Sindh police bust terrorist network

Police, in a pre-Muharram operation, have arrested a group of 5 terrorists who were planning to carry out terror activities during Muharram-ul-Haram.

Addressing a press conference here, Inspector General of Police Sindh, Sultan Babar Salahuddin Khattak said 37 terrorists involved in various crimes were arrested during 2008.

He informed that suicide jackets have also been recovered from the arrested terrorists.

He said that as a result of measures taken by the police, the crime graph has dropped considerably. The IGP gave journalists comparative figures of crimes of the last six months.

He said that foolproof security arrangements have been made during Muharram-ul-Haram.

Illegal hydrants: Mafia leeching on city’s water supply

Large quantities of potable water are being stolen from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board’s (KWSB) pipelines from across the city through illegal hydrants.

According to estimates, around 100,000 gallons of water per hour is being stolen. These illegal water hydrants are located particularly in Landhi Town, Korangi Town, Super Highway and Manghopir. The shortage of potable water caused by such larceny has led people to consume unsafe underground water.

Water tanker operators told a local English daily that staffers from the KWSB as well as police officials from the areas concerned were involved in theft of potable water. Karachi Water Tanker Owners Welfare Association’s (KWTOWA) General Secretary Hazoor Ahmed said that the number of illegal water hydrants in the city has increased from 200 to around 1,000 within a span of two years. Ahmed said that there are only four legal hydrants left in city and they are not sufficient to provide water to 3,000 water tankers that have storage capacities ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 gallons.

According to Ahmed the official rates for a 1,000 gallon water tanker is Rs 53 but the operators of illegal water hydrants charge them up to Rs 200. The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) and KWSB have established water hydrants at the town level, which has brought the total number of hydrants to 18 in the city. These water hydrants are legally bound to bar transportation of water out of their respective town’s jurisdiction. However, Ahmed alleges that town officers and staffers are involved with water tanker operators and allow them to take potable water out of town limits for double the fee.

Speaking to this correspondent, KWTOWA President Haji Muhammad Younus Khan said that a new hydrant is being established near Qayyumabad.

“The majority of water tanker operators fill their tankers with underground water from hundreds of wells located in Korangi town,” said Khan.

He said that the majority of these water tankers supply water to residents as well as hotels and restaurants in Korangi Town, Landhi Town, Garden East, Korangi Mill Area, DHA, Karachi Fish Harbour, Manzoor Colony, Akhtar Colony, Mehmoodabad, New Karachi industrial area and other parts of the city where there is an acute shortage of water.

Karachi Gymkhana elects new managing committee

The Karachi Gymkhana elections for the managing committee 2009, has elected Younus Rizwani unopposed to the position of president on Sunday.

Other successfully elected managing committee members include, Homi B Khambata, Ali A Rahim, Muhammad Naseem Gandhi, Jahangir Moghul, Syed Bader Hussain, K.M. Saeed, Shiraz Thaver, Mian Azmat Hussain, Amin N Mohammad Noor, Dr Naseer Ahmed Baloch and Ahmed Saeed.

Protest demos slam Israeli aggression

Separate protest demonstrations were held in the city on Sunday to condemn the Israeli military operation in Gaza Strip that killed around 271 Palestinians.

Hundreds of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) activists staged a protest demonstration outside Jamia Mosque Binoria Town.

The protesters carried banners and placards inscribed with slogans against Israel, the US and India, and chanted slogans. JI Central Secretary General Syed Munawar Hussain, JI Karachi Amir Muhammad Hussain Mehnti, JI Karachi Secretary General Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and other JI office-bearers addressed the protesters. Addressing the participants of the protest demonstration, JI leader Munawar Hassan condemned the air strikes by the Israel and criticised Muslim rulers for not raising any strong voice against the killing of innocent Palestinians. He maintained that Palestine is surrounded by the Muslims states but despite this, Israel is committing its atrocities.

JI Karachi Amir Muhammad Hussain Mehnti lamented that Israel has besieged Gaza and halted water supply besides stopping medicines and other treatment facilities to the people while the UN is playing a role of silent spectator. He maintained that world community, which raised voice over the Mumbai attacks, should also raise its voice against the Israeli atrocities. Meanwhile, the Palestine Liberation Foundation Pakistan (PLF) staged a protest against Israeli aggression in front of the local press club. Hundreds of protesters chanted slogans and torched and flags.

Karachi is not prepared for calamities or war

At a time when Pakistan has reached the brink of war with India, both civilian and military-led municipal organisations are neither prepared to carry out rescue operations nor they have been put on any kind of alert by the authorities.

The first line of civil defence i.e. provincial Civil Defence Organization is lying functionless and ineffective for the past many decades owing to the negligence of authorities concerned. It is not performing peacetime activities either, such as training volunteers and creating awareness to cope with any natural or manmade disasters.

A visit to the provincial Civil Defence Organization’s headquarters in Saddar Town and interviews with its officials revealed that the organization is virtually dead now and could not even play a cosmetic role in case of air strikes or natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis.

During the interviews with civil defence officials, it was revealed that their morale was very low and they themselves were not sure of doing anything effective for the citizens in case of war or any catastrophe in the economic hub of Pakistan.

“The civil defence now only exists on paper because it does not have the required equipment and funds or trained manpower or the volunteers to perform any task. It can’t even let the sirens wail in case of air strikes,” a senior civil defence official said seeking anonymity.

He claimed that the volunteers registered with them were now doing various jobs to earn their livelihood, as there was no budget available to engage them with the organization while they could not be made available immediately if required as majority of them were not in contact for years now.

On the other hand, City District Government Karachi (CDGK) Fire Brigade Department, which is the most equipped and relatively active civilian rescue service in Karachi, is also nowhere near preparedness for any wartime situation because it has neither been asked to prepare for any disaster nor have its officials realized any such threat.

Background interviews with CDGK fire brigade officials revealed that they had not been put on any alert by the authorities while they themselves did not fear any situation that could go out of their control in the city.

“The city fire brigade is busy in its day to day preparedness but we have not been put on any alert from any quarters. However, in case of war, the fire brigade becomes a part of armed forces of Pakistan and used accordingly,” Jahangir Khan, a fire consultant hired by CDGK for revamping its fire brigade department, told The News.

City Chief Fire Officer Ehteshamuddin denied receiving any written or verbal orders either from CDGK or provincial government to be ready for any wartime situation. He, however, claimed that they were busy in extinguishing fires and rescuing people daily so they didn’t need any specific orders.

“As far as coordination with other organisations is concerned, when there is an incident in the city which goes out of our control, we seek help from Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and even Navy so there is no issue of lack of coordination between CDGK Fire Brigade Department and other authorities in the city,” he informed.

As far as other military-led land controlling authorities in the city are concerned, none of these organizations - despite having sensitive installations in their jurisdictions - have the ability to mitigate or manage large-scale disasters, including multiple air strikes.

One such organization is KPT which is vulnerable to enemy air strikes but its fire-fighting and search and rescue capabilities are negligible as compared to its size and importance.

Although KPT has a fire-fighting department but it has to often take support from the CDGK fire brigade to extinguish category two or three fires, like the one that engulfed Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) building near Native Jetty bridge last year.

