CONTRACTORS TAKE ON REPAIR OF DAMAGED BUILDINGS

Registered contractors of CDGK and KWSB have announced to participate in the rehabilitation process of arson hit business community by starting repair and reconstruction work of 22 gutted buildings located in an area from Light House to Boulton Market from Sunday.

In the presence of City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal, affected traders and media representatives at Boulton Market on Saturday they said that the 285 buildings of Boulton Market will be repaired by contractors of Karachi Water & Sewerage Board while the rehabilitation of remaining affected buildings will be done by contractors of City District Government Karachi.

Earlier City Nazim said that the repair work of affected buildings will be performed not in months but within weeks and all the affectees will be rehabilitated in their original shops so that they could restart their business there. He said that we could not afford any delay in this work. He also appealed to the administration of private schools in Karachi to exempt the fees of the children of affected traders for at least next 6 months, adding that city government will itself pay their fees if they did not do so.

City Nazim said that national flag should be hoisted on all the affected buildings as a symbol of harmony. He said that the incident was anticipated as the enemy was trying to destroy the economic hub of Pakistan but we will not surrender.
Nazim Karachi further said that the affected traders have lost all of their life long earning in the incident and now we have set up our preferences for their rehabilitation. Initially the repair and reconstruction of shops has been taken on and for this purpose I would ask the contractors of CDGK and KWSB to give some sacrifice for their city and country. They have been invited here so that they could themselves see the huge damage and take part in the rehabilitation process. He said that the nation today needs us. The rehabilitation work has been initiated on war footing basis. City Government will also have its share in this process. He said that from now on all attention should be given to the rehabilitation of affected traders.

City Nazim also formed a monitoring committee comprising of EDO Works & Services Rasheed Mughal, EDO Municipal Services and M.D KWSB Qutubuddin Shaik which would also decide the procedure for repair and reconstruction of damaged buildings.

Four to five million Pakistanis are carriers of hepatitis B

An estimated 300 to 350 million people worldwide are carriers of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) – a major hepatitis virus. In Pakistan, four to five million people are suspected HBV carriers. The virus can cause a number of liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer. To raise public awareness, Aga Khan University (AKU), in collaboration with the Pakistan Society for the Study of Liver Diseases (PSSLD) organised a programme on hepatitis viruses.

Close to two million people worldwide die each year from HBV and according to the World Health Organization, the virus is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV/AIDS. HBV is endemic in parts of Asia, with more children being affected as the virus can be passed from an infected mother to her baby at birth. Dr Khalid Mumtaz, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), said that the high number of HBV carriers in Pakistan places an enormous burden on patients, their families as well as on the government and its resources. Large amounts of money is spent on treatment but given the limited options available, prevention is better than cure. The best way to prevent hepatitis B is through vaccination, and Dr Mumtaz recommended that infants be vaccinated immediately after birth. Providing an update on vaccinations, Dr Wasim Jafri, Consultant Gastroenterologist, AKUH and President, PSSLD, advised that three doses of the HBV vaccine are essential for full protection. Contrary to earlier advice, if a dose is missed the vaccination schedule can be continued without repeating the initial doses.

Another hepatitis virus, hepatitis C, is usually spread through blood from an infected person. Dr Muhammad Salih, Consultant Gastroenterologist, AKUH, said that there is a rising incidence of hepatitis C in Pakistan due to poor awareness, lack of basic health care and below-par blood screening facilities. The multiple use of disposable needles and syringes, substandard transfusion services and poor dental and surgical health care are all issues that need to be highlighted though wider public awareness.

If detected in time, there is an 80 to 90 per cent of curing hepatitis, according to Dr Saeed Hamid, Consultant Gastroenterologist, AKUH and Vice President, PSSLD. He pointed out however, that treatment is expensive. He also said that the disease cannot be cured if liver cirrhosis occurs, so timely diagnosis is essential.

