Tuesday, August 31, 2010
CDGK receives Rs50 million for IDPs
The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has received another Rs50 million from the Sindh Relief Commissioner for providing facilities to the internally displaced persons (IDPs), Executive District Officer (EDO) Revenue CDGK Roshan Ali Shaikh informed The News on Monday.
He said that earlier the CDGK was given Rs34 million to this effect and now the total amount stands at Rs84 million. “Currently the city government is hosting around 48,000 flood affected persons at its 41 relief camps. Almost half of the relief camps have been established at government schools,” he said.
He said that 28,000 flood affectees were being provided basic facilities by the city government itself while the remaining 20,000 affectees were adopted by different welfare organisations. “These welfare organisations are taking care of the food supply and other items that are needed by the flood victims. Though the number of affectees is high but CDGK is managing issues in this regard quite comfortably,” he said.
The city government is planning to shift the flood victims to larger relief camps so that the education process can begin at these schools, he added. He said that two tent cites have already been established at Razaqabad and Hawkesbay by the CDGK and each consists of 450 tents. “Each of these tent cities is accommodating around 2500 IDPs. Another tent city would also be established at Hawkesbay,” he added.
When asked about the problems being faced by CDGK, he said that earlier it had faced problems regarding the provision of tents as they were supplied to upcountry for flood victims there. However, he said, CDGK has solved this problem with its own resources and decided to keep the IDPs in school buildings.
He said that earlier the CDGK was given Rs34 million to this effect and now the total amount stands at Rs84 million. “Currently the city government is hosting around 48,000 flood affected persons at its 41 relief camps. Almost half of the relief camps have been established at government schools,” he said.
He said that 28,000 flood affectees were being provided basic facilities by the city government itself while the remaining 20,000 affectees were adopted by different welfare organisations. “These welfare organisations are taking care of the food supply and other items that are needed by the flood victims. Though the number of affectees is high but CDGK is managing issues in this regard quite comfortably,” he said.
The city government is planning to shift the flood victims to larger relief camps so that the education process can begin at these schools, he added. He said that two tent cites have already been established at Razaqabad and Hawkesbay by the CDGK and each consists of 450 tents. “Each of these tent cities is accommodating around 2500 IDPs. Another tent city would also be established at Hawkesbay,” he added.
When asked about the problems being faced by CDGK, he said that earlier it had faced problems regarding the provision of tents as they were supplied to upcountry for flood victims there. However, he said, CDGK has solved this problem with its own resources and decided to keep the IDPs in school buildings.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Altaf against Martial Law; will oppose it if imposed
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Husain has said that he is against Martial Law and that he will oppose it in case it is imposed.
In an exclusive interview to senior Journalist Sohail Waraich in London, Altaf Hussain said selective accountability messed things up in Pakistan and that it would be wrong to target only President Zardari.
He called for formation of a government jointly by honest people and professionals, adding that people should rise for bringing about a revolution.
The MQM Chief’s recently issued a controversial statement in which he called upon ‘patriotic generals’ of Army to act against ‘corrupt politicians’ created a stir across the country, leading to fiery debates among politicians, analysts and representatives of civil society.
Altaf Husain, who has been in self-imposed exile in London for about the past 18 years, said he had been struggling for the cause of democracy for the past 32 years and that he had never supported a military rule or any undemocratic process.
He said he had always criticized any direct or indirect intervention/participation of the Army and ISI in the politics of the country.
“Nowhere during my entire speech had I mentioned imposition of Martial Law,” Altaf Hussain clarified, adding, he had only asked ‘patriotic generals’ to change the fate of the country by undertaking ‘Martial Law-like’ steps.
He said he would never retract from what he said and that he is not a coward.
MQM, he said, is a democratic party, ‘so how could it ever invite Martial Law in the country?’ MQM will always oppose imposition of Martial Law, he added.
Altaf Hussain noted that imposition of Martial Law had only led things from bad to worse. It was Martial Law regime that led to the dismemberment of the country and later a similar set up put Balochistan on the path of deterioration.
The exclusive interview can be watched on Geo News at 10:05 PM Saturday (August 28).
In an exclusive interview to senior Journalist Sohail Waraich in London, Altaf Hussain said selective accountability messed things up in Pakistan and that it would be wrong to target only President Zardari.
He called for formation of a government jointly by honest people and professionals, adding that people should rise for bringing about a revolution.
The MQM Chief’s recently issued a controversial statement in which he called upon ‘patriotic generals’ of Army to act against ‘corrupt politicians’ created a stir across the country, leading to fiery debates among politicians, analysts and representatives of civil society.
Altaf Husain, who has been in self-imposed exile in London for about the past 18 years, said he had been struggling for the cause of democracy for the past 32 years and that he had never supported a military rule or any undemocratic process.
He said he had always criticized any direct or indirect intervention/participation of the Army and ISI in the politics of the country.
“Nowhere during my entire speech had I mentioned imposition of Martial Law,” Altaf Hussain clarified, adding, he had only asked ‘patriotic generals’ to change the fate of the country by undertaking ‘Martial Law-like’ steps.
He said he would never retract from what he said and that he is not a coward.
MQM, he said, is a democratic party, ‘so how could it ever invite Martial Law in the country?’ MQM will always oppose imposition of Martial Law, he added.
Altaf Hussain noted that imposition of Martial Law had only led things from bad to worse. It was Martial Law regime that led to the dismemberment of the country and later a similar set up put Balochistan on the path of deterioration.
The exclusive interview can be watched on Geo News at 10:05 PM Saturday (August 28).
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
MQM submits two privilege motions against PML-N chief
MQM leader Farooq Sattar, on Wednesday asserted that his party has tabled two privilege motions in the National Assembly Secretariat against PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, regarding his exile from Pakistan. The first motion states that Nawaz Sharif never clarified the status of his exile before the nation, and that his deal with the dictators of that time should be made public, but was kept secret for seven years. While the second motion speaks against the non democratic behavior of the PML N, it says the party has always been in good relations with the Army, and that Mian Shahbaz Sharif and Chaudhary Nisar held secret meetings with the Amry Chief but they never took the nation into confidence regarding these meetings. Earlier the PML-N had submitted a privilege motion against MQM chief Altaf Hussain on Tuesday.
