent has to go and meet Mrs. Isphahani, present their case and fill out the application. One has to fill the application, give a copy of a nikah nama and a photograph of the adoptive couple. Later, a home study and a statement of finances are submitted.

Read an article on Kashana at http://www.dawn.com/weekly/review/archive/031120/review9.htm

Anjuman Kashana-e-Itfal-o-Naunehal

Karachi Survey No. 8/3,

Stadium Road,

Karachi 74800 Ph: 92-21-493-2828

Ph: 92-21-494-1553

Valima ceremony of Majid Mahmood held at Karachi Press Club

2010-12-30T17:29:00.000+05:00

Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh/Minister for Mines & Mineral Development, Mr Imamuddin Shoqeen, attended the valima ceremony of Mr Syed Majid Mahmood held here at the Karachi Press Club the other day

Muharram processions: Karachi wrapped up in tight security foil

2010-12-15T12:29:00.000+05:00

Sachal Rangers Commander, Brig.Waseem Ayub addressing
a press conference at Rangers Headquarters

By Atif Raza

KARACHI: The metropolis has been wrapped up in a tight security foil as crucial closing rituals of Muharram 9 and 10 await stricter shielding of the city.

The routes of the procession remained unchanged and mourners had to walk long to participate in the procession due to safety measures designed by the law enforcement agencies (LEAs).

Almost 6,000 law enforcers, 557 vehicles and 301 motorcycles have been deployed across Sindh to ensure that the primary mourning procession reaches its destination safely.

Brig Waseem Ayub along with Major Bilal stated this in a press conference organised by the Pakistan Rangers, Sindh at their headquarters in Jinnah Court.

Over a hundred mosques and imambargahs were declared sensitive, and Rangers and police have planned inflexible security arrangements to guard the processions of Muharram 8, 9 and 10.

The security at entry and exit points of the city have been strengthened to counter any possible terrorist activity, while security personnel have been deployed at bus stops and railway stations to protect these public places from being attacked.

The LEAs are carrying out rigid snap checking and ban on pillion riding is being strictly implemented. Measures are also being taken to check incidents of aerial firing.

Ayub said Karachi had been distributed in three zones and a large number of personnel were deployed to crush any kind of trouble, while closed-circuit television cameras were installed for round-the-clock surveillance to closely monitor the procession.

In addition to these, mobile command and control units were also set up to accompany the procession.

Measures have been designed to closely monitor all the routes of the procession and Majalis across the city, while snipers of Rangers and police would be deployed on rooftops of high-rises to keep an eye on troublemakers. All procession routes would be cleared with the help of the Bomb Disposable Squad and sniffer dogs.

While giving details of the pattern of likely attacks, Ayub said terrorists were likely to attack vehicles with bombs, open firing at participants, or throw hand grenades or acid at the mourners. Volunteers and scouts have been trained in this connection to foil any attempt to mix poisonous substances in Sabeels.

According to information received, militants and anti-State elements were planning to use chemical and petrol bombs for attacks. Terrorists might attempt to target Shia Ulema and other clerics; therefore, the mourners must keep a close eye on their surroundings and report to law enforcers in case they notice any suspicious man, beggar or vehicle.

Ayub appealed to the Ulema to educate people as to not destroying people’s properties and vehicles in case of any unpleasant happenings. He also said there was information that.(DT)

No headway in JPMC trainee-nurse rape case

2010-12-09T01:02:00.001+05:00

“Neither do I know that I was raped by a doctor from Jinnah Hospital nor the doctor who allegedly raped me,” said the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) trainee nurse, while testifying before Karachi District and Sessions Judge South Abdul Razzaque on Tuesday. Talking to Daily Times after court proceedings, Deputy District Public Prosecutor Mohammad Kaleemullah said the judge has proceeded the case at his chamber on the request of the victim’s counsel. He informed that while replying to several queries, the nurse said she had gone to a flat located at Bazzarta Lines with a nurse named Sajjad Faima, where she was offered a soft drink. After consuming the drink, she fell unconscious and when she returned to her senses, she was in the hospital, he added. She has claimed that she was under police pressure when she gave the previous statement and refused to identify the alleged rapist Dr Jabar Memon, said Kaleemullah. She has also refused that she jumped from anywhere to save her life, he added. asghar azad (DT)

KESC restored power of Al-Karam square, Apsara apartment

2010-12-06T00:00:00.000+05:00

The Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) on Saturday restored the electricity of Apsra and Al-Karam Square apartments after the residents held massive protest demonstrations.

The electricity of the said apartments was disconnected on Thursday due to non-payment of bills, which amounted to a huge sum of Rs 470 million. During the protest, the residents set ablaze KESC’s billing section and also damaged the complaint department, causing a traffic jam on Saturday.

Protesters torched old tyres near Liaquatabad Daak Khana and blocked the road, causing a massive traffic jam in Liaqatabad, Nazimabad, Golimar, Teenhatti and other surrounding areas.

They chanted slogans against the KESC officials and demanded early restoration of power supply.

KESC spokesman Amir Abbasi said while talking to Daily Times that after coordination with residents of the said apartments electricity has been restored.

DSP Taufeeq Ahmed said after the incident heavy contingents of police and Rangers were deployed in the affected area. The situation in the area returned to normalcy and the flow of traffic was smooth.

On Friday, the residents had also staged a protest demonstration in Liaqatabad, which caused an acute traffic jam for hours.(DT)

4 militants of TTP arrested by CID police

2010-12-01T14:34:00.000+05:00

CID police have arrested four accused stated to be associated with banned Tehrrek-e-Taliban Pakistan and recovered three suicide jackets, foiling their plans of target law and enforcement offices and killings senior police officials.

Police officials look seized suicide jackets and weapons which were recovered from the possession of arrested terrorists belonged to banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) in a raid at Sohrab Goth area, during a press conference at the CID office.

SP of CID police Umar Shahid while talking to media persons yesterday at Garden police headquarter said that CID police have arrested four militants of TTP, Mohammad Umar alias Sohrab, Barkatullah alias Zanjeer, Amanullah alias Munnu and Ahsanullah alias Taxi walla and recovered three suicide jackets of 12 kilograms explosive, two Kalashnikovs, 8MM rifle and one TT pistol while their others aides managed to escape.
Umar Shahid said that these accused was sent by Hakeemullah Mehsud and Waliur Rehman of TTP and given task to target senior officials of Police and law and enforcement agencies offices. He said CID police, by taking timely action, have foiled their plans. SSP Chaudhry Aslam was also present.(NC Report)

Cargo Plane Crash in Karachi: 11 People killed

2010-11-28T23:54:00.000+05:00

At least eleven people were killed when a Russian-made cargo plane crashed in a fireball seconds after taking off from Karachi on Sunday, Geo News reported Sunday.

The death toll was expected to rise, with an unknown number of labourers feared killed when the Ilyushin IL-76, bound for the Sudanese capital Khartoum, slammed into buildings in the city.

"All eight people on board have died, we fear that some labourers on the ground have also been killed," CAA spokesman said. "We do not know the exact number of those killed on ground," he added.

Bodies of three labourers working on the construction site have also been recovered from the debris taking the toll to eleven, rescue authorities said.

Authorities said they had brought the fire under control but rescue workers were still searching for bodies.

"Recovered bodies are badly mutilated and beyond recognition," he said.

The plane slammed into buildings under construction in the Dalmia neighbourhood.

"Rescue workers are still searching whether there are any other bodies or injured people in the debris," a police official said.

It was the third plane accident in four months in Pakistan, a country of 170 million people where inter-city travel is most efficient by air, and the second aircraft to crash after take off from Karachi in just four weeks.

The CAA spokesman said that the jet took off from Karachi at 1:45 am (20:45 GMT Saturday) and crashed just one and a half minutes later.

Witnesses spoke of their horror at seeing a fireball racing through the night sky.

"I saw a fireball plummeting to ground," a milk seller said. He had been going home on his motorbike after closing his shop.

"It was so huge and quick. I was terrified."

"I couldn't see what it was. I sped up to save my life and after a few seconds I heard a deafening explosion, but thanks to Allah my life was saved and I was not injured."

The crash sparked fires in four or five construction sites, but officials said the number of casualties would have been far higher if the plane had struck nearby residential buildings.

Residents in nearby buildings spent the night with relatives, he added.

The US-manufactured Beech 1900C aircraft operated by local company was carrying staff from an Italian oil company to an oil field in the southern province of Sindh.

On July 28, an Airbus 321 passenger jet operated by Airblue crashed into hills near Islamabad while coming in to land after a flight from Karachi, killing 152 people on board. (TN)

CITY GOVT-TOWNS DISPOSE OF 760,000 OFFAL IN TWO DAYS. Administrator Karachi extend Eid-Operation for a day.

2010-11-20T16:03:00.000+05:00

Administrator Karachi Fazlur Rehman has extended the Eid-ul-Azha operation for a day by declaring the fourth day of Eid as cleanliness day.

He has directed all concerned departments of City Government and town municipal administrations to carry on ongoing Eid-ul-Azha operation till fourth day of Eid and continue cleaning work on Saturday.

Administrator Fazlur Rehman paid detailed visit of 18 towns of city during three day of Eid to personally check and review the situation.

On this occasion he said that the city government and towns have disposed of over 7,60,000 offal in the first two days of Eid. The offal and waste were buried in the trenches dug up by towns in different areas of city.

He said that the city government and towns have put up joint efforts to ensure better arrangements for lifting and disposal of offal and waste of sacrificial animals on this Eid.

He said that the Eid operation has been extended for a day so that the solid waste management department could pay special attention on its work and improve the cleanliness condition in the city.

Administrator Fazlur Rehman said that the fumigation campaign was also initiated on Friday. The initial phase 30 major roads and corridors have been selected for insecticide and germicide spray. The spray work will be completed inside the city on Saturday and Sunday.

