AFFECTED TRADERS THANK KARACHI NAZIM FOR REQUIRED SUPPORT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suicide blast in Karachi Ashura procession kills 30, injures 80

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CDGK COMPLETES FLOOD LIGHT STADIUM IN NORTH KARACHI

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

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

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

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

PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN TO INAUGURATE SHAHEED BENAZIR BHUTTO PARK

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

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

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

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

KARACHI CHAMBER & KESC ARRANGED KHULI KACHEHRI AT KCCI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Custom House Karachi

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

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

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

Democrats wins Karachi Press Club for 2010

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

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

By Faraz Khan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TYRE KILLERS TO STOP WRONG TRAFFIC MOVEMENT AT U TURNS

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former President of Karachi Press Club Najib Ahmed passes away

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NAZIM KARACHI WARNS OFFICERS TO MEND THEIR WAYS

Karachi City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has warned the officers of city government to avoid unusual delay in the completion of development works or they will have to face strict disciplinary action.

During a review meeting held at the KWSB Chairman Office on Tuesday, City Nazim took serious notice of the slow pace of work on the ongoing projects and viewed that lack of interest of the concerned officers and bribes were the main reason behind unsatisfactory speed of work and the citizens were facing hardships despite of timely payments to contractors.

City Nazim further said that he had visited ongoing development projects in the city on Monday and Tuesday and found the speed of work unsatisfactory. Construction of over head pedestrian bridges was one such example of this sluggish pace of work.

He said that despite of financial problems City Government ensured provision of funds and resources for these projects specially construction of pedestrian bridges so that the citizens could be provided convenience in crossing roads but the concerned officers were not showing interest in the early completion of the projects causing unusual delay in the works.

Nazim Karachi said that construction of 23 pedestrian bridges has been going on since last three months. Despite of payment of Rs200 million, pace of work on these projects has not been accelerated.

He also said that due to the bargaining for commission at higher level, contractor firms were not receiving payments on time and that is why they were not taking interest in development works and the situation causing delay in the completion of works.

He again warned all those officers to mend their ways or be prepared to face the disciplinary action. Citing the example of EDO Iftikhar Qaim Khani who has been removed from his post for committing negligence in his duty, he said that more officers will be removed from their post in next few days.

Transparency International CPI 2009, reveals Corruption in Pakistan increased

The 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index looks at perceptions of public sector corruption in 180 countries and territories, - and is a composite index that draws on 13 expert opinion surveys. It scores countries on a scale from zero to ten, with zero indicating high levels of perceived corruption and ten indicating low levels of perceived corruption. The vast majority of the 180 countries included in the 2009 index score below five on a scale from 0 (perceived to be highly corrupt) to 10 (perceived to have low levels of corruption). The CPI measures the perceived levels of public sector corruption in a given country and is a composite index, drawing on 13 different expert and business surveys. The 2009 edition scores 180 countries, the same number as the 2008 CPI.

In the DOHA UNCAC Conference held on 9-13 November 2009, the United Nations has put a price tag on political corruption -- estimating that up to $1.6 trillion in public assets move across borders each year through networks such as money laundering or into secret holdings.

“Stemming corruption requires strong oversight by parliaments, a well performing judiciary, independent and properly resourced audit and anti-corruption agencies, vigorous law enforcement, transparency in public budgets, revenue and aid flows, as well as space for independent media and a vibrant civil society,” said Labelle. “The international community must find efficient ways to help war-torn countries to develop and sustain their own institutions.” Highest scorers in the 2009 CPI are New Zealand at 9.4, Denmark at 9.3, Singapore and Sweden tied at 9.2 and Switzerland at 9.0. These scores reflect political stability, long-established conflict of interest regulations and solid, functioning public institutions. Pakistan 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index Score is 2.4, and out of 180 countries, its ranking as most corrupt country has slipped 5 ranks, from 47 in 2008 to 42 most corrupt country in 2009.The CPI 2009 reveals the effects of corruption in the subcontinent, which is more alarming in Pakistan, as Bangladesh which was the most corrupt country in 2001, 2002 and 2003, has improved its ranking from 38th most corrupt country in 2008, to 42nd most corrupt country in 2009.