MQM to move motions against ‘corrupt legislators’
The Coordination Committee of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has decided to move privilege motions in both the houses for action against parliamentarians involved in loot and plunder of the national wealth.
The motions will be concurrently moved by the MQM parliamentarians in the National Assembly and the Senate. Plans have been finalised and soon the motions would be submitted in both the houses.
This was revealed by the MQM Coordination Committee member Mustafa Azizabadi on Tuesday from London. He said this was being done to counter the privilege motion moved by the PML-N in the National Assembly where the PML-N member had submitted a motion that the statement given by MQM chief Altaf Hussain was against the democratic institutions and it had hurt the respect and dignity of the house.
Mustafa said the MQM Coordination Committee meeting, held in London and Karachi on Tuesday, decided to counter the the motions of the PML-N. He said Altaf’s statement had been welcomed across the board.
Mustafa said the Coordination Committee also discussed in detail the present political situation and pledged to continue help and support to the flood victims. The PML-F chief, Pir Pagara, has also endorsed the statement of Altaf Hussain for martial law, a section of the press reported. However, JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman has criticised the statement given by the MQM chief.
The motions will be concurrently moved by the MQM parliamentarians in the National Assembly and the Senate. Plans have been finalised and soon the motions would be submitted in both the houses.
This was revealed by the MQM Coordination Committee member Mustafa Azizabadi on Tuesday from London. He said this was being done to counter the privilege motion moved by the PML-N in the National Assembly where the PML-N member had submitted a motion that the statement given by MQM chief Altaf Hussain was against the democratic institutions and it had hurt the respect and dignity of the house.
Mustafa said the MQM Coordination Committee meeting, held in London and Karachi on Tuesday, decided to counter the the motions of the PML-N. He said Altaf’s statement had been welcomed across the board.
Mustafa said the Coordination Committee also discussed in detail the present political situation and pledged to continue help and support to the flood victims. The PML-F chief, Pir Pagara, has also endorsed the statement of Altaf Hussain for martial law, a section of the press reported. However, JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman has criticised the statement given by the MQM chief.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Altaf asks ‘patriotic generals’ to act
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has demanded of ‘patriotic Pakistan Army generals’ to take action against corrupt politicians, as was done in the past martial laws in the country, saying “MQM will openly support such generals.”
He expressed these views during a telephonic address from London at an emergent meeting of workers held at Lal Qila Ground on Sunday. He said that in the past, no political leaders were held responsible for corruption, either in the interest of the US or the West by the Army generals who took over power.
Altaf said that the Army generals ruled Pakistan directly or indirectly through martial laws and for more than half of the age of the country. “If these Army generals can topple political and democratic governments, they should also bring a similar martial law to weed out these corrupt political leaders,” he stressed.
Altaf demanded that assets assessment of political leaders should be made to find out how they collected so much wealth and property. He also asked the ISI high-ups and patriotic Army generals“now we should decide once and for all that Pakistan will not take dictation from the USA and will not compromise over its solidarity and integrity”.
Lashing out at the foreign policy of the country, he said it was ineffective when compared with the policy of the neighbouring country. According to him, when the policymakers go abroad, they spend most of their time in shopping. Altaf said these generals were also unable to change the foreign policy.
Referring to the flood situation, he said flood had caused great devastation but a conspiracy was hatched by feudal lords to divert the direction of floodwaters to save their lands. He demanded that these landlords should be tried for this act of ìcrime against humanityî.
The MQM chief also appealed to the patriotic Army generals to stop supporting feudal lords and corrupt politicians for the sake of Pakistan. He also lauded the role of the Army in relief efforts and saving human lives.
He also underlined the need for a revolution similar to the French Revolution in the country and said the MQM would go for the accountability of corrupt politicians to bring back all the wealth of the country to the national exchequer.
Criticising the role of the United States, Altaf demanded of US President Barack Obama to review his policies and stop supporting feudal lords and extend support to the people of Pakistan.
He expressed these views during a telephonic address from London at an emergent meeting of workers held at Lal Qila Ground on Sunday. He said that in the past, no political leaders were held responsible for corruption, either in the interest of the US or the West by the Army generals who took over power.
Altaf said that the Army generals ruled Pakistan directly or indirectly through martial laws and for more than half of the age of the country. “If these Army generals can topple political and democratic governments, they should also bring a similar martial law to weed out these corrupt political leaders,” he stressed.
Altaf demanded that assets assessment of political leaders should be made to find out how they collected so much wealth and property. He also asked the ISI high-ups and patriotic Army generals“now we should decide once and for all that Pakistan will not take dictation from the USA and will not compromise over its solidarity and integrity”.
Lashing out at the foreign policy of the country, he said it was ineffective when compared with the policy of the neighbouring country. According to him, when the policymakers go abroad, they spend most of their time in shopping. Altaf said these generals were also unable to change the foreign policy.
Referring to the flood situation, he said flood had caused great devastation but a conspiracy was hatched by feudal lords to divert the direction of floodwaters to save their lands. He demanded that these landlords should be tried for this act of ìcrime against humanityî.
The MQM chief also appealed to the patriotic Army generals to stop supporting feudal lords and corrupt politicians for the sake of Pakistan. He also lauded the role of the Army in relief efforts and saving human lives.
He also underlined the need for a revolution similar to the French Revolution in the country and said the MQM would go for the accountability of corrupt politicians to bring back all the wealth of the country to the national exchequer.
Criticising the role of the United States, Altaf demanded of US President Barack Obama to review his policies and stop supporting feudal lords and extend support to the people of Pakistan.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
U.S Counselor Brian D. Hunt met Altaf Hussain in London
The floods in Pakistan, bilateral US-Pakistan relations, the role of Local government in
the relief efforts and the current political situation in Pakistan were broadly discussed in the meeting
US must never forget the bold sacrifices of the gallant nation of Pakistan-Altaf Hussain
MQM played a very pivotal and monumental role in the October 2005 earthquake-Brian Hunt
Former Consulate General of US in Lahore and currently a Political Liaison Officer at the US Embassy in Islamabad. Mr. Brian D Hunt had a comprehensive and detailed meeting with Founder and Leader of MQM Mr. Altaf Hussain at MQM international Secretariat in London. The meeting lasted for more than 3 hours, and the key issues discussed were the floods in Pakistan, bilateral US-Pakistan relations, the War on Terror, the role of the armed forces in the relief efforts for the flood victims, the role of Local government in the relief efforts and the current political situation in Pakistan.
