Four elephants for Karachi zoo arrive from Tanzania

Four elephants from Tanzania have arrived here for Karachi zoo, Geo news said on Monday.

According to Geon news correspondent, two couples of elephants have landed at old terminal of Jinnah international airport after months of delay as Karachi zoo had turned deserted following death of cow Anarkali.

People were long demanding elephants for children’s amusement in zoo and now it is a great sigh of happiness for them, he added.

KBCA demolishes illegal structures

On the directives of Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) chief controller Manzoor Qadir, a demolition squad took action against some illegal constructions in Liaquatabad Town and razed third floor roof, partition walls and columns at plot No.1, Block 3-D and Plot No 19/20, Block 3-D. It also demolished third floor parts, walls, columns and shuttering at plot No.17/6, Block 3-F. KBCA team also demolished a portion of second floor roof at plot No.6/9, Block 2-K, Nazimabad.

Minister orders inquiry against hospital staff

Sindh Minister for Health Dr. Sagheer Ahmed has constituted a four-member inquiry committee to inquire alleged negligence by the staff of a private hospital in PECHS, resulting in brain paralysis of a 20-year old boy Raheel Naeem and directed the committee to submit its report within three days after thorough inquiry in the matter.
The committee will be headed by Special Secretary Health while Director General Health Services, EDO Health and THO Jamshed Town will be the members of the committee.
Minister Health said that if negligence and carelessness in the treatment of Raheel Naeem is proved in the inquiry report, stern action would be initiated against the responsible staff of the hospital. He further said that to regulate and monitor private hospitals in the province, a bill would soon be presented before the provincial assembly.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sagheer Ahmed assured Abdul Naeem, father of Raheel that the person responsible for the present condition of Raheel would not be spared. He further said that few private hospitals were continuously violating the code of ethics and are bent upon to malign a noble profession like medicines which will not be tolerated at any cost.

Rain, KESC and KWSB add to miseries of citizens

No electricity and filth bubbling out of gutters and spilling on the roads making life difficult for pedestrians - just a few drops of rainwater are enough to reveal the shortcomings in the electricity and sewerage systems of the city.

Citizens were deprived of electricity as soon as the rain started. Most of the localities falling within the jurisdiction of Malir, Gadap, Federal B Area, SITE, Landhi and Banaras have yet to get their power supply back.

Ijaz Alam, a resident of Keamari, told Daily Times, “There was a power breakdown in the area soon after it started raining and power has not been restored since the last six hours.”

The rain which otherwise proves to be a blessing of God, also failed to impress Zulfiqar Jan, a resident of Landhi, who told this scribe that he has been waiting for the resumption of power supply for the last 11 hours. “We are calling up the KESC help line but not getting any positive response,” said Jan in despair as he spoke with this scribe over the phone.

Not only has the electricity situation caused problems for the citizens but also the sewerage system. Office goers had to face extreme problems as gutters in most parts of the city were overflowing. Streets in Saddar and Pakistan Chowk area from where a large number of office goers pass by were full of sewage water. While the sewage water on streets was in abundance, Muhammad Rizwan a resident of Pakistan Chowk area, claimed that the supply of drinking water had been stopped since morning and there wasn’t any water to drink.

Most of the people who wanted to go to mosques for Friday prayers could not do so. “One should go to prayers wearing clean clothes,” Muhammad Imran, a resident of Pakistan Chowk area, adding that it was not possible to cross roads keeping one’s clothes clean. However The Karachi Electricity Supply Company (KESC) and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) have their own version of story to tell.

The KESC said that because of the preparedness of the utility, the advent of monsoon had caused much less harm to the power distribution system than was anticipated and the repair work has been carried out at a fast pace. “As a matter of fact, only 266 out of over 1,150 feeders had tripped between Thursday evening and 2 PM on Friday. They have been fixed within a couple of hours,” claimed KESC’s Chief Operating Officer Distribution Jan Abbas Zaidi.

However, he admitted that some grid stations had developed faults including Malir, Civil Aviation and Gadap, and added that the first two grids were fixed while work on the Gadap grid was still underway. “The KDA-Malir 132 KV circuit where the cable had fallen down was also being repaired. Work on the Garden-Jacob Lines circuit, Federal B Area Block 10, SITE and Dr. Zubair sub-station is also being carried out,” the KESC official said.

Meanwhile, The KWSB held the KESC responsible for the situation. A spokesman of the KWSB said that 100 million gallon water could not be supplied to the city owing to the four-hour long power disconnection to the Dhabeji Pump Station. (DT Report)

Citizens cautioned against high tides

People have been warned by the Governor of Sindh Dr. Eshrat ul Ebad yesterday to avoid bathing in the water with high tides and thus protect their lives from impending dangers due to likely water onslaughts in the city. Fishermen in particular have also been particularly cautioned to avoid their daily, routine fishing during high tides in next couple of days.
Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan yesterday directed all relevant departments to apprise the people living along coastal areas of Sindh about the expected thunderstorm and take immediate precautionary steps to shift these people to safer areas. In a statement, the governor said that fishermen should be halted from sailing into the sea during the next 24 hours in view of storm threat.
At the same time, the government has also taken steps to ensure that any damage is kept restricted and as minimum as possible in case of tempestuous directions due to high water tides being expected and that may play havoc with anything near its wild journey.
Meanwhile, Sindh Minister for Health Dr. Sagheer Ahmed yesterday directed all Executive District Officers (Health) of the province to be alert and ready for any emergency due to forecast of heavy rain and rough sea.
In a directive issued to all EDOs (Health), Provincial Health Minister ordered ensuring availability of required doctors, staff, medicines and lifesaving drugs to cope with any natural calamity.
Emergency should be declared in health institutions, especially of Karachi, Thatta and Badin, which are more likely to be affected from extreme weather, said a handout.
Dr. Sagheer Ahmed said that EDOs should be in constant contact with their respective local governments, so as to provide immediate healthcare facilities to the affected people. Coordinated efforts with provincial disaster management authority should also be ensured to provide relief to affectees, he further directed.
He also directed EDOs (Health) Karachi, Thatta, and Badin to establish medical camps in the coastal areas with the provision of ambulance.
He warned that no negligence would be tolerated in this regard. (NC Report)