The same is the situation with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and a number of military cantonments in the city, which earn millions of rupees in the garb of taxes from citizens living in their civilian areas but even light rains and small fire incidents render them unable to rescue people timely and effectively.

Experts believe that none of the municipal service departments of both the civilian and military setups are realizing the threat of Indian air strikes or even any natural disaster of mass scale and were nowhere near to help and rescue citizens in any untoward situation.

They, however, termed the CDGK the only organisation which had the resources while it was also improving its existing rescue setup by building an Urban Search and Rescue Team of international standards with the help of National Disaster Management Authority in addition to a search, rescue and fire fighting academy.

Karachiites still await compensation for Dec 27 losses

The riots that broke out following PPP Chairwoman Benazir Bhutto’s assassination on December 27 last year wreaked havoc in Karachi. Besides the loss of lives, thousands of Karachiites suffered material losses worth millions of rupees, and they have yet to receive compensation.Panic spread across Karachi just minutes after news came in of Benazir’s assassination. Infuriated by the news, angry protestors took to the streets armed with weapons destroying anything that came in their way.

These miscreants damaged public and private properties worth millions of rupees. The violence lasted for three days during which perpetrators set fire to more than 1,200 vehicles, damaged 58 hospitals, 28 state run offices, over a hundred shops, two police stations, over three dozen industrial units, 25 petrol stations and a number of offices belonging to different political parties. On the directives of the then caretaker Sindh government the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) in collaboration with all 18-town administrations prepared a comprehensive report on the damage and submitted the same for compensation purposes.Early this year the provincial government announced disbursement of compensation to those affected by the violence and following the February 18 elections, the federal government formed the Commission Assessment of Losses and Payments of Compensation (CALPC) to assess the losses.

The commission announced it would restart the exercise of collecting district-wise data of losses. The affected were asked to submit relevant claims by filling out different forms including, i) Loss of human lifeii) Serious injuries iii) Damage to private vehicles/goodsiv) Damage to private shops/cabins/goodsv) Damage to private houses/goods vi) Damage to private petrol pumps vii) Damage caused to private industrial establishments, mills or factories. Besides the aforementioned type of damages, 39 people were also killed in the three-days of violence.

The heirs of those killed were compensated eight months after the incident took place. However, those who suffered material losses in the form of property damage have yet to be compensated. Karachi DCO Javed Hanif Khan told Daily Times on Friday that the city government had compiled and submitted its report to the commission formed by the federal government in this regard.

Karachi tormented by new wave of outages

By Shamim-ur-Rahman

KARACHI, Dec 25: Frequent power outages and fluctuations over the past week have left Karachiites badmouthing the Karachi Electricity Supply Company.

On Thursday the total shortfall oscillated between 400 and 500 MW due to a lack of sufficient generation by Bin Qasim and KTPS.

The erratic power supply notwithstanding, subscribers are being asked to shell out more money through bills at revised rates. More than eight hours of load-shedding has crippled business in the metropolis.

Mahmood Hamid of the All Pakistan Organisation of Small Traders and Industries urged the government to act soon to improve the power supply.

Whereas the power outage in the city was crippling the economy, it was also going against the government because of its decision to hand over the management to Abraj Group, which is reluctant to bear the cost of augmenting the network.

On the contrary, it is exerting pressure on the government to get more concessions. Mahmood Hamid alleged that the new KESC management had the patronage of some very influential persons in the government and that was why it did not bother about public outrage.

Recently Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan had directed the KESC management to take urgent steps for ensuring uninterrupted power supply.

The management team, led by the utility’s Chief Executive Naveed Ismail, had assured him of corrective measures, but the situation has worsened instead.

The governor had also advised the KESC to upgrade its system generation and transmission systems.

Pepco is supplying over 600 MW of electricity to KESC every day despite dispute over outstanding dues.

The new management had promised, soon after taking over on Sept 15, to invest in infrastructure, besides taking full supplies from the IPPs supplying power to the KESC.

The new owners had said that “from now onwards the planned load management should be reduced to only 2-3 hours a day and that the people would be kept informed about unplanned closures, if any”.

The utility has not been able to fully operate the rental power plant nor has it invested in upgrading the 11 KV distribution systems. It has so far not turned out to be any different from the Aljomaih Group, its predecessor, in being strong on promises, weak on action.(Dawn)

Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup Horse Race held in Karachi

KARACHI: The Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup Horse Race was held in Karachi on Thursday to mark the celebrations of the Quaid-i-Azam’s 132nd birthday.

Pir Pagara, chief PML (Functional), who was the chief guest on the occasion, gave away the prizes to the winners.

The horse ‘Naseeb, won the final of the Quaid-i-Azam Gold Cup held at the Karachi Race Club ground.

Karachi International Book fair

The Fourth Karachi International Book fair 2008 will be held here from December 26 to 30 with participation from prominent booksellers and publishers. This was announced by the organizers at a press briefing at a local hotel on Tuesday.

Convener of the event, Iqbal Saleh Muhammad, Aziz Khalid, Khawar Iftikhar, Nadeem Mazhar said that the fair would be under the auspices of the Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association (PPBA) in collaboration with the National Book Foundation.

They said that the book fair will be held at the Karachi Expo Centre. Sindh Minister, rauf Siddiqui, will be the chief guest while the Vice-Chancellor of karachi university, Prof. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, will be the guest of honour.

Karachi residential area blast kills two

An explosion went off in a vehicle laden with fire works material at Al Noor Society area of Gulberg Town, killing two women and injuring score of people on Tuesday evening.

Human body parts were scattered to nearby houses as the blast was so powerful. Fire brigades reached on the scene talking blaze while area people also thronged to the spot and initiated relief operations along with Ethi and Cheppa volunteers. The blast caused by fire works material kept in the vehicle parked in Ancholi Block near the house as a result its first floor was completely destroyed, Police said. Minor blasts are still happening in the house, said eye witnesses. Chippa sources said the bodies were shifted to hospitals.

Democrats Won Karachi Press Club Polls

The Democrats panel won majority of posts in the elections of Karachi Press Club (KPC) for 2009 held here Saturday.

The following results were announced.

President-elect Muhammad Imtiaz Khan Faran with 272 votes against Najeeb Ahmed (254 votes), Vice-president-elect Amir Latif with 327 votes against Fazil Jamali (290 votes), Secretary-elect A.H. Khanzada with 297 votes against Ashraf Khan (256 votes) and Joint-secretary-elect Abid Hussain with 314 votes against Rafiq Bashir (229 votes).

All those elected belong to the Democrats.

While for the post of Treasurer, Fahim Siddiqui of The Panel was elected with 295 votes against Anwar Khan (257 votes).

For the 7-seat Governing Body those elected were Idrees Bakhtiar, Naqeeb-ur-Rehman, Wali Rizvi, G.M. Jamali, Azhar Hussain, Noman Rafiq and Akbar Ali. Five of the elected Governing Body members belong to The Democrats.