The profound loss of lives and property was deeply felt by Mr. Brian Hunt. Mr. Altaf Hussain vividly expressed the fact to Mr Brian D Hunt that, the current floods and deluge has left millions of Pakistanis without food and shelter. The situation is getting dire with time and people are taking the risk of drinking the tainted water of the flood owing to lack of resources and aid. Rather these millions of souls, who have suffered heavily owing to the floods and deluge, are still in a very dismal state of affairs on a general basis. Mr Altaf Hussain, further stated that Pakistan’s citizens and armed forces are making pertinent sacrifices in the war on terror, and the west especially the US must never forget the bold sacrifices of the gallant nation of Pakistan.
Mr Altaf Hussain was of the view that now is the time that the international community, must unite and help Pakistan unconditionally and in a magnanimous manner, in it’s hour of need on fiscal and material basis, so that millions of lives can be saved and rehabilitated. Pakistan is passing through a very adverse situation, and members of the US Congress especially the Senate, must be quick in giving US aid to Pakistan and not link it in any manner with the Kerry-Lugar Bill. To a question of Mr. Hunt, Altaf Hussain responded that if the local body system was intact and functional the quantum of the damage to the people and property could have been reduced. The local body system was a guarantee parse, that the people’s mandate and benefit would be pursued on a prompt basis.
However Mr. Altaf Hussain was critical of US policy on some regional and geo-political issues, rather he suggested that US policy must be pragmatic with respect to the ground realities. MQM is the only secular, liberal and democratic party in Pakistan that not only represents the poor and middle class of the country. Also it is the only party that has stood against religious extremism since its inception and will continue to do so. MQM is striving for a more tolerant, liberal and democratic society at large. Mr. Hunt assured Altaf Hussain that the US honors and respects the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the war on terror. Mr. Hunt further went on to say, that the US shall never waiver in it’s support for Pakistan and shall continue to help Pakistan especially with these floods.
Mr. Hunt also stated that the MQM played a very pivotal and monumental role in the October 2005 earthquake, which was also a profound tragedy parse and is still upholding its track record in light of the floods. Members of the MQM central coordination committee were also present in the meeting.
Khitmat-e-Khalq Foundation has formed a vast network to help the flood victims
The Deputy Convener and Minister for overseas Pakistanis and Members of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) said that MQM’s Khitmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF) has formed a vast network to help the flood victims, any politics done without helping others is considered hypocrisy by the founder of the movement Altaf Hussain. He further said that several members of MQM and KKF are working to help the flood survivors. He said that aid amounting to almost Rs. 2 crores has already been sent to the respective camp, and more aid is at its final stage to be sent, and even today goods of Rs.1 crore will be sent.
He said that if time comes we will also keep the survivors in our houses, because that is our social, national, and religious duty. He expressed these thought during the press conference held at the head office of Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation (KKF). In this conference Members of MQM Coordination Committee Syed Shoaib Bukhari, Nasreen Jalil, Syed Mustafa Kamal, Wasay Jalil, Saleem Tajik, Kaif-ul-Wara, Tauseef Khanzada and elected representatives were present. He said that MQM believes in the philosophy “helping others in time of need is the best form of worship” and that the founder of the movement Altaf Hussain and MQM consider politics without helping others hypocrisy, rather they give priority to help over politics. In difficult times the activities and work of MQM’s Khitmat-e-Khalq Foundation is not hidden to anyone. May it be the earthquake in Azad Kashmir and NWFP, or Tsunami, or the destruction caused by torrential rains in different cities of Pakistan, or the famine in Balochistan, KKF have always helped by sending as much aid as possible worth of millions of rupees whic can be seen in previous records. Every year KKF takes the initiative to help and even today it can be seen that they are working with full zest.
He said that several cities of Pakistan have been flooded and the destruction is now being considered larger than the Tsunami on international front. The flood has affected all the 4 provinces where thousands of people have died, farms, houses, animals of worth millions have been destroyed. The survivors have no place to live. Mr. Altaf Hussain has been appealing that all political differences should be forgotten in such times, and everyone should come forward to help the ones in need. On the instruction of Mr. Altaf Hussain, MQM has donated 10 lac rupees for the affectees. He said that MQM and KKF are continuously working to help. As soon as the news of flood came, a camp was set up by the head office of KKF in Federal B. Area, where several workers and volunteers of the MQM and KKF are working continuously. In order to send the aid a vast network of KKF has been formed. In Sindh, base camps have been set up at Hyderabad and Sukkur. From Hyderabad base camp the aid is being sent to Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah, Jamshoro, Thatta and Dadu, while from the Sukkur base camp the aid is being sent to Kashmor, Shikarpur, Ghotki, Khairpur and Larkana. The same way several other base camps have been set up in different cities throughout the country, and the donations and aid is being sent countrywide. Along with this people have also been working to strengthen the banks of the rivers. With the help of sand and stones the banks have been strengthened enough to avoid further flooding, and if the MQM workers had not taken this step, there would be much more and worse flooding.
He said that KKF has already send aid of worth Rs. 2 crores (Twenty Million) to different cities of Pakistan and he is thankful that several able people from Karachi and other cities have given large sums of donation. The goods that are being sent include oil, rice, sugar, flour, mineral water, powdered milk, pulses, biscuits, soaps for bathing and washing, along with medicines, vaccines, bandages, clothes, quilts, blankets and sheets. Up till now several trucks with these goods have already been sent to different locations, while some of it has also been sent via trains. He said that we all are very thankful to the people who donated generously, by sending goods and money. We appeal to the people to come forward to help as much as they can. They can submit their donations at the head office of KKF, from where it will be sent forward via trucks. For further information they can also contact headquarters of MQM 90 Azizabad at 021-36313690 or 021-36329900 and the KKF head office at 021-36374882. Dr. Farooq Sattar has requested the President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and ministers of all the provinces to help the flood victims as much as they can in this time of need.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
City a paradise for beggars
With the first week of Ramzan closing in, the city is once again proving to be a paradise for beggars as they go around fleecing citizens.
