Tension Over Amenity Park's Land Disposing

Tension erupted in Old Golimar area as two groups turned violent to resist a move to dispose of land of historic amenity park, Gutter Baghicha, among affectees of Lyari Expressway project yesterday, witnesses and police said.
Heavy firing among vioters for around three hours left area as deserted in afternoon and caused injuries to a law enforcer. They said the riots broke out at noon; when city government officials visited Gutter Baghicha for carve out small plots from amenity plot to provide alternate land to the affectees of Lyari Expressway Project.
Witnesses said supporters of an ethnic group objected that amenity plot was purely meant for park and resisted the move to utilise it for residential purpose.
They told city government officials that the historical park was developed during British era for 100 year and it largely provided amusement opportunities to them, police officials said.
Situation deteriorated when armedmen belonging to another group jumped into quarel between city government officials and first group. Both parties took up positions in narrow lanes, continuously trading straight firing.
Later, a congingent of police and Rangers reached the spot and cordoned off the whole area. Law enforcers used teargas shells to disperse miscreants.
A Rangers official was hit in head by a stray bullet, believed to be fire by rioters and rushed to Civil Hospital Karachi.
All routine activities came to a sudden halt following incident. However, law enforcers were deployed in area of disturbance to curb any reaction. (NC)

Contract for begging in Karachi sold for Rs 50 million, 1,000 beggars sent to Edhi Village in first two days of Ramzan

The city wardens after a struggle of half an hour caught a hold of a male beggar, in his thirties, from Karimabad on Monday. The six-foot tall man with dark complexion and thick mustaches was begging on streets posing himself as a lame person. On close inspection, he was found bodily and mentally fit with no kind disability. He had come to Karachi from southern Punjab for enjoying ‘begging season’ here this Ramzan.
At least six CDGK wardens were trying to catch him, when he threw away his crutches and galloped away. City wardens and some citizens present there chased him and finally caught hold of him. The city government has started a campaign to catch professional beggars who usually come from upcountry to Karachi for begging during the holy month of Ramzan, and send them to Edhi Village at Superhighway. When contacted, head of city wardens Azhar Hashmi said that it was very big and powerful mafia, run in a sophisticated manner. He claimed this year the begging mafia had sold contract of the begging in Karachi at Rs50million. He further said they had captured 1000 baggers on the first two days of Ramzan, adding six specials teams were catching beggars and sending them to Edhi Village. He said at least 10,000 baggers have come to Karachi during the first two days of Ramzan. Usually the beggars come here with their women and children, he added. He said 70 percent of these beggars belong to southern Punjab. They beg at public places, traffic signals, markets and mosques, he said adding during the Ramzan people give Zakat, and these professionals beggars also take this advantage.
He said during the campaign, many wardens of CDGK were attacked by these beggars, armed with small knifes and daggers hidden in their clothes.

What about elderly people’s rights? 23 prisoners over 70 years in different jails

There are 43 criminal cases under trial in the city courts in which the accused have crossed the age of 70 years, Daily Times learnt on Saturday after collecting data from the records of different wings of the city courts.

According to the data, there are at least 23 prisoners in different jails of Karachi including central jail, whose ages are more than 70 years.

The interesting fact is that cases of most of the imprisoned elders are pending due to one reason are the other.

There are at least three people in the Central Jail imprisoned in criminal cases, who claim they have crossed the age of 80. The official records cited by Daily Times say most of the under trial cases are of criminal nature.

Among the 23 imprisoned people, three have been put behind bars for alleged murders and six others in fraud and dacoiti cases.

The interesting thing that the documents reveal is that all the murder cases against these people are pending.

There are some cases that are pending for as long as the last six years.

One murder case according to the files in which an elder man Majid has killed the relatives of her daughter is pending for the last nine years.

The interesting thing that the record shows is that though the president has announced 90 days remission in the sentences of those who have crossed ages of 65 years, on the eve of Independence Day, none of them could take advantage as their cases are under trial.

Social workers demand some law should be drafted to protect ‘elders’ from embarrassment in jail and in case someone commits crime should be sent to some special place like the Youth Offenders Jails. It is interesting to know that there are many NGOs working for the protection of children’s rights, but so far no organisation has surfaced for the protection of rights of the elderly people.

Due to lack of lobbying and pressure from civil society many of our elders, who require rest at this stage are limping behind the bars.

Though the trials move at a pretty slow pace in the courts it is the absence of special laws for the protection of the rights of elders alleged of crime that make the things worse for them.

Most of such cases manage to escape the preying eyes of media and high ups.

Advocate Mian Abdal, who has been involved in the social work activities and provides free services to the financially poor people, said, it’s a routine that cases take years to decide.

However he quickly adds that courts should not be completely blamed, as they are over-burdened, he demanded from the government to make special laws like the one drafted for the protection of the rights of children.

“Look at the Juvenile Justice Ordinance, as an example,” he went on to say.

Psychologists on the other hand say that keeping elderly people in prison for longer periods of time causes not only physical but also mental complications for them.

“This creates hatred in them for the society as a whole,” says Sadaf Mahjabeen, a clinical psychologist, who has been dealing with such cases for the last 12 years.