‘Land mafia, underworld pose threat to city’s peace’

Sindh Assembly members were told on Wednesday that there is a dire need to keep vigil over land mafia and underworld members as they could damage the city’s peace once again. Participating in a debate on Sindh budget 2009-10, Health Minister Dr Sagheer Ahmed expressed concern that land mafia and members of the underworld were continuing their terrorist activities in Karachi, and asked the Sindh Home Department to keep an eye on them. Minister Auqaf Abdul Haseeb said gangsters were using Mewa Shah Graveyard for storing their weapons and burying bodies of their murdered enemies. He demanded the home department to take action against the gangsters and ensure peace in adjoining areas of the graveyard.

400 CNG buses in Sindh soon’

Sindh Minister for Transport Akhtar Jadoon told the Sindh Assembly members on Tuesday that around 400 CNG buses would be running in the province soon.

Replying to a supplementary query during the question hour, he said that the government was busy in providing high-pressure filling stations for this purpose and land has been provided for at least five filling stations in the city.

Responding to another question, the minister said that the provincial government has recommended a scheme to the federal government for shifting bus stations out of the city. According to him, the provincial government has also prepared an alternate plan under which the bus stations would be shifted to defunct KTC depots situated in different parts of Karachi.

He said that previously these depots were handed over to the City District Government Karachi but now the Sindh government was taking them back. At present, he added, these depots are in use of nazims, the police and Rangers. They have been issued notices to vacate these depots, he said. According to him, the property is worth billions of rupees.

He admitted that bus terminals set up for the buses arriving here from Baluchistan have no basic facilities although Rs 300 are charged for each bus.

Earlier, responding to questions regarding his department, Sindh Minister for Excise and Taxation Mukesh Kumar Chawla said that the luxury tax imposed on over 1500CC imported and local cars would be recovered from July this year. It would be a one time tax, he added. To another query he said that his department has set up seven check posts on two border points for checking narcotics smuggling.

Husband acquitted: Driver handed death penalty in Afreen Baig murder case

Additional District and Sessions Judge South Abdul Razzak on Monday sentenced an accused to death in the murder case of TV artist-turned director Afreen Baig while her husband and the main accused Farooq Mengal was acquitted of the charge of masterminding the murder. The convicted accused Muhammad Bux was the driver of the deceased. The third accused namely Zahida, the housemaid of the deceased and wife of the convicted accused, is still absconding in the case. According to the prosecution, accused Farooq Mengal planned the murder and was issuing instructions from Lahore to the alleged killer couple.

Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, the complainant alleged that Farooq had his wife murdered, as she was about to receive a hefty sum of money from one of her drama serial. The body of the deceased was found with hand tied and marks of torture. Muhammad Bux and Zahida went missing soon after the murder and were seen leaving the house with their luggage. They were arrested from the house of a relative in the Punjab and were brought to Karachi to stand trial. Zahida was bailed out after which she absconded and was declared a proclaimed offender. Announcing the verdict, the ADJ sentenced Muhammad Bux to death while acquitting Mengal. The court also ordered payment of rupees 100,000 as Qisas to the heirs of the deceased and also sentenced him to a seven-year term on charge of robbery.

Pakistan lift Twenty20 World Cup

Considered as underdogs, Pakistani cricket players rose to the top by beating Sri Lanka in the Twenty20 World Cup finals at the Lord’s in London yesterday.
The victory coincided with international Father's Day and 56th birth anniversary of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
It wasn’t the edge-of-the-seat final that would have signed off the ICC World Twenty20 in style, but that won't matter to Pakistan who gave their nation a something to savour amid troubled times. From the moment Tillakaratne Dilshan, the tournament's top-scorer, fell in the opening over Pakistan had a grip on the match. Shahid Afridi, who emerged as their trump card, guided his team home in the 19th over with an unbeaten 54, and it was left to Younis Khan to raise the trophy in what he later announced would be his final Twenty20 international, in front of a sea of delirious Pakistan supporters.
The masses were cheering from early on as Abdul Razzaq - a great individual comeback-story among the team's resurgence - claimed three key wickets in his opening burst to leave Sri Lanka on 32 for 4.
The destination of the trophy was sealed when he swung a huge six over midwicket off Isuru Udana in the 18th over - the moment when Sangakkara gambled on one of his weaker bowling links - and followed that with another boundary off a high full toss.
Shoaib Malik played his part with 24 off 22 balls in a match-winning stand of 76 after Kamran Akmal had given early impetus to the top-order.
Pakistan's rise from rank outsiders to champions is an extraordinary display for a team that had to beat Netherlands by a significant margin to even stay in the event during the group stages. However, they have peaked at the right time and couldn't have produced a more complete performance for a final. They fell five runs short two years ago at Johannesburg, but this time there was no mistake.
Sri Lanka, who have been the model of consistency, were caught off guard by aggressive tactics. In a stirring atmosphere, Pakistan were on top of their game from the start as 17-year-old Mohammad Aamer belied his inexperience with a tone-setting opening over. In a clear plan he bowled short at Dilshan who was distinctly discomforted by the approach. Against the fifth ball Dilshan tried to take the initiative with a scoop over short fine-leg, but only managed to pick out the man on the edge of the circle.
He had middled virtually all his attempts at the shot during the tournament and what a time for it to go wrong. (NC Report)

KBCA starts action against illegal use of govt land

KARACHI: Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) has started taking action against illegal constructions on government land leased out for 30 years for agriculture and poultry farming but instead is being used as farm house in Gadap Town. On the directives of Chief Controller of Buildings Manzoor Qadir, notices have been issued to the farm houses used for illegal commercial purposes and on non-implementation of the notices in given mean time, demolition of all those farm houses will be undertaken, a KBCA release said yesterday.