The best measures against hepatitis E, yet another hepatitis virus, are to avoid dirty tap water and to follow good hygiene and sanitation practices, said Dr Rustam Khan, Consultant Gastroenterologist, AKUH. Hepatitis E is primarily spread through water contaminated by sewage. Dr Hasnain Shah, Consultant Gastroenterologist, AKUH said that this infection can be severe and may prove fatal in pregnant women, and advised them to be careful about drinking clean water and eating only well-cooked food during pregnancy.

KARACHI CITY GOVERNMENT ESTABLISH SPECIAL FUND FOR AFFECTED TRADERS

City District Government Karachi has established a special fund for prompt and quick rehabilitation of traders and shopkeepers who lost their all belongings in the fire incident at M.A Jinnah Road on Ashura.

This was announced by City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal in a well attended press conference held in the committee room of Civic Center on Wednesday. City Naib Nazim Nasreen Jalil, Senior Presiding Officer City Council Masood Mehmood, Leader of the council Muhammad Asif Siddiqui and member city council Sarwat Arif Advocate and Nadeem Hyat Hashmi Nazim Karachi were also present on this occasion.

On this occasion Nazim Karachi also appealed to government to compensate the trader’s community and shopkeepers as 50 percent cash payment and 50 percent loan without interest so that they could be rehabilitated as early as possible. He said that the fund is being established on the directive of Quaid-e-Tehreek Mr. Altaf Hussain and the city government has already opened account number 31618-0 for collection of donations in the Habib Bank, KMC Branch.

He said that Quaid-e-Tehreek had expressed desire for early rehabilitation of all the affectees and he had directed me and Naib City Nazim to establish this fund. City Nazim said that Quaid-e-Tehreek has a huge following and a large number of his workers and lovers would like to donate in this fund while the city government will also have a share in this fund. He also appealed to the people of Karachi to donate in this fund so that the affected business community could be rehabilitated soon.

Replying a question City Nazim said that the fire brigade has completed the fire extinguishing operation in the affected buildings of Bolton Market and the situation was totally under control. He however asked the people to avoid gathering in the affected area as their presence was creating hurdles in the swift working of fire brigade.

City Nazim said that Chamber of Commerce and Industry Karachi has also been involved in the fund established by city government and the collected money will be used through its representatives and the associations of business community. He also clarified that the city nazim or any coming administrator would have no role in its disbursement. Nazim Karachi said that our task will only be completed after full rehabilitation of all the affected traders and shopkeepers and till that time we will continue our efforts on a war footing basis. He said that the city government has also started survey of the losses suffered by the traders so that the total loss could be ascertained.

City Naib Nazim Nasreen Jalil said that the business community in Karachi was like the back bone of our economy and their loss would not be limited to themselves but adversely affect the whole economy of Pakistan. She said that we will have to work on emergency basis to combat this situation. City Naib Nazim demanded that the funds of crores of rupees allocated by federal government for rehabilitation of heritage should also be used for the restoration and reconstruction of heritage buildings at M.A Jinnah Road.

U.S. Embassy Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Muzaffarabad and Karachi

Islamabad - The U.S. Embassy in Pakistan condemns the terrorist attacks targeting innocent people during Muharram processions on Sunday and Monday in Muzaffarabad and Karachi.

We extend our condolences to the victims' families and friends, and to the Pakistani people. (Press Release)

KARACHI NAZIM DEMANDS FULL ENQUIRY OF FIRE INCIDENT

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has pledged to make Karachi the epitome of peace and harmony saying that the present conspiracy against the peace and prosperity of Karachi will be thwarted with mutual harmony and brotherhood.

Talking to media representatives on Tuesday at M.A Jinnah Road he said that the enemies had conspired to commit bloodshed in the peaceful and beautiful city of Pakistan. They wanted to bring the citizens against each other but we will foil this conspiracy with a show of mutual harmony and brotherhood.

City Nazim condemned the terrorist act in the main Ashura Procession and prayed for those martyred in the incident. He also prayed for quick recovery of the injured. He said that the enemy has attacked the only peaceful city of the country and tried to disrupt the peace process. Besides terrorist act the miscreants also torched hundreds of shops and buildings in the commercial hub of the city which caused a collateral damage to dozens of buildings and huge loss to citizens. He demanded thorough enquiry into the incident that has inflicted great loss to economy as well.