“Most of them when released, even if acquitted in the cases, try to commit suicide or avoid public gatherings,” she narrated her past experiences.

Mind Sports Association join hands with Chess players' body

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

The Mind Sports Association of Pakistan (MSAP) has moved a step forward by having signed an agreement with the Pakistan Chess Players Association (PCPA) on August 20 to carry out their mutual objective of further development of the mind sport in the country.

The agreement was signed by Tariq Rasheed Khan, Director, MSAP and Shahzad Mirza, Secretary General, PCPA, with two former officials of the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP), Shah Nawaz Khan and Mohammad Ibrahim Khan, being the witnesses.

As a result of the agreement, the MSAP and PCPA will now join hands in particular for the Inter-Collegiate venture besides carrying out other chess promotional events from time to time.

The agreement has been signed initially for a period of three years and thereafter it could be extended to tenure of three more years with mutual consent.

The MSAP has recognized the PCPA being, founded last August, as a national body of the top chess players and organizers.

The PCPA, on its part, has agreed to unconditionally place their resources at the disposal of the MSAP, having reaffirmed its commitment by signing the agreement. It has been clarified that separate Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) will be signed specific between MSAP and PCPA for future events.

Tariq Rasheed Khan, Director, MSAP, described the signing of agreement with the PCPA as a big step towards the further promotion of chess in the country.

“The longest of journeys commence with the first step. We are delighted to have on board the active chess players and organizers who could really make things happen on a fast track,” he reckoned.

Shahzad Mirza, one of the only two International Masters of chess in Pakistan, also believed that the MSAP support for the PCPA would be hugely beneficial in generating more activities from the grassroots level.

“The PCPA has come alive with this agreement. This was the impetus we needed to make our presence felt on the scene in a big way. Our joint efforts would certainly help in raising the standard of chess in Pakistan that’s very much on top in the list of our priorities,” he added.

The agreement between the MSAP and the PCPA augurs very well for the future of mind sports in general and chess in particular. Together they can certainly take the game to another level.

It’s indeed a pity that like many other sports, chess has also suffered due to the politicking by the national federation whose officials have actually done more harm to the game instead of having contributed anything for its development.

The emergence of the MSAP last year was a blessing as they arrived on the scene with some concrete plans and more importantly the idea was to ‘give’ rather than ‘take’ anything away from it.

Bridge and scrabble are the other two games being promoted by the MSAP who are fortunate to be having visionary leaders like Khurshid Hadi and Tariq Rasheed Khan. Both these gentlemen are from the sport of bridge but they are equally interested in promoting chess and scrabble.

Holbrooke visits Karachi

The United States envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Holbrooke has called the development works carried out in Karachi unbelievable. He said that the measures taken by City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal have surprised him.

He expressed these views after a meeting with Nazim Karachi at Governor House on Wednesday and while talking to media representatives after visiting a CDGK school in an underprivileged area near City Station in Saddar Town. Richard Holbrooke said that he felt much pleasure on the development of Karachi and said that the City Nazim’s measures are a pleasant surprise for him. He said that the citizens of Karachi have been benefited with these developments and this system should continue. Mr. Holbrooke said that the steps for promotion of trade and business in Karachi would further enhance the commercial activities in this part of the world.

He said that it was a pleasure to meet the students in this area of Karachi. When I asked them what they want to become after they grown up, some of them said they want to become doctor, engineer or want to join the army and listening to all this moved me very much. He also thanked City Nazim for arranging this visit. Mr. Holbrooke also met and talked with the children at the school. Richard Holbrooke also met with the business community in Karachi. On this occasion he said to traders and businessmen that the Mayor of Karachi has informed me about your problems and we will try to solve these problems regarding energy and other things.

He also assured full support for the solution of these problems. Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal on this occasion thanked Richard Holbrooke for visiting Karachi and taking out some time to meet the children and business community in the city. He said that the citizens of Karachi have got lot of facilities due to the present local government system and they want this system to continue.

Disabled Welfare Association

Association's Introduction
We are please to introduce our organization M/s Disabled Welfare Association (DWA) situated in the heart of Karachi on M. A. Jinnah Road at No.42 Al-Amna Plaza, duly headed by a team of truly committed and devoted individuals, DWA has come a long way since its establishment in 2000. Practically all those involved with DWA are true workers of the society, who have chosen this difficult path on their own to fight for the various causes and welfare of the disabled community, not only in our beloved city of Karachi, but are now on our way of expanding our services to other towns and cities of Sindh.

With Mr. Jawed Raees as DWA's founder President, and his team of committed volunteers, the DWA has made significant strides in promoting, raising as well as accomplishing at least some of the goals, for which the DWA was first established some 6 years ago.