Shoaib Siddiqui urges youth to meet the challenge

By Mohammad Nazakat Ali

The Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs to the Government of Sindh, Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, made some thought-provoking observations in his concluding remarks in the seminar organized by his department with the collaboration of the Junior Chamber International Pakistan at Regent Plaza Hotel, Karachi, on June 18.

Shoaib Siddiqui, acclaimed as one of the most enterprising government officers, delivered a typically inspirational speech in which he urged the youngsters to make things happen in the available environment instead of waiting for the situation to become ideal for them.

“You have to stand up and deliver in the prevailing circumstances. You can’t play the waiting game. You have grown up. It’s time for you to deliver now,” he observed.

“There are problems everywhere. You can’t get ideal environment anywhere. So the key to success lies in your ability to come good in every situation. Remember every problem presents an opportunity. Have more faith in your abilities and overcome the obstacles coming your way with true grit,” he advised.

“The government on its part is alive to the situation and we are trying our level best to help out the youth of the province by various means. Upon the directives of our Provincial Minister, Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari, we have declared 2009 as the year of youth,” Shoaib Siddiqui recalled.

“Today’s programme is a step in this direction. The department of Youth Affairs, Government of Sindh, had taken the initiative of holding a round table discussion on issues/challenges of the youth with the collaboration of Jaycees,” he pointed out.

The provincial secretary informed the audience regarding the youth development schemes being processed and initiated during the current year. He further described the various concentrated efforts.

The students from different universities and colleges of the province participated in the discussion. The eminent personalities like, Fatima Soriya Bajya, Raees Gaya, Justice Zahid Qurban Alvi, Dr. Majid Ali, Prof. Sehar Ansari, Mashood Rizvi, Heer Soho and Jalaluddin made deliberation at length during the course of discussion to identify the core issues related to youth.

Speaking on the occasion President of JCI Pakistan, Wasif Iqbal talked about the activities of JCI and discussed the opportunities available in JCI for the youth at their chapters at Karachi, Hyderabad, Kotri and Sukkur.

During the long inter-active session the issues discussed in particular were about non-availability of chance to speak out for core issues/matters pertaining to youth, unemployment, lack of education at all level of society, lack of oriented education at every level, lack of role of educational institutions, lack of career counseling, role of government in organizing youth including sports activities at mass level and to have programs to deal the professionals and post graduates at all level, need of unity at the national level, investment on research work, platform for youth to work for betterment for society, improvement of educational syllabus, lacking of placement of competent people at important places and role of media and NGOs in youth development.

Power cut continues in Karachi despite passing several hours

KARACHI: The metropolis is still experiencing a major power breakdown despite passing more than 16 hours, as electricity has not been restored completely in any area of the city.

According to KESC sources, two units of Bin Qasim Power Plant has been restored and partial power supply has been restored in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Malir, Landhi, Defence Phase I, Gizri, SITE and Haroonabad. Almost 80 percent of the city is still deprived of electricity.

The spokesperson of KESC said two units of Bin Qasim have been restored whereas power supply from a private power plant would be started soon and electricity supply to the city would be restored completely within few hours.

On the other hand, Minister of Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said electricity will be restored within two hours.

Rehman Malik meets Altaf, disucuss Karachi situation

KARACHI: Interior Minister Rehman Malik discussed the law and order situation in the country and other issues of national importance with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Chief Altaf Hussain in a detailed meeting.
They also made detailed deliberations on the situation in Karachi and operation by security forces against terrorists, said a statement issued by MQM yesterday.
Speaking on the occasion, Rehman Malik said that the government has devised an effective strategy against land mafia and positive results of same will be come out soon.
Altaf Hussain informed the Advisor about efforts of his party to provide relief to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of NWFP areas.
He also assured Rehman Malik that the MQM will continue to play its role for strengthen democratic process and democratic government in the country.

Qaim Ali Shah announces setting up ‘Sindh Bank’

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has announced to establish a ‘Sindh Bank’ in the province.
He made this announcement while presenting provincial budget at Sindh Assembly yesterday.
He said Sindh Bank would be a commercial venture and the private sector would hold majority shares in it, adding the management would also rest with the private sector.
Shah said this is a conscious decision and we are clear that this bank has to be managed very professionally on sound management principles.
Sindh Bank would have a big component of micro-finance and agriculture credit for targeting farmers in rural Sindh and small enterprises in urban slums; he said and added that through this intervention we would expand Micro Finance and Agriculture Credit to millions in Sindh.

Teenager dies, two hurt in aerial firing

KARACHI: A teenage boy was killed while two others sustained injuries due to celebratory aerial firing carried out by a wedding party in Baldia Town.

The deceased and the injured were returning home from work, when they were hit by bullets fired by a wedding party within the limits of Saeedabad police station.

The victims, identified as Noman Mobin, 14, Asad Hanif, 19 and Kashif Shafiq 26, were taken to Civil Hospital, Karachi (CHK) where Noman succumbed to his injures while receiving treatment. All three boys worked at a marble factory and were friends. Meanwhile, area residents informed the police and gave the number of the vehicle in which the gunmen rode. The police chased the vehicle and arrested a man named Dawood, and also recovered a weapon from his possession. A case has been registered.

Woman stabbed to death: Zubair Khan, 35, tried to commit suicide after he stabbed and killed his wife. Khan, a labourer by profession married Niazo Bano, 25, recently. Bano left for her parents’ house after a domestic dispute with Khan. The incident took place on Sunday night at Sector 7, Afridi Colony within the limits of Baldia police station. DSP Sahib Ali Shah said that Khan went to his in-laws house to get Bano but he was unable to convince her. Upon her refusal, he stabbed her with a knife and then tried to kill himself. Both injured were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where Bano succumbed to her injuries.

Man dies in road mishap: A man died while his wife and two-year-old son were wounded when a speeding truck knocked over his motorbike within the jurisdiction of SITE police station. Police officials said that a loading truck hit the motorbike and as result the couple and their toddler sustained injuries. The victims were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital where doctor pronounced the death of Mohammad Zada, 30. Meanwhile his wife and child have been admitted there with critical injuries. Police have arrested the errant driver, Shabbir, and seized the truck.