Giving the reasons for delay in the fire extinguishing operation City Nazim said that in all 300 locations from Light House to Bolton Market at M.A Jinnah Road were set on fire in the incident while the fire brigade was prevented to take immediate action as they opened fire on fire brigade vehicles and injured the firemen. Despite of that first of all we initiated rescue operation to save the residents stranded in buildings. He said that the presence of a good number of ware houses, storage of chemicals and plastic material and cloths also intensified the blaze.

Nazim Karachi said that besides using our own resources we also called for help to other organizations and the district nazim Hyderabad Knwar Naved was asked to provide the fire tenders and snorkel ladder on which he sent 5 fire tenders and a snorkel to Karachi to take part in the operation. The tanker service of KWSB was also used to supply water in enough quantity to fire tenders.

This may be noted that the City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal personally monitored the fire extinguish and rescue operation in Bolton Market and other locations at M.A Jinnah Road with DCO Karachi Javed Hanif and M.D KWSB. After reviewing the situation from Central Command and Control Center of City Government and issuing directives to officials he instantly reached the affected area at M.A Jinnah Road at 12 O’ Clock in the night and remained their till the next day while personally monitoring the operation.

LIFE-SAVING APPEAL (Running short of time)

My name is Najamuddin Ahmed and I am only 32 years old, married. I’ve been suffering from Lever Cancer (Hepatitis C) for past few years and now it’s on the last stage. The Doctors have suggested that I can only be survived by having a Liver Transplantation on an urgent basis as it’s the only option for end-stage liver disease. Hepatitis Cis considered as one of the expensive medical treatments. This transplantation facility is presently not available in Pakistan. In the region, liver transplants are done in India and China. In China it costs approximately Rs.50 lakhs (in Pak Rupees), whereas, in India it would cost Rs.22 lakhs (in Indian Rupees) equivalent to Rs.37 lakhs in Pak Rupees (1 Indian Rupee=1.68 Pak Rupee). As I belong to a middle class family, this amount is unaffordable for me and my family. Some of my relatives and neighbors are doing their hard in this regard and managed to collect Rs.16 lakhs, however, we are still running short of a hefty amount of Rs.21 lakhs.

The transplantation procedure requires a healthy living donor to donate a portion of liver, which is then transplanted into diseased liver. The donor’s liver regenerates within 4-6 weeks. Fortunately, my 18 years old nephew is ready to donate the required “tissues” from his liver.

I strongly request to all my brothers and sisters to kindly help me in saving my life and enable me to become a healthy part of this society. I pray that the Allah Almighty would give you the best reward against your favor and cooperation for this noble cause.

You can contact following doctors for the purpose of any inquiry or verification:

Dr.Mukesh kumar
Agha Khan Hospital, Karachi

Cell# +92-333-3599206

File no:135062

OPD Treatment

Dr. Zaigum Abbas & Dr. Mujahid
Assistants to Dr. Adeeb Rizvi
(SIUT)
Case number is 00-90-91

My Contact Details Bank Account Details:
House # A-117, Block-12, Gulberg,
F.B Aera, Karachi.
Cell# +92-300-200 1201

N.I.B Bank

Branch: F.B. Area, Karachi

Title of account: Najam uddin
Account no: 5029-0012874-0001

My scanned reports are attached for your reference

Contact persons
1. Anis Ahmed khan 0300-2078678 Brother in Law

2. Mehreen Masood 0302-2226842 Sister in law

Correspondence with Dr.Sanjiv Saigal (INDIA)
Dr. Sanjiv Saigal
MD, DM, DNB, MRCP(Edinburgh, UK), CCST(Gastroenterology, UK)
Liver Transplant Fellowship, King's College Hospital, London, UK

Chief Transplant Hepatologist
Consultant Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Rajinder Nagar, N.Delhi- 110060