According to a rough estimate, 0.6 million beggars are there in Karachi. This number is expected to increase by mid Ramzan. It’s not an unusual sight to see beggars with deformities, young children perched on footpaths or in the laps of women and quite a few able bodied men going around asking for money. Under the Lunacy Act, the beggars should be arrested and put behind bars. Similarly, under the Child Act, no one is allowed to force or use a child for begging. Though these laws exist on paper, it seems that there is no one there to implement them.
According to a survey conducted by this scribe, everyday 600 to 800 people arrive in the city through rail and road links and start working as beggars. A senior police officer, on the condition of anonymity said, “The beggar mafia brings these people in the city in collusion with the police. The mafia pays a huge amount per month to the area SHOs all over. These beggars are found on all major roads, foot paths, parks, mosques and grave yards.”
Tariq Road, Burns Road, Clifton, Defence, North Nazimabad, Federal B Area and Gulistan-e-Jauhar are some of the areas where these beggars can be seen working actively. The mafia has a complete hold on these beggars and places them at major markets where spot rates are high. No beggar can occupy a spot if he is not associated with the beggar mafia.
Most of the beggars can be found lounging under bridges and flyovers since these spots are cooler and shaded and hence saves them from the harsh sunlight. Beneath the flyovers, the beggars can be seen cooking, bathing and sleeping. Earlier, the community wardens conducted an operation against the beggars but now, with Ramzan underway, no action is being taken.
Most of the beggars hail from different parts of the country. It is worth noting that an estimated 0.1 million flood victims from Sindh have been provided shelter at various camps in Karachi. The beggars this scribe spoke with claimed to be flood victims and expressed deep concern about the damages in their areas. They claimed that their lands and villages have been washed away and they have nothing left and hence the turned to begging.
Farqir Malah from Mir Pur Sakro is living opposite the National Museum Pakistan. Talking this scribe, the beggar said, “This is a very good city. Yaha kaam karay baghair khana aur kapra milta haay (here we get food and clothes without working).” Malah said that he came to Karachi on the first day of Ramzan and started begging. “I am free from all worries. My family gets to eat all kinds of food and can have the iftar that is being served on the roads,” he said. As for their water and bathing needs, he informed that he gets water from nearby homes for their daily needs.
A young girl, Rehmat Bibi reluctantly agreed to talk to this scribe. She said that she arrived in Karachi before Ramzan with her entire family and all of them are now begging in different parts of the city. “I was a pauper before coming to this city. Now I have food and clothing. Also, money is not an issue. I provide loose change to the shopkeepers and make a good amount with this business,” she said. Talking about her begging business, Bibi said that the people in Karachi were very generous as they did not hesitate when it came to giving money be it fifty or hundred rupees. “At times, we get even larger amounts of money but there are times when we get little,” she added.
According to a rough estimate, 0.6 million beggars are there in Karachi. This number is expected to increase by mid Ramzan. It’s not an unusual sight to see beggars with deformities, young children perched on footpaths or in the laps of women and quite a few able bodied men going around asking for money. Under the Lunacy Act, the beggars should be arrested and put behind bars. Similarly, under the Child Act, no one is allowed to force or use a child for begging. Though these laws exist on paper, it seems that there is no one there to implement them.
According to a survey conducted by this scribe, everyday 600 to 800 people arrive in the city through rail and road links and start working as beggars. A senior police officer, on the condition of anonymity said, “The beggar mafia brings these people in the city in collusion with the police. The mafia pays a huge amount per month to the area SHOs all over. These beggars are found on all major roads, foot paths, parks, mosques and grave yards.”
Tariq Road, Burns Road, Clifton, Defence, North Nazimabad, Federal B Area and Gulistan-e-Jauhar are some of the areas where these beggars can be seen working actively. The mafia has a complete hold on these beggars and places them at major markets where spot rates are high. No beggar can occupy a spot if he is not associated with the beggar mafia.
Most of the beggars can be found lounging under bridges and flyovers since these spots are cooler and shaded and hence saves them from the harsh sunlight. Beneath the flyovers, the beggars can be seen cooking, bathing and sleeping. Earlier, the community wardens conducted an operation against the beggars but now, with Ramzan underway, no action is being taken.
Most of the beggars hail from different parts of the country. It is worth noting that an estimated 0.1 million flood victims from Sindh have been provided shelter at various camps in Karachi. The beggars this scribe spoke with claimed to be flood victims and expressed deep concern about the damages in their areas. They claimed that their lands and villages have been washed away and they have nothing left and hence the turned to begging.
Farqir Malah from Mir Pur Sakro is living opposite the National Museum Pakistan. Talking this scribe, the beggar said, “This is a very good city. Yaha kaam karay baghair khana aur kapra milta haay (here we get food and clothes without working).” Malah said that he came to Karachi on the first day of Ramzan and started begging. “I am free from all worries. My family gets to eat all kinds of food and can have the iftar that is being served on the roads,” he said. As for their water and bathing needs, he informed that he gets water from nearby homes for their daily needs.
A young girl, Rehmat Bibi reluctantly agreed to talk to this scribe. She said that she arrived in Karachi before Ramzan with her entire family and all of them are now begging in different parts of the city. “I was a pauper before coming to this city. Now I have food and clothing. Also, money is not an issue. I provide loose change to the shopkeepers and make a good amount with this business,” she said. Talking about her begging business, Bibi said that the people in Karachi were very generous as they did not hesitate when it came to giving money be it fifty or hundred rupees. “At times, we get even larger amounts of money but there are times when we get little,” she added.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
27 govt schools converted into relief camps
At least 27 public-sector schools have been converted into relief camps for the flood victims, who have come to the city from different areas to seek shelter, food and other necessities of life.
The initiative has been taken by the provincial government and defunct City District Government Karachi (CDGK) to provide a better environment to the flood affected people.
Out of the total 18 towns of the city, seven have been identified where such relief camps are being established, said project in-charge, and Additional Secretary Planning and Development, Ashfaq Qadri.
