Valima ceremony of Majid Mahmood held at Karachi Press Club

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

Muharram processions: Karachi wrapped up in tight security foil

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

By Atif Raza

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No headway in JPMC trainee-nurse rape case

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

KESC restored power of Al-Karam square, Apsara apartment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 militants of TTP arrested by CID police

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

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

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

Cargo Plane Crash in Karachi: 11 People killed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

83 more dengue patients admitted

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

MQM CHIEF PAYS RICH TRIBUTES TO DR IMRAN FAROOQ

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

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

KBCA razes illegal structures in different areas

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

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

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

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

MQM RABITA COMMITTEE CONDEMNS KILLING OF WORKERS BY LYARI GANGSTERS

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

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

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

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

JZ’s pre launch exhibition held at Karachi Marriott Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

Rotary helps flood victims in Pakistan: Aziz Memon

By Mohammad Nazakat Ali

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PFA managing committee members visit Aquafina & Pakola Milk Factory

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exhibition: Realer Raum/Bild Raum Postponed

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

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

Bloodshed in Karachi after Haqparast MPA Raza Haider shot dead

By Faraz Khan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indonesian Ambassador opens Independence Day Golf Championship

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

Youth Affairs department GoS organizes Career Counselling Seminar

Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari
Sindh Youth Minister

By Mohammad Nazakat Ali

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suhail Safdar Member
Federal Public Service Commission of Pakistan

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

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

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

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

Shaoib Ahmed Siddiqui
Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs
Government of Sindh

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

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

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

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

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

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

KPT hosts KPC badminton tourney

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sindh Games sign off with spectacular ceremony

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sindh Government, PCB Join hands to train cricket coaches

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

University of Karachi gives one-time special exam chance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AGHA SIRAJ DURRANI VISITS CDGK HEAD OFFICE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reduction in power supply only for a month: KESC

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

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

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

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

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

All of these projects would be completed within four months.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rangers arrest 379 accused, recover weapons from Karachi

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

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

Woman killed in a road accident

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

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

Youth gunned down in Old Golimar

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

Man shot dead in Gulshan-e-Iqbal

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

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

DMO Workers Employee's Union gathered at Khursheed Begum Hall

4th Power & Alternative Energy Asia 2010 International Exhibition

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

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

Matric paper cancelled in Karachi after being leaked out

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