Our Aim is to build “inclusive, barrier free and right base society” for all (UNESCAPE)

Our Objectives May we point out that some of the most important objectives and goals which we have chosen to pursue for the benefit and welfare of the disabled community include:

Obtain due rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
Promote Independent Life concept in PWDs
Working for accessible environment such as ramps, accessible transport etc.,
Poverty alleviation by promoting self-employment, financial support, and loans
Work for inclusive society by participating mainstream events
Provide medical and physical rehabilitation
Provision of assistive devices such as wheelchairs, tricycle, crotches, and accessible motor bikes
Expanding recreation and sport facilities for PWDs
Accomplishments: In our endeavors to fight and raise vital and crucial issues pertaining to the disabled community, the Disabled Welfare Association (DWA) has Alhamdo-Lillah made significant accomplishments, that you can observe in the our activites section.

Founder & President of DWA Mr. Javed Rais
Mr. Javed Rais was born in 1976 in Tando Adam district Sanghar a small town of sindh. He contacted with Polio on very early age but with exercises and self confidence he can walk without any assistive device. At the age of 7 year he moved to Karachi with his family and joined Fatima primary school. Later he moved to boys’ secondary school, New Area and passed his F.A exams from Urdu college in 1994.

Being from a middle class family, rural background and having congenital deformity of one limb he experienced difficulties faced by a person with disability. This makes him realize that there are a lot to do for the betterment in the life of disabled persons. In child hood he liked to take part in social activites, and was always eager to extend a little helping hands to support others.

He observed that most of the organizations working for disabled persons are managed by non-disabled persons, and their base for work is “pity for disabled persons”. However being a disabled person Mr. Javed never likes this practice and he knows the hidden talent of disabled persons, and he believe on equal right and independent life for disabled persons.

From 1994 till 1999 he keeps himself busy in social work at individual level. As he was an active social worker, many and many disabled persons were contacting him for support, and he realized that he can not do a lot at individual level, and he needs a team to work for persons with disabilities. Therefore in 2000 he established an organization for the welfare of PWDs and named it Disabled Welfare Association (DWA). As believing in Impowerment of PWDs he got success to obtain government job at NADRA in 1999. In 2004 he decided to dedicate his life for disability movement and resigned from the government job and became a full time comarade of disability movement.

He experienced life as a middle class person with disability. He traveled in public transport, and he faced the behavior of bus drivers and mainstream society in public transport. Since then moving around independently and with ease was his dream.

Under the leadership of Mr. Javed Rais DWA become very popular in Karachi city, and PWDs from rural Sindh also start contacting him. In 2003 he registered DWA with social welfare department and get tax exempted from income tax. Now he expands his horizon to rural Sindh Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Larkana, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas etc. His tireless efforts gave a new hope to disabled persons in all over Sindh.

DWA was working well, from annual giveaways in the form of eatables, clothing, cash, wheel-chairs, medicines, to the regular awareness rising programs, walks, demonstration, and many other activities. But for Mr. Javed Rais, these things though were great but not a “life chaining”, his dream of “moving around independently and with ease” was still a dream and he knows without having independency in mobility physically challenged persons can not achieve a lot.

He often thinks about his dream, he done a personal research too that proved mobility is the most import need of physically challenged persons. DWA was raising fast but still lack of funds not allows it to launch any expensive project. In 2005 World Bank announce support for innovative project for disabled persons. And Mr. Rais submitted his dream project “mobility” with the hope to win grant from World Bank, and the dream come true when his project got selected for grant out of 220 applied projects.

Now Mr. Javed Rais is happily working hard for his dream project. His specially designed “accessible motorbike” is mobilizing the physically challenged persons, enabling the disabled, and his dream of moving around independently and with ease become true, not only for himself but for many other PWDs who he provided accessible bike. These accessible bikes not only let them move independently but also bringing a mean of earning as many of them use it for business or for self-employment activities.

Today Mr. Javed’s name is equally known in the NGOs’ circle of Pakistan, as well as in International NGOs. And his organization has become a trusted NGO just in a few years. This show his ability, dedication and leadership. Now he is working for “total independent life”, he sighted a new dream of equality, he demand equal right not pity for persons with disabilities. You can watch him on various TV channels, and in news papers with PWDs members, fighting for rights of PWDs.

We at the DWA pray for continuous good health and success for our president Mr. Javed’s endeavors and his projects for the community of disabled persons. Ameen

You can contact him at or call him on his cell number # 03009277998 he is always available for the cause of disabled persons.

Comments from Ms. Rehana Saif, EDO community development City District Govt. Karachi

"I am very much inspired and admire the efforts of the office bearers of Disabled welfare Association as they are working and enabling the disabled persons, making them mobile to engage them to get the earning themselves and their families. I on behalf of CDGK ensure to help and coordinate in this struggle".

Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases

The Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases (KIHD), is located in Block-16,Federal B Area,Karachi, became functional on June 3, 2005. It is the second cardiac care facility of the metropolis after the National Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases (NICVD). The institute, having 120 beds, would initially have an outpatient department (OPD).

Departments and Facilities
Orthopaedic Surgery Vascular Surgery Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Heart Transplant Neurosurgery Radiology Pulmonary and criticle care Medicine General, Vascular & Laprascopic Surgery Cronic Care Unit(CCU) & Intensive Care Unit(ICU) Pathology Pediatric Surgery


Emergency
The emergency of KIHD is 20 bedded and can be extended up to 25 beds. It is a large spacious hall equipped with state of the art equipment. All the beds have ECG & BP monitors (Welch Allyn, USA), central oxygen & suction, computerized ECG machines, Defibrillator (Life Pack-20, Medtronic,
USA) with external pace maker are also available. There is a separate area for female patients.
The emergency will work round the clock. The medical and paramedical staffs are posted in 3 shifts.