He told The News that about 9,125 internally displaced persons (IDP), 1527 males, 2,124 females, 2669 boys between the ages of five to 12 years and 2805 girls of the same age group, have arrived at the relief camps established at public sector schools. Most of the flood victims belong to Dadu, Jacobabad and Sukkur districts, he said.
Several schools in Bin Qasim, Korangi, Gadap, Saddar, Keamari, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Liaquatabad towns are hosting the flood victims where government authorities claim they are being provided facilities. The town administrations would assist the CDGK in providing clean drinking water and food to the people who have taken refuge at these camps, Qadri said. He in meanwhile added that the Education department of the CDGK is also responsible for taking care of the schools.
Officials claim that the flood victims are being provided with most of the basic facilities, the ground realities, however, demonstrate an entirely different picture. The News has learnt that many of the camps lack all kinds of facilities needed to provde relief to the hopeless IDPs. The Government Boys Primary School (GBPS), Ramzan Jogi, in the Gadap town has no drinking water and there is not a single toilet at the school’s premises. GBPS Chakra(S) and GBPS KTS-21 in the Korangi town also need basic facilities as both of the school though have one washroom each which, they are not usable. Similarly, GBPS Babul Islam in the Gadap town has no toilet and clean drinking water at all, while GBPS Abdul Raheem Goth has two toilets but only none of them is functional.
Qadri said that the camps have been established for at least a couple of weeks but the duration could be extended depending on the situation. Students of enrolled at these schools have temporarily been shifted to nearby schools so that they could continue their studies there, he said.
At least seven schools have been converted into relief camps only in the Bin Qasim town, whereas three schools in Korangi are currently serving as relief camps, he further said. Meanwhile, one school each in the Saddar, Liaquatabad and Keamari towns are hosting flood victims temporarily, while four schools of Gadap and 10 schools located in the Gulshan town are part of this project, Qadri gave details.
Meanwhile, the Director Academic and Training, Sindh Technical Educational and Vocational Authority, has announced that academic activities at three polytechnic institute of the city will remain suspended due to establishment of relief camps at the premises of these institutions. These institutions include Government College of Technology, SITE Karachi, Pakistan Swedish Polytechnic Institute, Landhi, and Government Monotechnic Institute, Razakabad.
Principals of these institutions will depute their teaching and non-teaching staff for round the clock safety and security of the premises, equipment and machinery and will remain in close co-ordination with the Revenue department, government of Sindh, Qadri said.
The initiative has been taken by the provincial government and defunct City District Government Karachi (CDGK) to provide a better environment to the flood affected people.
Out of the total 18 towns of the city, seven have been identified where such relief camps are being established, said project in-charge, and Additional Secretary Planning and Development, Ashfaq Qadri.
He told The News that about 9,125 internally displaced persons (IDP), 1527 males, 2,124 females, 2669 boys between the ages of five to 12 years and 2805 girls of the same age group, have arrived at the relief camps established at public sector schools. Most of the flood victims belong to Dadu, Jacobabad and Sukkur districts, he said.
Several schools in Bin Qasim, Korangi, Gadap, Saddar, Keamari, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Liaquatabad towns are hosting the flood victims where government authorities claim they are being provided facilities. The town administrations would assist the CDGK in providing clean drinking water and food to the people who have taken refuge at these camps, Qadri said. He in meanwhile added that the Education department of the CDGK is also responsible for taking care of the schools.
Officials claim that the flood victims are being provided with most of the basic facilities, the ground realities, however, demonstrate an entirely different picture. The News has learnt that many of the camps lack all kinds of facilities needed to provde relief to the hopeless IDPs. The Government Boys Primary School (GBPS), Ramzan Jogi, in the Gadap town has no drinking water and there is not a single toilet at the school’s premises. GBPS Chakra(S) and GBPS KTS-21 in the Korangi town also need basic facilities as both of the school though have one washroom each which, they are not usable. Similarly, GBPS Babul Islam in the Gadap town has no toilet and clean drinking water at all, while GBPS Abdul Raheem Goth has two toilets but only none of them is functional.
Qadri said that the camps have been established for at least a couple of weeks but the duration could be extended depending on the situation. Students of enrolled at these schools have temporarily been shifted to nearby schools so that they could continue their studies there, he said.
At least seven schools have been converted into relief camps only in the Bin Qasim town, whereas three schools in Korangi are currently serving as relief camps, he further said. Meanwhile, one school each in the Saddar, Liaquatabad and Keamari towns are hosting flood victims temporarily, while four schools of Gadap and 10 schools located in the Gulshan town are part of this project, Qadri gave details.
Meanwhile, the Director Academic and Training, Sindh Technical Educational and Vocational Authority, has announced that academic activities at three polytechnic institute of the city will remain suspended due to establishment of relief camps at the premises of these institutions. These institutions include Government College of Technology, SITE Karachi, Pakistan Swedish Polytechnic Institute, Landhi, and Government Monotechnic Institute, Razakabad.
Principals of these institutions will depute their teaching and non-teaching staff for round the clock safety and security of the premises, equipment and machinery and will remain in close co-ordination with the Revenue department, government of Sindh, Qadri said.
KPT pledges Rs12 million for flood victims
Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri has said that all political parties must unite and help the flood victims at this crucial stage.
The minister, who is also a member of MQM’s Coordination Committee, said this while addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday. “The leaders must avoid issuing statements that raise ethnic hatred against each other. Also, every person must come forward to help the flood victims,” he said.
Talking about the efforts undertaken by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), he said, “KPT has allocated Rs 12 million for the rehabilitation of the affectees. The staff of KPT and Port Qasim along with the CDGK is working round the clock to help the flood victims. All possible resources will be utilised to rehabilitate these flood victims.” About the measure being undertaken, he said that various camps were being established in the city. “KPT is in direct contact with the CDGK as the latter has the sole responsibility of establishing the camps. In a meeting on Thursday, CDGK will lay out the requirements and we will act accordingly,” he added. He further said, “My team will also visit various camps established in the city. Also, former DCO Karachi Javed Hanif is coordinating and helping us at these camps.”