Man crushed to death by train: A 30-year-old unknown man was crushed to death by a train near Drigh Road Railway police station. Police officials said that the accident occurred as the deceased was crossing the railway track.

Drowned body found: A drowned body of young man was found from the limits of Boat Basin police station. The body was found from the seaside and later shifted it to the Edhi morgue, Sohrab Goth for identification.

Man electrocuted to death: Sultan Khan, 24, was electrocuted within the jurisdiction of Boat Basin police station. Police officials said the deceased was an electrician and died while working in Shireen Jinnah Colony.

Child dies as roof collapses: Bilal, 6, died when the roof of his house fell on him within the limits of Chakiwara police station. His body was taken to Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK) from where his family took it away without legal formalities.

Stray bullet victim passes away: Irfan Khan, 24, who had received bullet wounds by a stray bullet, succumbed to his injures during treatment at CHK.

SSGC pays 1.25 million to affected families

KARACHI: SSGC as a good corporate citizen responded to it social responsibilities when the utility distributed Rs. 1.25 million amongst 125 families who got affected on December 17, 2008 after a PARCO’s pipeline was inadvertently damaged during the routine operational work carried out by the company’s crew. Zuhair Siddiqui, Senior General Manager, Management Services, SSGC, Amir Mumtaz Khan, A. General Manager (Admin) and Hafiz Azeem Chief Manager (Admin) distributed the cheques in a simple yet impressive ceremony hosted by Mohammad Arif Khan Advocate, Town Nazim, Korangi in the town office. The Town Nazim lauded SSGC for rising to the occasion and facilitating the families whose house were badly affected from the massive oil spill.

Panic grips city after Mufti Naeemi’s martyrdom

KARACHI: Panic gripped different parts of the city as unknown miscreants started aerial firing and pelted stones to passing vehicles when news spread about the killing of renowned religious scholar Mufti Sarfarz Naeemi yesterday in Lahore. City`s different parts including Lea Market, M.A Jinnah road, Burns road, Nishtar road, areas of the lyari, some part of Brigade police station limits, Hassan Square, Tariq road, Mehmoodabad and some parts of New Karachi, Landhi, Malir Korangi, SITE area Banars and Orangi town and others were closed as unknown miscreants started aerial firings in these areas.

Although the commercial and pubic life was not suspended but some area shopkeepers were forced to closed their shops while commuters, pedestrians and employees were trying to reach home as soon as possible due to uncertain situation. Meanwhile, there was severe traffic jam in downtown areas of the city, as hundreds of vehicles were trapped as people tried to reach home immediately.

Karachi Police to be provided 50 vehicles: PM Gilani

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday approved immediate provision of 50 mobile vehicles for Karachi Police which he would himself hand over to the Karachi Police.

The prime minister has directed that a proposal may be initiated for awarding “Hilal-e-Esaar” to cities whose residents had accommodated the IDPs in large numbers either at their homes or other off camps locations.

A committee has been set up under the prime minister with the NWFP chief minister and chairman Special Support Group as its members to select the cities. Moreover, commemorative stamps will also be issued on the occasion to bring on record the collective contribution of the inhabitants of these towns and cities.

The prime minister has directed that during the meetings held in the ministries, divisions, attached departments, autonomous /semi autonomous bodies under the federal government, which require the presence of the ministers, officials and other dignitaries from various ministries, organizations, the following three points must be observed: -

During lunch time and/or tea time, the drivers attached to the participants of the meeting, may also be served meals or tea as required. Proper sitting arrangements, supply of cold water and provision of washroom facilities may also be ensured. Similar arrangements shall also be made for meetings conducted in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.

Petition challenging pillion riding ban

KARACHI: Comments were sought from the Sindh Home Secretary regarding the ban on pillion riding in Karachi division limit by a division bench of the SHC comprising Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Bin Yamin here on Wednesday. The bench, issuing notice to the respondents for July 6, ordered them to file comments by the next date of hearing. The petition was filed by a NGO Human Rights Network, Karachi through its president.

Advocate Syed Abdul Waheed, the counsel for the petitioner, appearing before the bench submitted that the petitioner filed an identical petition a few months back when a similar ban was imposed. The home secretary was summoned and Special Home Secretary Kamran Dost appearing for the Home Department on April 10, 2009 stated that government was not extending the ban. A bench of the SHC disposed of the petition after this statement by the respondents but after a month, the ban was imposed again for an unspecified period.

The ban violates the provisions of Constitution of Pakistan and was imposed with mala fide intentions by the authorities. The ban was imposed after securing huge bribe from the transporters, the counsel for petitioner maintained adding that white collar people and poor workmen who could not afford other modes of transport use motorcycles. He relied on figures pertaining to crime rate and submitted that figures show that crime rate climbed up despite ban on the pillion riding and the ban appears to have no positive affect as far as law and order in city is concerned and therefore could not be justified. He submitted that instead of taking other administrative measures and making police effective for curbing crimes, ban on pillion reading is illegal, ab-initio and thus void. The petitioner prayed to the court to declare ban on pillion riding as illegal. The bench after hearing initial arguments by the counsel for petitioner issued notice to the Sindh home secretary for July 06.

STPP announces blocking Sindh-Punjab border on June 17

Party against settlement of IDPs in Sindh: Dr Qadir Magsi

KARACHI: Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party (STPP) chairman Dr Abdul Qadir Magsi said yesterday that his party was going to observe a sit-in at Sindh-Punjab border in order to block it for one day to put a halt to entry of internally displaced persons into Sindh.
Addressing a news conference here at the Karachi Press Club, he said his party is against settlement of IDPs in Sindh. He demanded of the government to set up IDP camps near the areas from where these people are being displaced owing to military operation.
“I recognize that displacement of over three million people from Northern Areas is a great humanitarian crisis but their settlement in Sindh is not an appropriate this time. We are ready to provide them relief goods if they would stay in the camps near their localities,” Magsi said.
Karachi has become city of ethnic conflict, and killing of average 10 persons a day in this city has become a routine matter.
We fear that militants might enter our province in guise of displaced persons, he added.

