Karachi Mass Transit Project A system, that should have materialized decades ago: Zakaria Usman

Mr. Zakaria Usman, President FPCCI has express his serious concern over long awaited plan of Karachi Mass Transit Project which was planned years back with hard work involving years of surveys, studies, new laws, relocation of people, a committed international financier, provision of guarantees and much more. Now it need to resolve and sincere will to push it through although this should have happened decades ago.

He further said that Karachi Mass Transit Project was one of the unfortunate projects in the country’s history that had faced inordinate delays. Though several years had passed, the work on the project could not be started due to bureaucratic hurdles.

The President FPCCI drew the attention of the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the fact that Karachi is 60 times larger than it was when Pakistan was created in 1947. It is the world’s fastest growing mega city like Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Lagos, Jakarta, Mumbai, Delhi and Chicago. It has now become the world's 7th largest metropolis with an estimated population of nearly 20 million inhabitants. He said that Karachi is economic lifeline of Pakistan and is the country's financial capital. It is the financial and industrial powerhouse of the country which contributes 25% of GDP. The port of Karachi handles 60 percent of Pakistan’s cargo and the Karachi Stock Exchange is one of Asia’s most active trading money market.

He said that 15 years back the transport system of Karachi was satisfactory which was consisting of circular railways, KRTC buses, private coaches and taxies. The state owned circular railway and big buses were gradually broken due to lack of maintenance and attention of the concerned authorities. Now after 15 years the people are at the mercy of thousands of three wheelers and qingqi. Rather we should have upgraded the transport system instead we dropped it from our standard.

He further stated that many of the potential benefits of urbanization will be hard to realize unless there is improved city governance and serious efforts to reduce the level of violence in Karachi.  So what has already been done and what can Nawaz Sharif Government do to give a mass transit system that any mega city like Karachi must have, he urged.

The President of the apex trade body requested the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Governor and Chief Minister Sindh to give priority to Karachi Mass Transit Project which needs sincerity for implementation. This will bring much needed foreign direct investment in the country and it will impact positively on trade and economic activities in Pakistan and will reduce the level of fuel consumption in public and private transportation from one corner of the city to another corner, reflecting in reduction of import of oil which is one of the major importing items. This will also provide pollution free healthy environment.

PAK-BRAZIL TWO WAY TRADE NEEDS TO BE EXPAND

Brazil is the largest trade partner of Pakistan in Latin America this was stated by President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry while meeting with Mr.Alfredo Leoni, Ambassador of Brazil to Pakistan. He said that current volume of bilateral trade which is just US $ 102 million is not reflective of our relations and potential available in the two countries. He also emphasized to enhance both export and import from Pakistan and vise versa. Mr.Zubair Ahmed Malik informed that diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Brazil were established in 1952 since then both countries are enjoying cordial relations.

The meeting between President FPCCI and Brazilian Ambassador discussed various issues and emphasized to promote market economy. They also discussed possibility of joint ventures in various feasible sectors including Halal food, information technology; poultry etc. at present trade between the two countries is carried out via third country from Au Dhabi or Istanbul due to no direct flight from Pakistan. Both countries should also rationalize trade rules and tariff to promote trade.

Mr.Alfredo Leoni informed that Brazilian Businessmen are reluctant to visit Pakistan due to bad impression created by Media but he believes that ground reality is quite different. He emphasized that both countries should make joint efforts to over come extremism and terrorism. He informed that Brazil imports football from Sialkot, Pakistan. He also informed that Brazil will host 2014 Football World Cup. He also said that Brazil is the largest beef and meat exporter to South America. 

The commercial section of Brazilian Embassy which also includes Pakistani attended the meting and Mr.Zubair Ahmed Malik; President FPCCI suggested them to cooperate to enhance bilateral relation between Pakistan and Brazil. Mr.Zubair Ahmed Malik also proposed to form Pak-Brazil Joint Business Council. The meeting also attended by Col (R) Irfan Kayani a leading Businessmen dealing with Brazil, Mr.Malik Suhail Hussain, Chairman Diplomatic Affairs, Media and Public relation FPCCI Capital Office.

Violations of traffic laws: Karachi police enhanced amount of fines

Taking drastic step to fill its empty coffer, Karachi police Monday enhanced amount of fines on 52 different violations of traffic laws to manifolds. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Karachi, Abdul Khaliq Sheikh announced the increase in fines. Fine on driving a vehicle without licence has been increase from Rs300 to Rs1000, violation of traffic signal from Rs100 to Rs500, over-speeding from Rs50 to Rs400, having fake fitness certificate from Rs400 to Rs2000.