Karachi Stocks end 18 per cent lower for week

KARACHI: Pakistani shares fell to end at an almost three-and-a-half year low on Friday, taking the loss for the week to 18 per cent since a floor on the main index was removed.
The Karachi Stock Exchange 100-index fell 3.48 per cent, or 270.84 points, to end at 7,514.42 points, its lowest close since Aug. 24, 2005.
Turnover was 32.7 million shares and dealers said most trade was in third-tier shares with almost none in heavyweights.
‘Until now we have not seen any investor interest in blue-chips,’ said Sajid Bhanji, a dealer at brokers Arif Habib Ltd.
Dealers also said shares traded off-market were still 30 per cent lower than their official prices.
According to the latest data up to December 18, Engro Chemicals Ltd was being traded at 100 rupees a share, or 31.2 per cent lower than its official closing on Friday.
National Bank of Pakistan was traded at 45 rupees, or 40.6 per cent lower than its Friday close.
Dealers said a report this week of a support fund for the market did not help improve sentiment and they would believe the fund if and when it materialised.
The KSE management, including the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Ltd, are facing cases filed by brokers seeking settlement of amounts borrowed through a continuous funding system, a funding mechanism for some stocks listed on the KSE.
In the currency market, the rupee ended at 79.45/55 to the dollar compared with 79.40/50 on Thursday and despite a decision by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services to raise Pakistan’s sovereign ratings to CCC-plus from CCC.
A currency dealer said the ratings rise did not do much for the rupee, adding: ‘But it’s very important now to meet the IMF’s targets.’ Dealers said the outlook for the rupee was weak and even if imports decreased, they were expecting a slowdown in exports and overall economic growth, which would put pressure on the currency.

Barriers can be set up after acquiring NOC

A joint meeting of the ‘Inner Core Committee’ of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) decided that the Sindh Home Department will issue No Objection Certificates (NOC) for setting up barricades. Senior Provincial Minister Pir Mazharul Haq, Provincial Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, Provincial Minister for Irrigation and Electricity Murad Ali Shah, Provincial Minister for Local Bodies Agha Siraj Durrani, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Ali Nawaz Shah, Deputy Convener (MQM) and MNA Dr Farooq Sattar, MNA Babar Ghauri, Provincial Minister Public Health Adil Siddiqui, Provincial Minister IT Raza Haroon, Hyderabad District Nazim Kanwar Naveed and MQM Coordination Committee member Waseem Aftab attended the meeting.

In the meeting, it was decided that after proper surveying, evaluation and assessment, the NOCs will be issued while a special cell will be set up in the Home Department to deal with the registration/ licensing of weapons.

Held at the Chief Minister‘s House on Friday, the members deliberated on issues regarding the illegal barricades/barriers erected in various parts of the city and weapons’ license registration at the police stations. It was decided that area residents should make a request for erecting barricades. A committee comprising of people nominated by the Home Department, concerned town/ taluka nazims and TPOs will then survey and evaluate the request and then recommend the Home Department for installation of barricades. After going through the survey, evaluation and assessment, the Home Department will issue NOCs for erection of barricades. During the meeting, MQM demanded that the policy should be sent to the Federal Government so it could be implemented in the entire country. The core committee also decided that a special cell will be established in the Home Department, which would look into the matter of registering licensed weapon while it was also agreed that the license holders must not be bothered in any condition.

FIR lodged against people responsible for oil spill: Mustafa Kamal

KARACHI: City District Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal Thursday said that an FIR has been lodged at Zaman Town Police Station against those responsible for the unfortunate incident in which an oil pipeline was burst in Korangi area resulting in the gushing out of crude oil in the surroundings.

The City government started relief and rescue work in the area soon after the incident and the situation was gradually returning to normalcy, he said.

Mustafa Kamal said the incident took place while cutting of newly constructed Road-16000 in Korangi without permission by the SSGC workers. The oil spillage affected about 2 to 3 km area. He said road was being cut without permission from the CDGK or town administration for which an FIR has already been registered with the police concerned.

The City nazim called for action against those involved in the incident and said that people within a radius of 2-2.5 km have been affected due to this incident. According to him 200 affected families were provided with food and other basic utilities. The CDGK, he said, has hired large number of clay-loaded trucks to carry out the operation to remove oil from roads and affected areas while community police was also helping citizens in the cleaning of their houses and oil cleaning material being provided free of cost. He said 50 vehicles used during Eidul Azha operation also performed perfumed spray in the area. Mustafa Kamal reiterated that at present 13 different organizations are controlling Karachi's municipal affairs and collect taxes within their jurisdiction but no one comes forward for provision of basic facilities and services to citizens.

Home minister refutes news item

KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza has strongly rebutted a report in a section of the press whereby he was attributed to have said that the decision for removal of barriers in Karachi will not be withdrawn at any cost.

Clarifying the report, Home Minister said that it had been decided in the Sindh Cabinet meeting that barriers in different parts of the province, as a result of which the people were facing problem in their movement while at certain places traffic was also being hindered, would be removed gradually.

He stated that illegal barriers setup without permission would be removed gradually while the barriers put up with permission for community safety, would continue to remain and would be regularised.

KSE 100-index falls to 3-year low

KARACHI: the Karachi stock market shares fell to end at a more than three-year low on Thursday and dealers said the market is likely to remain under pressure as off-market transactions were up to 40 percent lower than official share prices.

The Karachi Stock Exchange 100-share index fell by 3.95 percent, or 320.37 points, to end at 7,785.26 points, its lowest close since Sept. 1, 2005.

Turnover was 20 million shares and dealers said most trade was in third-tier shares with almost none in heavyweights. The KSE 100-index has shed 15.26 percent since the removal of a floor on it on Monday.

The index has fallen 44.7 percent this year. The floor was imposed in late August after sharp falls and it led to the withering of trade.

"Shares traded off-market are still 35 to 40 percent lower even though the KSE-index is now 15 percent lower," said Shuja Rizvi, director broking operations at Capital One Equities Ltd. According to the latest data up to Dec. 17, National Bank of Pakistan was being traded at 45 rupees a share, or 40.6 percent lower than its official closing on Thursday. Pakistan Telecommunication Co Ltd was traded at 15 rupees, or 41.6 percent lower than its Thursday close. Dealers said reports of a support fund for the market did not help improve sentiment and they would believe the fund if and when it materialised.

Shaukat Tarin, the country's top economic adviser, said on Tuesday a support found was being set up and shares worth 20 billion rupees ($247 million) would be sold to overseas Pakistanis, the Dawn newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Tarin, who was not available for comment, said the "modalities" of the fund would be released in two or three days, Dawn said.

Legal cases were also dampening trade. The KSE management, including the Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Ltd, are facing cases filed by brokers seeking settlement of amounts borrowed through a continuous funding system, a funding mechanism for some stocks listed on the KSE.

In the currency market, the rupee was flat at 79.40/50 to the dollar compared with 79.40/60 on Wednesday and dealers said the outlook was bleak even though the current account deficit in November narrowed.

The current account deficit narrowed to $810 million in November, compared with $2.172 billion the previous month. Dealers said even if imports had decreased, they were expecting a slowdown in exports and overall economic growth, which would put pressure on the rupee. The rupee has lost 22.4 percent against the dollar this year.

90 feet high fountain of oil drenches Korangi area after pipeline bursts: It’s raining oil!

A Pak Arab Refinery Company (PARCO) oil pipeline burst in the Korangi residential area on Wednesday evening, creating panic amongst and problems for residents. The incident occurred around 6:45 pm when a Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) team was doing repair work and accidentally hit an oil pipeline causing it to crack. An approximately 90-feet high fountain of oil erupted from the pipeline, residents claimed. Soon, oil spread all over the residential area and the houses and it kept spewing for nearly two hours.Heavy contingents of police and Rangers arrived at the scene and secured the area.