Ghauri informed that he also met with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan on Tuesday and held a detailed discussion regarding the relief efforts. “The governor has assured us all out cooperation in this regard,” he said.
Lashing out at the feudal lords, he said, “They should accommodate these flood victims in their bungalows in Defence and other posh localities. I have not seen the flood affected people being accommodated at an Autaq of these feudal lords.
The feudals should donate generously at this critical moment.”
Replying to a question regarding Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza’s claim of being a ‘badmash’, he said, “He is either a PPP badmash or a badmash of Pakistan!”
Ghauri said that as a minister it was not a proper word to use the word publicly. “We have also received several calls from people about the use of the word badmash. Mirza has hurt the emotions of the nation and he should tender an apology for using this crude word,” he said. He further said that he was not sure as to why Mirza would use such a word publicly.
The minister, who is also a member of MQM’s Coordination Committee, said this while addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday. “The leaders must avoid issuing statements that raise ethnic hatred against each other. Also, every person must come forward to help the flood victims,” he said.
Talking about the efforts undertaken by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), he said, “KPT has allocated Rs 12 million for the rehabilitation of the affectees. The staff of KPT and Port Qasim along with the CDGK is working round the clock to help the flood victims. All possible resources will be utilised to rehabilitate these flood victims.” About the measure being undertaken, he said that various camps were being established in the city. “KPT is in direct contact with the CDGK as the latter has the sole responsibility of establishing the camps. In a meeting on Thursday, CDGK will lay out the requirements and we will act accordingly,” he added. He further said, “My team will also visit various camps established in the city. Also, former DCO Karachi Javed Hanif is coordinating and helping us at these camps.”
Ghauri informed that he also met with Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan on Tuesday and held a detailed discussion regarding the relief efforts. “The governor has assured us all out cooperation in this regard,” he said.
Lashing out at the feudal lords, he said, “They should accommodate these flood victims in their bungalows in Defence and other posh localities. I have not seen the flood affected people being accommodated at an Autaq of these feudal lords.
The feudals should donate generously at this critical moment.”
Replying to a question regarding Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza’s claim of being a ‘badmash’, he said, “He is either a PPP badmash or a badmash of Pakistan!”
Ghauri said that as a minister it was not a proper word to use the word publicly. “We have also received several calls from people about the use of the word badmash. Mirza has hurt the emotions of the nation and he should tender an apology for using this crude word,” he said. He further said that he was not sure as to why Mirza would use such a word publicly.
Suspects in MPA Haider’s assassination held: police
| Accused are alleged to be members of banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and involved in many other murders |
| By Salis bin Perwaiz |
| The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Sindh, arrested on Tuesday two alleged activists of the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LJ) who had allegedly been involved in the murder of the Muttahida MPA, Raza Haider, as well as many others during a spate of sectarian violence. They also recovered arms, explosives and other items. This was stated by the Provincial Police Officer of Sindh, Babar Khattak, while talking to the press on Wednesday. Giving the sequence of the events that led to the arrest of the accused, Khattak said that directives had been issued to the Additional Inspector-General of Police of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Sindh, Saud Mirza, to arrest those involved in the sectarian killings in the city recently. In this regard, the Additional IG of CID directed his subordinates, SSPs Mohammed Aslam Khan and Mohammed Fayyaz Khan, to expand their network and solve the cases of sectarian killings in the city and arrest those behind them. During the course of the investigation, the teams, under the supervision of the SSPs, raided a hideout of the banned religious outfit in Orangi Town, and, after a brief encounter, arrested Waseem alias Baroodi and Abdullah alias Taimur alias Darzee while their companion fled under the cover of fire. Moreover, the police recovered one Kalashnikov, two 9mm pistols, 100 kilogrammes of RDX explosives, two RPG rockets, 30 meters of detonating cord, five bundles of electric wire and one CG-125 motorcycle during the search of the hideout. The accused were taken to the investigation unit. The investigators who had interrogated the suspects said that Waseem Baroodi, a resident of Orangi Town, had joined the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in 2000 and was allegedly assigned to work under the Shakeel Burmi group of the LJ to carry out sectarian killings. He had been arrested in 2001 in cases of sectarian killings but was later released in 2007. However, he again allegedly got involved in sectarian killings under the command of Shakeel Burmi and was again arrested by a CID team under SSP Fayyaz Khan in 2009. He had recently gotten a bail and became the Amir of the group, and again went back to his old practices. They added that accused Baroodi had presently been residing in Azizabad and “is a local resident of Karachi”. The investigators said that accused Abdullah alias Taimur’s family hailed from Sialkot but he had been born in Karachi and was residing with his family in Sukhan. They added that Taimur was a tailor by profession, running a shop in his locality. In 2005, he had had some differences with an adjacent shopkeeper, a barber, who used to play some recordings of different “Allamas”, and they disputed over the issue on several occasions which ultimately ended in Taimur killing the barber and fleeing to Sukkur where he joined the LJ. He was arrested by the police in Kashmore (Sindh) with a suicide jacket but was later released on bail. He returned to Karachi and allegedly started working with Waseem Baroodi. During the probe the two accused told the police that they belonged to the LJ and they had been told to take revenge of their leaders’ killings. And so they drew a plan and went on a murder spree, killing Dr Syed Abbas Haider in SITE area on May 10, 2010, Asif Raza on June 1 in Rizvia police limits and Junaid Shakir in Bilal Colony on June 3. Syed Shahzad Raza was targeted in New Town on June 9, Naseer Hussain Jaffer in Nazimabad on June 12 and Anees Hussain Jaffery in Jackson police limits on July 9. They also killed Fayyaz Rizvi in Iqbal Market on July 6, 2010. The terrorists then killed MQM’s MPA, Raza Haider, and his guard, PC Khalid, in Nazimabad on August 2, 2010. Their other alleged victims were Agha Abid Sherazi who had been killed in Ferozeabad on August 10, Zakir Hussain in Ferozeabad on August 11 and Mirza Khadim Hussain in Nazimabad. The empties recovered from the scene of crimes and those recovered from the possessions of the suspects bore similarities after a forensic test, the police claimed. Besides, they said that the sketches issued after the crime also confirmed that the arrested suspects were the real culprits. Meanwhile, Rs1,000,000 has been announced for the police team which arrested the suspects. |
CDGK sends SOS for 5,000 tents
The City District Government Karachi (CDGK) has asked the provincial government to provide at least 5,000 tents immediately as the situation at the relief camps for the displaced people in the metropolis is getting from bad to worse, it is learnt by The News on Wednesday.