Earlier, the police had cancelled the permits of vehicles with tinted glass, besides slapping ban on driving motor bikes with helmet coving face.(FP)

KARACHI ADMINISTRATOR VISITS UNDER CONSTRUCTION HOSPITALS

KMC Administrator Muhammad Hussain Syed said construction of a 50 bed each hospital in Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Federal B-Area Block 13 was underway speedily and construction of both hospitals in current fiscal year would be completed to provide better health care facilities to citizens. He said this during a visit of both under construction hospitals along with the D.G Technical Services Altaf G. Memon, Sr. Director Medical Services Dr. A.D Sajnani, Project Directors and other concerned engineers. Administrator Karachi said sum of Rs165million would incur on the construction of hospital in Gulistan-e-Jauhar and this would be completed in a year. 
The hospital building which spread on 48thousand square feet land would have the emergency, diagnosis facility, OPD, Operation Theatre, ICU, Wards for Women and Children and General Wards. This three storey hospital would provide medical facilities to the residents of localities located at from around Nipa Chowrangi to Safoora Goth. While visiting the Federal B-Area Block 13, Administrator Muhammad Hussain Syed said this hospital would be constructed with a cost of Rs165million in a year with all the necessary medical and health care facilities to be provided in this three storey building. He said for providing treatment to people suffered with cardiovascular diseases, this hospital would be affiliated with the Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases. He said the construction work on these projects was started and it is expected to be completed on time. 
Administrator Karachi said the development wing of health department of Government of Sindh was providing cooperation to KMC in the provision of funds for these hospitals. He said that Karachi had lack of medical facilities as compared with population here and citizens had to face difficulties due to immense rush of patients in all big hospitals. He said KMC through 13 big hospitals, 275 dispensaries, clinics and maternity homes was providing citizens with medical facilities. He said a new block consisting of 200 beds in Sobhraj Maternity home had also been built to facilitate citizens.

Iran to invest in Karachi’s public transport system

Iran has expressed interest in playing a role in the modernisation of Karachi’s public transport system.

According to the Tehran-based Press TV, Iranian Consul General Mehdi Sobhani showed his country’s willingness in this regard during a meeting with Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Administrator Hussain Syed.

The Iranian envoy said Tehran was prepared to implement the bus rapid transit (BRT) system in Karachi to provide a fast and more efficient service. Sobhani added that Iranian businessmen were ready to invest in solid waste management, dairy production, construction of industrial slaughterhouses and energy sector in the port city.

Syed said the BRT system was absolutely necessary in the city to meet the challenges of an ever-increasing urban population.(Express Tribune)

Karachi Inferno: Factory cleared after 41 hours

The factory building, which was gutted in a massive blaze that claimed 289 lives, was cleared Thursday morning  after 41 hours of rescue work, officials said.

Chief fire officer Ehtishamud Din said the operation continued all night long and after drainage machines pumped water out of the basement the building is now cleared after 41 hours.

Talking to media, he said the upper three floors had already been cleared but problems were faced clearing the basement as it was filled with water and had became extremely hot as a result of continued 18-hour fire.

The fire officer Ehtisham asserted there is no more dead body left at the factory now.

Earlier at night, the second floor of the gutted garment factory caught fire again; however, the fire-tenders brought it under control.

On Thursday morning, affected families staged protest demonstration as the heavy machinery could not be transported to the blaze site, which delayed the relief work at the basement of the factory.

The affected people warned they will themselves drain out the accumulated water after breaking the wall of the factory, if the administration continues to display disregard over the tragedy of so immense proportions.

As many as 217 bodies were kept at Edhi Center; of them, 107 have been delivered to the bereaved families after identification process.

Eight bodies will be dispatched to different areas of Punjab including Muzaffargarh and Rahim Yar Khan.

Edhi Center Sohrab Goth’s official said the bodies being shifted to Punjab cities will be given free-of-cost service.

The loss of lives of 289 innocent people in a factory conflagration has saddened the atmosphere of the metropolis.

Announcing three-day mourning, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has called off all organizational and political activities in grief over the incident that claimed 289 lives.

Chief Justice (CJ) of Pakistan and Judges of the Supreme Court offered condolence and prayed for the departed souls of workers who got killed in the factory fire at Karachi and Lahore.

Chief Justice and  Judges assembled Thursday before the start of proceedings of their respective Benches and offered Fateha for the workers of the tragic incidents who were caught in a deadly fire and perished. May Allah Almighty bless their souls and provide strength to their families to bear this irreparable loss. (The Nation)

KMC TO SELL SHOPS OF MALL OF KARACHI THROUGH PUBLIC HOUSING SCHEME

KMC will start booking of shops at ground floor and mezzanine floor of “Mall of Karachi” (Shahabuddin Market in Saddar) through public housing scheme before Ramadan. Metropolitan Commissioner Matanat Ali Khan said this while chairing a meeting on the construction of Shahabuddin Market. 

The meeting was attended by Senior Director Transport & Communication Muhammad Ather, Senior Director Finance Munawwar Imam, Chief Engineer Muhammad Taha, Director Public Housing Scheme Sabah-us-Salam and other officers. Metropolitan Commissioner on this occasion said that KMC will generate revenue through selling shops of Shahabuddin Market through public housing scheme and for this purpose a scheduled bank with its branches will sell the forms and receive the applications in all Pakistan. 

Application forms would be received by paying Rs. 1000/-.Allotment of the shops will be through computerized draw. He further said that this project has been renamed as “Mall of Karachi” .MC said that construction work on this project is going on speedily and this project will worth 735 million and its first phase will complete in 15 months.