Syed Adil Gilani, Chairman TI Pakistan said TI Pakistan is of the view that Terrorism is the direct result of poverty, resulted only and only due to corruption ( defined as “ Misuse of authority fro private gain”), mainly illegal direct/indirect Armed Forces Rules in Pakistan since 1951 to 2007, fully endorsed by corrupt Judiciary. He further said the positive impacts will be visible next year of the few steps of good governance taken during last one year of the restoration of Judiciary by the Prime Minister by an executive order on 16th March 2009 ( after lawyers movement supported by opposition parties, civil society and above all Media), declaration of Judiciary by the Chief Justice to be Zero Tolerance for Corruption and withdrawal of draft NRO Bill from National Assembly ( on strong protest of opposition of parties and civil society). Transparency International Pakistan also congratulates Pakistan Army, which has proved to the world that Pakistan Armed Forces are the best. The elimination of terrorists in Swat in two months by Pak Army is what USA and NATO forces failed to achieve in 8 years in Iraq and Afghanistan, which has made Pakistan a proud nation. Army Chief has also taken up seriously violation of Public Procurement Rules by DHA and Armed purchases, and advised to follow the rules, which is a healthy sign and warning for those who are violators of rules. He said but the government is governing Pakistan without governance and Pakistan has lost credibility all over the World, due to which the country is facing serious economic threats,, poverty, inflation, food & electricity shortages and increase in unemployment, which are direct results of the massive on going corruption. He said that the government must make serious efforts to apply rules and regulation across the board, to achieve the goal of reducing corruption. In the last ten years, the economic growth of Bangladesh, and deterioration in Pakistan economy can also be judged from the currency parity rates of Pakistan, Bangladesh vs Dollar in 1999: 2009 , Taka/Pak Re was 49.65:51.84 and in 2009 it is Taka/Pak Re 70.39:83.46. He said Pakistan need immediate enforcement of good governance and Transparent administration, to counter the acute problems, of billion of rupees corruption scams reported in Pakistan Steel, TDAP, EOBI, PIA, Rental Power Plants, KESC, NIC, NHA, OGDC, PSO, PEPCO, CDA, DP Division, DHAs, Pakistan Steel TCP, NBP, PC, and many other organizations.
Bribery, cartels and other corrupt practices undermine competition and contribute to massive loss of resources for development in all countries, especially the poorest ones. Between 1990 and 2005, more than 283 private international cartels were exposed that cost consumers around the world an estimated US $300 billion in overcharges, as documented in a recent TI report..
In the 2009 CPI, major sources provided data based on expert analysis were African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Bertelsmann Foundation, Economist Intelligence Unit, Freedom House, Global Insight and the World Bank.

Syed Adil Gilani said Political will of the government to fight Corruption is urgently required and must also be seen by public and donor countries, like, formation of Independent Accountability Commission as required by United Nation Convention against Corruption under HOPO Act 2009, to report only to the Parliament or Judiciary and not to the Ministry of Law ( to avoid Conflict of interest and unbiased accountability), and to include all Public Office Holder belonging to Civil Services, Armed Forces Service, Judicial Services and Elected Representatives. All land scams of Punjab, CDA NWFP, Sindh ( specially like gutter baghicha, unauthorised allotments by Nazims, fraudulent change in land records by revenue officers ) , reported in last one year in Media shall be investigated by a Judicial Tribunal, and all Land records shall be computerized within one year. He said Pakistan also requires immediate action through a surgical operation on review and cancel the appointments and promotions not made on merit, and extension of services or reappointment after retirement, remove from the key public offices those who are facing corruption charges, and implementing the effective non-discriminatory accountability mechanism for those civil/defence departments not complying with the procedures including privatization, transparent implementation of rules by regulatory authorities, SECP, CCP, PPRA, EPA, SBP, OGRA, PEMRA, PTA, PFRA etc in order to restore donors agencies, IFIs and investor's confidence.

JSQM’s ‘Azadi March demands pre-1843 status

By S J A Jafri

Scores of workers of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Muhaz (JSQM) yesterday took out an “Azadi March” rally here yesterday and demanded of the world community to take notice of the plights of people of Sindh and Balochistan.
Addressing the rally, JSQM Chairman Bashir Khan Qureshi said that Sindh’s land, industries, ports, jobs, natural resources and revenues, providing 75 percent of revenue to Pakistan, are not under the control of people of Sindh.
“Sindh collects a tax of Rs 1200 billion, whereas it also generates 70 percent of Pakistan’s total oil production and 65 percent of its total gas production,” he said.
He demanded that the pre-1843 independence status of Sindh should be re-established.
The participants of the rally chanted anti-Pakistan slogans. They vehemently criticised the government and accused them of being responsible to destroy Sindh and Sindhi people.
Thousands of workers participated in the rally.
Worst traffic jam was witnessed particularly in and around Saddar areas and the commuters have to waits for hours to reach their homes. M.A. Jinnah road was almost closed for few hours due to the rally while the shopkeepers of the main markets were also forced to close their shiops.
Thousads of police and Rangers were deployed to take care of rally in the city.
Helicopters and CCTV’s were used to monitor and record the entire activities of the rally.(NC Report)

Qadir Khan Mandokhail Welfare Trust

To awareness of human rights and laws in general public, few country friends and human friends formed this trust in 1995. The priority of goal is struggle for peace, justice and protects the oppression. This is a non-profitable organization, which is providing free legal services to the innocent and heirless prisoners in Karachi and Pakistani Jails. QT Has Also Providing Free Medical Aid And Ambulance Service To The Poor Citizens Of pakistan. QT is running 45 Ambulances in Pakistan, on first phase trust is providing 24 hours free ambulance service through out Pakistan for Bomb Blasts and other emergences.