The PARCO crew, local administration, fire brigade department and ambulances from different welfare associations also arrived at the scene. At least 300 people participated in the rescue work. It is pertinent to mention here that, at least, one thousand houses are located in the area and around 500 houses were completely affected by the incident. The houses were deep in, at least, 10 inches of oil. The area’s power supply was cut off in view of any possible outburst of intense conflagration. Announcements are being made for people to strictly avoid lighting matches, stoves, cigarettes, lighters or candles. The 800 kilometer long pipeline from Korangi in Karachi to Muzaffar Gardh was crushed some 1.5 inch during the repair work.

It is believed that PARCO has suffered a great loss with the waste of hundreds of liters of oil. According to PARCO officials, oil supply through the damaged line was immediately stopped but they could not predict how long it will take to repair the line. The residents of the area, with the help of rescue teams, were shifted to safer places and people moving towards the site were stopped from accessing the affected area. The residents of the area claimed that spilled oil has made its way into their houses. “SSGC staffers are responsible for this,” said DSP Fakharul Islam. “They mistakenly hit the oil pipeline causing it to burst.” Sources revealed that taking strict notice, the Sindh government decided that the incident is a result of the negligence and carelessness of the SSCG team and warned them that strict actions will be taken against them, including fines.

The local administration of the area urged on immediately starting relief activities, as the fierce gale forced the oil to spread all over the area. The administration stated that nobody took the city government’s permission before starting the repair work, which involved excavation, they added, calling for the registration of an FIR against those responsible. All roads leading to the affected site have been blocked, causing massive traffic jams on Korangi-bound roads. Heavy machineries were called for and work of dumping sand on the spilled oil has been started.

CDGK has called scores of trucks loaded with clay to remove the lubricant from the roads and an inquiry committee has been formed to probe the case, as the SSGC is being accused. SSGC Media Relations Manager Inayatullah Ismail told that the crew was engaged in the installation of a Town Border Station when the incident occurred. According to him, the incident was not necessarily caused due to the SSGC team’s actions, stating that it is possible that the pipeline burst due to an increase in pressure or any other technical fault. Explaining why the SSGC did not obtain permission from the CDGK, he said that, since the team was not damaging the road, permission was not necessary. “All this confusion can only be cleared after the completion of rescue work,” said Ismail.

KESC inflated bills and the Karachiites

THE KESC Management has introduced a facilitation desk service, to be set up at the offices of various trade and industry associations in Karachi. These desks are an extension of KESC’s rapidly improving customer facilitation initiative, and have been set up in response to a need expressed by commercial and industrial consumers for the resolution of current billing issues, as well as to provide a point of contact for the industry to liaison with the Company for any other KESC related matters.The desks, to be manned by KESC officials, will be set up at the offices of KATI, SITE, Federal B Area, North Karachi and KCCI, effectively covering all commercial and industrial organizations operating within the jurisdiction of KESC.

However, residential and non-commercial consumers can continue to utilize the large network of KESC Customer Service Centres spread across the city.Asif Siddiqui, Director Business Operation said, “As a professional organization servicing the energy needs for a city like Karachi, we are aware of the role that KESC plays in facilitating commercial and industrial activity in the city. These desks are a public service initiative by KESC, indicating our willingness to help boost the country’s economy.”Incorporated in 1913, KESC is the only vertically integrated power utility in Pakistan, working in the areas of generation, transmission and distribution. It serves the electricity needs of Pakistan’s largest city Karachi and its surrounding areas, with a 2.2 million strong customer base. It has a licensed network spanning 6,000 square kilometres. Through a combination of self generation and power import from IPP’s and the national utility WAPDA/NTDC, KESC’s total supply capacity is approximately 2,344 MW, which is never utilized. There is a question mark on above announcement of the utility and one wonders whether the setting up of facilitation desk service by its management would solve the real grievances of Karachiites?

The business community and general public strongly feel that with the drastic reduction of oil price in both international & domestic market, the electricity prices should also come down in proportionately for all classes of consumers. But KESC instead of reducing its tariff further increased the bills in preceding months. On the other hand its loading shedding was continued just to save expenses on furnace oil and earning huge profits. It could be assessed from the fact that a residential consumer who had paid Rs3,100/- for using 521 units of electricity in September 2008 was demanded Rs4,900/- in October for using 585 units. After countrywide protests like others; this bill was reduced by 40 percent on government instructions to Rs2,940/- and the next month it was charged by KESC with same 40 percent reduction as Rs1,577/- for the consumed units of 375. But in December the same consumer is billed Rs3,700/- by including Rs2,997.97 towards arrears while he had consumed 317 units only. This is height of deception by a utility company.

Karachiites have already urged Federal Minister of Power & Water to decrease the electricity tariff as per the decrease in prices of furnace oil. It was strongly felt and believed that any tariff enhancement would have adverse effects on the politico-economic conditions of the country and could lead to serious law & order situation which could spin out of control.It was appealed to Ministry of Water & Power to take immediate action to control the situation arising out of the KESC inflated bills, failing which there would be no option but to announce not to pay the KESC inflated bills until they are rectified.Few days back it was requested by trader bodies to install a cell by KESC at Karachi Chamber with powers to rectify the inflated bills. Many of the bills are loaded with 40 percent arrears whereas the arrears should have been as per the amended increase which was much lower than 40 percent. KESC is not abiding its own declared policy of charging 50 percent as arrears of the new enhanced tariff but it was billing indifferently like: 40 percent charged, total arrears charged, and 50 percent arrears charged.KESC has not restored the previously available slab system resulting to inflated bills for small consumers.

Late payment surcharge on deferred 40 percent has also been charged whereas the deferment was in agreement with the ministry. Real issue for KESC and its management is to rectify the increased power/ electric tariff & issuance of incorrect bills on immediate basis.It may be mentioned here that a few months back KESC had announced to constitute a Special Desk at KCCI comprising two officials for modification and revision of Electricity Bills issued to consumers as announced by the Federal Minister for Water & Power.

They did send an engineer on the request of Karachi Chamber. But the gentleman who came to KCCI did not had any power to correct the bills rather he was requesting the members and consumer to pay the in-correct bills and they would receive corrected & adjusted bills in the next month which was not acceptable looking at the past track wherein they were not corrected for years.

Private schools: Fees for June, July abolished

The Directorate of Private Institution Sindh has restrained private schools in the province from collecting school fees for the months of June and July from matriculation students.“The annual exams of matriculation students will take place in March 2009 and their practical exams will end by the end of May, so there is no reason for the schools to charge fees for the months of June and July,” said Private Institutions Sindh Director Mansoob Ahmed Siddiqi.

According to an official notification, Siddiqi has urged parents to file written complaints to the directorate in case any school collects fees from them. While warning of stern action against the violation of directives, Siddiqi, however, gave private schools permission to collect fees up to the month of May from matriculation students.The directives were issued in light of the last academic year when private schools charged fees for June and July from matriculation students despite clear instructions against doing so from the concerned authorities.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Private Institutions has launched a survey to identify unregistered private institutions besides schools that unilaterally raise fees without permission from the directorate.The officials of the directorate on Tuesday inspected schools situated in Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Gulshan Iqbal for the purpose.