He said that the patronage and monitoring of Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan played important role in the overall success of Eid operation.

Administrator Fazlur Rehman also thanked the cooperation and support of elected representatives of city specially MNAs, MPAs and citizens of Karachi.

83 more dengue patients admitted

2010-11-13T17:49:00.000+05:00

Eighty-three more patients with symptoms of dengue and high fever were admitted in various hospitals of Sindh as the number of hospitalized dengue patients rose to 267 during last 24 hours.
According to the report issued from Dengue Surveillance Cell, 4704 patients of high fever and dengue symptoms were admitted in various hospitals of Sindh and of them 2899 were found dengue positive.

MQM CHIEF PAYS RICH TRIBUTES TO DR IMRAN FAROOQ

2010-11-05T15:51:00.000+05:00

Mr. Altaf Hussain, Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) has said that the sacrifices made by the MQM Convenor Dr. Imran Farooq for the movement would always be remembered. Mr. Hussain was talking to the media after offering the funeral prayer of Dr. Imran Farooq Shaheed in London. Paying rich tributes to Dr. Imran Farooq he said, “He spent his entire life facing hardships, problems and difficult times. He always strived for the progress and prosperity of the movement; and even at the time when State functionaries were looking for him everywhere. However, despite all the hardships and in the face of trials and tribulations he remained steadfast. His sacrifices and struggles cannot be expressed in words. They have become a part of history.” Remembering Dr Imran Farooq, Mr. Hussain said that he sacrificed his life for the movement and proved true to his words.

Mr. Hussain prayed for the soul of the Dr. Imran Farooq. He said that he and his colleagues were satisfied with the investigation of Metropolitan Police and other investigating agencies. He hoped that the investigating agencies will find the murderers. He said that he was very grieved at not being able to attend the burial of Dr. Imran Farooq in Pakistan. “It cannot be expressed in words.”

KBCA razes illegal structures in different areas

2010-10-23T15:02:00.000+05:00

The demolishing squad of Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) following the directives of its Chief Controller of Buildings Manzoor Qadir, razed and sealed various illegal structures in different localities of the city.

As per details, the demolishing squad razed illegal constructions in Jamshed Town on plot no 13-D PECHS Block 2, plot no 480 Gang Shakar Colony, plot no 306 Jamshed Quarters, plot no 332/89-JM Al Zia Colony Garden East and sealed illegal construction on plot no 123-L PECHS.

In Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, it removed unauthorized structures on plot no B-20, Block 13-A, plot no C-96 Block 1 Scheme 36, plot no C-9 Block 13-D scheme 24, plot no FL-2 block 3/A scheme 36 and plot no 96 CP&RCSH.

In Liaquatabad town, the squad razed illegal constructions on plot no 2/A, 2/26, plot no 7/3-2/K, plot no 4/10-3/F and plot no 2/6-2/D and plot no R-581 FB Area and sealed plot no C-49 Block 13 FB Area in Gulberg Town.

MQM RABITA COMMITTEE CONDEMNS KILLING OF WORKERS BY LYARI GANGSTERS

2010-10-14T16:07:00.000+05:00

MQM Rabita Committee has condemned the killing of two of its workers by criminal elements of Lyari gang war. In a statement the Co-ordination Committee said that MQM Workers from unit 132, Qasba Aligarh sector, Karachi, Muhammad Azhar-ul-Hassan alias Fasih S/O Zafar-ul- Hassan and Muhammad Asif S/O Abdul Majeed were abducted by drug peddlers and armed thugs of Lyari gang war and tortured to death. It termed the murders as an attempt to destroy the peace of the city.

The Co-ordination Committee said that Muhammad Azhar-ul-Hassan and Muhammad Asif had gone to Kharadar where they were kidnapped by the armed criminals and taken to some unknown locations. They were tortured all night and their riddled bodies were dumped in Yousuf Goth and Saeedabad in Karachi. The Co-ordination Committee said that it was evident that some elements were deliberately destroying peace in the city by creating a wave of terror.

The Co-ordination Committee said that in the year 2009 and 2010, more than 200 workers and supporters were killed but not a single killer was arrested. It appealed to MQM workers to remain patient and foil the conspiracy to destroy peace.

The Co-ordination Committee demanded President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani, Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah to take notice of the abduction and killing of Muhammad Azhar-ul-Hassan and Muhammad Asif and bring the killers to justice. The Co-ordination Committee sympathized with the bereaved families and prayed to give them patience to bear this loss.

JZ’s pre launch exhibition held at Karachi Marriott Hotel

2010-09-09T13:41:00.000+05:00

Julia came to Pakistan and met Zara and the ladies decided to venture for a clothing line. Julia shared her expertise with Zara and both the ladies came up with JZ couture. Julia is from Germany and she is an international ramp model.

Faisal Khan, General Manager, Karachi Marriott Hotel, Zahid Hussain, Shazia Khan, Asma Haq and others at the JZ couture pre launch exhibition at Karachi Marriott Hotel.

At Karachi Marriott Hotel Pool Marquee, JZ is having a pre launch exhibition since last three days. JZ is catering to high class with the price range starting from 8000 till 30000.

JZ also has a workshop in defense that is catering to the needs of their clients with made to order and fine alterations. So far the response is great and the feed back of the clients is very positive. The formal and semi formal range is on exhibition to see the preference of the people.

JZ line is a mix of eastern cuts and with western embellishments. The cuts and embroidery is very elegantly done. The formal launch of JZ will be in Dubai at the end of this month.

Rotary helps flood victims in Pakistan: Aziz Memon

2010-08-27T22:22:00.000+05:00

By Mohammad Nazakat Ali

“From raising funds to distributing life-saving shelters, the Rotary clubs worldwide, together with the local clubs, are proactively assisting flood victims in Pakistan day and night to help those in need.”

This was observed by Mr Aziz Memon, Chairman, National Polio Committee, Rotary International, who has remained the Governor of the Rotary clubs in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the other day.

“The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, one of the largest humanitarian service organizations in the world, is accepting member contributions to its Pakistan Flooding Recovery Fund to support long-term recovery in the affected areas, which have sustained billions of dollars in damage according to the Pakistani government,” he disclosed.

“The Rotary clubs are also providing immediate humanitarian assistance to flood victims, which the United Nations estimates to be more than 17.2 million people. The Rotary members in both Pakistan and Afghanistan are working together besides facilitating the international clubs,” Mr Aziz Memon said.

“Among the first international relief to reach flood victims in Pakistan was ShelterBox. a UK-based disaster response organization supported by Rotary clubs worldwide. More than 1,900 ShelterBox tents and 600 ShelterBox kits, each containing a 10-person tent, a water purification system and other survival necessities for up to six months, were pre-positioned in Pakistan in June following predictions of a particularly bad monsoon season,” the Rotary official added.

In partnership with the French Embassy Islamabad and National Disaster Management Authority Pakistan, Rotary members distributed the ShelterBox kits to the hardest hit areas.

John Leach, ShelterBox Head of Operations, said: “The need for shelter in Pakistan is growing by the day. We need to get more aid in as quickly as possible. By working with our international partners we can make this happen.”

ShelterBox is sending 5,000 water filtration units and 2,500 water containers to flooded areas. More ShelterBox kits are due to arrive in Pakistan soon.

A Rotary club in Houston, Texas, USA, filled two 40-foot shipping containers with relief supplies, and is coordinating with Rotary clubs in Pakistan to deliver them to Karachi, where local clubs will help distribute the goods.

A Rotary club in Multan, Pakistan has established five flood relief camps at local hospitals. Rotary members are collecting tents, household items, food, and medicine.

Experts warn of a second wave of deaths from water-borne diseases such as cholera unless flood victims have access to supplies of fresh drinking water. World Water Works, a Rotary-club sponsored relief organization that provides disaster victims with water purification tools, has sent more than 600 boxes to the southern province of Sindh. Hugo Pike, chair of World Water Works and a member of the Rotary club in Avon, England, says each box contains a water purification kit that can supply each member of a family of four with about 2 quarts of drinking water every day for a year.

Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Rotary’s global membership is approximately 1.2 million men and women who belong to more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.

PFA managing committee members visit Aquafina & Pakola Milk Factory

2010-08-17T11:59:00.002+05:00

In the group pictures show PFA General Secretary, Umar Qasim, Director Lal Qila, Executive Member, Razi Ahsan, CEO, Umar Group of companies, Association Secretary, Syed Faheem, Masood Mustafa, General Manager, Aquafina Plant, M. Mubashir Khan Durrrani, M. Sadiq Edhi, Tasveeb Zehra Shirazi and students from Karachi University Food Science Department also seen.

The members of the managing committee of Pakistan Food Association (PFA) and students from Karachi University Food Science Department undertook a visit to Aquafina & Pakola Milk Factory here in the near Toll Plaza, Dist. Malir, Karachi.

The visiting team included the PFA General Secretary, Umar Qasim, Director Lal Qila, Executive Member, Razi Ahsan, CEO, Umar Group of companies and Association Secretary, Syed Faheem.

They went round various sections of the Aquafina & Pakola Milk factory and inspected the latest machines and equipment installed there. Masood Mustafa, General Manager, Aquafina Plant apprised the visitors that the Pakistan Beverage Limited believes in ethical values and strengthening the institutions.

PFA General Secretary, Umar Qasim said that the main objective of PFA is to provide food protection information about health to companies, knowledge sharing and network.

Umar said that the PFA would organise seminars and training workshops to produce skilled and trained personnel in the field.

Exhibition: Realer Raum/Bild Raum Postponed

2010-08-05T21:45:00.000+05:00

Due to unavoaidable circumstances in Karachi the inauguration of the exhibition "Realer Raum/Bild Raum (Real Space Conceptual Space)" at Goethe-Institut Pakistan has been postponed till Tuesday 10th August 2010.

Earlier the program was suppossed to be held on 5th August 2010.