CCU
The coronary care unit of KIHD is a 20 bedded unit. The CCU is also equipped with state of the art equipments. All the beds have ECG & BP monitors (Welch Allyn, USA) with some other parameters and are connected with the 3 central monitors (Welch Allyn, USA) at the nursing station.
There are central oxygen and suction lines, ECG Machines (Mortare,USA), Defibrillators (Life Pack-20, Medtronic,USA) with external pace makers and ventilators (Viasys Health Care- Bird, USA) besides other routine patient care facilities.


OPD
Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases is the first institute of cardiology of Pakistan providing separate OPD facilities for male and female patients. The entire staff of female OPD including doctors, technicians and nursing staff will be female. Both the male and female OPDs have large waiting areas, doctor’s rooms, consultant's room, ECG rooms, ETT and Echo facilities separately.

Wards
There are 3 wards each with 20 beds, Male ward I and male ward II and one ward for female patients. The private ward has 20 rooms. Each ward has been provided with ECG machine, Defibrillator with external pacemaker and other equipments.


DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

ECG
The ECG system is of Mortara, USA providing multichannel ECG connected with a centralized computer system and accessories at predefined PC bases stations.


Laboratory
The Institute has a fully automated and computerize laboratory which is 4 working under the supervision of a Consultant Pathologist and qualified and trained staff. The laboratory is equipped with the following equipments:
• Chemistry Analyzer automatic - Selectra E (Netherlands)
• Chemistry Analyzer Semiautomatic - Microlab-300 (Netherlands)
• Electrolyte Analyzer - Beckman Coulter EL-ISE (USA)
• Hematology Analyzer - Beckman Coulter ACT-18 Channel (USA)
• Cougulometer - Sysmex CA-50 (Japan)
• Urine Analyzer- Urykon 300 (Germany)
• Microscope -MC-200 A, Micron (Austria)
• Sterlizer (Hot air/ oven) ED-53, Binder (Germany)
And other necessary equipments.


X-Ray
The x-ray department of the institute works under the supervision of a consultant radiologist. It is equipped with;
• High frequency C-Arm with fluoroscopy.
• X-Ray Machine 500 mA
• Mobile X-Ray with 100 mA
• Automatic X-ray film processor.


ETT Lab
There are four ETT machines, one for male OPD and other for female OPD. These ETT machines are fully computerized; one is Aspel and the other are Schiller ETT Systems. The ETT labs are equipped with all the necessary equipments including defibrillators and emergency resuscitation facilities. The ETT labs will function under the supervision of a trained Registrar and experienced technician.



Echocardiography
There are three Echo machines, one for male OPD and one for female OPD and one for paediatric OPD. These are the latest version of Toshiba Nemio 35, Xorio. The Echo lab has facilities for trans esophageal echo and stress echo also. This will function under the supervision of qualified and experienced staff. All the reports will be reviewed by a consultant before final reports are issued.


Ambulatory ECG & BP Lab
The ambulatory BP monitoring and ambulatory ECG (Holter) monitoring lab of the institute is fully equipped with latest equipment in the field. The system is fully computerized and both the systems are of Schillar.


Cath Lab
The cath lab is equipped with two latest versions of Toshiba Angiography machine (Infinix -CSi) with all accessories, including physiological monitoring system (Pruka MacLa-2000 GE, USA) and electronic injector. There is a recovery room of 3 beds attached with the Cath lab equipped with invasive monitoring system, ventilator and defibrillator.

OPENING of BIGGEST BACHAT BAZAAR

DHA committed to provide best living facilities to its residents: Brig Khalid Tirmizi
A new generation modern Bachat Bazaar, biggest in the country, located in DHA Phase-VIII was opened for shopping to the general public here yesterday. Administrator DHA Brig Khalid Masood Ahmed Tirmizi was the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony.
Brig Tirmizi speaking on the occasion said that DHA was committed to provide best living facilities to its residents in an aesthetically vibrant environment. He hoped that the new Bazaar complex in all its ramifications would provide an excellent shopping arena to the residents to purchase items of daily domestic use in a most comfortable and secure environment.
The Administrator said that opening of new Bachat Bazaar will herald a socio-economic revolution in lives of DHA residents and the citizens of the metropolis. He said that Bachat Bazaar with all its added attractions will provide an avenue to the public to shop and buy in a leisure and relaxed manner.
Administrator DHA Brig Tirmizi directed the Bachat Bazaar Organizers, DHA Services and Contractors concerned to ensure high quality ambience, hygiene and security at the Bazaar to make it one of the best house hold shopping centre of the metropolis. The new Bachat Bazaar located in Sector E of DHA Phase-VIII will be organized twice a week on every Sunday and Wednesday. It is spread over an area of approx 32 acres which is almost double the area of the old Sunday Bazaar. A significant feature of the Bachat Bazaar is the provision of comfortable rest areas with 18 large size tastefully colored fiber glass sheds and 200 benches to sit and relax. A Vigilance Hut for monitoring/security purpose has also been established.