Liver OPDs:
Room No. F 20, 12-2pm Daily, Phone: 42251754, 1755
Room No. 313A, 2-4pm Daily, Phone: 42251347
Mobile: 09811552928 E-mail: sanjivsaigal@hotmail.com, dr.saigal@hotmail.com
________________________________________
From: dr.saigal@hotmail.com
To: najam02@hotmail.com
Subject: Dr.SANJIV SAIGAL'S REPLY
Date: Monday, December 21, 2009 8:20:41 PM
Dear Mr. Najam,
The cost of liver transplant is about Rs. 21 to 22 Lacs (Indian Rupees). Your total stay in Delhi will be about 3 months. You have to bring your own family related donor. You can also talk to me on Phone: +91 9811552928.

Best wishes,
Dr. Sanjiv Saigal
________________________________________
From: sanjivsaigal@hotmail.com
To: dr.saigal@hotmail.com
Subject: FW: my reports,
Date: Tue, 8 Dec 2009 05:36:54 +0000
Dear Mr. Najam,
Thanks for you mail. In view of your advanced cirrhosis, you should come for liver transplant here. Please send your fax number and also the names of patient, donor and attendant who wish to come to Delhi.

With best wishes,
Dr. Sanjiv Saigal
________________________________________
From: dr.saigal@hotmail.com
To: najam02@hotmail.com
Subject: Dr. Saigal's Reply / Urgent
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2009 11:41:47 +0530


Dear Mr. Najam,
Thanks for sending me the reports of Mr. Najam. He has advanced hepatitis C related cirrhosis & he needs a liver transplantation. Please send me the name & passport number of those traveling to Delhi. So that we can send the appointment letter urgently. You can also talk to call me on Phone: +91 9811552928.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Sanjiv Saigal

PFUJ concerned over media-government tussle

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has urged the government, the media owners, the political parties and other democratic forces to shun their differences and unite to save the country from those elements who have waged an open war on the country and wanted to push it to the stone age.

Taking serious notice of the on-going tussle between the government and the free media, the PFUJ has appealed to the government and the media giants to take into account the prevailing situation in the country where all state organs, including the press, are under attack by terrorists.

The current state of affairs demands that all institutions in the country help calm down the situation and work jointly to strengthen democracy, and save the country from the wrath of non-state actors. It also said that efforts be made to put the country to the path of progress and prosperity.

The PFUJ took serious notice of on-going tussles between the government and the Geo / Jang group, adding that it was high time that such a tense situation is resolved with prudence in view of the precarious situation of the country.

Moreover, the PFUJ made it clear that any attempt to victimise the group would be taken very seriously.

The PFUJ also welcomed the prime minister’s assurance to media that “the government resects and values freedom of the press in Pakistan.”

During a discussion with media-persons on Thursday, the prime minister had apologized for the statements made by a few PPP leaders against a leading TV channel and an English language daily.

The PFUJ noted that the statements issued by such PPP leaders had vitiated the atmosphere and PM’s apology would help diffuse tension between government circles and Pakistan’s free media.

However, the PFUJ noted with concern that attempts are afoot to financially cripple Pakistan’s largest media conglomerate, the Jang Group.

The PFUJ observed that such tactics have never worked in the past and would not only damage government’s credibility, but would also jeopardize the livelihood of hundreds and thousands of workers associated with the Jang Group, directly or indirectly. Any attempt to snatch someone’s source of income and rendering people jobless is against PPP’s manifesto and its previous record, the PFUJ said.

The PFUJ also noted that certain elements were making attempts to create differences between the media and the democratic forces for their ulterior motives.

The PFUJ, which has a long history of struggle and had rendered sacrifices to safeguard the freedom of the media during successive military dictatorships, would continue its fight to protect the press freedom and democracy in Pakistan, it said.

To pursue these twin objectives, the PFUJ has asked the government to accept free media’s criticism with open heart which would help improve governance, accountability, transparency and socio-economic situation in the country. The PPP government has a good record to face the media with open heart and it should maintain such a tract record it would enhance its image within the country and abroad.