Bloodshed in Karachi after Haqparast MPA Raza Haider shot dead

2010-08-03T12:40:00.000+05:00

By Faraz Khan

KARACHI: A Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader and a member of the Sindh Assembly, Raza Haider, and his security guard were gunned down by unidentified motorcyclists inside a mosque in the Nazimabad area on Monday.

Life in the provincial capital was crippled following the incident, as at least 35 people were killed and more than 125 injured in incidents of violence that broke out in various areas in response to the killing.

Around three-dozen vehicles and several shops were set ablaze, while massive traffic jams were witnessed at almost all major thoroughfares of the city.

Two unidentified men shot dead 50-year-old Haider and his security guard Khalid Khan inside the Jamia Masjid Aqsa in Nazimabad Block No 2, when the lawmaker was getting ready to say his prayers at the mosque.

Bodies of the two victims were taken to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. MLO Dr Sheraz told Daily Times that the MPA sustained six bullet wounds – three from a sub-machine gun and three from a 9mm pistol – while his guard had sustained only one bullet injury.

The condition of a teenage boy Arsalan, who was also wounded in the attack, was stable, he added.

Liaquatabad Town SP Waqar Mallan told that police found empty shells of a 9mm pistol and an SMG from the crime scene. The SP added that the culprits arrived at the mosque on two motorcycles and a white-coloured car.

“Two of the four men on the motorcycles entered the mosque and after shouting ‘Allah-o-Akbar’ opened fire on the MQM leader and his guard,” the officer said.

“The sketches that we are preparing with the help of eyewitnesses would be provided to the media after they are finalised, but our first priority is to control the law and order situation,” he added.

Meanwhile, violence and anarchy spread throughout the city following the MPA’s murder. Besides several vehicles and shops, a petrol pump, roadside stalls and pushcarts in various parts of the city were set ablaze by protesters.

Routine life was suspended and commercial activities came to a halt due to the violence, as several people stuck in traffic jams had parked their vehicles on the roads and walked to their destinations.

The MQM Rabita Committee announced three days of mourning. The committee said special prayers would also be organised for Haider.

Separately, MQM chief Altaf Hussain called for a high-level probe into Haider’s murder.

Condemning the killing, Altaf termed it a big tragedy, according to a statement by the MQM. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, and the four chief ministers strongly condemned the killing of the MQM leader.

The PM appealed to MQM party workers to avoid taking any extreme measures to express outrage against those who had committed this heinous crime. (DT)

Indonesian Ambassador opens Independence Day Golf Championship

2010-07-29T15:12:00.000+05:00

Picture shows H.E. Ishak Latuconsina, Indonesian Ambassador opening of Independence Day Cup Open Golf Championship 2010 at DHA, Country & Golf Club, Karachi. Indonesian Consulate will promote Indonesian Golf Courses to Pakistan Golfer. The four-day tournament will conclude on August 1.

Youth Affairs department GoS organizes Career Counselling Seminar

2010-07-22T19:05:00.000+05:00

Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari
Sindh Youth Minister

By Mohammad Nazakat Ali

The Youth Affairs department of the Government of Sindh has been working proactively for the benefit of the youngsters and they organized yet another successful programme, this time with the collaboration of the Federal Public Service Commission at the University of Karachi on July 22.

The Career Counselling Seminar held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Arts turned out to be quite an enlightening session and it was a morning to remember for all those present on the occasion.

The Sindh Youth Minister, Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari, who was the chief guest of the ceremony, noted with satisfaction the growing number of programmes being held by the provincial government to enlighten the youth.

He told the audience that the Youth Affairs department of the Government of Sindh has planned to hold a record number of career counseling programmes during the current year to guide the youngsters towards a better future.

He described the University of Karachi as a model institution that has been serving the cause of the country for a number of years.

Faisal Subzwari, who delivered yet another inspirational speech, advised the students as well as the professionals not to forget their Alma Mater while pursuing their career goals.

Suhail Safdar Member
Federal Public Service Commission of Pakistan

Suhail Safdar, Member, Federal Public Service Commission, Government of Pakistan, gave a presentation in which explained in detail the procedure of applying and the process after the submission of the applications. He also took questions to clarify matters to the satisfaction of the participating students.

He observed that there’s a decline in the interest of people taking to civil service in the urban parts of Sindh.

He disclosed that the Federal Public Service Commission had organized such seminars in the various universities located in the rural of Sindh and the response had been phenomenal.

He was of the opinion that the youngsters of Karachi, possessing enormous talents, would do well if they turn towards civil service.

Shaoib Ahmed Siddiqui
Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs
Government of Sindh

Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs to the Government of Sindh, said it’s always a privilege and pleasure to hold a programme at the University of Karachi, having produced numerous luminaries.

He pointed out that civil service is a huge avenue and the youngsters can play a proactive role in serving the country by taking to it.

“You get an opportunity of serving in and out of the country. It’s quite a challenging job and you should think getting on board if you have the passion to play your part in the service to the nation,” he added.

Shoaib Siddiqui, addressing the youth, made the point that they had reached the age from where they should now start thinking of themselves, their families, the community, the province and the country.

“The Federal Public Service Commission is one of those institutions of our country that has maintained high standards throughout,” he complimented.

The welcome address was delivered by Prof Dr M Abuzar Wajidi, Dean, Faculty of Management & Administrative Sciences, University of Karachi.

KPT hosts KPC badminton tourney

2010-07-16T15:54:00.004+05:00

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

The badminton tournament of the ongoing Karachi Press Club (KPC) Summer Sports Festival 2010 was inaugurated here at the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Sports Complex on July 15.

Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs to the Government of Sindh, was the guest of honour in the inauguration ceremony which was presided over by the chief of the Sindh Badminton Association (SBA), Raees Paracha.

Later the two senior bureaucrats, Shoaib Siddiqui and Raees Paracha, were escorted to the arena where they played a few rallies, turning back the years when they routinely visited badminton court.

The decision of the KPC Sports Committee to hold the badminton tournament of the Sports Festival at the centrally air-conditioned and well-maintained indoor gymnasium of the KPT Sports Complex was welcomed by all the participants.

After having staged the snooker, chess and scrabble tournaments at the club it was thought to provide the KPC members a chance to play badminton in the settings of KPT Sports Complex that not only possessed a court of high class but also had the perfect settings to host such an event.

The Chairperson of KPT, Nasreen Haq, was acknowledged during the opening ceremony for having promptly granted the approval of holding the KPC Badminton Tournament.

Engr Shah Naeem Zafar, who has been heading the sports department of the KPT for quite sometime, was also thanked for making the arrangements at a short notice.

In his brief speech on the occasion, Shoaib Siddiqui praised the initiatives of the Executive Committee of the KPC for having revived the Sports Festival which is now being supported by the sports department of the Government of Sindh.

“It’s really very heartening to find the media professionals taking to the sports field. I am sure they must be thoroughly enjoying the experience themselves. The smiling faces of the KPC members present here make me feel delighted and I think they are raring to go to the badminton court now after having demonstrated their skills in snooker, chess and scrabble during the past couple of weeks,” Shoaib Siddiqui remarked.

He made a special mention of former international athlete, Mohammad Talib, who attended the function on special invitation.

Rais Paracha, President, SBA, recognized the contribution of the media in the promotion of sports and he also welcomed the idea of having sports competitions between the working journalists.

Mr Saleem Paracha, Secretary, SBA, who conducted the ceremony in his usually exciting style before taking out the draws in the presence of Mr A H Khanzada, Honorary Secretary, KPC. A total of 28 entries were received for the tournament to be played on knockout basis.

Noman Khan, Babar Khan, Mohammad Saleem and Hamid Rahman were given a bye in the first round while the other participants were Kaleemuddin, Mohammad Aftab Ahmed, Ehtisham Ali, Mohammad Yasir, Abdul Qadir, Raja Kamran, Nabeel Ahmed, Waqar Khan, Mohammad Shahid, Syed Javed Iqbal, Mohammad Arshad, Jahangir Khan, Kamran Sahil, Sabir Mazhar, Qasim Khan, Afaq Mustafa, Tariq Hussain, Adeel Khan, Mohammad Ijaz, Ehsan Qureshi, Munir Aqeel Ansari, Syed Azhar Sultan, Jamal Khurshid and Ahmed Faridi.

Karachi bodybuilders taking cow, buffalo-steroids for 'extra muscles'

2010-07-01T14:56:00.000+05:00

Various aspiring bodybuilders in Karachi are taking supplements containing anabolic steroids, which are also given to cows and buffaloes, in the hope of 'extra muscles' that could be dangerous for their health.

Apart from imported bodybuilding steroids, many also purchase unlabelled and substandard products.

"Most of the bodybuilding clubs in the city provide these steroids to the trainees that are brought from Lahore and Gujranwala" the Daily Times quoted Rashid, a bodybuilder, as saying.

"These steroids are mostly those given to horses competing in races and to buffaloes and cows to increase milk production," he added.

Rashid also said an aspiring bodybuilder named Jahangir had recently died after using such steroids.

Malik, a 46-year-old drug dealer at the medicine market in Kachi Gali near Napier Road sells a large variety of bodybuilding supplements, the prices of which range between Rs 500 and 5,000.

However, he denies that he sells supplements containing anabolic steroids."The supplements at my shop are imported from the USA and do not harm the human body... they are just food supplements and bodybuilders can use them instead of having meat, eggs, fruits and beans etc... they save time and help in weight control as well," said Malik.

On the other hand, Amir, an instructor at a bodybuilding club near Sabzi Mandi has no uncertainties about using steroids.

He said, "A good body is a product of good diet, supplements, exercise and proper rest."

He said anabolic steroids are available at drug stores at Kachi Gali and other areas, but sold undercover.

Sindh Games sign off with spectacular ceremony

2010-06-17T23:55:00.002+05:00

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

KARACHI: The curtain fell on the 13th Sindh Games 2010 with a spectacular closing ceremony under floodlights here at the Asghar Ali Shah Stadium in North Nazimabad on Wednesday.