MQM demands independent inquiry into target killings

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi movement (MQM) has demanded of President, Prime Minister and Interior Minister to order for an independent inquiry into the targeted killings of 12 MQM workers and supporters in Karachi including the killing of Islami Jamiat Tulaba District central Nazim Mohsin Akhtar.
This was stated by MQM MNA Haider Abbas Rizvi while addressing a press conference here at Khursheeed Memorial Hall yesterday. He also said that “Haqiqi’s terrorist activities should be curbed immediately who are bent upon to disturb the peace of Karachi.
He said that Haqiqi terrorists are actively involved in the target killing of MQM workers they should be arrested with immediate affect and they also have enmity with each other and they are killing their own workers.
Rizvi lashed out at Jamat-e-Islami and Islami Jamiat Tulaba and demanded that they should not blame MQM and presented a copy of Daily Jasarat which stated that Mohsin was killed by ANP activist.
He said this report, which was published in daily Jasarat has also claimed that police under the influence of an MPA released accused Habib Shah who was caught red handed.
Rizvi said this report was published not any where but in daily Jasarat, despite this Ameer Jamat-e-islami Syed Muanwar Hasan is putting all blame on MQM of killing their workers. He said by doing so their only aim and objective is to put blame on MQM for target killings of activists in order to tarnish the image of MQM.
Haider Abbas Rizvi strongly condemned the attitude of JI leaders and urged them to respect Islamic values and teachings by refraining from raising allegations and accusations against MQM.

Rangers fully alert: DG Rangers

Director General of Rangers Major General Liaquat Ali said Tuesday that he Rangers are fully alert and the secret network is fully functional.

He warned the miscreants against disrupting the peace of the city, adding the Rangers are fully capable to cope with any task the City Government gives them.

Prime Minister to Chair Meeting on law And Order : Karachi

KARACHI: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will chair a meeting today to review the law and order situation in Karachi after incessant incidents of target killing in the metropolis.

The prime minister yesterday took stern notice of the killings in Karachi.

The meeting today, will discuss over the steps to prevent the incidents of target killing. Chief Minister of Sindh and provincial officials will present their reports to Gilani about the law and order.

TTP man with Qaeda link held in Karachi

* Police seize suicide jackets, weapons and other equipment used in terror activities

KARACHI: The Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the Sindh police has arrested an Al Qaeda operative here who is associated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and claimed to have seized suicide jackets, weapons and other equipment used in terror activities.

The arrested Taliban was identified as Mohammad Naeem Rehmani, son of Qadir Bux Rehmani and was arrested on June 5 in Lyari Town following intelligence information received by the CID.

CID Additional Inspector General Javed Bukhari while speaking at a press conference said during initial investigation, the arrested person revealed that he and his associates were planning to carry out major terror activities in Karachi, including suicide attacks, and therefore they had stocked a huge cache of weapons and explosives.

Offices of intelligence agencies, top government officials, CID officials and high-profile personalities were among their targets.

The CID official further said that Naeem was associated with TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud. Five suicide jackets containing 60 kilogrammes of explosives, five unprepared suicide jackets, ten hand grenades, two Ak-47 assault rifles, six detonators, ten fuse detonators and 200 bullets were recovered after the arrested men identified various locations where they had hid the weapons.

The arrested terrorist confessed that his group sent its associates to Afghanistan for training. “Several of them are receiving training in Afghanistan,” the official added.

Investigators also revealed that the arrested Taliban had links with Al Qaeda and was working as its operative in Karachi.

He is an expert in making suicide jackets, the official said.

Over a dozen killed in last 24 hours, Political murders continue in city

KARACHI: Killing of political activist goes unabated in the city and over fifteen political activists were gunned down in the last 36 hours in the city. About a dozen were killed in the last 24 hours and city remained under the grip of uncertainty, fear and panic.
Activists belonging to Mohajir Qaumi Movement (H) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement were the main targets while one each of Jamat-e-Islami, Awami National Party and Pakistan Peoples Party were also killed in the recent wave of target killing incidents reported in the city.
According to yesterday’s details, one Saleemuddin 47 was shot dead, while his daughter Sehrish and wife Fareeda were injured, by the firing of unidentified armed men in Jamshed Quarters police limits. Police sources said that the deceased was the resident of H-25, Jehangir Road, Martin Quarters. Jameel 40 was shot dead in Khokharapar police limits. The deceased was resident of Saudia Colony, an activist of MQM-H.

A tortured and bullet riddle body was found from Gillaniabad, Khokharapar. The police said that the deceased was still unidentified.
Amir Khan’s chief security officer Zeeshan along with his mother Naseema were injured, while his brother Noman was killed who was also an activist of MQM-H, in Malir City police limits.
In another incident unidentified assailants shot dead MQM-H Buzurg committee member Abdul Jabbar in Korangi Police limits.
In Landhi police limits, an activist belonging to MQM-H was shot dead by armed men. The police said that, deceased was identified as Shahzad alias Manoo.
In Saudabad police limits, Naseem Ahmed an activist of MQM-H was shot dead by armed men when he was traveling with his wife Saeema in his car, in the incident his wife was wounded critically.
An activist of MQM-H, Imran lost his life while, Shakeel was injured in outskirts of Bilal Colony Police limits.
Moreover two more political activist were reportedly gunned down in jurisdiction of Alfalah and Shahfaisal Police limits. However their names could not be known till the filing of this report. Unidentified armed men shot dead Nadeem an activist of MQM in the outskirts of Awami Colony police limits. According to police the deceased was the resident of Zamanabad, Landhi-36B.
Faqeer Mohammed and Razaullah were shot dead by armed men in Eidgah police limits on late Saturday night. Faqeer Mohammed was a transporter by profession and an activist of MQM. (NC Report)

Reckless driving takes three innocent lives

KARACHI: Mob torched an intercity bus here yesterday when it killed a woman and her two daughters yesterday. As per details, a speedy intercity bus coming from Hyderabad killed a 50-year-old woman and her two daughters at Teen Hatti Bridge within the limits of Jamshed Town police limits. After the accident, angry mob burnt the vehicle. However, police arrested the driver.