The Administrator/DCO of Karachi, Fazlur Rehman, in his letter to the chief secretary of Sindh, said that the chief minister of Sindh had agreed at a meeting at the CM House on 14th August to provide relief in the shape of tents and cash, but not a single penny had been provided thus far.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), however, has provided 1,500 tents.
The Karachi DCO had also drawn attention of the provincial government to the security situation at the IDPs’ camps.
Saying that a large number of the IDPs had arrived at Gadap, Bin Qasim Town and Hawkes Bay camps, he apprehended that some unknown elements and political activists were “likely to create an untoward situation” there which might trigger a serious law and order situation.
The DCO asked the provincial government to direct the IGP and the commander of Rangers to provide full security at the camps and to the staff working there.
Meanwhile, a provincial government spokesman said that 454,000 flood victims were being looked after at 983 government relief camps.
The victims were being provided food, medical cover and other necessary facilities.
Mobile units were also providing medical and other facilities to the people in different parts of the province.
DISCIPLINE AT RELIEF CAMPS: The General-Secretary of Pakistan People’s Party (Sindh), Taj Haider, has emphasized the need for maintaining a high level of discipline at all the relief camps for flood victims.
In a statement, he said that the reports that men push women and children aside in a scramble for food, the weak and the sick went hungry while the strong took much more than their needs, and that the jostling for food resulting in its going waste and the police having to step in to control the situation were “very disappointing and disturbing”.
Haider asked the administration and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) volunteers working at the camps to ensure that women and children were served first and that the weak and the sick were attended to.
He asked the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) volunteers to make sure that everyone in the camp got food.
Taj Haider said that the real task before the government would be to rehabilitate the victims after the flood had passed.
“This is a government of the people, and whatever resources are available are being used in the service of the people,” the PPP leader further said.
The Administrator/DCO of Karachi, Fazlur Rehman, in his letter to the chief secretary of Sindh, said that the chief minister of Sindh had agreed at a meeting at the CM House on 14th August to provide relief in the shape of tents and cash, but not a single penny had been provided thus far.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), however, has provided 1,500 tents.
The Karachi DCO had also drawn attention of the provincial government to the security situation at the IDPs’ camps.
Saying that a large number of the IDPs had arrived at Gadap, Bin Qasim Town and Hawkes Bay camps, he apprehended that some unknown elements and political activists were “likely to create an untoward situation” there which might trigger a serious law and order situation.
The DCO asked the provincial government to direct the IGP and the commander of Rangers to provide full security at the camps and to the staff working there.
Meanwhile, a provincial government spokesman said that 454,000 flood victims were being looked after at 983 government relief camps.
The victims were being provided food, medical cover and other necessary facilities.
Mobile units were also providing medical and other facilities to the people in different parts of the province.
DISCIPLINE AT RELIEF CAMPS: The General-Secretary of Pakistan People’s Party (Sindh), Taj Haider, has emphasized the need for maintaining a high level of discipline at all the relief camps for flood victims.
In a statement, he said that the reports that men push women and children aside in a scramble for food, the weak and the sick went hungry while the strong took much more than their needs, and that the jostling for food resulting in its going waste and the police having to step in to control the situation were “very disappointing and disturbing”.
Haider asked the administration and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) volunteers working at the camps to ensure that women and children were served first and that the weak and the sick were attended to.
He asked the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) volunteers to make sure that everyone in the camp got food.
Taj Haider said that the real task before the government would be to rehabilitate the victims after the flood had passed.
“This is a government of the people, and whatever resources are available are being used in the service of the people,” the PPP leader further said.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
3,000 flood victims leave CDGK camp voluntarily
More than 3,000 flood victims voluntarily left the relief camp set up by City District Government Karachi (CDGK) at the Workers Welfare Board Flats in Gadap Town after Nadra started registering the flood affectees.
According to a press release issued by the CDGK, at this particular camp the city government is presently providing facilities to 8,860 affectees. Administrator Karachi Fazlur Rehman, during an informal talk with the media representatives on Tuesday, said that more than 20 thousand people were staying in the relief camps of the CDGK till Monday evening.
After the exit of 3,140 people who left the camp voluntarily, the total number of people in city government relief camps is now 18,695. This number is expected to increase with the arrival of a train carrying another 1600 people as well as more victims heading towards Karachi in buses.
Administrator Karachi said that the city government has completed arrangements for the provision of accommodation to all flood affectees, adding that he personally visits these camps daily while more than 5 EDOs have been assigned various duties in the relief camps. He said that CDGK has limited funding while thanking the welfare organisations and citizens for taking part in relief activities. He specially cited the names of renowned entrepreneur Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, President Sailani Welfare Trust Yousuf Lakhani and Honorary Secretary of Arts Council of Pakistan Ahmed Shah for accepting the responsibility of providing food to the flood affectees in relief camps.
Meanwhile, Rehman issued directives for the transfer of at least 20 sanitary workers each to Gadap, Bin Qasim and Keamari Town from other towns so that the cleanliness condition in relief camps could improve further.
During a visit of the relief camp at Workers Welfare Board Flats in Gadap Town he stressed the need of more improvement in sanitation condition and appointment of a 40 member team for cleaning work on 24 hour basis. On this occasion he also met with the affectees and assured them all possible help and support.
The revenue officials informed the administrator about the setting up of a makeshift hospital in the camp with the provision of first aid facilities.
According to a press release issued by the CDGK, at this particular camp the city government is presently providing facilities to 8,860 affectees. Administrator Karachi Fazlur Rehman, during an informal talk with the media representatives on Tuesday, said that more than 20 thousand people were staying in the relief camps of the CDGK till Monday evening.
After the exit of 3,140 people who left the camp voluntarily, the total number of people in city government relief camps is now 18,695. This number is expected to increase with the arrival of a train carrying another 1600 people as well as more victims heading towards Karachi in buses.