LG RECOGNIZED BY RED DOT AND IF DESIGN AWARDS

KARACHI / SEOUL, April 02, 2012 – Fourteen of LG Electronics’ (LG) 2012 products were recognized by the red dot design awards for their excellence in the field of design. A panel of 30 independent judges considered over 4,500 products from 1,800 manufacturers and designers in nearly 60 countries. In all, LG took 12 red dot design awards as well as two honorable mentions.  

LG’s success at the 2012 red dot design awards follows the 14 awards the company received among the 2,923 competing entries at the iF (International Forum) design award earlier in the year. LG Optimus 2.0, an Android-based smartphone interface, was recognized for its unique user interface design. LG was also recognized for being environmentally responsible in designing the MACHJET printer’s packaging using pulp molded recycling buffer material.

“LG’s philosophy is that every LG product incorporates user experience in its design,”  said Kun-pyo Lee, head of Corporate Design at LG Electronics. “Our ultimate philosophy to incorporate designs that work but also evoke some emotional response.”

Several of the key products recognized at the 2012 red dot design award include:

LM9600: CINEMA 3D Smart TV 

The LM9600 leads LG’s new CINEMA 3D Smart TV line-up for 2012. Alongside its new 3D technology and enhanced Smart TV function, the LM9600 also features LG’s CINEMA SCREEN Design. With a barely visible bezel, the LG9600 offers a 3D viewing experience that is reminiscent of a large-screen movie theater. The barely visible bezel completes the sophisticated design of the new CINEMA 3D Smart TVs which complement even the most elegant of interior décors.

Magic Remote 

LG’s new Magic Remote brings user convenience through its innovative control modes as well as ergonomic design. The smooth, curved shape accommodates the viewer’s grip, while its new control modes -- Voice, Wheel, Pointing and Gesture -- have replaced conventional push buttons with a set of modish controls that are intuitive and extremely user-friendly.

LG Styler

The Styler clothing care management solution boasts a modern, elegant finish that complements the interior décor of any bedroom, walk-in closet or laundry room. Consistent with the Styler’s premium design, controls are displayed on a front touch panel, illuminated by soft, gentle lighting. The Styler uses steam cycles to reduce everyday wrinkles and unpleasant odors. It also keeps clothes neat and fresh, using a selection of scents that can be subtly infused into the stored clothing items. The Styler is the ultimate solution for maintaining one’s wardrobe with a professional touch.

Bottom Freezer Refrigerator for EU Market

LG’s seamless, modern and sleek bottom freezer (model number: GB5240AVAZ) is equipped with maximum capacity and Slim Water Dispenser for great looks and convenience. Incorporating Zero Clearance design, the refrigerator doors can be opened up to 90 degrees without bumping into the wall. The new bottom freezer is also highly energy efficient with a rating of A++, largely due to its Linear Compressor technology. 