There was live music and fireworks to entertain the participants and the cheering crowd.

Sindh Education Minister, Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq, declared the Games closed after awarding the Mohenjodaro Trophy to Karachi, who extended their complete dominance in the provincial event by winning it for the 13th time in a row.

Sindh Sports Minister, Dr Mohammad Ali Shah, who is also President of the Sindh Olympic Association (SOA), attributed the success of the Games to teamwork and he recognised the contribution of the various individuals and institutions.

He announced that the 14th Sindh Games would be staged in Sukkur early next year while Mirpurkhas will be the venue of the 15th Sindh Games in 2012.

In his welcome address, Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Secretary Sports & Youth Affairs to the Government of Sindh, observed that the smiles on the faces of the participating athletes and their officials from every nook and corner of the province was a reflection that sports indeed spread happiness.

Karachi Region, by securing as many as 115 gold medals, stood head and shoulders above their nearest rivals Hyderabad who bagged 15 gold medals with Sukkur, Larkana and Mirpurkhas sharing the next three positions. Larkana, however, had the consolation of collecting the Fair Play Trophy.

The individual glories also came Karachi’s way as the versatile female athlete, Almas Ibrahim, repeated her feat in Larkana a year ago by bagging seven gold medals again. Javed Taqi was declared the best male athlete for having earned seven gold medals in swimming. (The News)

Sindh Government, PCB Join hands to train cricket coaches

2010-05-22T00:18:00.001+05:00

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

The five-month camp for the cricket coaches, being organized by the sports department of the Government of Sindh with the collaboration of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a part of the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Programme (BBSYDP), got underway at the Regional Cricket Academy Ground, Karachi, on May 17.

Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs to Government of Sindh, presided over the opening ceremony held at the National Stadium during which he presented kits and resource material to the participating 20 coaches, including four ladies, selected from all over the province.

Syed Shahid Ali (Khairpur), Abdul Rahman (Sanghar), Shakir Ali (Sanghar), Ashdaq Ahmed (Naushero Feroze), Ghulam Murtaza Shaikh (Sukkur), Pervez Nabi Memon (Sukkur), Amjad Anjum Memon (Dadu), Abdul Waheed (Larkana), Faiz Aslam Khan (Karachi), Zaheer Imran (Karachi), Mohammad Farhan Saeed (Karachi), Talia Shamglib (Karachi), Saba Hasan (Karachi), Maimoona Dad (Karachi), Hasan Muzammail (Hyderabad), Mohammad Azhar (Hyderabad), Nabi Mohammad (Mirpurkhas), Mohammad Abid (Mirpurkhas), Shirin Naz (Karachi) and Ashok Kumar (Umar Kot) are the participants of the five-month camp.

“The Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Youth Development Programme (BBSYDP) has been launched according to the wishes of Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, to pay tribute to the two-times elected Prime Minister of Pakistan,” Shoaib Siddiqui remarked in his speech on the occasion.

“The Youth Development programme has been named after her and the Government of Sindh has approved Rs 13 million for the project in which 150 youngsters will be trained in nine different sectors. Besides sports the training will also be provided to the youth in the fields of banking, insurance and taxation,” he disclosed.

“These courses will not only enlighten the trainees but will also be greatly helpful in raising their skills that could open the doors for career jobs. The youth holds the future,” Shoaib Siddiqui reckoned.

Saleem Siddiqui, Deputy Secretary Youth Affairs to the Government of Sindh, revealed that the trainees will be paid a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 with a further monthly allowance of Rs 3,000 to be paid to the outstation coaches.

The PCB, he added, would be compensated for organizing the initial Level-1 course for the participants under the supervision of Haroon Rasheed, Ali Zia and Shahid Asalm. The PCB has also been assigned to monitor and assess the participants throughout the five-month period during which the coaches will be assigned different tasks to polish their skills.

The Sports and Youth affairs department of the Government of Sindh had placed newspaper advertisements inviting applications from the prospective coaches. The applicants appeared in a written test before a series of interviews on the basis of which 20 were selected for the camp training.

“It’s very heartening to note indeed that the applications were received from every nook and corner of the province. After carrying out the due process, with the assistance of technical hands, the candidates from Larkana, Dadu, Sukkur, Naushero Feroze, Sanghar, Khairpur, Umar Kot, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad and Karachi have been selected for the training course,” Saleem Siddiqui observed.

University of Karachi gives one-time special exam chance

2010-05-15T15:06:00.000+05:00

Deputy Controller, Semester Examination Section, has announced for the information of all old students (from 1973 to onwards) whose enrolment/re-enrolment have expired and they have not yet completed their degree programs due to declaration as failed in one or more courses that a One-Time Special Chance Examination - 2010 will begin from 30th June 2010. The examination form and the prescribed fee of Rs.2000/- can be submitted from 8th June to 14th June and after that with late fee of Rs.500 till 21st June. According to an announcement of the Directorate of Evening Program, University of Karachi, the students of all the departments and centers in the Evening Program who have so far not cleared their dues, are directed to immediately pay their dues.

MQM ministers submit resignations to Rabita Committee; no compromise on Hyderabad: Altaf Hussain

2010-05-10T08:47:00.001+05:00

LONDON: Chief of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Altaf Hussain yesterday said that a conspiracy has been hatched to trigger ethnic riots and sabotage the current atmosphere of harmony among permanent residents of Sindh.

This he said while speaking at the Rabita Committee’s meeting held simultaneously in London and Karachi yesterday.

He said that the MQM had been striving hard to end the rural-urban divide and to create ethnic harmony in Sindh for the past many years. However, he noted that some so-called leaders and ministers of the ruling PPP were making an attempt to start ethnic riots in the province with the help of nationalist parties. Those trying to start a clash between permanent residents of Sindh are agents of the feudalists and landlords, he remarked. The MQM chief also directed the concerned persons to remain vigilant of any plot against the people of Sindh. Hussain urged the Haq Parast people to deal with the situation amicably.

Meanwhile, sources close to the MQM said that the meeting decided that no compromise would be made on the issue of Hyderabad and if any decision is taken in this regard without the consent of the MQM, the party would part its ways.

The meeting of the MQM Coordination Committee has resolved to go to any extent to “resist moves” to change the administrative set-up of Hyderabad, sources further added. Coordination Committee would continue its deliberations today and an official statement from MQM is likely to be issued later in the evening.

Sources further said that Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik who is in London yesterday met with some MQM leaders including Dr. Farooq Sattar , Babar Ghouri and Muhammad Anwer who went to offer their condolences over the demise of his mother-in law.

A meeting between Rehman Malik and MQM leadership in party chief Altaf Hussain can not be ruled out today with a view to easing down the charged atmosphere, hinted some sources. Sources further claimed that the provincial and federal ministers belonging to MQM yesterday submitted their resignations to the Coordination Committee in protest against the possible restructuring of Hyderabad district by its coalition partner, Pakistan Peoples Party.(NC Report)

Karachi traffic police directed to be polite: CCPO Karachi Waseem Ahmed

2010-05-03T08:15:00.000+05:00

CCPO Karachi Waseem Ahmed directed on Sunday to officials of City Traffic police to improve their attitude with the public.

Karachi CCPO, addressing to the officials of city traffic in Karachi Arts Council, directed police to improve their image in the public by behaving politely with them.

He ordered the police to act without discrimination against violators of law.

At around 40 places in the city with the help of 200 cameras command and control systems have been established by which performance of police is analyzed, he added. (SAMAA)

AGHA SIRAJ DURRANI VISITS CDGK HEAD OFFICE

2010-04-28T23:16:00.000+05:00

Minister for Local Government Sindh Agha Siraj Khan Durrani has said funds for all district councils including Karachi has been released and the Sindh Government was also coordinating on it with federal government. No funds for current financial year will be allowed to lapse instead they will be used in development works.

He expressed these views while talking to media representatives during an unscheduled visit to city government’s head office at Civic Center on Wednesday. Administrator Karachi Fazlur Rehman was also present on this occasion.

The provincial minister said that he was receiving such news about the stop of work in the city and that the Administrator did not attend his office and the people were facing problems due to this situation. He said that is why he paid surprise visit today without giving prior intimation to Administrator but here he found no such thing as the city government was doing its work routinely and the Administrator was also in his office. He said that he will also visit towns and water board office without prior intimation. Any negligence or carelessness will not be tolerated and action will be taken against the officer concerned.

Replying a query the provincial minister said that a special anti-encroachments cell was being established which will be represented by all concerned organizations as well as police. This cell would have constitutional protection from the assembly and the encroachers will be arrested.

He said that we will go to the election commission only after finalization of legislation for local government laws for which efforts are being made to take all the coalition partners in confidence. The nation gets the benefit of coalition government. We will make amendment in the local government laws only after taking all of our coalition partners in confidence. He further said that we had also a meeting with the Governor of Sind regarding finalization of local government laws.

Earlier the provincial minister Agha Siraj Khan Durrani was received by Administrator Karachi Fazlur Rehman in his office at Civic Center at 10:00 am in the morning. He also talked about the problems faced by city government and progress of development projects.

The provincial minister directed Administrator Karachi to solve the citizen’s problems on preferential basis and complete all development projects on time, adding that the city government would have full support and backing of provincial government in the development of city.

Reduction in power supply only for a month: KESC

2010-04-24T15:36:00.002+05:00

Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) has announced 300-Megawatt (MW) reduction in power supply to Karachi; however, the spokesman of Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) said the reduction is for only one month.
According to spokesman KESC, the reduction has been accepted on a condition that it will be implemented for a month only.
The KESC will continue to observe three-hour load shedding on 50 per cent of electricity feeders in the city; four-and-a-half hours of load-shedding on 26 per cent of feeders (those with increased instances of power theft); and no load-shedding at 24 per cent of the feeders in the city. —

CITY GOVERNMENT TO COMPLETE 5 FLYOVERS OF CORRIDOR-IV IN FIVE MONTHS

2010-04-22T00:27:00.000+05:00

City Government Karachi will complete the construction of five flyovers on signal free corridor-IV during next five months with a cost of Rs1.5billion after which these flyovers would be available for signal free journey to and from Kemari to Malir.