Last date for arms registration extended by 15 days: 7-day deadline set for removing illegal barriers

The Sindh Home Department has sent a warning for the removal of illegal barriers within the next seven days while the deadline for arms registration across the province has also been extended for another 15 days. The department issued two separate notifications on Monday pertaining to the removal of illegal barriers and weapon registration. Earlier the government had set December 20 as the last day for the registration of arms but now the deadline has been extended by another 15 days according to the new notification.

An advertising campaign is also being run in this regard. Meanwhile, the Sindh Home Department has warned citizens to remove illegal street barriers in various parts of the city. If the barriers are not removed, an operation will be launched within the next seven days, mentioned the notification. According to sources, the intelligence agencies have already provided a survey report regarding the illegal barriers and there is a possibility that the operation will be conducted phase wise.

The government took these decisions after the three days of violence that claimed 40 lives. Advisor to the Prime Minister on home affairs Rehman Malik and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah jointly chaired a meeting in this regard. Federal Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah, Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, Sindh Chief Secretary Fazlur Rehman and other high-ranking officials of law enforcement agencies attended the meeting.A committee under the supervision of the Sindh home minister was also formed on this occasion. The committee will monitor and review the situation in Karachi in order to maintain peace. All these steps were agreed upon to make Karachi a safe city and ensure calm in the coming days.While the government has served the notification regarding the removal of illegal barriers, citizens have expressed concern.

Citizens have erected the barriers in order to prevent street crime as the police and government have failed to maintain law and order in this regard. The citizens feel that once these barriers are removed, street crimes will increase again. Meanwhile, foolproof security plans for Quaid-e-Azam day, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are also being made. A meeting was held at the Sindh Rangers headquarter regarding the law and order situation in the province. Security measures for these occasions were reviewed while law enforcement agencies have been put on high alert in Karachi.

Karachi stock market loses 370 points after lifting of floor

The Karachi stock market witnessed a sluggish trading session on the first day of the week Monday as investors went for selling activities in across the board stocks after the ‘floor’ was lifted, analysts said.They said after three and a half month half months the index floor was removed and the index lost 370 points as the market opened without funds to bailout the capital market while investor’s were concerned over falling sentiments on probable broker defaults and awaited Sindh High Court’s decision regarding outstanding CFS position.

The Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) 100-share index shed a massive 370.00 points to close at 8,817.10 points as compared with 9,187.10 points traded in the previous session. The KSE 30 index lost 493.53 points and closed at 9,434.80 points as compared to 9,928.33 points of the previous session. KMI 30 index also declined by 540.50 points and closed at 10,683.68 points as against 11,224.18 points of the previous session.

The market turnover made substantial gain and traded 17.86 million shares as compared to the previous session’s 0.056 million shares. The overall market capitalisation went down by 3.77 percent and closed at Rs 2.702 trillion as compared to Rs 2.808 trillion traded in the previous session. Out of 127 companies, five closed in the positive zone, 120 in negative while two remained unchanged. Analysts said amid threat of legal battle, the authority made it the point to resume trading at KSE, although the main board stocks failed to register trades that in turn never allowed the index to reflect an adjustment of 5 percent, which is 460 points on the first day of resumption, nevertheless the benchmark breached the 9,000 points psychological level. It is therefore worth mentioning that the day the index stocks register trades the index will reflect the entire adjustment.

The unconfirmed news that various members have followed pursuit and have signed the petition restricting release of CFS MKII holdings and refraining the KSE management from demanding mark to market losses from the members, kept the uncertainty regarding functioning of the bourse amid restriction on demanding losses. Zeal Pak was the volume leader in the share market with 12.82 million shares as it closed at 39 paisas after opening at Rs 1.16 losing 77 paisas. Nimir Ind Chemical traded 1.12 million shares as it closed at Rs 1.15 after opening at Rs 2.13 losing 98 paisas. Equity Mod traded 0.975 million shares as it closed at 93 paisas after opening at Rs 1.75 losing 82 paisas. Investec Sec traded 0.639 million shares as it closed at 37 paisas after opening at Rs 1.29 shedding 92 paisas. Southern Electric traded 0.428 million shares as it closed at Rs 2.79 after opening at Rs 3.60 losing 81 paisas. Like previous sessions, futures market continued to remain static as no activity was witnessed during the session. staff report

SHC puts on notice stock exchanges, NCCPL, SECP & MoF

A division bench of Sindh High Court (SHC) Monday issued notices to all the three bourses, National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL), Securities and exchange commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the finance ministry on two identical petitions filed by United Bank Limited (UBL) and IGI Investment Banks Limited challenging the impugned directives of NCCPL.

The petitioners claimed in the petitions that NCCPL (respondent no 2) has developed and established an automated platform under the name and style of Continuous Funding System Market. This system is referred to as CFS Mark-II aimed to provide funds to members of all three stock exchanges in Pakistan on a centralised basis along with comprehensive risk management.

The petitions said the CFS Mark II System is designed to provide financing to brokers and their clients to purchase securities. Such funding is arranged by NCCPL by raising finances from CFS Financiers such as the Petitioner.

The petitioners have challenged the of impugned illegal directives, of which the petitioners have already “under went business disruption” and it is “apprehended that the petitioners may incur additional /extra costs” due to actions by the respondent No 2 which are confiscatory in form and in substance and amount to expropriation.” The bench comprising Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Syed Mehmood Alam Rizvi issued notices to Karachi Stock Exchange, Lahore Stock Exchange, Islamabad Stock Exchange and NCCPL, SECP and finance ministry for December 16.

Earlier, the bench heard arguments in two identical petition filed by UBL and IGI Investment Bank Limited who submitted their major grievances as financial institutions.

The petitioners are in effect a secured lenders and Respondent No 2 has provide regulations and procedures for the protections to minimise risks under taken by such CFS Financiers (such as collection of margin and marked to market losses).

On the other hand the Respondent No 2 arranges financing for essentially speculators as they purchase securities with borrowed money and consequently wish to maximize their gains by taking a leveraged positions.

Thus such speculators are expected to and indeed the Respondent No 2’s Regulations and Procedures requires them to bear the losses on account of their leveraged positions.

The petitions said the impugned directives and the proposals circulated on 6-12-2008 is an attempt by Respondent No 2, at the behest of Respondent No 1, to unilaterally amend the terms of the agreement entered into between the Petitioners and Respondent No 2.

They said the impugned directives and the proposals circulated on December 6 are, even otherwise, contrary to public interest, does not protect the interest of the investors and against the interest of the capital markets, as all future financing of equity markets and/or transactions could be jeopardised. As such, the same have been issued by Respondent No 2 without lawful authority.

The Petitioner, therefore, sought a declaration that the Impugned Directives issued by Respondent No 1 and the directions/notices issued therein by Respondent No 2 are illegal, void ab initio and of no effect whatsoever.