Karachi: Khouf Aata Hai

عینی نیا زی
عین الیقین


شہر کر اچی کا ہر فر د سہما ہو اڈرا ہو ادکھا ئی دے رہا ہے یو ں محسوس ہو تا ہے گو یا دشمن کے نر غے میں ہیں قا بض فوج فاتح کی طرح قتل عام کر رہی ہے اگر ایسا ہوتا تو ہم اپنے مقدر کا لکھا سمجھ کر صبر کر لیتے کہ آخر دہلی بھی تو سات بار لٹی تھی نا در شاہ نے وہا ں پر پا نچ روز تک قتل عام کا حکم صادر کر ایا تھا۔ لیکن ! یہا ں تو اپنے ہی اپنے گھر کو آگ لگا نے والے اپنے ہی گھر کے چراغ ہیں یہ تو ہمارے اپنے ہم وطن اور مسلما ن ہیں کراچی میں آگ و خون کا کھیل پھر اپنے عروج پر ہے سارادن ٹی وی چینل کرا چی کی سڑکوں پر آگ و خون کی ہو لی دکھا تے رہے اربا ب اختیار اسے روکنے سے قا صر اور بے بس ہیں پھر وہی سیاسی پا ر ٹیوں سے گفت وشنید اور با ہمی مفا ہمت اور تعاون کی یقین دہا نیاں ہل کر اچی کے لیے یہ کو ئی نئی با ت نہیں چھا پے آپریشن گر فتا ریاں پھر اس کے نصیب میں ہے قیا م پا کستا ن کے بعد سے اب تک کئی مرتبہ کر اچی پر اس کا اطلاق ہو چکا ہے خدا کرے یہ نسخہ تیر بہ حدف ثا بت ہو اورشہر میں دیر پاامن قائم ہو سکے ۔
  پیا رے نبی ؐ نے فر ما یا ’’تم میں ایک زما نہ ایسا بھی آئے گا کہ جب مقتو ل کو خبر نہ ہو گی کہ اسے کیو ں قتل کیا گیا ‘‘،آج  ایسے ہی زما نی= سے ہم گذ ر ر ہیں ہیں‘یہ ہمارے لیے کسی عذا ب سے کم نہیں ’ جب انسان کے دلو ں سے انسا ن کا حترام اٹھ جا ئے تو سمجھ لیجیے کہ عذا ب کامو سم آپہنچا  ، ایک ہی ملک کے ایک ہی مذ ہب کے پیرو کا ر ایک ہی ملت کے امین ایک دوسرے کو خو فزدہ کر یں یا ان سے خو ف زدہ رہیں تو اس سے بڑھ کر عذاب موسم اور کیا ہو سکتا ہے ،ایک ہی وطن کے لو گ ایک دوسر ے کو بر ی نگا ہو ں سے دیکھیں کو ئی کسی کا پر سان حا ل نہ ہو تو با قی کیا رہ جا تا ہے انسان اپنے ہی دیس میں خو دکو پر دیسی محسو س کر نے لگے تو عذا ب ہے جنا ب وا صف علی وا صف نے فر ما یا ِ’’ جب زمانہ امن کا ہو اور حا لا ت جنگ جیسے ہو ں تو سمجھو عذاب ہے جنا زے اٹھ رہے ہوں کند ھا دینے وا لو ں کی تعداد میں اضا فہ ہو تا جا رہا ہو ، آنکھیں نم ہو ںارد گرد جشن منا نے وا لے در ند ے ہو ں، دلو ں سے مروت نکل جا ئے ایک دوسرے کا احساس ختم ہو جا ئے ‘‘ کیا ہم ظا لم قو م ہیں ،کیا ہم پرکو ئی عذا ب نہیں آئے گا یو م حسا ب نہیں آئے گا مجھے ایسا لگتا ہے کہ ہم واقعی ظالم پا کستا نی بے حس قوم ہیں ہما ری آنکھو ں پر نفرت کی پٹی بند ھی ہو ئی ہے ،کیا ہم نے کبھی یہ سو چا کہ ہم اپنے آنے والی نسلوں کے لیے کیسا پا کستا ن بنا رہے ہیں ہم انھیںکیا جواب دیں گیں ۔ ہم نسل، ز با ں علا قے کی بنیا دپر کب تک خون بہا تے رہیں گیں یہ کیو ں بھو ل جا تے ہیں کہ جب تعصب کی ہوا چلتی ہے تو پھر انسانیت کو چ کر جا تی ہے ۔کراچی کے با رے میں اب یہ کہنا غلط نہ ہو گا کہ اسے مختلف لسا نی اور قومیت کے در میا ن تقسیم کر دیا گیا ہے ایک قو میت کے فرد کو دوسرے علا قے میں جا نے کی اجا زت نہیں یا اسکے لیے خطرنا ک ہے کر اچی ایک آتش فشا ں کاروپ دھا ر چکا ہے جس میں وقفے وقفے سے لا وا ابل کر با ہر آتا ہے تبا ہی مچا تا ہے جا نو ں کا نذرانہ و صو ل کر تا ہے اور خا موش ہو جا تا ہے ۔
ایک دن میں پچاس سے زا ئد گا ڑ یاں نذر آ تش ہو جا ئیں کسی کو بھی گھر میں گھس کر دن دھا ڑے قتل کر دیا جا ئے کیا یہ المیہ نہیں ؟کچھ دن امن رہتا ہے پھر وہی بگڑتی صو رتحا ل ، روز انہ گھرو ں سے کا م پر نکلنے والوں کو کو ئی امید نہیں ہوتی کہ واپس صیح سلا مت آئیں گیں یا خدا نخوستہ کسی ان جا نی گو لی کا شکا ر ہو جا ئیں گیں کہیں سے کو ئی انسا ن نما حیوا ن وارد ہو کئی گھرو ں کے چشم وچرا غ گل کر کے غا ئب ہو جا ئے ہیں، پھر لا کھ کو شش کر یں قا تلو ں کے با رے میں کچھ پتہ نہیں لگتا ۔خانہ پر ی کے لیے بے گنا ہ لو گ پکڑے جا تے ہیں قا نو ن نا فذ کر نے والے الگ بے بس ہیں گو یاا پنے ہی ملک میں اپنے ہی لو گو ں کے ہا تھو ں ایک دوسر ے کے خو ن سے ہا تھ رنگے جا رہے ہیں ۔درجنو ں لو گو ں کی ہلا کتو ں کے بعد سرکا ری مشنری حرکت میں آتی ہے تصفیہ کے لیے پا رٹیو ں کو ایک جگہ جمع کیاجاتا ہے سیا ست دا ن اپنی پا رٹی کی مظلو میت میں نعر ہ لگاتے ہیں کہ یہ سیا سی نعرے ان کی سیا سی اقتدار کو مستحکم کر تے ہیں ان کے وسائل کا رو بار چلتا ہے ان کی فتح کا پر چم بلندہو تا ہے اور ہماری معصوم عوا م نہیں جا نتے کہ جس جگہ اور جہا ں ان کے مفا دات وا بستہ ہوں وہ اپنی قوم کو قر بانی کے لیے آگے کر دیتے ہیںیہ معصو م عوام اپنی قومیت کے زعم میں ما ری جا تی ہے ۔ کو ئی سندھی ہے تو اسے وڈیرو ں کی بڑا ئی اپنے اندر محسوس ہو تی ہی، کو ئی پنجا بی ہے تو گو جر چو ہدری سب سے اعلی وارفع نظر آتے ہیں ، پشتو ن ہیں تو اپنے اندر خلجی عظمت کے امین بنتے نظر آتے ہیں ۔میںسمجھتی ہو ں کہ پا کستا نی ایک قوم بن کر رہنے میں ہما ری عظمت اور بھلا ئی ہے با قی سب با تیں فضو ل ہیں ہم سب ایک پا کستا نی شہری ہیں جو صدیو ں سے مختلف تہذ یبو ں کا گہو راہ ہی،جہا ںتما م قو میت اپنا ایک ا علی مقام رکھتی ہے اس لسا نی فسادات میں ہم اپنے ہی مسلما ن بھا ئی خو ن بہا رہے ہیں ایسی خطر نا ک صو رتحا ل سے نبٹنے کے لیے ضروری ہے کہ ان ٹا رگٹ کلنگ کے اصل و جو ہا ت کو تلا ش کیا جا ئے جب تک اصل مسئلہ کو حل نہیں کیا جائے گا یہ سلسلہ جا ری رہے گاٹار گٹ کلنگ کی جو لہراس شہر میں آئی ہے خدا کر ئے کہ اس خاتمہ ہو سکے ۔افتخار عارف کی یہ نظم ایسا لگتا ہے اسی شہر کے تنا ظرمیں لکھی گئی آپ کی نذر ہی۔
 اس شہر و خس خاشاک سے خو ف آتا ہی
جس شہر کا وارث ہوں اس سے خوف آتا ہے
 شکل بننے نہیں پا تی کہ بگڑ جا تی ہی
نئی مٹی کو چا ک سے خوف آتا ہی
وقت نے ایسے گھمائے کہ افق، آفاق کہ بس
  محور گردش سفا ک سے خوف آتا ہی
یہی لمحہ تھا کہ معیار سخن ٹہرا تھا
اب لہجہ بے باک سے خوف آتا ہے
 آگ جب آگ سے ملتی ہے تو لہو دیتی ہے
 خاک کو خاک کی پو شاک سے خوف آتا ہی
کبھی افلا ک سے نا لوں کے جواب آتے تھی
ان دنوں عالم افلا ک سے خوف آتا
 ہیرحمت سید لو لا ک پہ کامل ایما ن
امت سید لو لا ک سے خوف آتا ہی

