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.

SKM equals Aziz Rehmatullah’s record of 12 sports books

By bringing out Asian Glory, Syed Khalid Mahmood (SKM) has equaled the record of A Aziz Rehmatullah, who’s believed to have held the record of authoring the highest number books on the subject of sports.  

The record is being now jointly held by Aziz Rehmatullah, one of the doyens of cricket statisticians in Pakistan, and Syed Khalid Mahmood, a prolific scribe and analyst, as both of them have a dozen books each to their credit.

Aziz Rehmatullah’s maiden title, 26 Years of Pakistan Cricket, was published in 1979 and his last book, Calendar Year’s Kings, came out in 2002.

In between he authored World Cricket Annual (1980), Cricket Close Up (1981), Pakistan Test Cricketers (1981), Masters of Cricket (1982), Who’s Who in Test Cricket (1984), An Eye on Test Cricket (1986), 35 Years of Pakistan Cricket (1987), The Book of One-day Internationals (1989), Pakistan in One-day Internationals (1996) and Who’s Who in One-day Internationals (2001).

Syed Khalid Mahmood debuted as a published author with Focus on World Cup in 1987 and has gone on to write The Caribbean Challenge (1989), Pakistan’s Triumph in World Cup 1992 (1993), Pakistan: The Land of World Champions (1995), Pakistan’s Sports Greats (1997), So Near Yet So Far (2000), Spotlight on World Cup 2003 (2005), Top of the Charts (2005), Mission Caribbean (2007), Cricket Fever (2008), Reflections (2010) and Asian Glory (2012).  

Ehsan Qureshi, having pioneered the idea of publishing books on World Cup cricket tournaments, has authored eight books already and the ninth one is under publication.

He’s the author of The Book of One-day Internationals (1986), Pakistan Snooker Book (1991), World Cup 1992 (1993), World Cup 1996 (1997), World Cup 1999 (2000), World Cup 2003 (2004), Fiasco (2008) and Crash of the Titans (2011).

http://jumbopublishing.blogspot.com

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

Glowing tributes paid to eminent writer Zakir Ali Khan

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

Glowing tributes were paid to the late Zakir Ali Khan, an eminent writer, Aligarhian, former Honorary Vice-Chancellor of Sir Syed University of University & Technology (SSUET), and ex-Managing Director Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KWSB), for his commitment to the mission and vision of great reformer Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, at a condolence reference for him organized by Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association (AMUOBA) at the SSUET’s campus.

The speakers on the occasion recalled the multi-faceted life and achievements of Zakir Ali Khan who served AMUOBA as its General Secretary for five decades and died recently at the age of 86 after a protracted illness..

In his speech the Chancellor SSUET, Engr Z.A. Nizami, spoke about the contributions made by late Zakir Ali Khan, towards promoting the cause of education and literature as outlined by the great Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.. 

He described Zakir Ali Khan as a man having unusual qualities and said he had been one of the most revered and outstanding writer having produced at least 10 most popular books in Urdu. 

He said his sad demise has created a void in both the educational and literary circles besides which would not be filled in near future. He announced to establish a chair after his name at the university in acknowledgment to his services in augmenting the cause of education in general and promoting Urdu in particular.

Engr Nizami said the dream of establishing Sir Syed University in line with the vision of great educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan came true because of his efforts and contribution and he made it possible for the University to get the hockey ground for SSUET students opposite the campus.

“He was a noncontroversial person who was loved and respected by all and nobody ever talked against him”, he said adding that besides education, he always emphasized on extracurricular activities and formed a sports department in the university.

Earlier Syed Afzal Karim highlighted the qualities and efforts of Zakir Ali Khan, observing that he was a great protagonist of the vision and mission of great reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

Born in July 2026 in Rampur, Zakir Ali Khan did his matric from Rampur, B.Sc from Aligarh in 1945 and B.Sc Engineering from the same university in 1948.

In his professional career, the late Khan had served as Managing Director of KW&SB, Chief Engineer KMV, Honorary Vice-Chancellor SSUET, Founder Member of Board of Governors SSUET, Founder Member Governing Body Aligarh Institute of Technology, President Pakistan Association of Scientists and Scientific Professions, Karachi University Syndicate and Academic Council and Selection Board.

Zakir Ali Khan was the recipient of Alumni Award given to him by Aligarh Alumni Association New York in 2000 and was awarded the First Sir Syed Ahmed Khan International Award for Literature by Aligarh Muslim University, India in 2008.

He was the author of 10 books and represented the best qualities of social engineering through the promotion of professional education thereby impacting the life of a large multiple.

He was also instrumental in creating a new sense of pride and confidence as being a part of modern Islamic heritage through his writings.

He played a significant role in establishment of Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association and since the last five decades had remained in Honorary Secretary.

He was actively engaged in the promotion of sports events and also went as team manager to various countries. He worked hard to promote hockey and served as Secretary of Karachi Division Lawn Tennis Association.

The meeting, largely attended by SSUET’s faculty members, staff, students, friends of Zakir Ali Khan and his lovers, concluded with Fateha offered for the departed soul. Dua was performed by renowned Naat Khawan, Mahamoodul Hassan Ashrafi. 

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.