Taliban man held in Karachi, explosives recovered

Nasir Mahmood

Karachi city police have arrested a member of banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and seized from him suicide jackets and other explosive material.

A house was raided late at night near Al-Asif Square within Sohrab Goth Police limits and law enforcement agencies arrested some suspected militants. They seized a large number of arms and ammunition and also suicide jackets from their possession.

The house was located near Machar Colony, Sohrab Goth and arrested four persons belonging to a militant organization. The sources said that during search of the house three suicide jackets, more than 10 kalashnikovs, 15 rockets and two launchers and other ammunition were recovered from their possession.

Addressing a press conference, DIG Headquarters Saud Mirza and DIG East Abdul Khaliq Sheikh said the accused Rozuddin was held from Sohrab Goth area when police conducted raid on a tip off.

Police officials said that Rozuddin had confessed that Qari Hussain Mehsud, the deputy of TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud, allegedly sent him to carry out terrorist attacks in the metropolitan.

All 18 towns of Karachi celebrate Independence Day with traditional zeal

All the 18 towns of Karachi celebrated 62nd Independence Day of Pakistan with traditional zeal and fervor holding flag-hoisting and other ceremonies at different places on Friday. The ceremonies were organized by the administration of 18 towns besides political and social organizations.
Shah Faisal Town Administration held the ceremony at the lawns of office of the Nazim, where caretaker Nazim Irtaza Faruqui hoisted the national flag. The UC Nazims, councilors, officers and citizens attended the ceremony. Izharuddin Ahmed Khan, Nazim of SITE Town hoisted the national flag at his office premises at 8.00a.m. The school children on this occasion presented national songs. Naib Nazim Syed Badshah Khan, UC Nazims and Councilors were present. Similar ceremony was held by Korangi town administration where Town Nazim Muhammad Arif Khan advocated hoisted the national flag. Other towns also organized the ceremonies.

Why this throwaway sale of state property in Karachi?

By Ansar Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: At a time when the real estate market in Pakistan is facing an unusual downward trend, the federal government has decided to auction some of its prime properties in Karachi, owned by the Abandoned Properties Organisation (APO).

No sound explanation is offered by the authorities concerned as to why the government is in an indecent haste to sell the properties when it is bound to get hundreds of millions less because of the current bad patch for the real estate business.

August 19 has been set for the auction of eight prime properties, both residential and commercial, of the APO located at Bath Island, PECHS, Arambagh, Federal B Area, Al-Hilal Cooperative Housing Society and Chakiwara.

The authorities are expecting to fetch around Rs 300 million from this auction but a source terms it a “loot sale” to the disadvantage of the government. “This particular auction looks like that it is aimed at providing benefit to oneís own closely related people,” the source said, adding that there was no explanation why the government was eager to sell the abandoned properties at this time.

These sources said even the Pak-PWD had intimated the APO that these properties had lost more than 25 per cent of their actual value of 2006-07 because of the unfriendly market conditions.

Although, Additional Secretary Cabinet Zahid Mehmood, who is the head of the Abandoned Property Board, was not available for comments, an official of the APO based in Karachi assured that the auction would be done in a transparent manner.

The APO official, on condition of not being named, said that these properties were illegally occupied by different persons, including retired bureaucrats, who were paying nominal rent to the government.

He said once auctioned, from the proceeds of these properties the government could earn more by investing the receipt money in saving schemes, etc. Because of unending litigation, most of the abando-ned properties remain us-eless for the government, he added.

The APO official, however, had no explanation when asked as to why the government did not wait for some time in order to get better prices. The Abandoned Properties Organisation is an autonomous body under the Cabinet Division.

These are the properties which were left by Bengali nationals before or after the war of 1971 when East Pakistan became Bangladesh. These properties were then taken over by the government just like the properties left by the Hindus and the Sikhs and are called the ‘Evacuated Trust Property’.

Karachi is today believed to be the worst victim of land mafia, where the state-owned land and properties are being grabbed by powerful and influential groups and individuals. During the last few years, government properties worth hundreds of billions of rupees were lost but there has been no action on part of the government. (The News)

Cylinder Explosion In Korangi, Boy Killed

A 12-year-old child was injured as a gas cylinder in a house exploded while a woman, with her two children were hurt here in Korangi industrial area.

According to police, the boy was identified a Aamir while woman and children were identified as Naheed, Samina and Kamil.

Injured were shifted to hospital for medical treatment, hospital sources said.

SHC grants bail to MQM-Haqiqi leader Amir Khan in 2003 double murder case

A Division Bench of Sindh High Court comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Muhammad Athar Saeed exercising powers under Article 199 of Constitution Wednesday granted bail to Mohajir Qaumi Movement (Haqiqi) leader Amir Khan in double murder case of Muttahida Qaumi Movement workers in 2003. Amir Khan along with co-accuseds Tariq Bata, Raees and Nazim were prosecuted for killing Anam Uzair and Muhammad Naeem belonging to rival MQM during by-election in NA-255, Karachi, in June 2003.