ARRANGEMENTS FOR 12TH RABI-UL-AWWAL

Administrator KMC Muhammad Hussain Syed has directed to remove all garbage collection points around the mosques and route of main procession of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi(PBUH)and complete all necessary arrangements including cleaning before 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal. He also instructed to carry out repair and maintenance work of all streets lights and sewerage system in the city. Administrator Karachi said all the municipal resources including machinery, vehicles and manpower should be mobilized for 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal. He said measures should be taken in an efficient way for ensuring cleanliness on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal especially in and around the Nishter Park. In a meeting held in connection with the arrangements for 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal.

Nasreen Masood elected Rotary Karachi Airport President for 2013-14

Rotarian Nasreen Masood was elected as President of the Rotary Club of Karachi Airport (RCKA) for the Rotary year 2013-14 in the club meeting held at Rangoonwala Hall, Karachi, on December 31, 2011.

Rtn Abdul Hamid was re-elected as President for 2012-13 while Rtn Khalique Laiq and Rtn Mohammad Younus were elected as Vice President and Club Secretary respectively.

Rtn Mahmood Nawaz was re-elected as Joint Secretary while Rtn Nazakat Ali Khan was elected as Treasurer with Rtn Waseem Yousuf getting re-elected as Sergeant At Arms and Sarfaraz Khan getting elected to the post of Club Coordinator.

Rtn Syed Khalid Mahmood (Director Membership Development), Rtn Anwar Jabeen Qureshi (Director Club Service), Rtn Shah Mohammad Anwar (Director Community Service), Rtn Abdul Mobin Khan (Director International Service) and Rtn Anwar Siddiqui (Director Vocational Service) were also elected to the Board for the Rotary year 2012-13.

Board of Secondary Education Karachi announces poverty-cum-merit scholarship

Mrs Hoor Mazhar

Mrs. Hoor Mazhar Secretary Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) announced that the board will offer poverty-cum-merit scholarship for deserving students enrolled in Class-X in the government secondary schools of the metropolitan. She said that all public-run schools were bound to submit names of 10 deserving students from their schools. The students should have at least 45 per cent marks in the SSC-I exams.

Jumbo Karachi Guide arrives

Jumbo Karachi Guide took a good number of years to be compiled, edited, produced and finally published. Its inaugural edition has arrived and the early feedback has been phenomenal.

