Gun-lovers should leave Karachi: ANP Sindh Chief

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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.