Anti-Terrorism Court Karachi awarded 10 years imprisonment to Amir Khan for abetting co-accused Tariq, Raees and Nazim, who were awarded life imprisonment on December 15, 2004. Amir Khan’s counsels Ilyas Khan and Farooq Ahmed challenging Section 25(8) Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 argued that it prohibited granting bail to convict whose appeal was pending in superior courts.

FBI says 26/11 terrorists came from Karachi, confirms Pak link: The Hindu

Reinforcing the Pakistan link to the Mumbai terror attack, the FBI on Wednesday told a special court their probe had established that terrorists had come from Karachi to this city and the Global Positioning systems (GPS) recovered from them also indicated their plan to return to Pakistan.

In a crucial testimony at the trial of the lone surviving gunman Ajmal Kasab, an official of the U.S.' Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is giving evidence for the first time in India in terror cases said the terorists had used the GPS, a satellite navigation system to locate targets.

Deposing in person before Special Judge M.L. Tahaliyani, a forensic expert of the U.S.' Federal Bureau of Investigation, whose identity has been kept secret, said one of the GPS devices allegedly recovered by Mumbai Police from slain terrorists also indicated that they had planned return journey from Mumbai to Rawalpindi.

Two other GPS devices indicated plans for return journey from Mumbai to Karachi but one indicated from Mumbai to Rawalpindi, the expert said.

Kasab, a Pakistani national, sat smiling all through while the FBI official gave the evidence.

The planned return journey from Mumbai to Rawalpindi showed that the terrorists were given practical training in Pakistan to use GPS, special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam told PTI.

The forensic expert said that "Way Point" data retrieved from the GPS devices pointed to the route from Karachi to Mumbai and also positions between these two cities.

The FBI official said he had examined five GPS devices and a satellite phone which Mumbai police had recovered from the terrorists.

Mr. Nikam further said the police are still investigating the numbers from where the calls were made to the recovered satellite phone.

It is the case of prosecution that terrorists were in touch with their handlers in Pakistan while committing terror attacks in Mumbai.

Kasab's lawyer Abbas Kazmi dubbed the evidence of FBI witness as "manipulated" and claimed that the investigating agency wanted to help Mumbai police.

Mr. Kazmi alleged that the software used by FBI to conduct forensic tests on GPS devices and satellite phone was not authenticated and anyone could have manipulated the tests.

Mumbai police had recovered five GPS devices and a satellite phone from the slain terrorists. These were sent to FBI laboratory in USA for forensic tests and the report submitted by an expert was placed before the court on Wednesday.

The forensic expert told prosecutor Nikam that he had examined the GPS devices and satellite phone.

The witness said out of the five GPS devises, two were not functioning as their batteries were discharged and hence the data could not be retrieved from them. However, other GPS devices had clearly showed the route between these two cities.

The witness handed over hard and soft copies of the data report submitted by him to Mumbai police earlier.

The expert told prosecutor Nikam that he had examined these devices on February 11 and completed the examination by February 18.

Abdur Rehman Dakait’s will unveiled: 6-yr-old son named as successor

* Uzair Baloch to assume control of empire of blood and gore till Rehman’s son grows up

Lyari’s infamous gangster Abdul Rehman Baloch alias Rehman Dakait, who was shot dead in an encounter on Sunday, was apparently not planning for such an early demise as his will, which was unveiled on Tuesday, nominated his six-year-old son, Kabeer Rehman, as his successor to the blood and gore.

However, as his son is a minor, Dakait’s close aide Uzair Baloch will assume control of the gang until Kabeer grows up to take over the mantle.

Lyari’s Peace Committee chief Uzair Baloch who is now also the caretaker chief of Rehman’s group, during an exclusive interview with Daily Times termed Sunday’s alleged encounter an ‘extra judicial killing’, as Rehman and his men were on their way to Karachi from Balochistan when they were detained by SSP Chaudhry Aslam near Zero-Point check post about five to six hours before the ‘encounter’ was revealed to the world.

He added that the police officers then brought them to the city and shot them from close range, which is also supported by the postmortem report.

“The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has paid the police to kill Rehman, as he was gaining support by the day through his social welfare projects, a fact that greatly worried the MQM,” the caretaker chief alleged. “The MQM wants to take over Lyari but I want to make it clear that Rehman’s legacy and mission will live on.”

“Rehman lives on in our hearts and nothing will change after his death,” he said, adding that the future of the Peace Committee remains as bright as ever. Replying to a question, Baloch said, “If the law enforcement agencies want to launch an operation in Lyari, we will actually welcome them but I will warn them that Rehman’s death has only served to further unite the Baloch community.” He also alleged that it was MQM workers who fired during Rehman’s funeral and killed innocent people.

On the other hand, Rehman’s sister told Daily Times that Aurangzaib Baba, another of Rehman’s close aides, received a call from Rehman telling him that he was in SSP Aslam’s custody and Aurangzaib should arrange Rs 60 million, as a deal had been brokered between the gangsters and the police.