It’s Karachi’s first-ever comprehensive travel guide. The paperback, published by Jumbo Infomedia, is spread over 148 pages of A-5 size in four-colour and it’s printed on Matt Finish paper with a wealth of information inside the covers.

Besides Karachi Important Telephone Numbers, Karachi Postal Area Codes, Karachi Facts and Chronology of events, the articles published with eye-catching and historic photographs of the city are Introducing Karachi, Modern Karachi, Climate of Karachi, From Kolachi to Karachi, Karachi’s Architectural heritage, Cultural history of Karachi, Karachi Tramway becomes a thing of past, Education remains identity of Karachi, Evolution of new media through blogging and social networking, Hub of business, Karachi Port continues to offer new opportunities, Enchanting beaches and coastline, Engagement in sports and recreation, Premier hotels of Karachi, Hot and spicy food, Shoppers Paradise for everyone’s delight, Multiplexes revive cinema culture in Karachi, My Karachi: Oasis of harmony, Hamara Karachi Festival rocks, Karachi International Book Fair gladdens bookworms, Fashion Week making waves in Karachi, Karachi Literature Festival illuminates literary scene and Social sector development in Karachi.

The maps of Pakistan, Sindh and Karachi have been printed separately while Practical Information section has the listings of Airlines, Ambulance Services, Art Galleries, Banks, Blood Banks, Booksellers, Breakfast & Brunch, Chocolates & Sweets, Cinemas, Clubs, Coach Services, Courier Services, Cultural Centres, Departmental Stores, Farm Houses, Fast Food, Florists, Foreign Mission, Fun Spots, Gift Shops, Golf Clubs, Handicrafts, Health Clubs, Hospitals, Hotels, Ice Cream Shops, Laboratories & X-ray Centres, Libraries, Medical Stores, Money Changers, Museums, Photo Colour Laboratories, Photographers, Rent A Car, Restaurants, Travel Agents and Tour Operators.

The handy book, priced Pak Rs 600, is available at all leading bookstores in Pakistan and it can also be obtained directly from the office of Jumbo Infomedia.

http://jumboinfomedia.blogspot.com/

Karachi International Book Fair: All roads lead to Expo Centre as KIBF 2011 opens

The areas surrounding the Expo Centre are buzzing with activity and there’s a lot of noise inside three halls since morning as the 7th Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF) 2011 was opened to the public at the designated time of 10 am on December 16.

The stalls have been tastefully decorated and there has been considerable rush of people of all ages from the moment the gates were opened on a Friday morning on which life generally is slow in Karachi.

There were students, clad in uniform, as well as teachers and professionals who not only visited the various stalls but also availed the opportunity of purchasing books in comparatively less crowded environment as more people are expected to pour in during the weekends.

The officials and volunteers of the KIBF are there at the reception area to greet and facilitate the visitors. The KIBF Convener, Owais Mirza Jamil, and the Chairman of the Pakistan Publishers & Booksellers Association (PPBA), Aziz Khalid, are supervising all the arrangements with the assistance of their team members.

A record number of 290 stalls have been set up in the KIBF 2011 which promises to become the largest event of its kind in Pakistan. 

(Jumbo Publishing. Com)

Revamped Jumbo Publishing website launched

Jumbo Publishing has launched its revamped website www.jumbopublishing.com which offers customers greater knowledge about its books in addition to important news and updates.

The newly designed website is user-friendly that makes it easy for the customer to find and learn about Jumbo Publishing’s books.

The customers can easily read a review of the book they are interested in. They can also order it very conveniently by downloading and printing the form and sending it over with the cheque/draft of the appropriate amount.
Three latest articles from the blog of Jumbo Publishing, www.jumbopublishing.blogspot.com appear on the home page and the visitors can access them rather comfortably.

The launch of our newly redesigned website is in line with Jumbo Publishing’s philosophy of spreading knowledge and providing the best possible services to its customers.

ALTAF HUSSAIN LAUDS MQM WINGS PRAISES ZONES, SECTORS, UNITS AND PARLIAMENTARIANS FOR MAKING EFFORTS FOR PEACE AND HARMONY ON YOUM-I-ASHUR

Chief of Muttahida Quami Movement Altaf Hussain has lauded the MQM Co-ordination Committee, parliamentarians, Karachi Tanzimi Committee (KTC), Interior Sindh Tanzimi Committee (ISTC) and all the zones and sectors of throughout the country for making efforts in maintaining peace and sectarian harmony.

Mr Hussain said that the MQM had demonstrated by taking part in the ritual mourning processions and religious gatherings that the MQM is working strenuously working for peace, brotherhood and sectarian harmony.

Mr Hussain also praised the doctors, paramedics, and volunteers of the KKF and the Medical Aid Committee of the MQM for performing duties at the medical camps and other locations throughout the country.

Mr Hussain also thanked the scholars for preaching unity among the Muslims and the need for harmony among different shades of religious persuasions.

Mr Hussain also praised the Federal Interior Minister, Provincial Home Minister, and officials and personnel of police and rangers for making effective security arrangements on Youm-e-Ashur.