This was stated by Executive District Officer Works & Services Department City District Government Karachi Rasheed Mughal during an informal talk with the media representatives at his office on Tuesday.

He said that development work on the flyover from Tipu Sultan Road to Sharae Faisal has already been started with the provision of alternate routes to vehicular traffic and the piling work was being initiated while tenders for construction of flyovers at PIDC and Jinnah Terminal Sharae Faisal will be invited in next two days.

All of these projects would be completed within four months.

EDO W&S further said that the laying of girders of under construction flyovers from Lucky Star to Jinnah Hospital will be completed in next two days after which road carpeting work will begin and the flyover will be available for vehicular traffic in next 15 days.

He said that the laying of girders on PAF Chapter Flyover at Mehmoodabad will also begin in next four days.

EDO Works and Services said that presently shortage of funds was not a problem in these projects and the delay in their start was only due to some technical problems. City Government will finish all this work on time by working on round the clock basis.

He said that the pace of work on city government's development project has been quite satisfactory and they have been completing on scheduled time.

EDO W&S said that city government was continuing the journey of development to solve all the traffic related problems in the city while more new projects were also being planned.

He said that good news will be given to citizens in few months. PC1for all those roads which were still under completion or not started have been prepared after conducting the survey and the development work on these projects will also begin on gradual basis.

Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad INSPECTS CONSTRUCTION WORK OF FLYOVER AT SHARAE FAISAL

2010-04-14T16:18:00.000+05:00

Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan inspected construction work of a flyover at Sharae Faisal during a visit on Monday night. He was accompanied by Administrator City District Government Karachi Fazlur Rehman, EDO Works & Services Rasheed Mughal and EDO Municipal Services Masood Alam.

Rangers arrest 379 accused, recover weapons from Karachi

2010-04-06T23:57:00.000+05:00

The Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) have arrested 379 accused and recovered weapons from their custody in the past two months from Karachi.

A press release of the Headquarters Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) was issued here on Monday, which stated that after getting powers under the Anti-Terrorist Act, the Rangers have arrested 379 accused since February 02, 2010 from different areas of Karachi and recovered nine AK47, 20 rifles, 26 12 bore repeaters, 202 different types of pistols and 4,943 rounds from their custody.

Woman killed in a road accident

A woman was killed in a road accident here on Monday. Nooran Mai, 60, was crossing a road near the Village Hotel at Sea view, when a vehicle hit her. As a result, she died on the spot.

Her body was shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for an autopsy.

Youth gunned down in Old Golimar

A Youth was shot dead in the Purana Golimar area here on Monday. A gang of some unidentified armed men opened fire on a 25-year-old youth in Purana Golimar, killing him on the spot. The identity of the dead could not be ascertained till the filing of this report. The body was shifted to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi for an autopsy.

Man shot dead in Gulshan-e-Iqbal

A man was shot dead in Gulshan-e-Iqbal on early Monday morning. A gang of unidentified armed men opened fire on a 50-year-old man, Moin Khan, son of Sardar Khan at Rashid Minhas Road in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, killing him on the spot.

The Chhipa Information Centre said that the victim was a resident of Gulshan-e-Iqbal and was killed near his house. The body was shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for the medico-legal formalities.(RT)

DMO Workers Employee's Union gathered at Khursheed Begum Hall

2010-04-05T23:30:00.000+05:00

4th Power & Alternative Energy Asia 2010 International Exhibition

2010-04-01T16:36:00.005+05:00

HE .Mr. Ishak Latuconsina , Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia giving shiled to Dr. Khursheed Nizam, President, Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan at the 4th Power & Alternative Energy Asia 2010 International Exhibition recently at Karachi Expo Center, Mr. Trigustono Supriyanto, Acting Consul General Republic of Indonesia and Uzair Hanfi, CEO, ECGW also seen in the picture.

The Consul General of Indonesia and the Ambassador Indonesian Embassy, in their messages to the media complimented Ecommerce Gateway for its input & efforts in promoting the potential industry and building Pakistan’s image as a progressive & a talented country with greater vision towards growth and development.

Matric paper cancelled in Karachi after being leaked out

2010-03-28T20:52:00.008+05:00

The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) cancelled paper of Islamiat of SSC Part II exam on Saturday, after it was leaked, creating immense problems for students, parents and teachers. The new date of the cancelled paper would be announced later.
The students of class X once again had to go through torments when they were told just 10 minutes before the exam that their paper of Islamiat has been cancelled due to it being leaked out. As many as 150000 students including male and female remained shocked as they heard the news of cancellation of the paper. The BSEK had already cancelled the two papers of class IX and X each scheduled on 24 and 25 March due to its failure in issuing admit cards to thousands of students of class ninth and matriculation. The paper of Islamiat was leaked and the leaked paper were circulated through SMSs. Soon after hearing the news of cancelling of the paper, many enraged students gathered outside the board office and vandalized it, breaking its fans, windows and doors.
Meanwhile, students staged a protest demonstrations at Hasan Square, Nipa Chowrangi and other main roads of the city. They blocked the roads, suspending traffic. The students were changing slogans against poor performance of BSEK. The students and their parents showed dismay over pathetic performance of BSEK management. Later, the Chairman Board of Secondary Education Karachi Anzar Ahmed Zaidi addressing a press conference said the motive behind the leakage of the paper could not be known; however, they were investigating into the matter. He condemned the attack on BSEK, saying three employee of BSEK were injured in it. Zaidi said the attackers were in school uniform as well as civil dress. The new dates of the paper would be announced later, he said. The police arrested 18 people including students from BSEK on charges of attacking on the board office. However, the Sindh Governor directed to release them with immediate effect. He also took strict notice of the cancellation of paper. (RT)

Free English Language Classes by SWO

2010-03-27T15:54:00.003+05:00

Students Welfare Organization (SWO) announce Free English Language Classes for all in there Office at “Khaliq Dina Hall, M.A Jinnah Road, Karachi” for take admissions and further info please visit on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 05:30 P.M to 7:30 P.M.

Rasheed Jamal given task to check attendance in towns: ADMINISTRATOR CDGK MEETS WITH CITIZENS

2010-03-23T15:16:00.002+05:00

dministrator City District Government Karachi Fazlur Rehman met with the citizens in Civic Center’s Committee Room on Monday. He listened to their problems and issued on the spot directives to concerned officials. Artist Anwer Iqbal was also among those who called on him. EDO E&IP Dr. A.D Sajnani was present during the meeting. On this occasion Administrator Fazlur Rehman directed all town administrators and concerned staff to observe strict punctuality in office timings.

District Officer Implementation & Coordination Rasheed Jamal was given task to check the daily attendance of staff and officers in town offices and inspect the sanitation works. He will submit his report to administrator on daily basis. Departmental action would be taken against those officers and staff who would found absent from their duty during office hours.

Meanwhile District Officer Implementation & Coordination Rasheed Jamal paid a visit to Korangi Town Office on Monday morning where administrator Muhammed Sami Khan and other staff were not present and only 4 peons were found on duty. He also went to Landhi Town Office and inspected the sanitation work town.

Former Hockey Olympians reiterate demand of removal of Bajwa

2010-03-19T17:53:00.006+05:00

Country’s top Hockey Olympians of yesteryears Thursday reiterated their demand of removing Secretary of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Asif Bajwa after Pakistan’s disastrous 12th spot in World Cup in New Delhi (India).
Speaking at Karachi Press Club (KPC) Meet- the- Press Programme held under the aegis of its Sports Committee, former Olympians including Akhtar-ul-Islam, Islahuddin Siddiqui, Samiullah Khan, Shehnaz Shaikh, Rasheed-ul-Hasan, Ayaz Mahmood, Shehbaz Ahmed held messrs Bajwa and his close associates responsible for debacle in global competition.
“We gave Bajwa free hand since his coming from back door after ousting Khalid Mahmood and it time him to resign and go home in the larger interest of the game,” Islahuddin told a questioner. Former Olympians Moinuddin, Qamar Ibrahim, Saeed Khan, Mansoor Ahmed, Kamran Ashraf and large number international players were also attended the programme. KPC Sports Secretary Syed Khalid Mahmood conducted the programme and President Imtiaz Faran and Secretary A.H.Khanzada also spoke on the occasion and expressed their dismay over the poor hockey scenario in the country.
Former winger Samiullah titled “Flying Horse” for his speed alleged that Asif Bajwa was indulging all kind power game which brought his down fall. “He (Bajwa) should take lessons from his mistakes and honorable go home,” Sami said. All the Olympians said they are not interested in offices in PHF but working to revive hockey and put it back on track.
They categorically denied any person agenda. “We want betterment of hockey and our agenda is to serve the country by working,” Shehnaz Shaikh. Shehnaz Shaikh huge chunk of money was spent on the preparations of the team and demanded its complete audit and detail accounts. Former Pakistan Manager/coach Shehnaz Shaikh said Pakistan hockey was destroyed from year 2000 and Bajwa and company put it lowest ebb in history because of defence approach.

SEPA, CDGK put on notice in Regent Plaza flyover petition

2010-03-17T16:17:00.003+05:00

The Sindh High Court Tuesday issued notices to the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) director general and the City District Government Karachi administrator on construction of a flyover at Regent Plaza intersection allegedly in violation of environmental laws. A division bench of the SHC comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, passed the order on the petition of NGO Shehri impleading the SEPA DG and the Karachi administrator as respondents. Ronald deSouza of Shehri submitted that the construction of flyover was initiated without conducting an environmental impact assessment.