CAR LIFTERS’ GANG LEADER APPREHENDED: Korangi police conducted a raid near Noorani Basti Qabarstan Road in Korangi and arrested the leader of a car lifting gang. A SSP Korangi office release said that police had received information that a car lifter gang was involved in snatching vehicles, particular vans, on gunpoint and then shift them to Peshawar for the use of militants. On the directives of SSP Korangi Town, Athar Rashid Butt, a police team headed by SPO Korangi Shah Nawaz Khan conducted raid and apprehended the accused Gulab Khan after exchange of fire. The police also recovered a TT pistol from his possession. His two accomplices, Lal Khan and Imran, managed to escape.
KILLED: One Ghulam Hyder, 50 was killed and his daughter 17-year old Sheher Bano received serious injuries when a hit-and-run vehicle knocked their motorcycle, at Defence Kyaban-e-Rahat. In yet another incident, a 28-year-old unknown motorcyclist was killed when unknown speedy vehicle hit him at Maripur Road near Crown Cinema. The injured was taken to Civil Hospital for legal formalities. Adam Khan, 25 s/o of Zaman Khan was stabbed to death by his friend after verbal quarrel in Madina Market, Malir 15 in the limits of Al-Falah police station. The investigation officer of PS Al-Falah said Adam Khan was killed by his friend Matiullah who stabbed him to death and fled. He said that after exchange of hot words over some personal issue, Matiullah stabbed his colleague to death. Body of the deceased Adam Khan was sent to Quetta for funeral while Al-Falah police have registered an FIR no. 153/09 against the accused Matiullah who is absconding. In another incident, Sher Khan, 45 s/o of Hameed Khan Sugarcane wholesale was shot dead while his colleague Fida Muhammad, 36 was seriously injured in an attack on them on Super Highway near New Sabzi Mandi within the limits of Suhrab Goth police station. Sher Khan received four bullets and died on the spot. Sohrab Goth Police have registered a case against unknown culprits. Two former activists of MQM-H who were associated with PPP for last couple of years were gunned down in New Karachi Sector 5-E near Sindhi Hotel when four unidentified gunmen sprayed them with bullets in the limits of Bilal Colony police. (NC Report)

Bomb Blast In Karachi, MNA Yapoob Bazanjo Injured

KARACHI: MNA Balochistan National Party (Awami) from Balochistan Yaqoob Bazanjo was injured among his four family members and two servants as an explosion occurred in his residence in phase 6 of Defense Housing Authority on Friday.
Edhi and other rescue teams reached the bungalow and shifted the injured to Agha Khan Hospital.

Police have arrived on the scene and cordoned off the area.

According to SSP Ashfaq Aalam, the bomb was apparently packed in a parcel delivered to residence of the MNA.

Power tariff hike for Karachi on the cards

KARACHI: Electricity consumers in Karachi may soon be subjected to yet another tariff hike, this time of around Rs2.90 per unit, with Karachi Electric Supply Company CEO Naveed Ismail saying the move is being considered after the federal government decided to withdraw its subsidy on electricity.

Mr Ismail was speaking at the utility’s daily briefing on Wednesday.

The withdrawal of the subsidy is likely to be reflected in the government’s upcoming budget. Currently, the average per unit tariff for electricity is Rs6.55, but after the removal of the Rs2.90 per unit subsidy, it would rise to Rs9.45, he said.

He said the final decision would be determined on the basis of the KESC’s fuel costs and the cost of electricity purchased from independent power producers and Water and Power Development Authority.

The KESC CEO said that if the government subsidy was withdrawn, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) would decide the new tariff and consumers would have to bear the burden.

He did not give any details regarding the KESC’s petition to Nepra regarding a quarterly tariff increase.

It is worth noting that in February this year, the KESC sought a tariff adjustment for the Oct-Dec 2008 quarter. This request was based on the contention that the utility had experienced variations in fuel costs due to fuel price variation.

Through a letter dated Feb 23, 2009, an adjustment of Rs6.754 billion was also sought, to take into account a loss in revenue due to the four per cent cap not being allowed by the authority in a previous determination for quarterly adjustment in tariff (July-September).

Mr Ismail said the first meeting of the special ministerial committee on KESC affairs was held on June 1 in the federal capital, adding that the matter of Rs13-14 billion in subsidies that the utility had not received was taken up, among other things.

The KESC CEO claimed that an average of around 22 to 24 per cent of the total electricity supplied by the KESC was being ‘misappropriated’, and a total of three million MWh had been stolen in Karachi during the last nine months from September 2008 to June this year. He said this caused both power outages and financial losses to the company.

Replying to a question, he said that a number of KESC employees had been subjected to disciplinary action on charges of involvement in electricity theft and other such allegations, and inquiries had been initiated against 138 persons.

So far, the services of 58 KESC employees have been terminated, while 20 others have been issued warnings or have been demoted.

Some 7 to 7.5 per cent of KESC consumers were on average billing, and this number should be decreased, he said. The KESC CEO said that at present 20,000 temporary hook connections were provided by the KESC to provide electricity to its new consumers.

Mr Ismail said that about 7,500 applications for new electricity connections were already present when the new management took over and about 2,500 new applications had been received.

Out of these, 6,500 cases were under process, he added.

The KESC CEO said that the utility’s transmission and distribution systems had been facing eight main cable faults in different areas, affecting electricity supply to Gizri, Federal B Area, Bahadurabad and other areas.