NIM DELEGATION VISITS KARACHI CITY GOVERNMENT

The participants of 12th Mid Career Management Course in National Institute of Management visited head office of City District Government Karachi on Thursday. The delegation called on District Coordination Officer Karachi Roshan Ali Shaikh in his office at Civic Center.

Later during a meeting attended by the delegation with EDOs of City Government and Director General National Institute of Management, DCO Karachi Roshan Ali Shaikh appraised the delegation about the preparation of development plan and other mega projects initiated in Karachi.

He said that the shifting of rural population to urban areas all over the world had been creating many problems for mega cities including Karachi.

City Government Karachi has taken various measures to ensure the availability of civic facilities for every citizen. Unfortunately, the city of Karachi did not have any mass transit system which had created traffic related problems. The population of Karachi would exceed 30million mark by 2030. The city administration was therefore taking all initiatives to solve the problems regarding mass transit system and solid waste management.

DCO Karachi said that the city government was making all efforts to provide better facilities to citizens in each sector including education, health & fumigation, transport and infrastructure development. Anti encroachments cell of city government had been taking action against all illegal occupations of land.

He said the rules and regulations of transparency international and SPPRA were being implemented in Karachi to set a tradition of good governance.

SSUET to have a Center of studies for Irrigation and flood relief

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) is going to have a center of studies for Irrigation and Flood Relief – the first of its kind to be established by an engineering university.

An announcement in this regard was made by Chancellor SSUET Engr Z.A. Nizami, while presiding over the Sir Syed Day function held at the University’s Convocation Ground in Karachi.

Mr Nizami made the announcement on behalf of Pakistan’s noted engineer and most senior Aligarhian Engr Bashir A. Malik, who was the chief guest at the Sir Syed Day function which is iberved every year on October 17.

Mr Nizami said Engr Bashir Malik, has announced to wholly sponsor the establishment of this center. It was Engr Bashir Malik who donated the entire Rs 12 million cost of an Auditorium of international standard at SSUET.

The Chancellor noted that establishment of such a study center was the need of the house and work on its establishment will start within a week. He said the center will feed the entire country on irrigation and flood relief issues.

He announced yet another sponsorship from Engr Bashir Malik for the establishment of Lahore Campus of Sir Syed University and said the legal requirements in this respect would be sorted out first to pave the way for this purpose.

On the occasion, Engr Nizami announced the conferment of status of Professor Emiratus of SSUET for Engr Bashir Malik in recognition to his services in the field of civil engineering and more particularly the water issues.

Nizami said that no one else but SSUET has been instrumental in keeping the “Aligah Spirit” alive and said that it is the only university in Pakistan which, besides imparting education in six engineering didsciplines, made Pakistan Studies, Aligarh Movement and Pakistan Movement compulsory subjects while following the spirit and mission of great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

He referred to the host of studies carried out on disaster management at the University and said that the bulky reports were sent to some 32 organizations and only three of them took the pain to go through these world standard reports.

Mr Nizami said that keeping the mission of Sir Syed, this university keeps pursuing its students to only focus on their academic pursuits besides extra academic activities.

Earlier, speaking as chief guest, Engr Bashir A. Malik who did his civil engineering from Aligarh Muslim University and served as Technical Advisor to UN on water issues, described Sir Syed Ahmed Khan a great personality and said such personalities never die and their achievements are always remembered.

He said that achievements of the great reformer and educationist are counted even after 110 years – his biggest achievement being the Aligarh College which later became the world fame university.

He said the students of Aligarh Muslim University led the movement for the creation of a country in which today we are living as a free nation. He said this country was carved out under the sterling leadership of Quaid-e-Aza Muhammed Ali Jinnah which otherwise it was not possible to get it from the yoke of imperialists and hindus.

“It was not an easy task to bring a country on the world map, and the basic role towards this was played by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan through the establishment of college in Aligarh”.

Bashir Malik said that the seed for establishment of Pakistan was sowed by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan but what not is being done to this country today. He said once the Muslim were a great united nation but had no country while today we have a country but with a divided nation.

He said it is wrong that Pakistanis are inferior to anyone. “We should come out of inferiority complex and be proud of achievements of our people like the one who made it a atomic power.

Engr Bashir Malilk made a special mention about his book “save water save Pakistan” and said the book has special philosophy behind it.

He pointed out that the world has only 2.5 percent of water for drinking purposes and 70 percent of it was underground and thus the world has less than one percent of water available for drinking.

He warned that after 10-12 years Pakistan will not have enough water to meet the drinking needs of its 22 million people and, therefore, it is imperative to take up this issue on war footing. He said any government in power should not only work on construction of dams but also control the population growth at the same time.

He said it is important to meet the country’s energy requirements and overcome the load shedding problem, but it must be remembered that we cannot live without water for more than one week. He said there would not have been load shedding, if the governments in power had focused on construction of dams.

Other speakers on the occasion included noted writer and poet, Muslim Shamim, snior most Aligarhian Saeed Siddiqi and noted writer Prof Dr Waqar Rizvi, who paid glowing tributes and recounted the achievements of great reformer and educationist and said he was the torch bearer of Islamic renaissance.