Judicial Commission formed to probe riots

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Qaim Ali Shah has constituted a judicial commission to probe the recent incidents of violence that occurred in various parts of Karachi. Sindh High Court Justice (retd) Ali M Baloch will be heading the commission. According to an official handout issued from the CM House on Sunday, the CM directed the members of the commission to submit a report within a month.
The handout further said that the judicial commission has been constituted in the light of recommendations made by the All Parties Conference (APC). The APC was convened by the Sindh CM at the CM House with the participation of all political and religious parties after three consecutive days of riots in Karachi, which left more than 40 people dead and around a 100 injured.

Altaf Hussain calls for Pak-India dialogue

KARACHI - MQM Chief Altaf Hussain said that war was not in the interest of both countries Pakistan and India and underlined the need that both countries should resolve their differences through productive dialogue.

He added that this was in the benefit of both the countries and their citizens. It was stated by the MQM chief and Advisor to Prime Minister for Interior affairs Rehman Malik at a joint press conference held at MQM International secretariat London yesterday.

Govt crackdown against Dawa continues: Tension prevails in city; security beefed up

The government crack down against Jamaatud Dawa continues as the organization alleges that more than 100 party workers have been arrested while 35 offices have been sealed. Meanwhile, denying the allegation, the government claims that only 11 people have been arrested.

“The operation is being conducted by the police on the directives of the federal interior ministry,” Sindh Special Secretary Collin Kamran Dost told. “We have arrested 11 men belonging to Dawa across the province and sealed six offices as well as six seminaries,” Dost explained. “Seven of the men are from Karachi while two of the seminaries closed are also here.” Responding to a question, Dost further said that while he cannot comment on the duration of the operation as it depends on the directives of the federal government. There have been unconfirmed reports that the men belonging to Dawa have been shifted to Punjab, the special secretary did not confirm this report. Criticizing the government, Dawa has strictly condemned the ongoing operation.

Dawa Information Nazim Mujahid Nadeem said, “All across Sindh, 35 main offices have been sealed while 100 activists have been arrested. 40 are from Karachi while the others hail from Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Sukkhar, Mirpurkhas and other towns in the province,” said Nadeem. Despite sealing of the main offices, the sub-offices set up across Sindh have not been closed forcefully.

Nadeem further said that there have been unconfirmed reports that some of the seminaries, dispensaries, blood banks and schools run by Dawa have been sealed but he still did not have accurate information. “During the raids, the law enforcement personnel tortured the men and misbehaved with the families,” he said and added the government operation against Dawa has created panic and fear among the workers across the country. “The men have gone into hiding and are not communicating with each other,” Nadeem explained. “Some have been arrested, some switched their mobile phones off while others have changed their numbers,” Nadeem said. The current operation has had an impact on the ongoing welfare work and the funding process. “Currently Dawa is engaged in relief work of the Ziarat earthquake victims where at least 4.5 million displaced families are being helped by us,” he added.

Nadeem believed that Yahya Mujahid, a prominent leader of Dawa has been detained. Meanwhile, there are reports that a monitoring cell has been set up for Dawa and a list of 122 men belonging to Dawa from all over Sindh has been given to the home department. However, Dost denied the claim.

A number of constructions declared illegal in Lyari, show cause notice issued to Shaikh Builders of North Nazimabad

Karachi Building Control Authority has declared illegal several constructions made at different plots in violation of approved map in Lyari town and advised the general public to avoid investing in such projects.

According to a KBCA release issued Friday, constructions at plot number 42 Agra Taj colony near Hanfia mosque, plot number LY7/7, (G-1 and G-2), plot number 1971-E New Kalri, plot number 2903 Lyari Quarters and plot number 2479 Khudad colony are in violation of map approved by KBCA and are declared illegal.The citizens have been advised not to invest or transact in such projects, as they would be sole responsible for any loss to them.

Moreover, KBCA has taken notice of violating building laws by M/s Shaikh Builders at its project Shaikh Heights located at plot B-105, Block H, North Nazimabad and issued show cause notice to the builder.The builder has been directed to provide complete information to the general public including number of floors, number of units to be sold, fixed price, date of completion etc. The media campaign should contain all this information or otherwise license and NOC issued to the builder would be cancelled. The KBCA enjoys the powers to also seal the booking and site offices, notice said.

Efficient performance on Eid-ul-Azha Nazim demands funds after ‘good Eid show’

Praising the efficient performance of the city government in maintaining cleanliness throughout the city on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, City Nazim Mustafa Kamal has asked the Sindh government to reward the extraordinary performance by releasing backlog funds on a priority basis.He said that the city government conducted a comprehensive operation to remove a large number of offal from every nook and corner of the city and spent almost Rs 70-80 million for the purpose.

In a press conference held at the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board head office located on Shahrah-e-Faisal on Thursday, the city nazim said that they had received a total of 1,200 complaints regarding the cleanliness of the city and all of them were addressed promptly.He also lauded the efforts of MQM Leader Altaf Hussain, Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Provincial Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza and DG Rangers, as no unpleasant incident was reported during Eid-ul-Azha in Karachi. Furthermore, he praised the administration of all 18 towns and the city government for their hard work and efforts to make the operation, involving the lifting and immediate disposal of offal, successful.Kamal said that, this year, one million animals were sacrificed during the three days of Eid-ul-Azha in Karachi and no offal was left on the road during the operation and all of them have been buried in trenches.

He also praised the performance of three city government officers including EDO Municipal Services Masood Alam, Atif Ahmed and Special Assistant to City Nazim Rasheed Jamal for their active role in the Eid Operation. According to the city nazim, the city government also worked in the cantonment controlled areas of Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Clifton during the Eid Operation and promptly responded to the complaints of the people of these areas.

FIA arrests man involved in Rs 55 million fraud

The FIA Crime Cell has arrested a criminal wanted by the Interpol for his involvement in a fraud of Rs 55 million. Sources in the FIA told that Faraz, a deputy manager of a private security exchange firm set up in Fujerah, UAE was involved in cyber crimes and wanted for illegal transactions of millions of rupees through the Internet.

The culprit issued fake receipts to the people who wished to transfer their money via the security exchange company and transferred all the money into his relatives’ accounts. “The complaints against him were increasing day-by-day and when the investigation was initiated, Faraz fled the UAE and came to Karachi,” said Sub Inspector Shahbaz Bhatti. He said that the FIA registered a case, 81/08, against Faraz on behalf of the security exchange firm’s local manager, Asad Aziz, and has started the investigation.

The FIA Crime Cell arrested Faraz on Eid when he was leaving to offer prayers near the railway crossing in Model Colony, Malir. The FIA confirmed that the culprit was involved in a fraud of Rs 55 million and was using different accounts for the illegal transfer of money. jamil khan

PPA to hold Child Rights Conference

Karachi—The Child Rights group of Pakistan Pediatrics Association (PPA) in collaboration with Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA - Sindh) and Konpal is organising the 9th National Pediatric Conference on “Child Rights, Abuse and Neglect” at College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan (CPSP) here from December 19-21.

The conference will begin with a thematic lecture,”Protect Child Rights Build a Better Pakistan “ by Professor Abdul Ghaffar Billoo followed by an open forum discussion on Role of NGO and INGO for promotion of child Rights, from 3-5 p.m.Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect with specific reference to street /runaway children /child labour will be the topic for one of the series of open forum discussions, scheduled for December 20, from 12 noon to 1.30 p.m. Discussion on Hospital Child Protection committees in Pakistan-Sharing Experience and Problem Encountered will be held the same day, from 3 to 4.30 pm.