He informed media persons that against 2,184MW of demand of electricity at around 3 pm on Wednesday, the KESC had been doing power load-shedding of around 78 MW. The power shortfall faced by the utility was mainly due to tripping of Unit II of the Bin Qasim Thermal Power Station, he said. To meet the demand of over 2,000MW, the KESC was getting 630MW from Wapda before 3 pm. Supplies from WAPDA later surged beyond 700MW.

Meanwhile, residents of Sea View had complained that KESC staff members in Badr Commercial area were not acting to restore one phase since 1 am. Residents of many streets of Khayaban-i-Badban were also without power for several hours due unattended faults. Residents of PECHS Block II had to endure the heat without electricity after midnight. Block VI residents experienced similar problems. Parts of Gulshan and Gulistan-i-Jauhar areas around Safoora Goth were also affected.

Residents of Garden, Nishtar Road and Ranchhore Line also complained of outages at least five times during the day. They also complained that KESC staff was ‘asking for bribes’ to have unattended faults rectified. (Dawn)

KBCA Chief highlights Authority's one year performance

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, has approved the establishment of KBCA police station and a special court with full powers to take action against violators of Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) and the notification in this regard was awaited from the provincial home department.

This was disclosed by Arch Manzoor Qadir, Chief Controller of Buildings, KBCA, in a media chat at his chamber in the Civic Centre on June 3.

“The individual violators have stretched to groups who over a period of time have developed into a powerful mafia and stern actions are required to overcome the mafia, he pointed out.

The KBCA, he said, remains determined to vigorously enforce relevant laws which need police assistance and which is not available to required extent from police department and, therefore, KBCA need an exclusive police station and KBCA special court for prosecution of violators besides magisterial powers to KBCA officials.

“We moved a summary to the Chief Minister in this regard, having explained that the attainment of our objectives would just remain a dream if we were not provided with the desired facilities", Manzoor Qadir said adding that "we proposed actions in the interest of the security of public investment well as for good governance".

The CCOB said approval of the summary indicates the realization of the fact that the KBCA must be empowered both in legal and physical terms in order to enforce the building laws that are grossly violated by mafia.

By approving the summary, the provincial government has agreed to confer all the powers of a special magistrate on three senior officers (BPS 19) or above of the KBCA who could perform their duties to check unauthorized construction in accordance with approved plan and ensure the enforcement of the court orders of ejection of illegal occupants from the premises constructed illegally.

He informed that provincial government has allowed the establishment of a KBCA Police Station on the patterns of the CDGK and the KESC with all powers exercisable by a Station House Officer under the provisions of the code of Criminal Procedure in respect of offences of the Sindh Building Control Ordinance and other applicable laws.

Similarly approval has also been accorded for the establishment of a KBCA Court for trial of offences or prosecution cases under Section 19 of the Sindh Building Control Ordinance.

It will also have the powers of civil courts to decide the disputes between the purchasers and builders/developers. The special court is proposed to function under the supervision of a District Judge.

The CCOB pointed out that 90 violations of Building bylaws were being committed in justthree Towns of Saddar, Lyari and Liaquatabad and all 32 concerned officials were suspended on the order of Sindh Minister for Local Government for ignoring the violations.

He said these officials have now been restored but not given any posting until all the illegal buildings are demolished which they allowed to be constructed under their very nose and alternatively they will have to go home.

He informed that out of 100 buildings identified as having been constructed illegally, 90 were located in the Towns of Saddar, Lyari and Liaquatabad.

He said illegal construction activities started because of lacking police support to the under-strength KBCA.

In this regard he particularly cited example of two coolies who were thrown on ground from 7th floor of a building in Saddar Town being constructed illegally when they went their for demolition action.

He pointed out that in Lyari Town 17 buildings were demolished but these were reconstructed and KBCA took the matter to High Court and also registered a FIR against the police as they were directed by high Court not to allow a demolished structure to reappear.

He said that out of 100 buildings identified 28 were demolished in Lyari and 11 out of 12 in Saddar Town besides 17 in Liqauatabad Town.

He said while situation has been controlled in Liaquatabad Town, vilations are still being reported from Saddar and Lyari Towns and the situation will come under control there and elsewhere in the city when KBCA Police Station and Special Courts will start functioning.

The CCOB informed that KBCA plan for city skyline has been approved with demarcation of two high density zones - at I.I. Chundrigar road to Mai Kolachi and around Shaheed-e-Millat Road encompassing Shahrah-e-Faisal, Kashmir Road and Shahrah-e-Quaideen.

He said buildings to be constructed in these zones will have their own power generation, water supply and sewerage treatment facilities and their construction will not over-burden existing utilities.

Anyone wishing to undertake a project in high density zone will have to work either in joint venture with City or Provincial Government or bring foreign investment. He said they would be allowed 1:12 ratio whereby minimum 40 floors can be constructed with no upper limit.

He said that it has been suggested that instead of each project to have its own power plant, water treatment and sewerage treatment plants, these facilities would be created for entire area for which Federal Government has been approached for assistance in the form of seed money.

He said the idea was developed by a team of 11 renowned architects led by Yawar Abbas Gilani.

Replying a question, Manzoor Qadir said that the KBCA provided funds of Rs 1.18 billion to the City District Government in one year.

Karachi Region win 12th Sindh Games

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

The 12th edition of the Sindh Games concluded with a colourful ceremony at the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Sports Complex in Larkana on May 31 with the Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah declaring the Games closed.

He paid rich tributes to the Provincial Sports Minister, Dr Syed Mohammad Ali Shah, to have dared holding the Games in the month of May, that’s generally considered hot from the sports point of view.

“We have known that the outdoor sports events in our country are staged in the season of winter or spring. But Dr Shah deserves credit to have given us the concept that the Games could also be held successfully in summer. The success of the 12th Sindh Games proved the point that every season is suited to sports if the events are managed professionally,” he observed.

The Chief Minister, while congratulating Karachi Region for clinching the trophy once more, urged the athletes of the other four regions to continue working hard for improving their performance in the future events.