The PFUJ is optimistic that the PPP government, which has a history of sacrifices for a democratic Pakistan, would continue to follow the golden principles envisioned by its assassinated leadership, for the cause of democracy, rule of law, betterment of the oppressed and depressed classes.

“By facing media criticism boldly and by giving a mature response, it can improve governance. It would not only help democracy to flourish, but would also strengthen media-government relations in a democratic Pakistan”, the PFUJ added.

It was shocking for the PFUJ to observe that at this difficult time, the APNS and CPNE, the two representative bodies of the media conglomerates, have kept a mysterious silence, while the Jang Group has been singled out.

It is high time, that APNS, CPNE and media owners should also respect the rule of law, extend all the lawful benefits to their employees, ensure safety and protection of the media persons, life insurance and capacity building, the PFUJ said.

The PFUJ believes that the APNS and CPNE have failed to show their commitment to a free media and democracy by turning their back once again on this issue for their vested interest.

This is the same apathy and callousness which the APNS and CPNE have been displaying for years by denying financial rights in the shape of 7th Wage Award to newspaper employees while they were themselves building their huge empires, the PFUJ regretted.

The PFUJ urged the country’s largest and most credible media conglomerate to identify its real rivals, which are its own competitors in the industry, and not the working journalists.

These “friends in arms” are playing the role of a Trojan horse who want to pitch the government against the media to discredit the country’s largest media group by loudly propagating the “violations of code of conduct.”

The PFUJ believes that the Jang Group, which also has a glorious history of fighting for press freedom, must set its record straight by snapping ties with these tiny media groups who live as parasite on Jang Group’s standing and credibility.

The Jang Group can sink these industrial liabilities by extending the newspaper employees their rights. The PFUJ added.

CCPO KARACHI, POLICE OFFICIAL MONITOR 9TH MUHARRAM PROCESSION THROUGH COMMAND & CONTROL CENTER

City administration has been facilitated greatly due to the availability of Command & Control Center and surveillance cameras in its monitoring the area from Nishter Park to Tower during Muharram-ul-Haram. So far city government has installed 275 video cameras on different locations and 100 more will be installed within a week. No one can abolish this system in future as any such attempt would be resisted by the people who have owned this system.

This was stated by City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal while talking to media representatives on Saturday at Command & Control Center. Earlier he reviewed the city condition specially the situation at Nishter Park and M.A Jinnah Road during the 9th Muharram procession and afterwards attended the procession at M.A Jinnah Road and met with the organizers and religious leaders.

The CCPO Karachi Waseem Ahmed along with SSP Dr. Aamir Yousuf Zai and other police officers were also present on this occasion and inspected the main procession from the screens of command and control room.

City Nazim said that the present day challenges could not be dealt without using latest technology. City Government has provided this facility to administration that has helped and enabled them to monitor the condition of city during Muharram-ul-Haram. He said that the Nishter Park was now regarded as the key place for holding of religious and other people’s gatherings. This system was not specific to Muharram and has been established on permanent basis. All the entrance routes of Nishter Park and its internal area were being monitored completely.

City Nazim said that not only this system was helping the police but was also used to control the fire brigade, ambulance service 1122 and city wardens who are also on the ground. He said that the system could record the data for next 10 years and its capacity was being enhanced on regular basis. The area from Airport to Metropole Hotel and from Saddar to Safoora Chowk(Corridor III) will also include in the coverage area within a week.

The CCPO Karachi Waseem Ahmed on this occasion said that the city government’s command and control system was supported by latest technology and has been proved effective and helpful for Karachi Police. He said that the surveillance system could save the city from any possible terrorist act and the police and other law enforcement agencies could be informed instantly in case of any emergency situation. He also acknowledged the help and coordination received by police from the town nazmeen and the town administration in Karachi.

C&CC MONITOR EVERY INCH OF CITY: NAZIM KARACHI MUSTAFA KAMAL

City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that City Government has made best arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram. The police and CPLC has been provided access to city government’s Command & Control Room to monitor the whole area from Nishter Park to Tower with latest technology. City Government has provided such a latest system to citizens of Karachi that would enable city administration to monitor and check every inch of the city through surveillance video cameras.