“My brother was wearing a trouser and shirt and everyone knows that he never carried a gun when he was dressed like that,” she said. She, however, confirmed that Rehman has nominated Kabeer as his successor, while adding that despite Atiqur Rehman being his eldest son, he wanted Kabeer to carry forward his legacy, as the little one was his favourite.

“Kabeer will avenge his father’s death one day,” she said.

Rehman’s relatives claimed that the deceased gangster was engaged in various social and welfare activities in Lyari, financially supporting many a family in the locality besides setting up a hospital, library and school.

When Daily Times approached these families, their anguish at Rehman’s death was apparent. “He was the only one who felt our pain and helped us in every possible way, providing us food, shelter and medical care. Who will help us now?” they said.

They demanded that Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry take notice of Rehman’s murder and set up a special inquiry team to ascertain the facts.

President approves mass transit system for Karachi

Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan has said that besides pushing up the Mass Transit Programme, the Federal Government is fully focusing on providing transport facilities to people in other major cities as well.
On arrival in Karachi after attending various meetings and call on, the Governor said that President Asif Ali Zardari has issued clear directives to concerned departments in this regard and he stressed on providing complete cooperation and equipping the transport system with modern facilities.
The governor informed that various transport related programs were reviewed in meetings with Finance Minister Shaukat Tareen and Secretary General Salman Farooqi.
He said progress in respect of CNG Buses, Karachi circular Railway, KRTS and light Rail Transit system was reviewed.
In the meetings, he said, Nazim Karachi Mustafa Kamal and Chief Secretary Fazalur Rehman gave briefings on different projects.
The Governor pointed out that for CNG Buses, the Federal Government has sanctioned Rs 2.5 billion under which 400 such buses would be brought on Karachi roads. He said by December 209, some 500 buses would start plying for which Rs 500 million would be made available.
Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad said that President Asif Zardari has issued directives for necessary funding by various banks for CNG buses and matters with banks would soon be finalised.
Regarding Karachi Circular Railway, he said he was told that it would be completed with Japan’s cooperation with an investment of Rs 1.7 billion while KRTS project will be accomplished with an investment of Rs 450 million dollars with the cooperation of Asian Development Bank.
He said Finance Minister Shaukat Tareen had assured that he would personally get the matters finalised during visit to Philippine.
He said that Light Rail Transport system would cost 569 million dollars.
Ebad said that completion of these four projects, a modern mass transit system in Karachi could be established and people would have comfortable, speedy and modern commuting facilities.
He thanked President Asif Ali Zardari for his special and personal interest and also appreciated the efforts of Finance Minister Shaukat Tareen and Secretary General Salman Farooqi.

Rehman Dakait, three others killed in Karachi: police

Notorious Karachi criminal Rehman Dakait was killed late Sunday by Karachi Police, along with his three accomplices. Clashes erupted during his funeral procession on Monday, leading to two deaths and eight injuries, DawnNews reported.

Rehman was reportedly involved in over 80 criminal cases and was a central figure in the gang wars of Lyari – one of the most populous and oldest localities of Karachi.

Rehman and his three accomplices were killed in an exchange of fire with the police.

According to police statements, Rehman’s car was stopped for a routine vehicle late Sunday, which the dacoits tried to escape, forcing the police to open fire.

Abdul Rehman alias Rehman Dakait was wanted by police in over 80 cases and was involved in heinous crimes including kidnapping for ransom and murder.

A massive police operation against Rehman and other criminals of Lyari had been launched by Karachi Police.

Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Karachi Waseem Ahmed told reporters that the killing of the notorious gang-leader was a major achievement for the Karachi Police.

While the police claim the operation was a success, and that there is now one less dangerous criminal on the streets, residents in Rehman’s neighbourhood expressed an entirely different opinion.

Locals told DawnNews that Rehman had done for them what ‘no MPA or MNA had done,’ having set up a hospital, a school, a madrassah and an ambulance service in Lyari. Others added that during Eid, he had handed out ‘flour and ghee’ to the poor.

As such it came as no surprise that his funeral was heavily attended, and police sources told DawnNews that the procession itself came under fire. As a result two people lost their lives and eight others were injured.

Police sources said the violence centered in Baldia no. 3, Pak Colony and Golimar. In addition, a dozen men had been arrested from Shah Faisal police station limits.

DawnNews reported that Rehman was believed to be the leader of a gang which was locked in a bitter turf war with rivals for control over Lyari. Experts fear that far from reducing violence, his death could see an escalation, as others vie for control of his organisation.