Shehri approached Environmental Protection Tribunal (EPT), seeking a restraining order. The EPT instead of staying construction allowed CDGK to continue work at its own “risk and cost”. He prayed to the court to restrain the construction work until the assessment was carried out.

Birthday of Afzaa Altaf tomorrow

2010-03-04T22:30:00.005+05:00

The 8th birthday of baby Afzaa Altaf, daughter of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Chief Altaf Hussain will be celebrated on March 5, at MQM headquarter Nine zero, Azizabad Karachi.
MQM Rabita Committee will organise cake cutting to celebrate the birthday of baby Afzaa, said a statement issued by the party here on Wednesday.
Besides the metropolis, programmes will also be organised in interior Sindh, Punjab, NWFP, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir to mark the birthday of Altaf Hussain's daughter.

23rd Annual Convention of Labour Division Muttahida Qaumi Movement

2010-03-03T14:26:00.004+05:00

http://allaboutmqm.ning.com/video/video/show?id=2210084%3AVideo%3A142002

Hostage girl freed by CPLC - Police

2010-02-28T23:28:00.002+05:00

Police and Citizen-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) have recovered a kidnapped girl with joint efforts, SAMAA reported Sunday.

The Deputy Chief of CPLC Attiq-ur Rehman said that accused Faisal kidnapped Madiha, 18, from New Karachi last Wednesday. The FIR of the kidnapping was lodged at New Karachi police station.

Police and investigation team held a raid in Khamiso Goth and held Faisal and recovered Madiha.

Sources told that Faisal made hostage Madiha with cheating.

SYED MUSTAFA KAMAL HELD FAREWELL MEETING WITH HIS STAFF.

2010-02-24T22:37:00.003+05:00

Syed Mustafa Kamal held farewell meeting with city government officers and his personal staff at the secretariat prior to relinquishing charge as City Nazim. During the meeting with his secretary, drivers, peons, telephone operators, officers, clerks and other staff he thanked all of them for extending full support and cooperation during his tenure as city nazim.

Meanwhile while relinquishing the charge as Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal said that he is thankful of Almighty Allah who gave him the courage to serve 20 million people of Karachi. He also thanked Quaid-e-Tehreek Mr. Altaf Hussain for helping and guiding him all through his tenure and for trusting and patronizing him.

Syed Mustafa Kamal also thanked each and every citizen of Karachi of every religion, and every community for extending full support to him during his tenure as city nazim.

He also thanked all town nazmeen, naib town nazmeen, union council nazmeen, naib nazmeen, Naib City Nazim Ms. Nasreen Jalil, members of city council, officers of city government and water board for providing him all support. He said that with this support and cooperation we could have performed all this as a team work. He also thanked the trade and commercial unions, business community in Karachi, members of electronic and print media and everyone for guiding him all through 52 months of his tenure. He also thanked all NGOs and other organizations working in Karachi.

Fire broke out at SAMAA TV head office

2010-02-18T15:43:00.002+05:00

The SAMAA TV's head office situated in Karachi caught fire today (Thursday). The channel's transmission went off-air due to the fire in its transmission and power units. The last transmission on-air was around 7:00 am. The transmission of the channel will be resumed within a few hours, as soon as the fire is under control.

It is important to mention here that the channel has been receiving threats from the extremist elements for its aggressive reporting and initiatives against extremism in the country. SAMAA also ran a special report last night on the Mumbai Blast and the internal involvement of the Indian security forces in it.

The details and cause of the fire are under investigation and both the federal and provincial security agencies have been asked to investigate the matter.

Top Taliban commander captured in Karachi

2010-02-16T17:54:00.004+05:00

In a significant development in the offensive against Taliban, a top military commander of Taliban, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, was held in Karachi, Pakistan in a secret joint raid conducted by Pakistani and US intelligence forces, The New York Times reported.

According to the report, Mullah Baradar, one of the key Taliban leaders to be captured so far, was being interrogated by Pakistani and US intelligence.

Though the White House and CIA and even Pentagon remained tight-lipped about the entire operation, some officials were quoted by the newspaper as saying that the Pakistan's military spy agency, the Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence, or ISI, were instrumental in capturing Mullah Baradar, with assistance from CIA operatives.

The captured Taliban commander is said to be second in command to Mullah Muhammad Omar and is believed to be a close associate of al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden prior to the Sep 11 attacks.

However, it is not clear whether the Taliban commander, who has been in Pakistani custody for several days has revealed anything so far, the report said.

Meanwhile, the CIA officials are expressing hope that his arrest would lead them to Mullah Omar, along with other top Taliban commanders.

The newspaper said that despite knowing about the arrest on Thursday, Feb 11, it broke the news on Monday, Feb 15 as per the request of the White House officials, who said that the early reporting of the news would hamper the very successful intelligence push.

Besides military operations, Mullah Baradur was also involved in running the group's leadership council, known as the Quetta Shura.

Pakistan's wholehearted participation in the capture of the Mullah Baradur has brought the country in a positive light.

Former CIA official Bruce Riedel, who cited ignorance of the capture until it was reported by the newspaper said that the operation showed a 'sea change in Pakistani behavior.'

Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs Department to Inaugurate First iLEAD Volleyball Tournament

2010-02-14T00:25:00.005+05:00

Mr. Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sindh will be inaugurating iLEAD’s first volleyball tournament on 15 February, 2010.

iLEAD – Inspiring Leadership, Empowerment and Development in Youth is a public- private partnership program between the Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sindh and Habib University Foundation (H.U.F.), with technical support provided by the British Council, Pakistan. Mr. Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sindh will inaugurate the ceremony.

The volleyball tournament will be held at the Institute for Advancing Careers and Talents, one of iLEAD’s partner institutes. Eight colleges are participating in the tournament: Two pools consisting of four institutes each will contest in the tournament. Volleyball matches begin on February 15, 2010 and will last to February 19, 2010, when the final will be played.

CITY NAZIM REVIEW PACE OF WORK ON CORRIDOR-IV

2010-02-08T23:12:00.004+05:00

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that work on three more flyovers on Sharae Faisal will begin in few days while already four flyovers were under construction on this corridor to make it signal free all the way from Jinnah Bridge to Quaidabad. Completion of this corridor would provide signal free journey from Steel Town to Jinnah Bridge Kemari.

He expressed these views during a meeting to review the pace of work on development projects of signal free corridor –IV. It was also decided to continue work on these projects on 24 hours basis and without any break.
Addressing the meeting City Nazim said that despite of financial constraints and other odds signal free corridor-IV will be opened for traffic after completion of its projects in least possible time. He said that all these projects hold much importance with regard to traffic problems in the city. Citizens were facing problems due to heavy load of traffic on Sharae Faisal besides this corridor also connects both sea ports, airport and steel mills with each other. Completion of this project would provide great boost to business and commercial activities in Karachi and that would be beneficial for citizens.

City Nazim observed that regular traffic jam at various points of this corridor especially near Hotel Reagent Plaza was causing much inconvenience to people in their access to five important hospitals including Jinnah Hospital and NICVD. He said that the construction of flyover at this junction would ensure hurdle free route for ambulances.

He also directed that work on all the projects of this corridor must continue round the clock, adding that he will himself pay surprise visit to the site of work in night hours and all those officers and representative of contractor firm will have to face strict action if they found guilty of delay in work or negligence. He also instructed Finance and Planning Department to ensure timely provision of required resources for these projects so that the work could be carried on smoothly.

13 confirmed dead in Karachi mourners attack

2010-02-05T19:51:00.003+05:00

Karachi law enforcement officials have confirmed 13 casualties in an apparent suicide attack on a minibus here on Friday noon. Dr Semi Jamali, incharge emergency ward of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, told the newsmen that at least 11 dead bodies and nearly 40 wounded have so far been brought to the medical facility.

According to preliminary reports, a bus of route 52-A was bringing mourners from Jaffar Taeyyar society of Malir area to main Muharram procession presently being underway at M A Jinnah road. When the ill-fated bus reached Shahrah-e-Quaideen from Nursery flyover a motorcycle, apparently-laden with explosives, rammed into the bus with a loud bang, CCPO Karachi Waseem Ahmed informed news channel on telephone. Emergency has been declared at nearby Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center where at least 12 wounded have so far been rushed by the emergency relief staffers. Police and Rangers have reached the scene and the blast site has been cordoned off for general public.

CITY GOVT. DECLARE KBCA APPROVED PLANS ILLEGAL

2010-02-02T16:11:00.002+05:00

All building plans approved by Karachi Building Control Authority during last six months have been declared illegal by City District Government Karachi.

City Government has said that the KBCA had in violation of the rules specified in the Sindh Local Government Ordinance did not transfer the amount that has been received for approval of building plans to City Government under the head of betterment charges and the reason given for that by KBCA was displeasure of minister for local government due to which the chief controller KBCA refrained to transfer the money to city government.

This action has put acute financial pressure on City District Government Karachi and it was unable to pay the salaries of its employees. Therefore City Government Karachi has decided to declare all building plans approved by Karachi Building Control Authority during last six months illegal and void and it was also giving its action legal status through city district council.

Free Medical Camp at Usman Memorial Hospital on Sunday

2010-01-30T23:44:00.005+05:00

The Usman Memorial Hospital is organizing a free medical camp at Hospital premises Plot # ST-12, Block-1, Hussainabad, Federal "B" Area, on Sunday, 31st January 2010 at 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Dr. Abdul Ghaffar Bilo, Professor of Paediatric, Aga Khan University Hospital and Dr. Muhammad Tufail, Medical Director, Patel Hospital will inaugurate medical camp.

TURK AMBASSADOR CALLS ON CITY NAZIM

2010-01-30T14:06:00.002+05:00

Ambassador of Turkey called on City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal at his office on Thursday to discuss matter of mutual interest.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal on this occasion said that Pakistan has strong brotherly relations with Turkey. Local Government of Turk City Istanbul can provide valuable cooperation to City District Government Karachi in its Rapid Bus Transport System and training program for rescue workers. He said that Istanbul has one of the best rapid bus transport system while they have also excelled in the rescue works particularly in the earthquakes. He said that we also need cooperation in the solid waste management.