QT has helped out to release more than 6200 innocent and heirless prisoners and more than 1356 cases which are under trail in Karachi and different Courts are being handling by QT. More than 1700 (separation case) dissolution of marriages has been cleared by QT. More than 21060 on record cases, family fighting etc. have been solved without any court interference.

One-hundred Sixty Million (160,000,000) population of the motherland is excessively facing adversity for lack of understanding & know-how about their citizenship rights and their illiteracy towards laws is minimal to protect their rights. The general public was never effectively divulged about the laws in affect & about their rights. That’s the reason why violation of general public rights has become a daily routine & display in all the affairs of our society?

In the beginning, achievement of the objectives of this mission was apparently next to impossible but Mr. Qadir braved the darkness by staying determined; he glimmered a lamp of awareness, information & endurance against injustice. Anybody could guess, the resistance was staunch at first but gradually subsided by the Grace of God, Al-merciful and All-powerful; so much so, continual support of general public has helped advance the activities which has turned this mission into a noble cause at national level.

Today this QT is known to be a safe heaven for those who are deprived, suppressed and those whose rights have been taken away by false interpretation, misrepresentation of law. That comprises Human Rights violations, Juvenile & Family matters and Crimes etc. Moreover, Petitioning against unbalanced prevailing acts, laws and ordinances and pleading cases for the law-abiding citizens of Pakistan.

The core services offered thru QT are:
Free-of-cost Legal Aid
Free-of-cost Medical Aid &
Ambulance Services

The QT Chairman had been an active, participating member of Jail Reforms Committee, Government of Sindh. Successfully petitioned to establish Juvenile Courts. Prisoner Database Services established to provide information about their cases, proceedings, whereabouts and likewise. First Aid & Medical Center established at City Courts to provide necessary medical services.

The doors of Qadir Khan Mandokhail Welfare Trust are open to all deserving & deprived of the County and for those who are willing to engage lawyer for challenging tasks.

SIR AGA KHAN III REMEMBERED

By Munir Moosa Sewani

The Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims commemorate 132nd birthday of Highness Sir Aga Khan III on 2nd November 2009, all over the world.

Sir Aga Khan III was born on Friday November 2, 1877 at "Honeymoon Lodge" in Karachi. He proved to be an Intellectual asset for the Muslim Ummah. He was among the prominent leaders of South Asia, who helped in laying the strong foundation of Pakistan. He was respected for his extensive knowledge about Islam, for his philanthropy and for his commitment to human dignity. He contributed not only towards the political cause of the Muslims of sub continent, but also promoted education and health sectors for the development of Muslims.

He was one of the founders and the first president of the All-India Muslim League. He led the Muslim delegation to Simla in 1906 where the Muslims, for the first time, put forward their demand for a separate electorate. This man of vision realized that Muslims can only fight for their rights, if they will have proper education. Therefore, he generated funds for Aligarh University, which is still a symbol of fountain of knowledge for the Muslims to date.

He was a great supporter of Khilafat Movement, and he tried his best to resolve conflict between British and Muslims, to gain the power in Turkey. He was made the president of the All Parties Muslim Conference held in 1928-29. He also participated in the Round Table Conferences, held during 1930-33, along with the notable personalities such as Quaid-i-Azam, Chaudhary Rahmat Ali, Allama Iqbal, etc.

Sir Aga Khan III was nominated to represent India at the League of Nations in 1932.
Due to his effective decision making skills and statesmanship qualities, he was elected President of the League of Nations in July 1937.


He had close friendships and affiliations with the Quaid-i-Azam, Allama Iqbal, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Queen Elizabeth, Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Mountbatten and numerous other famous personalities.

He wrote two famous books, India in Transition and The Memoirs of Aga Khan. He was honored with the title of Knight Commander of the Indian Empire, Knight Grand Commander, Knight Grand Commander of the Indian Empire

He died on July 11, 1957. He is buried in Aswan, Egypt. After his death, he was succeeded by his grandson, Aga Khan the IV, who is currently promoting his grand father vision. Prince Aga Khan is leading Aga Khan Development Network, and working on the projects of health, education, poverty alleviation, etc., , which proves to be an asset for the world, particularly the third world countries.