They said that Sir Syed laid the foundation of Muslims renaissance with the establishment of Aligarh College. They said that he was the motivating force behind the rebirth of learning. They said he created educational and political consciousness among the Muslim youth and led sectarianism to an end.

Noted poet Khumar Farooqi presented poetic tributes to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan while the boys and girls of Sir Syed University sang “Tarana-e-Aligarh”.

SSUET students Fatima Saima and Omer Ali kazmi delivered speeches on Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in English and Urdu respectively.

Mahtab Rashidi delivers inspiration speech at SSUET

Karachi Observer Report

Former Sindh Secretary for Information and Education, Mrs Mahtab Akbar Rashdi has said that the younger generation is our replica in which we have great hopes as future is waiting for them.

She was addressing a students and faculty members of Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) while delivering a lecture on the topic of “Professional Grooming- Personal excellence comes first” the other day.

Mrs Rashdi was the first woman who joined Sindh Government as Secretary and served at different important positions till her retirement from service.

“We are the past and you are our replica and we want to you grow” she told the students.

“We have great hopes in our younger generation and they have all the opportunities to grow with knowledge and technology being in their reach”

At the outset of her lecture she paid rich tributes to great reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan for his vision for the Muslims of the sub-continent and produced people like Mr Z.A. Nizami and many other outstanding personalities.

She said that Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah carved out this country and today we are proud of our country and our being Pakistanis.

Telling that “we are the past now and you are the future”, Mrs Rashdi told the students that now it was for them to achieve which they are to achieve as being future hope of the country.

She said that when she and people like her entered the practical life, no one was there to tell them about professional grooming. But whatever they learnt, they had it from their home, parents and ultimately their teachers.

Mahtab pointed out that today is the world of competition and it is time fior them to learn how to march ahead as their strength is to be channelized for the country.

With the help of slides she explained to them at length as to what is a professional image and how to create it and quoted Laura Morgan Roberts who said that “if you are not managing your own professional image, others are”.

She categorized professional image as desired and undesired ones and explained as to what steps they can take to ensure that they are projecting the professional image they want. Their concern should be as to what their key constituent might say about them when they are not in the room.

She informed them about components of professional image which include personal appearance through clothing, grooming and personal behavior through manners and etiquettes and communication effectiveness.

Mrs Rashdi reminded them that judgments are made about people based on the professional image they display. She told them to think of a person who made a reat first impression on them and said having a good professional image is key because they never get a second chance to make a first impression.

She dilated upon projecting professional image matters, attributes of a professional image, appropriate professional appearance, professional personal behavior, manners and etiquettes, non-verbal communication and verbal and written communication.

In his presidential remarks on the occasion, the Chancellor SSUET, Mr Z.A. Nizami assured that such lecture sessions will continue for grooming of youth for augmentation of their knowledge to help lead them to their successful future career..

Mr Nizami said the University will continuously hold grooming lectures for its students with regard to their behavior and appearance for which all required facilities will be provided and which the university was already doing through career planning.

On the occasion Mrs Rashdi was presented university plaque and souvenirs by Chancellor Mr Z A Nizami.

As it was Defence of Pakistan Day, the participants and guests lit the candles to demonstrate their commitment to the Defence of Pakistan and in memory of the martyrs of 1965 war with India.

"My Parliamentary Dairies" launched in Karachi

Marvi Memon, a former parliamentarian, launched her book ‘My Parliamentary Dairies’ at a five-star hotel of Karachi on August 27. Addressing the launching ceremony, Marvi remarked that during her three years in the National Assembly, she had a choice; either to enjoy the perks of power ignoring the injustice with 99% of Pakistanis and playing the politics of hypocrisy or strive to bring a change in the system. “So I decided to bring that change”, she said.
Marvi said that she had taken her first step. She traveled through the length and breadth of Pakistan to highlight the issues and injustices that enslaved the nation. She spoke about people’s struggle for rights on the floor of the House, in the streets and in front of the judiciary. Marvi said that her people and she lived, laughed, cried, ate and struggled together and most importantly believed in each other. The former MNA said that she simply fought for people’s rights.
“We have to rediscover the meaning of Pakistan and act honesty and loyally with our family and country or we can continue watching and contributing to the downward slide till the meaning of Pakistan becomes irrelevant,” she pointed out. “We should treat each other as the Quaid-e-Azam advised, with no discrimination and no distinction among the communities, castes or creeds,” Marvi urged.
She has dedicated the book to her son Murtaza and all children of Pakistan. She plans to have the book translated and published not only in Urdu and Sindhi but all other national and regional languages. Marvi served as Member of Parliament from March 2008 to June 2011 as a PML MNA. She resigned from her party and parliament in order to set new standards in politics. She was born in Karachi in July 1972. After schooling in Karachi, Paris and Kuwait, she graduated from the London School of Economics with a B.Sc (Econ) Honors in International Relations. She started her career as a banker at Citibank Pakistan where she specialized in Marketing and Quality Management for the consumer bank.
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