MQM launches public complaint cell

MQM has launched a Public complaint cell which will receive complaints of the people to resolve the problems of the people and it will function round the clock. Public Secretariat Khursheed Begum Memorial Hall (KBMH.).
The elected members and legislators of MQM will receive these complaints of telephone, e mail and fax and try to resolve the basic problems of the people within the shortest possible minimum time.
This was announced here by Deputy Convener MQM Coordination Committee Dr. Farooq Sattar while giving a press briefing here at KBMH yesterday.
Farooq Sattar said “we are the people of the people, and that is slogans of Muttahida and has extended its service of the people as already at KBMH all elected members MNAs and MPAs hear the complaints of the people and now those who could not reach “90” they can lodge their complaints through these telephone numbers, fax and e mail. Dr. Farooq Sattar said gradually this service will be expanded and MQM will try to get UAN number and increase the number of telephones.
He said before this Haq Parast members used to see the people personally to resolve the basic problems of the people and now through this cell there reach is round the clock form any part of the country.
Tel #: 021 - 363 29900 & 021 - 363 13690
E mail: complaints@mqmpakistan.org
Fax #: 021 - 368 08387
Replying to a question Farooq Sattar said the complaints could be personal and Punchayat Level, they would be referred to Union Councils and City District Government Karachi.
The Haq Parast will be available round the clock at this cell for the service.
He said this service is an ample proof that MQM believes in service to mankind and humanity and without any discrimination.
Later Farooq Sattar inaugurated the cell by cutting a ribbon and newsmen were taken around and during visit he said newsmen are free to visit this cell any time. (NC Report)

'Kanjoos' staged at Arts Council

‘Kanjoos’, a play directed by Anjum Ayaz, adapted from French playwright Moliere’s work titled; ‘The Miser’ was staged at the Arts Council on Friday.
It is a five-act hilarious comedy. The miser is a widower, a penny-pinching man who is in love with his money more than his young children. The children highly abhor this love for money practice in him and are both not close to him.
He is a man, who sacrifices his daughter to a stupid old man rather than giving her modest dowry; who, on finding it necessary to entertain ten persons at supper, provides for eight only; who counsels his gambling son to lend out at good interest the money he wins; whose love for a young woman yields in the end to avarice; and who is anxious to increase as well as hoard what he possesses.
Every scene in which he appears serves to throw fresh light upon his character. Yet, repulsive as is the voice he represents, his presence throws no gloom over the play, partly because he is held up to derision as well as hatred, and partly because all his surroundings are treated in the spirit of the liveliest comedy.
The odds were felt in one place, because there was no strong character who could deliver the dialogues properly, except for Zeba Shahnaz (as Fargina) the lead supporting actress who played a strong character of a visitor cum neighbour and of the two servants Rauf Afridi (as a driver-cum-cook) and Minhaj Ali Askari (the man servant) who were crowd-gatherers and people cheered to their way of mimicking. Altogether, ‘Kanjoos’ is a comedy of errors and to be enjoyed by people who are seriously looking out for household wits to give them a sheer treat of laughter and smiles.

Balochistan minister killed in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area

Balochistan Excise and Taxation Minister Sardar Rustam Jamali was fatally shot during an attempted car-jacking in Karachi on Thursday.

Deputy Superintendent Police Shafi Rind quoted eyewitnesses as saying that Rustam was waiting for friends near Rado Bakery in Gulistan-e-Jauhar when four unidentified car snatchers tried to snatch his vehicle, and on his resistance, shot him and fled.

However, the victim’s uncle, Nauraiz Khan Jamali said Rustam had gone to Gulistan-e-Jauhar to discuss a property dispute with some people. Crime Investigation Department Senior SP Fayyaz Khan said property files were found in Rustam’s vehicle, adding that he was killed over personal enmity.

Police have registered the first information report and are investigating. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari have condemned the murder and ordered authorities to conduct an immediate inquiry.

KESC seeks to facilitate citizens on Shab-e-Baraat

The Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) has made all possible arrangements to ensure stable power supply on the occasion of Shab-e-Baraat. This was stated by KESC’s Director Corporate Communications Ayesha Eirabie in a media briefing here on Wednesday. She said consumers could get KESC’s temporary connections for religious congregations if they needed. Giving an operational update, Eirabie said that at 2 pm on Wednesday, the total demand stood at 2,258MW and the utility was supplying as per the demand, adding that there was no load shedding in the city.

Karachi Nazim bans fireworks

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal under section 144 Cr. P. C. has prohibited the preparation, manufacturing and sale of different inflammable items including fire crackers and varieties of fireworks, particularly on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat. He imposed ban for seven days after having been satisfied that in view of the tendency of certain merchants, traders, manufacturers of preparation/ manufacturing/ selling different inflammable items including fire crackers and different type of fire works, particularly on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, due to which there is apprehension of danger to human life and property in the City District Karachi. The order will come into force immediately and remain in force for a period of seven days.

Karachi building collapse toll rises to 11

The death toll in Karachi building collapse rose to 11, as the rescue work is still in progress at the site in the Mithadar police limits late Friday night.

The rescue operation was hindered tremendously, as lane, where building was located, was narrow.

A five-storey building located in Mithadar area collapsed with a loud explosion late on Friday night killing three members of a family Jameela 50, her son Muhammad Ahmad 3, daughter Sadia 22, Salma 18 and another person Shoaib 24.

Fire brigade, rescue workers, Edhi Foundation volunteers, town administration and locals rushed to the site soon; but, narrow lane created hindrance in rescue operation.

Provincial Health Minister Dr. Sagheer Ahmad imposed emergency in Civil Hospital.

Adjacent building has also been declared dangerous and residents have been shifted in other buildings.
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Also, another adjoining building entered in precarious condition with rifts appeared in it. The building to an extent has sunk to its side.