Throughout the life of Sir Aga Khan III, he sedulously endeavored to improve the situation of the Muslim community. The people of Pakistan salute Highness Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III for his strenuous work for the Muslims.

Pakistan cricket captains carry Islamic Relief forward

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

As many as four Pakistan cricket captains are proactively involved in supporting the cause of humanity by helping the Islamic Relief (IR) raise substantial funds for the under-privileged and displaced persons in the country.

The quartet of Rashid Latif, Moin Khan, Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi has been instrumental in generating funds for the IR to let them carry out their mission with renewed enthusiasm.

Three of them were in attendance in the IR’s launch of Malakand Rehabilitation Programme held at the Karachi Gymkhana on October 26. Moin Khan was unable to make it because he had to air-dash to Lahore to attend the funeral of Wasim Akram’s wife, Huma, who passed away on October 25.

Fateha was offered for the departed soul before the start of the proceedings and every speaker expressed condolences to Wasim Akram on the untimely death of his wife.

Haris Ahmed Khan, the former Pakistan Customs off-spinner turned qualified coach, has played the pivotal role in roping in the celebrated cricketers to join hands with the IR and take their noble mission forward.

Haris, in his brief speech, recalled that it didn’t take long for him to convince Rashid Latif and Moin Khan who readily agreed to be a part of the fund-raiser in the United Sates (US).

“Then we took Younis Khan and Shahid Afridi to the northern areas of the country devastated by the earthquake in October 2005. They realized the gravity of the situation after reaching there and immediately volunteered their services for the IR,” Haris stated.

Rashid Latif, a former Pakistan captain, shared his experiences at the IR, saying he’s touched after watching the destruction of the various towns by the earthquake.

“It was really very painful to walk on those rocky surfaces where hundreds of people had been buried alive just a few days ago. We took the responsibility of playing our part in helping the people in need,” Rashid remarked.

Pakistan’s Twenty20 captain, Shahid Afridi, announced that he believed in looking at life beyond cricket and it was the reason of him coming on board at the IR.

“When I visited the floods-affected areas of Balochistan I was dismayed at the sufferings of the people who were struggling for basic amenities. Even more depressing was the inaction of the government. Thankfully the IR was there and I made up my mind to contribute my bit in letting them accomplish their cherished goals,” the flamboyant all-rounder asserted.

Pakistan’s captain for Tests and One-day Internationals, Younis Khan, believed that they had to undertake the responsibility of serving the humanity, particularly those who are less fortunate, having been hit by disasters.

“As a human being it’s our duty to care for others. The IR has been doing a great job and I consider a privilege to be a part of their team. It has been hectic at times but we take pride in playing our part by participating in the fund-raisers,” Younis added.

Jalaluddin, a former Test fast bowler, has also been a motivating force in facilitating the Islamic Relief who had commenced operations in Pakistan in 1992 after having secured registration with the Security & Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) as a company limited by guarantee (Local NGO). It is also registered with the Economic Affairs Division, Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan.

Karachi: Many police stations lack phone facility

By S J A Jafri

Out of given and available landline phone numbers at 98 police stations in city, phones of 56 police stations are one-way, that is one can receive incoming calls but cannot make outgoing calls from the police stations, whereas 42 police stations of the city do not have even the facility of having landline telephone, and the existing working telephone numbers were also found to be fraught with disorders, it was learnt.
A survey conducted recently revealed that the police stations which did not have telephone lines or connected phone numbers were closed since a long time. Some police officers also complained that they must be given the phone and other conveyance facilities without which they cannot attend to their duties properly. On the other hand, people complain of delays in timely response by Madadgar 15 when helpless people in emergency situations find no alternative but to call 15 in the face of potential or real crimes threatening their lives.
Those people who still have faith in the law and abide by it face problems in making immediate contacts with police in case of crimes, emergency and threats against their lives or property. Media persons also encounter many problems in developing stories when they do not find easier access to police stations and law enforcers in meeting their professional obligations to report to the people on significant news and daily events.
Media persons have said the Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza was also being given wrong information as he had believed in and talked about a false report that most of the police stations, except a few, enjoyed phone facilities.
Many people including some media persons have appealed to the minister to launch an inquiry into these public complaints, ascertain the facts independent of vested interests, and facilitate the public and the media alike with timely legal help in daily emergency situations to avoid helplessness in the wake of crimes and casualties without facility of convenient communications by telephones. (NC Report)

Alleged TTP Karachi chief, aides remanded to CID custody

Justice Maqbool Baqar of the Sindh High Court, who is also the Administrative Judge (AJ) of Anti Terrorism Courts for Karachi division, on Tuesday remanded two alleged Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Karachi chief Akhtar Zaman and his accomplice Samiullah alias Chasam to the custody of the CID police till October 27.