Open forum discussion on Terrorism and Violence Against Children is planned for December 21 from 3-4.30 pm.Seven different scientific sessions covering wide array of topics as Child Rights, Child Labour, Neglect, Child Sexual Abuse, Juvenile Justice System, Child Rights in Islam, Corporal Punishments, Children in Arm conflicts, Ethical Issues etc are also integral part of the three day programme.—APP

Sindh Governor thanks political parties for cooperation during Eid

Sindh Governor Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan has thanked and praised all the political parties for extending their cooperation during the Eid ul Azha.In a statement here on Thursday, he said that the credit goes to all the political and religious parties such as Jamat-i-Islami, Awami National Party, Pakistan Peoples Party, Sunni Tehrik, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Jamiat-i-Ulema-i-Islam, Jamiat-i-Ulema-i-Pakistan and leaders of other parties.

The Governor also praised the City Government and nazims and administrations of 18 towns in the metropolis for prompt removal and disposal of offals of one million sacrificial animals slaughtered in karachi on the occasion of Eid ul Azha.He felicitated Syed Mustafa Kamal on the excellent performance of the City Government Karachi. Dr. Ishrat also praised the performance of the elected representatives, administration, police, Rangers for the maintenance of the law and order during Eid ul Azha. He said that the people celebrated Eid with the religious fervour. The Governor also felicitated the people on the occasion of Eid ul Azha.Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Thursday met Governor, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad at Governor House and extended him Eid greetings.

The Governor also responded with good wishes for Chief Minister and extended eid felicitations. On the occasion both expressed satisfaction over better law and order situation during Eid-ul-Azha and in this regard appreciated the efforts of elected representtatives, administration, police, rangers and LEAs. They also thanked the people and felicitated them.They said that with Allah’s blessings, the situation remained conducive throughout the province during which the people shopped with peace and celebrated Eid-ul-Azha with traditional spirit and religious fervour.

They expressed the hope that people would demonstrate the sane unity, brotherhood and understanding during all the days of the year.On the occasion both exchanged views on matters of mutual interests and government performance in various sectors.Meanwhile, the new US Consul General Stephen G. Feken, Thursday called on Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan at Governor House.He remained with the Governor for sometime and exchanged views on matters of mutual interests.

Four killed as building collapses

The number of children killed in the collapse of an under construction building in Baldia Town rose to four when two more children succumbed to injures at Civil Hospital here Wednesday.Two children were killed and eight injured when an under-construction house collapsed in Baldia Town in wee hours of Wednesday.

According to Edhi sources the deceased and injured were stated to be scavengers and were sleeping in the uunder construction building in Yusuf Goth of Baldia Town. when the incident took place.

Hospitals in Karachi

Administrated by Federal Government
Labtest Hospital
Combined Military Hospital, Malir Cantt.
Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (J.P.M.C.), [1]Rafique Shaheed Road
National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases [2]
National Institute of Child Health[3].
PNS Rahat, Karsaz.
PNS Shifa, Defence Housing Society.
Shoukat Omer Memorial Hospital, Shah Faisal Colony.

Administrated by Sindh Government

Civil Hospital, Baba-e-Urdu Road.
Civil Hospital(Burns Centre) [4]
Kulsum Bai Valika Social Security Hospital (K.V. Hospital), Mangopir Road, S.I.T.E..
Nazimabad Chest Clinic, Nazimabad.
Ojah Institute of Chest Diseases, University Road.
Police Hospital.
Sindh Government Children Hospital,
Sindh Government Hospital Korangi, Korangi.
Sindh Government Hospital Liaquatabad, Liaquatabad.
Sindh Government Hospital Lyari, Lyari.
Sindh Government Hospital New Karachi, New Karachi.
Sindh Government Qatar Hospital, Orangi Town.
Sindh Government Services Hospital, M. A. Jinnah Road.
Sindh Institute of Skin Diseases
Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), [5]
Skin & Social Hygiene Centre, Preedy Street, Saddar.
Social Security Hospital, Landhi.

Administrated by City District Government, Karachi

Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Block 5, Nazimabad.
Institute of Infection Diseases (Leprosy Hospital).
Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases.
Lyari General Hospital, Lyari
Spencer Eye Hospital, Lee Market.
Sobhraj Maternity Home.

Administrated by Federal Government

Karachi Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine.(K.I.R.A.N. HOSPITAL)

Private Institutions

A.O. Clinic, Block 7, North Nazimabad Town [6]
Advance Radiology Clinic, Gulshan-e-Zahoor, Jamshed Town.
Aga Khan Maternity Home Kharadar, Kharadar.
Aga Khan Maternity Home Karimabad, Karimabad, F.B. Area.
Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road.[7]
Akhtar Eye Hospital[8], Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Al-Ain Eye Hospital, P.E.C.H.S..
Al-Ibrahim Eye Hospital, Malir Town [9]
AL-MUMTAZ MEDICAL COMPLEX, Malir Town
Al-Mehrab Tibbi Imdad. [10]
Ankle Saria Hospital, Opp. Reno Cinema,.
Asghar General & Psychiatric Hospital, Block-B, North Nazimabad Town.
Ashfaque Memorial Hospital, University Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Ausaf Poly Clinic, Sector 5 C/3, North Karachi.
Dr. Ataur-Rehman Eye Clinic & Hospital, Hasan Centre, Block-16, Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Bait-ul-Sakoon Cancer Hospital[11]
Bantwa Memon Hospital.
Bismillah Taqee Institute of Health Sciences & Blood Diseases Centre [12]
Burhani Hospital[13], Gari Khata, Saddar Town.
Baqai University Hospital, Block 6, Nazimabad. [14]
Children Cancer Hospital[15].
Chiniot General Hospital[16], Sector 2 ½, Korangi Town.
City Chest Clinic, Chand Bibi Road,.
Darul Sehat Hospital (Liaquat College of Medicine & Dentistry), Gulistan-e-Jauhar.
Darul Shifa Imam Khomeini Hospital[17], Nad-e-Ali Square, Jafar-e-Tayyar, Malir Town
Dr. Ghafoor Medical Centre, Naseerabad, Ayesha Manzil, Gulberg Town, F.B.Area.
Habib Medical Centre, Karimabad, F.B. Area.
Haji Rang Illahi Hospital, Block 4, Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Hamdard University Hospital, Taj Complex, M.A. Jinnah Road. [18]
Health Care Hospital, Block A, North Nazimabad.
Hamid Hospital, Landhi, Quaidabad.[19]
Holy Family Hospital, Soldier Bazar.
Ibn-e-Seena Hospital Complex, Block 6, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, University Road. [20]
Mama Care Centre, Gulistan-e-Jauhar
Imam Clinic and General Hospital, Water Pump Chaurangi, North Nazimabad.
The Indus Hospital, Korangi. [21]
Jinnah Medical College Hospital, Shaheed-e-Millat Road.[22]
Karachi Adventist Hospital K.A.H., M.A. Jinnah Road.
Karachi National Hospital K.A.H., M.A. Jinnah Road.
Kharadar General Hospital.
Kidney Centre Post Graduate Training Institute. [23]
Kutiana Memon Hospital.Kharadar karachi
Lady Dufferin Hospital, Chand Bibi Road, Near Civil Hospital,. [24]
Landhi Korangi Medical Centre, Sector 5, Korangi.
Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust Eye Hospital (L.R.B.T.), [25]
Liaquat National Hospital, Stadium Road. [26]
Life Care Hospital, Near Orangi Police Station, Orangi Town.
Malir Chest Clinic, Malir Town.
Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC). [27]
Masoomeen Hospital.Moosalane Near Kharadar
Medishield Hospital, Rimpa Plaza, M.A. Jinnah Road.
Midcity Hospital,Off Stadium Road.
Murshid Hospital and Health Care Center.
Nazimabad Hospital, Block 2, Nazimabad.
Nihal Hospital, Kala Board, Malir Town.
National Medical Centre, D.H.A. Phase-I, D.H.A.
Osmania Trust Hospital A project of Hyderabad Relief & Rehabilitation Trust, Hyderabad Colony, Karachi
Orthopedic and Medical Institute (O.M.I.), Depot Lines, Saddar.[28]
Patel Hospital, Block 4, Gulshan-e-Iqbal. [www.patel-hospital.org.pk]
Rahim hospital , gulberg town , karachi
Rehman Memorial Hospital, Rizwan Housing Society.
Remidial Centre, Block J, North Nazimabad.
Saifee Hospital, Block-F, North Nazimabad. [www.saifeehospital.com.pk]
Samdani Hospital, Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Shan Hospital, N.I.P.A. Chowrangi, Gulshan Town.
South City Hospital.
Dr.Shabbir Eye,Maternity Home and General Hospital, Metrovil 1, S.I.T.E
Tabba Heart Institute, Block 2, F.B. Area.
Taj Eye Hospital, Block 10, F.B. Area.
Usman Memorial Hospital.
Universal Medical Training Centre & Hospital, Nazimabad.
Zainab Punjwani Memorial Hospital. [29]
Zubaida Medical Centre C.P Berar Society karachi . [30]
Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi.
Mujtabai General & Meternity Hospital New Karachi Sec. 5L