He expressed these views after an inspection of the main routes for Muharram processions and while reviewing the monitoring arrangements at Command & Control Center on Saturday.

During the visit he was informed that on the advice of police, this year city government has not set up its camps on the routes of procession but the city wardens and fire brigade with concerned staff and necessary vehicles would remain on their duty at various designated locations.

City Nazim on this occasion said that staff of Sindh Police led by a senior police officer and the CPLC officials would monitor the city condition from C&CC for two days, adding that the city government has already finalized all the arrangements in this regard.

Nazim Karachi said that the whole area from Nishter Park to Tower particularly the M.A Jinnah Road holds much importance due to the holding of religious and political events. City Government has therefore arranged for the monitoring of every inch of this sensitive area and the system was not planned for only Muharram and other emergencies but was working round the clock in all 365 days.

He also expressed hope that the performance of police and other vigilance agencies would get better in future after getting access to the latest surveillance system installed at the city government’s C&CC. City Nazim said that this year too we have made excellent arrangements for Muharram-ul-Haram. Fire brigade, doctors, paramedical staff, ambulances, water and sewerage jetting machines and other facilities have been deployed on various locations so that they could be reached anywhere in case of emergency. During the visit City Nazim also directed for better sanitation in the area and availability of water through tanker service on a priority basis.

Meanwhile the City Government has deployed city wardens, Ambulance 1122, fire brigade and officials of KWSB at Missile Fuwwara Chowrangi and Preedy area in Saddar. The city wardens will also perform their duty in Kharadar, Radio Pakistan, Numaish, Ayesha Manzil, Nishter Park, Incholi, Jamia Sibtain, Abu Turab, Defence Phase IV and at all three signal free corridors.

KIHD LAUNCH TRAINING IN CARDIAC TECHNOLOGY

The Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases has launched training in cardiac technology under three year diploma program after its recognition from the College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan. Earlier a special team of CPSP comprising of senior cardiologists inspected KIHD and declared it an appropriate institute for cardiac teaching in cardiac technology. The institute will also be equipped with a cardiac nursing institute.

This was stated by the executive director of KIHD Dr. Abdus Samad while addressing the launching ceremony of diploma in cardiac technology. Those who attended the program included renowned cardiologist Professor S.M. Rab, City Nazim’s Coordinator for Health Affairs Masood Naqi, Principal KMDC Dr. Waqar Kazmi, EDO Health Dr. A.D Sajnani, members of governing body of KIHD and city government health committee. Executive Director Dr. Abdus Samad said that within a short period of three and half years KIHD has been transformed into a well standard cardiac institute of the city and all credit for this goes to City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal who has taken special interest in its up gradation from a small clinic to a medical complex. He said that a nursing institute will soon be added in the present set up of KIHD while the medical and surgical wards will also be started soon.

Speaking on the occasion EDO Health Dr. A.D. Sajnani said that it has been an honor for KIHD and City District Government Karachi that the institute has been recognized for cardiac teaching. This is the result of continuous efforts by City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal who had taken unprecedented steps for improvement in health sector during last four years. He said that despite of facing worst financial constraints City Government has managed to fulfill all requirements of its hospitals and medical institutes. Principal KMDC Dr. Waqar Kazmi said that the establishment of a well standard cardiac institute was a big achievement of city government. He said that the institute has been equipped with such a latest machinery that was not available at even private hospitals in Pakistan.

Renowned cardiologist Professor S.M. Rab in his address said that Karachi is a big city and the only cardiovascular institute had proved not enough for the requirement of the heart patients from every nook and corner of the city. He said that the institute was in fact like a dream come true for the people and it would surely serve the ailing humanity in a big way. He advised the students to take their studies seriously and set up new examples of excellence in this profession. He said that present was an era of latest technology and must have to equip ourselves with the latest technology. City Nazim Coordinator for Health Affairs Masood Naqi said that the present city government has taken exemplary steps in the health sector during last four years. The completion of second phase of KIHD has so far cost Rs600million.