Earlier, the accused were produced before the AJ by Investigating Officer (IO), Inspector Shahnawaz along with police papers including FIRs, initial charge sheet in five cases including one registered under the Anti Terrorism Act, three under section 13-D of Arms Ordinance and one under section 4/5 Explosives Act.

According to the first FIR 636/2009 registered under section 302, 324, 34 PPC read with section 7 of ATA, the accused attacked the Keamari oil terminal area for causing massive destruction on September 14, 2009. According to the FIR, the arrested men were accompanied by absconding accused Nasabullah Khan Shah. The act of terrorism was conducted on the orders of their chief Hakeemullah Mehsud and Waliur Rahman. Two other accused, Munawwar Khan and Afzal Khan, who were also arrested with Akhtar Zaman and Samiullah, were produced before a judicial magistrate of the Malir district for a remand. The magistrate remanded these two accused to the custody of the CID police till October 27 as well. (DT Report)

NETWORK OF ROADS AND FLYOVERS HELPED NATIONAL ECONOMY. Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad

Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan has said that the newly laid network of roads and flyovers by city government Karachi has besides reducing travel duration and making it convenient for citizens also proved helpful to national economy regaining its strength. Plot owners of Landhi Cottage Industrial Zone will now get alternate plots in Orangi Town Cottage Industrial Zone.

He expressed these views while talking to media representatives at Orangi Cottage Industrial Zone on Tuesday. Earlier Governor of Sindh along with City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal inaugurated and laid foundation stone for three roads which have a collective cost of Rs.720million. City Government has constructed the road after cutting the hill to provide a new direct route between Orangi and North Nazimabad Town. Governor of Sindh also laid the foundation stone for two roads on which construction work has already been started. He also inspected the development works of Shahra-e-Qaddafi, Orangi Cottage Industrial Zone and Banaras Chowk Flyover during this visit.

Talking to media representatives, Governor Sindh further said that a total 4 thousand persons were allotted with plots in Orangi Cottage Industrial Zone through balloting in 1994 but they were not given possession of their plots due to unavailability of basic infrastructure including water and sewerage facility. City Government has besides carrying out other mega development works in the city also paid full attention on this cottage industrial zone and already 55 percent of infrastructure work has been completed while 3500 plot owners have also started building their factories in this zone.

Governor of Sindh said that cottage industry contributes 35 percent in the growth of any economy, however it was unfortunate that we did not encourage this industry and now I am sure that this industrial zone would begin production within a year.

He said that the owners of plots in this industrial zone are mostly belongs to lower and middle class who can’t afford to invest in big industries but can play vital role in the improvisation of national economy with their talent and products.

Replying a question Governor of Sindh said that with the rapid development process that happened in Karachi during last four years, everyone in Pakistan has this feelings that this process should continue and speed up further.

He said that considering this fact, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has given clear instructions that better strategy should be employed to carry on this development so that it could fulfill the basic aim of this process.

He said that the country was at large facing the menace of terrorism but the law and order situation in Sindh has been much better and the credit for this should go to Chief Minister Sindh and low enforcement agencies.

Replying another query Governor of Sindh said that the poor financial condition of country has also affected the city government in Karachi but City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal deserves all the praise for he did not let the development process to halt due to financial constraints.

He said that the federal and provincial governments have also supported the development process in Karachi.

Governor of Sindh said that it is the quality of a good manger to manage everything in all circumstances and Mustafa Kamal has this ability.

Earlier Governor of Sindh inaugurated the road which has been constructed by city government with an estimated cost of Rs280million. This one and half kilometer long road provides convenience to residents of Orangi and Baldia Town which has been constructed after cutting the hill. Governor Sind and City Nazim also laid the foundation stone of the road from Qalandria Chowk to Sakhi Hasan in North Nazimabad Town and from Qalandria Chowk kto Abdullah College with an estimated cost of Rs130million and Rs310million respectively.

Intelligence agencies moved over GHQ onslaught

Following the deadly attack on the army headquarters in Rawalpindi, the intelligence agencies across Sindh province including provincial capital Karachi have become active meanwhile, the suspected activists of banned religious outfits have been enlisted with a view to carry out crack down on them, local news channel reported.

According to police sources, the decision came following the militants’ onslaught on GHQ in Rawalpindi on Saturday while the security in Karachi including across Sindh province has been put on high alert.

Intelligence and security agencies have been dictated to carry out search operations in parts of Karachi including Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Model Colloney, Shah Faisal Conloney, Sherpao Coloney, Future Coloney, Millat Coloney, Manghopir and Orangi Town areas, sources added.