Dental Surgery

'Dr. Salman Dental Surgery' Block N north nazimabad Karachi
'Muhammad Dental Clinic Basera Apartment block-2 Gulshan-e-Iqbal,near moti mahal 021-6016141'*
Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine A.I.D.M., Sunset Boulevard, Defence Housing Authority.
Alvi Dental Hospital A.D.H., Sindhi Muslim Society.
The Dental Clinic, Blessing Plaza, Block K, North Nazimabad.
Dr. Jehangir Abbas Dental Clinic, Block 3, Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Dr. M. Mumtaz Ahraf, Consultant Dental Surgeon, Mother Care Hospital, Block 10, F.B.Area.
Dr. M. Sikander Jangda Dental & Oral Surgeon, Mazhar Arcade, Bahadurabad.
Hill Park Hospital, Shaeed-eMillat Road]].
Dr Sarwat & Associates DSA Home page, Saba Avenue, Defence Housing Authority.
Rehman Dental Surgery, Maskan Chowrangi, Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Dr. Mudassir Hussain, dental surgeon, Dentistry, Sector-8, North Karachi

SECP directives to end floor-price rule by Friday

The SECP and stock market’s guns are silent for now since chairman of the apex regulatory body left Saturday’s (Dec 06) meeting inconclusive with his last words on record that he would himself issue directives on floor in a day or two. “No communication has been built so far from both sides of the fence i.e. (1) Securities & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SEC), and (2) the officials of local bourses, and none of them tried to approach each others on the issue of floor,” officials of two sides verified.

SECP officials, however, endorsed that directives to end the floor-price rule on Dec 15 would be sent to the three local bourses last by Friday, Dec 12. “The SECP does not work on government holidays and the issuance of directive would not be delayed beyond Dec 12,” they reiterated.The staff of the Commission would resume office on coming Thursday, Dec 11, after celebrating Eid, it was learnt.“Local bourses i.e. Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad do not have powers more than the apex regulatory body and if SECP has once issued directives in any regard then bourses have to comply it. This is the Commission’s legal position,” replied a Commission-Director.Floor to stay beyond Dec 15:

A member-director on KSE Board, however, was of the firm belief that floor-mechanism would stay beyond the verbally given deadline of Dec 15 by SECP.As far as the question of SECP directives on floor is concerned then they would only be acceptable to the bourse if directive were included an applicable solution regarding the leverage market, he added.If SECP ruling would be of one line sentence like “Remove the floor on Dec 15”, and included nothing else like how to resolve the issue of massive leveraging in market then markets have a right to approach the Supreme Court and obtain a stay order.“According to the hierarchy of our legal system, Supreme Court holds the top-most position in Pakistan and it is also over and above any apex regulatory body e.g. SECP,” explained the director. “Moreover, the Board of Directors of Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) has powers to shut the market down and this is our legal position,” he replied.“We will decide what to do ahead of SECP directives if are issued to us. Otherwise we have held no internal (formal or informal) nor the any external meetings since Saturday, Dec 06,” he said.

He affirmed that Board of Directors of Karachi Stock Exchange Board will not let its members down owing to their weak financial positions and only an applicable solution can convince market representatives to act in compliance with SECP directives.Officials of both the sides, however, said that what so ever measures would be taken at markets, they will be taken in accordance with ‘mutual consent’, which is the past practice of two regulators (i.e. SECP & other bourses), Extension in CFS rollover likely: One of the applicable solutions that the three bourses had put before SECP-Chairman Razi-ur-Reham was the extension in CFS rollover period by six moths and KSE Board expects this to be included in the directives, which are heard to be issued by Commission regarding floor removal.

This complicated situation emerged after IMF barred government from using public money to bailout a cash-starved stocks market last week. Markets have entered into the fourth month under floor-rule since it was introduced on Aug 27.The reason for imposing floor was to escape from likely default situation by the market members, as KSE 100-share Index had fallen by about 41 per cent amid an outflow of about Rs2 trillion market capitalisation by Aug 27 from its peak position of 15,676 points on April 18, this year. At current, market is still staying around Aug 27’s floored position.

Chances of increase in dengue fever cases after rains’

There are chances of an increase in the number of dengue fever cases after the recent rains, Dr Qaiser Sajjad, the former general secretary of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Karachi, said on Monday.He said that dengue could become an epidemic if proper measures were not taken to prevent the disease.

Sindh Additional Secretary Health Captain Majid said, however, that the trend over the past four years shows that dengue cases are reported till November in Karachi and new cases are not reported after the cold wave in December.Dengue Haemorrhagic Shock (DHS) was much more lethal than dengue fever, Dr Sajjad said. The former is life threatening because it erodes the number of platelets to an alarming level.

The former PMA general secretary said that DHS is caused when dengue-carrying mosquitoes bite the same person for the second time.The prevalence of the disease is more due to the improper drainage system in the city, he said, adding that this allows water to accumulate at many places.If water could not be removed, chemicals or oil should be sprayed on it, Dr Sajjad said.Anti-mosquito sprays should also be carried out, even inside trains, buses and planes to ensure extermination of mosquitoes to stop their spread in any part of the city and country.

Meanwhile, Captain Majid said that fumigation was the duty of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK), and there is no harm in carrying out another round of fumigation after the rain. EDO Health Dr A.D. Sajnani could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.