He presented the winners trophy to Dr Frahan Essa Abdullah, chef de mission of the Karachi Region who was then carried on shoulders by the elated members of the victorious contingent.
Syed Qaim Ali Shah announced that the next edition of the Sindh Games will be staged in Karachi. He announced a grant of Rupees five million for the sports department for holding the 12th Sindh Games in a splendid manner.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shah observed that his mission was to spread the flame of sports in every nook and corner of the province and he needed the support of the provincial government in fulfilling his ambition.

“I was advised by certain quarters to postpone the 12th Sindh Games or move it to any other venue in view of the weather conditions here. But it was my commitment to the people of Larkana to hold the Games here and we were able to organize it successfully despite all odds being stacked against us,” he said.

Dr Shah believed that the interior regions of the province deserved greater attention as they lacked the infrastructure facilities that didn’t allow their athletes to progress beyond a certain level.

The Provincial Minister for Local Government, Agha Siraj Durrani, who himself holds a black belt in karate, was highly appreciative of the efforts of Dr Shah and his team for having braved the hot weather and organized the Sindh Games so successfully in Larkana.

Ahmed Ali Rajput, Secretary, Sindh Olympic Association (SOA), in his speech, highlighted the various challenges that had to be met in holding the Games.

The welcome address was delivered by Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sindh, in which he acknowledged the support of the concerned quarters in accomplishing the task of holding the Sindh Games.

“According to the directives of the government we are working tirelessly to develop sports culture in the province. It’s our desire to engage the youth in healthy activities with sports being on top in the list of our priorities,” Shoaib Siddiqui said.

KCCI 6th International My-Karachi Exhibition 2009 will portray true picture of Karachi

KCCI My-Karachi, Oasis of Harmony Exhibition 2009 will portray the true picture of Karachi as peaceful city & economic hub of Pakistan, expressed by Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Acting President, Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry in a press note. He informed that KCCI was organizing its 6th flagship International ?My-Karachi, Oasis of Harmony Exhibition 2009? from 5th to 7th June, 2009 at Expo Centre Karachi which was another sequel to KCCI annual international event. He articulated that every year beside corporate & public sector of Pakistan, hundreds of international exhibitors and companies participate from friendly countries. This year, International Participants from Turkey, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam & Sri Lanka were exhibiting their brands in the exhibition.

He enlightened that KCCI started this mega exhibition in 2004 with the initiative of Siraj Kassam Teli, the then President of KCCI, which received acclamation on both National & International forums. In view of its significance & magnitude, Government of Sindh & City Government Karachi co-host this momentous exhibition every year. Core objective of this mega event was to project and promote the true and real picture of Karachi & Pakistan with an emphasis on Karachi as centre of commercial activities as well as hub for financial & service centre of Pakistan, he added.

He expressed his heartfelt compliments to the Sindh Govt, CDGK, Excellencies of Diplomatic Corps, international & national participants & supporters of the KCCI flagship expo. Over 600,000 visitors were expected this year in ?My-Karachi-2009 Exhibition?. Jang Group, The News & GEO TV network had joined as the Media Partners, he added.

He contended that this year KCCI had taken extra measures to organize the event in more vivid & stylish fashion, with dedicated halls for the international participants, significant brands ?Made in Pakistan? and for Women Entrepreneurs. It would be a complete exhibition in all aspects encompassing the interests of corporate sector as well as the consumers while truly representing Pakistan in terms of cultural cross section in a unique urban scenario.

He focused that Karachi was recognized and valued as diversified fastest growing city and a gateway for Central Asia. However, continuously its image was tarnished by way of adverse propaganda made by the Western media, and the state of affairs demand that Karachiities specially the business and industrial community to come forward to combat and rebuild the image of metropolis in particular & Pakistan in general and make this event successful with flying colours.

On the behalf of KCCI, he conveyed his heartfelt compliments to Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebah Khan, Governor of Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh, M.A. Rauf Siddiqui, Minister for Industries & Commerce & Syed Mustafa Kamal, Nazim Karachi City for extending their support in organizing this exhibition.

Poster competition organised by Foundation for a Drug Free World in Karachi

Foundation for a Drug Free World organized citation ceremony for the first international poster competition in a local hotel. More than 400 institutions from all over Pakistan participated in it. Prizes and certificates were distributed among the winners by Pakistan Coordinator, Munir Moosa Sewani. Name of the winners are Deedar Karim from Aga khan social welfare board for frontier, Sunita, Fouzia Khan from Educare Academy, Hameed Dadali from City School, Kanwar Karim from Qamar-r-Bani Hashim School.

The team members include Sabeen Akhtar Hussain, Saleema Moosa Sewani and Hamida Ashiq Ali. Pakistan Coordinator Munir Moosa and Media cum Marketing Manager Sabeen Akhtar Hussain expresses views that Media is the most powerful tool to eradicate drug from Pakistan. (PR)

Man arrested for beguiling young girls

KARACHI: A man was arrested for beguiling young girls into eloping with him to his hometown in Punjab. The culprit, named Zia Mohammad, son of M Ramzan, was arrested during snap checking and later, during interrogation, he confessed to the crime. Station Investigation Officer (SIO) Iqbal Hashmi said that the man got married to his cousin, S, with whom he had a six-year-old son, however, he divorced her and came to the city from his hometown and started work in a towel factory located within the limits of New Karachi Industrial Area (NKIA) police station. Four years ago, he beguiled the lady helper, M, when she was fourteen-years-old and eloped with her to his hometown. Now, M is eight-months pregnant and has a one-year-old child too.

The culprit divorced M while she was pregnant, came back to Karachi and started working in the same factory where he beguiled a 15-year-old girl, N, and eloped with her to his hometown. The officer further said that the mother of N registered an FIR no 193/08 in NKIA police station against the culprit, saying that he kidnapped her daughter. The officer revealed that the culprit has been residing with two of the said women in Sector 11-F, New Karachi for the past five months. He was taken into custody during checking on suspicion and later during the course of interrogation, he confessed to his crime, upon which, the police conducted a raid at his house and recovered the women and handed them over to the NKIA police.