PEOPLE WILL HEAR GOOD NEWS ABOUT LG SYSTEM. DR ISHRAT UL EBAD KHAN

Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan has said that citizens of Karachi will soon hear good news about the local government system. Any Decision in this regard will be taken according to people’s aspirations. Citizens want continuation of development process in Karachi. President and Prime Minister of Pakistan and leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party taking interest in the ongoing development process in Karachi and I hope that whatever decision would be taken, it would be in accordance with the aspirations and expectations of public.

He expressed these views while talking to media representatives after lying foundation stone of the 4 flyovers of signal free corridor-IV at Sharae Faisal on the night intervening Saturday and Sunday.

DCO Karachi Javed Hanif Khan, EDO Municipal Services Masood Alam, EDO Works and Services Rasheed Mughal and other officers of city government were also present on this occasion.
City District Government Karachi has started development works of four flyovers at Sharae Faisal with a total cost of Rs. One billion. Completion of all these projects will make Sharae Faisal signal free. The flyovers will be built near Hotel Mehran, Hotel Regeant Plaza, at Chinesar Halt and a 4 lane flyover at Shaheed-e-Millat Road near Baloch Colony.

Governor of Sindh on this occasion called all the development works exemplary which have been completed in Karachi during last four years and said that the people want to see these works going on. Therefore the government would take any decision with full coordination.
He said that the signal free corridor IV will be another gift to people of Pakistan because the corridor is used by all Pakistanis. Four flyovers at this corridor will be completed within four months.
He also thanked Chief Minister of Sindh Qaim Ali Shah for sanctioning projects like Circular Railway, Mass Transit and S-III for Karachi despite of immense financial constraints.

Governor of Sindh said that all these projects are figured in our preferences and we will complete them in whatever circumstances we would have.

He said that the construction of flyover near Hotel Regeant Plaza would provide convenience to people and ambulance services carrying patients to Jinnah Hospital and KICVD in critical conditions.

He expressed hope that the Shahrae Faisal would become signal free in next four months.
He said that the government has also addressed the problems due to illegal encroachments in the city and police has been directed to provide full cooperation to city government in dealing with this problem.
Governor said that the traffic police will now monitor the city from command and control center of city government so that smooth flow of traffic could be ensured on all important roads and corridors of the city.

KBCA razes illegal constructions

On directives of Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) Chief Controller Manzoor Qadir, demolition squads razed illegally constructed buildings located in Shah Faisal and Liaqatabad towns.
According to details, a demolition squad razed a building in Shah Faisal Town Plot no ST-9, F-18 in Block-4, which was declared perilous due to a fire incident and it was declared not fit for living purpose by KBCA. Another demolition team razed various illegally constructed walls, roofs and extended boundaries at various plots in Nazimabad area.
An illegally erected roof was razed atf plot 3/9, 1-D, illegal constructions at 2/13, 4-B, while, third floors added at plot 11/12 3-F and 5/25, 5-C were demolished by the team. The operations were carried out under the supervision of deputy controllers, assistant controllers and demolition officers of concerned areas.

Saudi released families arrive in city

The family released from Saudi Arabia has arrived here Karachi on a special plane late last night. They landed here at Faisal Airbase through a special plane where they were acclaimed by Chief Minister (CM) Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr. Farooq Sattar. The relatives of the families were also present on the occasion. Moving scenes witnessed at the time of their arrival at the air port. The relatives were happy and thanked Almighty Allah for their safe return.
The area residents welcomed both the families when they reached their homes in Korangi and Azizabad areas. They were welcomed with shower of flower and were garlanded.

KARACHI NAZIM INSPECTS WATER BOARD INSTALLATIONS

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has directed Karachi Water & Sewerage Board Officials to submit the detailed feasibility report on bringing remaining 100mgd water of the approved quota from Indus River to city within a week so that work on this project could begin immediately.

Nazim Karachi on Saturday inspected various installations of Karachi Water & Sewerage Board during a long visit to Chilya Bund, Kenjhar Lake, Gharo and Dhabeji. Additional Vice Chairman of KWSB Muhammad Moin Khan, Imamuddin Shahzad, M.D KWSB Qutub-uddin Shaikh and other officers also accompanied him on this visit.

City Nazim on this occasion said that Karachi Water and Sewerage Board is the only organization in Karachi that fulfills water requirements of more than 18 million people. Therefore, it should make planning for future besides the recovery of dues from consumers so that the citizens should not have to suffer due to water or sewerage related problems.

He also directed to plan for the provision of water to various schemes of Malir and Lyari Development Authority through pipe lines.

Nazim Karachi said that Water Board should ensure supply of water to each and every area of the city.