Nazim Karahi informed the ambassador Mr. Hizlan about the importance of Karachi in the region. He said that Karachi offers lucrative business opportunities to foreign investors. Turk business community can also earn heavy profits from doing business here. He said that the government has upgraded infrastructure in Karachi for promotion of investment activities. Turk investors will also be provided with best facilities and support.

Turk ambassador Mr. Hizlan said that Turkey will soon arrange for the training of rescue workers in Karachi for which a permanent office will be established in the city so that the training could be arranged on permanent basis. He also appreciated the performance of City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal for his role in the rapid development of Karachi.

Karachi Fashion week begins from sunday at Pearl Continental Hotel

2010-01-28T22:57:00.009+05:00

RELIEF PAY-ORDERS DISBURSEMENT PROCEDURE DEFINED; PAY-ORDERS FOR CLAIMS OVER 1.5 MILLION WILL BE ISSUED ON COMPLETION OF SCRUTINY

2010-01-28T16:36:00.005+05:00

Karachi Affected Markets Relief Committee’s Spokesman, A.Q. Khalil has said that Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s seven (7) loss assessment committees, in the presence of authorized representatives of affected markets, have meticulously completed the assessment and scrutiny of 2600 claims of affectees of Bolton Market Incident, and it is decided that relief payments through pay-orders will start in phases from 29th January, 2010. Chairman Businessmen Group and former President-KCCI, Siraj Kassam Teli has already announced that the pay-orders distribution work to affectees will start from 29th January, 2010 and the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari will begin the disbursing phase while distributing the relief pay-orders to affectees. In the second phase, Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Governor of Sindh, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ibad Khan, Provincial Ministers, City Nazim Karachi, will visit Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry to distribute the pay-orders to the affectees. According to the Committee Spokesman, latest colour passport size photograph, original computerized national identity card with attested copy must be readily available with each affectee because it is decided that affectees/ claimants will receive their claims themselves personally and thereby will submit an affidavit of claim acceptance, endorsing with signature and thumb impression in the presence of authorized market representative so that the whole procedure will be transparently maintained.

Spokesman appealed all the affectees to keep in touch with the chairmen of KCCI’s seven loss assessment committees who will issue the payment schedules, and abide the instructions accordingly. A.Q. Khalil further said that the affectees must not authorize any person on their behalf because payments will be made only to the real affectees of the incident. According to the Spokesman, Karachi Affected Markets Relief Committee has already decided that after the completion of payment phase of claims upto Rs.1.5 million, in second phase the payments of claims above Rs.1.5 million will start immediately after completion of scrutiny. He said that claim will be given to every honest affectee who has furnished his/her loss details with honestly, and after completion of scrutiny, relief pay-order will be issued.

KARACHI CITY GOVT. SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH NED UNIVERSITY

2010-01-25T23:58:00.005+05:00

City District Government Karachi has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NED University Karachi for utilization of its Command & Control Center for improvement of traffic flow and development of intelligent transportation system (ITS) for Karachi which is a research project being carried out by NED University of Engineering & Technology and University of Mississippi, USA under USAID Project. The MoU was signed by City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal and Registrar of NED University Engineer Javed Aziz Khan at a ceremony held in KWSB Head Office on Monday.

The participants attended the ceremony included Vice Chancellor NED University Prof. Dr. Muzaffar Mehmood, Dean Civil Engineering & Architect NED University Prof. Dr. Sahibzada Farooq Ahmed Rafeequi, Chairman Urban and Infrastructure Engineering Prof. Dr. Mir Shabbar Ali, Controller of Services Syed Wasiuddin, Lectures Urban Engineering Department Ms. Madiha Abid and Afzal Ahamd, DCO Karachi Javed Hanif Khan,EDO Municipal Services Masood Alam, Incharge Command & Control Center Faheem Qureishi and others.

A lively discussion on this occasion headed by City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal included the appreciation of traffic engineering and operational infrastructure put in place by City District Government Karachi and concluded that through research and studies NED University of Engineering & Technology can identify the traffic problems and causes of failure of traffic management besides providing the recommendations and remedies to cope up with these issues for better traffic management system in the metropolis. Cameras installed by the CDGK at various locations in Karachi can play a vital role in efficient management of traffic for improving traffic flow and reducing congestion at all major and supplementary arteries. According to the MoU researchers from NED University will be provided access to the city government’s Command & Control Center while Corridor-III will be used as NED-CDGK Road Lab for research and development of ITS based traffic management system.

Expressing his views on traffic problems in Karachi the City Nazim expressed hope that a better and permanent solution could be reached through the coordination of universities especially professional educational institutions that can correctly identified the problems and give valuable suggestions. He further said that despite of spending billions of rupees on traffic engineering the problems were still there due to absence of better enforcement and no action from traffic police on violations of rules.

City Nazim said most of the traffic problems were related to management and not to traffic engineering. Though such problems were solved by all big cities through mass transit system but city government did not have the resources to carry out such a huge project that cost billions of dollars on its own and only federal government can do this in Karachi. He said that unity of command was the key to solution of city’s problems. Despite of constructing Pakistan’s first car parking plaza with modern facilities hundreds of vehicles were still seen parked in no parking zones and no one take action against them.

Gun-lovers should leave Karachi: ANP Sindh Chief

2010-01-24T23:39:00.004+05:00

Awami National Party's Sindh Chief Shahi Sayed on Sunday urged all section of the society to strengthen the government in its bid to get rid of terrorists from the country.

Speaking at a ceremony hosted to mark the death anniversary of Bacha Khan, he said people of all ethnicities should help the government to eliminate terrorism.

He said those who are fond of using guns should move to the mountains by vacating Karachi.

Shahi said that a war of transfer and posting is under way in Karachi to seize lands and to attain their personal interests.

He stressed that the government should give a 15-day notice to all licensed and un-licensed arms companies and cleanse of city from weapons.

IRANIAN COMMERCE ORGANIZATION VISITS KCCI TO EXPLORE BILATERAL TRADE PROSPECTS

2010-01-23T14:13:00.003+05:00

“Non-existence of Banking System between Pakistan & Iran is the major impediment in the progress of bilateral trade”, expressed by President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry in a meeting held with the 25 members Iranian delegation representing the Commerce Organization of Mashad, Khorsan Razavi Province, Iran. Abdul Majid focused that the Pak-Iran relationship is deep rooted and the bilateral trade potential is about 1 billion dollars which is yet to be achieved due to certain barriers out of which lack of banking system is the core obstacle. He asserted on the need of Iranian Bank Branch in Pakistan and Pakistani Bank Branch in Iran to strengthen the trade ties. Abdul Majid informed that the KCCI has taken up the said issue of establishing Banking channel between Pakistan & Iran with Prime Minister of Pakistan, Federal Minister of Finance & Governor of SBP. Abdul Majid also asserted on the need of developing the train-logistic service from Pakistan to Iran and Turkey under the ECO forum.

The President KCCI, earlier, warmly welcomed the Iranian Commercial Counsellor & 25 members trade delegation from Iran and gave them a categorical enlightenment on the Trade prevalent between the two friendly nations. He said that the present trade volume which is less than 1 billion USD is not at all satisfactory, we had a lot of potential and untapped sectors of trade which if pursued the trade volume might shoot up to the great extent, he added. He termed lack of interest, Banking & remittances problem, and Shipping and land transportation related problems being the chief factors attributed for the low trade volume. He drew the attention of Iranian Commercial Counsellor & trade delegation towards resolution of said factors for enhanced trade benefiting the common man of two brotherly nations. In order to boost up the representation of Iranian products in Pakistan, he extended invitation to Iranian Companies for Exhibition of Iranian products in KCCI’s “My Karachi Exhibition” to be held in June 2010.

Chairman, Businessmen Group, Siraj Kassam Teli, speaking at the occasion, highlighted that to strengthen the bilateral relations, trade plays imperative role and therefore it should be explored. He on behalf of Business Community ensure entire cooperation in this regards.

Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh on Investment & former President-KCCI, Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, while addressing the Iranian Delegation, enlightened them about the profuse trade and investment opportunities available in Sindh Province. He informed about the investment potential of Thar Coal Resources in Sindh which is larger than the Oil Reserves of Saudi Arabia & Iran in terms of its volume. He also informed about the establishment of Pak-Japan Economic Cooperation Zone in the vicinity of Karachi and offered that a Pak-Iran Economic Zone may be established if the Iranian counterparts express their keen interest. Being the Chairman of Board of Investment of Sindh, he also ensure his best cooperation and support to the interested Iranian investors for investment in Sindh province.

Commercial Counsellor of Iran, Ahmad Fasihi, while speaking on the occasion, expressed hope that with the removal of existing hurdles in the way of trade, and establishing a banking channel between two countries, the trade volume in the current year would reach over one billion dollars. He said that last year Pakistan's export to Iran increased by 80 percent as compared to previous year, and touched 279 million dollars. Likewise, Iran's exports to Pakistan increased by 11 percent to 278 million dollars. He said that despite a high potential level, the volume of bilateral trade of the two countries is about 560 million dollars (excluding oil) which is insufficient in view of existing trade potential.

The leader of Iranian trade delegation from Khorasan Razavi Province and Vice President, Commerce Organization of Mashad, M H Kamranfar, has emphasised the need for establishing banking channel for enhancing two-way trade. Speaking at the meeting, he said that both countries have lot of potential to boost two-way trade. However, the trade relations were not reflective of the true potential and to explore the existing potential exchange of trade delegation, person to person. He said that the purpose of the visit by the delegation was to develop person to person contact with Pakistani counterparts to improve trade and economic ties.

Two killed in Karachi Fresh violence

2010-01-21T00:30:00.004+05:00

At least two people have been killed while six others sustained injuries as violence erupted in various areas of the metropolis on Wednesday.