He expressed hope that the additional 100mgd water would provide great help in the supply of water to those areas of the city which are currently facing shortage of water.

Nazim Karachi also instructed water board officials to arrange for the repair and maintenance of machinery at pumping stations which would increase the supply of water besides saving fuel.

Istanbul Local Government assures all possible help in Karachi Projects

Governor of Istanbul Muammar Gualer has appreciated the excellent leadership abilities of City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal. During a meeting at Governor House in Istanbul he said that he felt much pleasure on meeting with Nazim Karachi. He said that Syed Mustafa Kamal is doing such a wonderful work in Karachi and how he has transformed the city and made it an international phenomenon in a very short time. He said that Nazim Karachi is a young dynamic muslim leader.

Meanwhile the local government of Istanbul has assured all possible help and cooperation in the early completion of Karachi mega projects including Mass Transit System, Solid Waste Management and Sewerage Treatment Plant. Istanbul Local Government Administration has also approved the partnership with City District Government Karachi in these projects.

A representative delegation comprising municipal experts from Istanbul Local Government and City District Government Karachi will soon visit both cities to finalize the working relationship in various projects of Karachi.

The decision in this regard was made during two day visit of City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal on the invitation of Mayor of Istanbul Mr. Kadir Topbas.

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal during this visit also attended an international mayor’s conference “Union of Turkish World Municipalities” in Istanbul where representatives from 18 countries of the world participated. Nazim Karachi was given a very high protocol on this occasion and was very well received everywhere he went.
Speaking at the conference, the Mayor of Istanbul told the audience about the great relationship between Turkey and Pakistan. He also said that Turkey was the first country to be present on ground after the earthquake in Pakistan.

Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal during this visit besides calling on Governor and Mayor of Istanbul also met with the mayors of seven other cities of Turkey and discussed with them various mega projects of Karachi such as Mass Transit System, BRT, Solid Waste Management System and Sewerage Treatment Plant. Governor and Mayor of Istanbul assured all possible help and cooperation in the early completion of mega projects in Karachi under partnership with CDGK.

Ansar Burney Trust in search of the families of 3 Pakistanis having completed their Prison terms in Indian Jails.

The Human Rights Organization Ansar Burney Trust International is in search of the relatives of 3 Pakistani Nationals lodged in Indian Jails even after completing their Jail terms long ago, in one case more than a decade.

According to the Ansar Burney Trust, one Abdul Sharif Sakhi son of Ghulam Ahmed Agha, who had completed his 3 months sentence some 13 years ago, Haroon Rasheed completed his sentence Eight years ago and Abi Saloom @ Abu Salim son of Mukhtiar completed his sentence 2 years ago but still waiting to be released and now the Ansar Burney Trust is in search of their families in Pakistan to get them released and bring them back to Pakistan.

The Chairman of Ansar Burney Trust and former Federal Minister for Human Rights, Ansar Burney, Advocate in the greater interest of human dignity and human rights has appealed to the Media and news papers to help Ansar Burney Trust in locating the relatives of these 3 Pakistani Nationals so that their release and rehabilitation in Pakistan could be metarialised.

Mr.Ansar Burney has requested to the relatives of these unfortunate prisoners of circumstances to immediately contact Ansar Burney Trust at Wassiamal Building, Arambagh Road, Karachi or by phone on: (021) 32623382 - 32623383 or by mobile 0300-8243460.

Meanwhile Mr. Ansar Burney, Advocate has also filed a writ petition in the Indian Punjab High Court challenging the illegal detention of a Pakistani National confined in Indian Jail since last 13 long years on a sentence of three months only that he had already completed almost 13 years before.

On behalf of the Ansar Burney Trust the Indian senior lawyer Ranjan Lakhanpal, filed this writ petition in the Indian High Court seeking release of a Pakistani National Abdul Rauf, detained illegally in an Indian Prison since last 13 years, even after completing his three months sentence 13 years before.

The Ansar Burney Trust in it's writ petition informed the Court that one Pakistani National, Abdul Sharif @ Sakhi son of Gulam Ahmed @ Gulam Aga was arrested on 12.4.1996 and was sentenced three months of rigorous imprisonment but still illegally confined in an Indian prison on a crime that he never committed.

Mr.Ansar Burney said that the three months sentence has now become an illegal sentence of almost 13 years and since then he is in illegal custody, where due to long detention he has lost his mental balance to some extent .

The High Court after hearing Ansar Burney Trust's lawyer expressed its shock that an innocent man is being kept behind bars illegally for thirteen years and Court ordered that the Secretary, External Affairs and Secretary Home Affairs, Govt. of India should file their personal affidavits as to why the man has not been sent back to Pakistan till date.