Moreover, four vehicles were set on fire by the angry mob in different parts of the city.

As per details, unknown armed men opened fire at the office of a construction company situated in Gulistan-e-Jauhar block 19, killing Zareen Khan and injuring Wali Muhammad. The victims were shifted to a private hospital near stadium road.

Police officials said initial investigation suggests that it was a business dispute, however, an inquiry is underway in this regard.

Separately, two people were injured when unknown assailants opened fire on them. They were later shifted to nearby hospital. However, condition of one injured was termed critical.

After the incident, some unidentified gunmen started aerial firing, forcing the shops to close down.

Furthermore, heavy contingent of police was deployed in the affected areas to maintain the law and order condition.

Aerial firing incidents were also reported in different parts of the city including Shah Faisal Colony, Landhi, Qaidabad, Esa Nagri, Abul Hasan Ispahani Road, Sohrab Goth, Rashid Minhas Road and Hasan Square.

KARACHI CHAMBER WILL OPEN ON SUNDAY TO FACILITATE AFFECTEES FOR FILING THEIR CLAIMS

2010-01-16T20:48:00.005+05:00

Chairman Businessmen Group & former President-KCCI, Siraj Kassam Teli, President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad, Vice Chairmen & former Presidents of KCCI, Tahir Khaliq, Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, Haroon Farooki, Anjum Nisar, Senior Vice President-KCCI, Rasheeduddin Rashid, Vice President-KCCI, Javed Ahmed Vohra, and KCCI Managing Committee Members, in a press note, announced to open the KCCI’s Secretariat on Sunday, January 17, 2010, in order to facilitate the affectees of Bolton Markets and other adjoining markets of M. A. Jinnah Road.

They ensured that Office Bearers, Managing Committee Members, Heads and members of seven Sub-committees and Secretariat staff will be available on Sunday, January 17, 2010 from 11:00 AM till 04:00 PM to facilitate, and the affectees and authorized representatives of affected markets may contact KCCI to submit their claims, survey / maps of damaged / destroyed markets / buildings for reconstruction along with necessary information. They also requested that claim forms, survey / offers for reconstruction of damaged / destroyed buildings must be submitted positively by January 20, 2010, afterwards the same would not be received and entertained.

Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan arrives in Karachi

2010-01-15T23:44:00.002+05:00

Renowned scientist Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan arrived in Karachi amid tight security on private tour.

He flew to Karachi from Lahore in PIA’s flight PK-301. On arrival he was driven to his brother’s residence in Muhammad Ali Society amid strict security.

Dr. Qadeer Khan’s engagements in the city have been kept strictly confidential owing to security reasons.

Stringent security has been put in place around the residing place of Dr. Qadeer Khan.

Record participation expected in Dreamworld Car Rally on Jaunary 17

2010-01-14T16:12:00.004+05:00

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

Over three hundred entries are expected in the tenth edition of the Dreamworld Treasure Hunt Car Rally 2010 to be held in Karachi on January 17.

The car rally is being organized by the Team Dreamworld for the tenth year running in what has gone on to become one of the most sought after annual events of the metropolis in which over 1800 cars have participated in its decade-long history.

The rally comprises of a 70-kilometer lap crossing almost all popular locations of Karachi, one of the largest cities of the world, and the lap is distributed among eight check points to let vehicles follow the concept of safety through limited speed.

The time check points are established at different locations in the city with each check point providing the contestants with a clue or a puzzle which should be solved in order to discover the next checkpoint for ultimately reaching the fortune at the Dreamworld resort. Each check point registers the time for each car in for which the points are awarded to the contestants for efficient time management.

The final destination of this treasure hunt would be the Dreamworld Resort where, after a ceremony of fun and entertainment, the final winner would be announced on the basis of the time management points awarded with dozens of prizes.

Handsome cash rewards to the tune of Rs 150,000 await the outstanding performers while there would be consolation prizes for every participant of the car rally.

The best driver award carries a purse of Rs 50,000 while the runner-up would be becoming richer by Rs.25, 000. The best lady driver will be presented Rs 15,000 while there would be a cash award of Rs 15,000 for the youngest driver.

The oldest model as well as the latest model cars will be given Rs 15,000 each with another Rs 15,000 purse reserved for the best decorated car.

Every participant would be getting a share in the numerous discount vouchers on offer while complimentary meals, soft drinks and energy drinks will also be arranged for the participants besides gift hampers containing various items for every car.

It may be recalled that a record number of 254 families had participated in the Dreamworld Treasure Hunt Car Rally 2009 that was hailed as one of the most memorable sporting extravaganza in town. The event was aired on ATV in 2 episodes of 40 minutes each.

Dreamworld Resort has emerged as one of the leading sports clubs of the country besides offering numerous other facilities to its members. It’s located adjacent to Gulshan-e-Maymar, off Super Highway. It is indeed accessible from all parts of the city and the driving time has reduced substantially with the construction of so many flyovers and underpasses of late.

It’s very heartening indeed to find so many sporting events being held at the Dreamworld Resort from time to time. From car rally to cricket and from cue sports to mind sports they remain on the lookout for bringing in more life at the resort. Their golf course is also a centre of attraction.

http://www.skmsports.com/

Meera arrested and freed at Karachi Airport

2010-01-13T09:05:00.004+05:00

Actress Meera was detained at the Karachi airport for possessing two passports on her arrival from abroad on Tuesday.
Sources in the immigration department of the FIA told that Meera presented her passport that was lost in the record.
Upon enquiry, she presented another passport bearing a valid visa and on the same she traveled from United States via EK-606. They further said Meera was detained for bearing two passports, but soon after she was set freed but both her passports were kept in custody.
FIA sources are of the view that both the passports will be sent to the issuing authority in Islamabad for proper investigations.

INSPECTION TEAM CAUGHT 8 PERSONS ON ILLEGAL CHARGED PARKING.

2010-01-12T23:27:00.004+05:00

Kaeachi City District Government has on receiving the information of illegal charged parking in the city constituted an inspection team to conduct surprise raid on all such places.

Meanwhile the Inspection Team of Recovery / Charged Parking Department of City Government raided Tariq Road and detained eight persons found recovering Rs.20 car parking fee in front of Dolmen Centre and Shopping Mall. The inspection team also seized the ticket books.

On enquiry from these persons, they gave written statement that they were recovering parking fee under the umbrella of Ferozabad Police Station. The above persons were released after giving warning and Inspection Team of Charged Parking Department was directed to pay regular visit to the parking areas of the city and in case of illegal charged parking the persons may be removed and handed-over to concerned police station for legal action. The department has also informed the general public especially Car and Motorcycle owners that Parking Fee of Rs.10 for Cars and Rs.05 for Motorcycle per entry is recoverable at City District Government’s Charged Parking sites which includes Beach View Park Clifton Parking Lot, Clifton Centre Parking Lot, Paradise Centre Clifton Parking Lot, Zoo Parking Lot, Haidery Market Parking Lot, Sindbad Parking Lot at NIPA, Crystal Court Clifton Parking Area, Hill Park Parking Area, Sasi Arcade Clifton Parking Site, whereas at Faizi Rehimeen Art Gallery Model Parking Rs.20 per car per entry is chargeable.
The above parking fee is without any time limit. If any one is demanding parking fee at other than the designated places the Recovery/Charged Parking Department can be informed on Phone No.99230819

DAVID MILIBAND APPRECIATES RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN KARACHI

2010-01-10T23:27:00.002+05:00

Britain Foreign Secretary David Miliband has appreciated the rapid progress that has been happened in Karachi during last few years.

During a meeting with City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal on Sunday he said that Karachi holds much importance in the region therefore the development works here must go on.

The British Foreign Secretary also acknowledged the efforts taken by city government in Karachi for rapid progress of city saying that it was not an easy task to run this city and developing it in a short time. He said that the swift development in Karachi has been recognized on international level.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal on this occasion informed the visiting British Foreign Secretary about the process of development in Karachi. He said that Haq parast City Government has without any distinction of caste or creed served the people living in every nook and corner of the city. During last four years special attention was given to solution of basic problems of citizen’s especially the rapid development of infrastructure and lying of new infrastructure.

The British Foreign Secretary appreciated the works of city government towards early solution of people’s problems and restoration of peace in Karachi. The British High Commissioner and Deputy High Commissioner also attended the meeting.

ABAD TO RECONSTRUCT DAMAGED GUTTED MARKET

2010-01-08T23:23:00.004+05:00

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that so far not even a single penny has been received from any level for restoration of arson hit buildings and rehabilitation of affected traders. People in Karachi were repairing and reconstructing these buildings on self help basis. Following the steps of CDGK contractors, Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) has now taken the responsibility of reconstructing 400 damaged and gutted shops and ware houses of Quetta Market on which work would begin from Saturday.

He expressed these views while talking to the media representatives during a visit to inspect the restoration work at Boulton Market on Friday. Officer bearers of ABAD accompanied him on this occasion.

City Nazim said that ABAD would restore the building to its original state and all the shopkeepers would get their premises after completion of work. City Nazim also thanked members and office bearers of ABAD for taking part in the noble cause. He further said that ABAD would bear all the expenses incurred on the reconstruction of Quetta Building.

Talking to media ABAD Chairman Farooq-uz-Zaman said that ABAD has decided to take part in the rehabilitation work of the affected commercial center of Karachi. He said that we will try to finish this work as soon as possible after that all the shops will be handed over to the owners.

Meanwhile City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has again appealed to the administration of private schools to wave off six months fee of the children of affected traders of MA Jinnah Road and the martyrs of bomb blast in Ashura possession. During the visit of Boulton Market with ABAD delegation, he said that the affectees were facing acute financial hardships and this is the duty of every citizen to help and support them in their hour of need. He again said that if the private schools could not exempt the children of affected traders and martyrs than city government would itself pay the fee of children.