Mr. Ansar Burney, Advocate in Pakistan requested to the relatives of Abdul Sharif @ Sakhi to immediately contact Ansar Burney Trust at Wasiamal Building, Arambagh Road, Karachi or by phone: (021) 32623382 to establish his Pakistani Nationality.

In an another case the hectic efforts of Ansar Burney Trust has become fruitful when the Indian High Court ordered for the release of another Pakistani National Haroon Rasheed illegally detained in Indian jail for last 8 years.

Mr. Ansar Burney, Advocate after having come to know about the illegal detention of a Pakistani National Haroon Rasheed in an Indian prison for last 8 years, had filed a writ petition through an Indian lawyer Ranjan Lakhanpal.

On the instructions of Mr. Ansar Burney his representative Mr. Ranjan Lakhanpal, Advocate appeared in the Indian Punjab High Court and after argument got orders from the Court that Haroon Rashid who is illegally detained in an Indian prison for last 8 years be released and handed over to Pakistan.

In an another writ petition the Ansar Burney Trust has filed for another Pakistani National Abi Saloom @ Abu Salim son of Mukhtiar who has completed his sentence on 8.9.2007. He is in the prison for last 15 years.

The Ansar Burney Trust filed his case in the High Court of Indian Punjab. He is a resident of some where in the province of Punjab.

The Ansar Burney Trust is now in search of the family members of all the 3 Pakistani Nationals to get them release and to rehabilitate them with their families in Pakistan.

It may be recalled here that only because of the efforts of Ansar Burney, Advocate and Ansar Burney Trust, hundreds of Pakistanis have already been released from Indian Prisons and arrived back home in the last two years time only. Hundreds and Thousands were also released from Middle East and other prisons who arrived back to home and are thankful to Ansar Burney Trust.

Now to establish the Nationality of all the three prisoners in Pakistan, Mr. Ansar Burney Advocate, has requested to the relatives to contact immediately Ansar Burney Trust at Wasiamal Building, Arambagh Road, Karachi or by phone: (021) 32623382-83 or by mobile: 0300 8243460.

10 Picnickers drown at Gaddani coast

Ten picnickers drowned while bathing here at Gaddani coast on the second day of Eid on Tuesday.

The powerful waves at Gaddani coast took away fifteen people while they were bathing and playing on the second day of Eid. Six people were rescued while bodies of ten were fished out by the life guards.

TMO Gaddani Zafar iqbal told Geo News that people have been coming to the coast in crowds during Eid holidays. Over 30 youth were bathing at the beach when a large wave came sucking away fifteen of them.

The life guards present at the coast jumped into action and managed to save six of them while ten people lost their lives by drowning. The bodies of the drowned have been fished out and taken to hospital.

The hospital sources said the dead have been identified as Changaiz Khan son of Khursheed, Bashir son of Fazl-ur-Rehman, Aziz son of Abdul Rehman, Abdul Majeed son of Ali Sher, Saqib Awan son of Mushtaq Awan, Khurram son of Saeed, Imran son of Muhammad Khan, Hussain and Kashif. They were residents of various areas of Karachi.

KARACHI CITY GOVT. START FIXING TYRE KILLERS ON U TURNS.

City District Government Karachi has started fixing of tyre killers on U turns to stop the motorists going wrong side of the road. These tyre killers will cut the tyres of vehicles trying to cross over them while going in wrong direction.

EDO Transport & Communication Iftikhar Qaimkhani during a visit to signal free corridors and other important roads of the city on Friday said that durable tyre killers were being fixed on u turns on the special directive of City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal who had taken strict notice of the movement of traffic in wrong direction on signal free corridors especially on u turns.

He further said that the construction of these u turns on many roads of the city was aimed at providing convenience to motorists and citizens while traveling on long corridors but the facility is now being used wrongly which has created troubles to citizens.

He said that City Government was taking further measures to improve the transport system of the city on the directives of Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal and all decision in this regard will be implemented.

He also directed for re designing of Nipa Chowrangi so that traffic problems could be solved at this busy junction of the city. EDO T&C also issued instructions for marking of traffic signs at Corridor –III in a much better and visible way for guidance of motorists using this corridor.

KSE-100 index hits 13 months high ahead of Eid Holidays

The bull run continued at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) on Friday, a day ahead of the Eid holidays. KSE 100-Index hit the highest level of 13 months. The business started in a positive zone and buying by the foreign investors helped index in crossing the 9,400 points. At the end of the day, index closed at 9,436 with an addition of 213 points which was last witnessed on August 2008. The business volume remained 240.45 million shares. Jahangir Siddiqi and Company’s shares remained prominent whose share reached Rs 30.53 with an addition of Rs 1.45.