Administrator Karachi said that the city government has completed arrangements for the provision of accommodation to all flood affectees, adding that he personally visits these camps daily while more than 5 EDOs have been assigned various duties in the relief camps. He said that CDGK has limited funding while thanking the welfare organisations and citizens for taking part in relief activities. He specially cited the names of renowned entrepreneur Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, President Sailani Welfare Trust Yousuf Lakhani and Honorary Secretary of Arts Council of Pakistan Ahmed Shah for accepting the responsibility of providing food to the flood affectees in relief camps.
Meanwhile, Rehman issued directives for the transfer of at least 20 sanitary workers each to Gadap, Bin Qasim and Keamari Town from other towns so that the cleanliness condition in relief camps could improve further.
During a visit of the relief camp at Workers Welfare Board Flats in Gadap Town he stressed the need of more improvement in sanitation condition and appointment of a 40 member team for cleaning work on 24 hour basis. On this occasion he also met with the affectees and assured them all possible help and support.
The revenue officials informed the administrator about the setting up of a makeshift hospital in the camp with the provision of first aid facilities.
MQM cancels Iftar parties
Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain has cancelled all Iftar parties that were to be held during the month of Ramazan in order to express solidarity with the people affected by floods. He announced that money saved from canceling the Iftar parties will be deposited into the relief fund for the flood victims.He expressed his grief over the loss of lives and property caused by the calamity. Meanwhile, the MQM Khidmat-e-Khalq foundation is carrying out relief efforts for the flood affected people. It has appealed to the well-off people to generously donate for the victims.
Flood victim kills son out of frustration
In a heart wrenching incident that occurred at the Razaqabad Camp late Monday night, a mother killed her one-year-old son after beating him out of anger and frustration.
Standing near the medical camp, Abida Bibi was being consoled by Dr Zahida Mirani, a general practitioner at the Landhi General Hospital, who was stunned after looking at the condition of the woman.
Oblivious to her surrounding, Abida kept repeating in Sindhi that she had killed her son. However, minutes later she changed her earlier statement by saying that he had drowned in deep water while they were on their way towards the camp.
“She is mentally ill or appears to be in shock by what she has done,” said the doctor.
Abida, a young woman of 28, was heard screaming and hitting something around midnight when some people went near her camp to check what was happening. An old man saw her beating her son who was crying continuously. The old man said that they called the police, who looking at the condition of the woman, let her go and the baby was buried in a nearby graveyard.
Speaking about the plight of the people living in camps, Dr Mirani said, “Even after giving them medication, we are not sure if they are taking care of themselves and we cannot push them to do so. The amount of stress they have to go through after leaving their home and hearth is something we cannot understand at all.” The doctor said that a day back she sent a four months pregnant woman to a hospital because she was suffering from severe bleeding. “This is all related to depression, the people around here, especially women are not sure about their future and although there are female doctors now we are not enough to deal with them one on one,” she explained.
Abida, who is presently living in the camp, has two more kids and her husband is worried that she might attack them too. “I cannot say anything at the moment as I don’t know what her condition is going to be like in the next few days,” he said.
“Unmet physical needs and the stress of relocating to a new and strange place triggers intense responses among people, precipitating anger and irritation,” eminent psychiatrist and educationist, Syed Haroon Ahmed explained. He added that this particular case is related to psychosomatic disorders in which hypertension and physical ailments, for instance lack of sleep and constant disturbance, can trigger an impulsive action. “But most of such disorders surface after a few weeks. If they are occurring now it calls for swift action in providing rehabilitation for the people suffering silently at the moment,” he added. Haroon Ahmed along with his colleagues is preparing a team of volunteers who can give counselling to the patients suffering from post-traumatic stress.
Gastro and other diseases: Cases of diarrhea and gastroenteritis are on the rise in the Razaqabad camp, said Dr Zahida Mirani, a doctor from the Landhi General Hospital, presently deputed at the camp.
The medical camp, which was put up a day ago, has so far received 382 patients, according to Dr Mirani. Sitting in a government camp with four of her colleagues from the Landhi Hospital, she said that a majority of people she has received suffer from stomach flu and diarrhea. When asked to give an estimate as to how many patients of gastroenteritis she has received, she said, “The number exceeds 100 as every other patient, be it a child or adult, is suffering from extreme stomach flu.”
The doctor said that there were chances that the disease will increase in the coming days because of poor hygienic conditions at the camp. Apart from gastroenteritis and diarrhea, skin infections and high fever is also common among the people as they line up for their second check up in two days. According to the doctor, there are around 200 patients with skin infections and most of them, usually children, are getting it from their family members.
Looking around the camp, she pointed towards a public toilet that was being built at that time. “This is the fifth day that we are here and it is today that a public toilet is being put up.” She said that everyone, young and old alike, go in the bushes when they feel the need and as a result there was a very bad odour emanating from that area. “Those who do not find a place, they use any place they deem proper,” explained the doctor.
Other doctors seated in the medical camp said that this camp was just to fulfil the basic needs of the people and in case of emergencies they refer the cases to different hospitals. Dr Mirani, understanding the need of a medical camp, insisted on her point that poor hygienic condition was the main cause for many of the patients to go into a relapse after a while.
Home to some 5,000 displaced people, the camp is getting full by the hour as it keeps on receiving more people from Jacobabad and connecting districts. According to Revenue officers deputed at the camp, 1,000 people are expected to come to these areas as well which the doctors say is a cause for worry, as it will raise the chances of more infections coming in.
In one of the camps, a 70 year old man is frustrated as his wife is ill and he has not been provided with an ambulance as yet. Inayat Khatoon, 60, is an arthritis patient who had to be taken to a hospital because of her illness. Getting rueful, he said that no matter how much he screams or shouts for things at the end of the day he is a displaced person with no home or belonging. “If given a chance, I’ll go back to my home no matter what happens. I can not live the life of a beggar!” he said.
Standing near the medical camp, Abida Bibi was being consoled by Dr Zahida Mirani, a general practitioner at the Landhi General Hospital, who was stunned after looking at the condition of the woman.
Oblivious to her surrounding, Abida kept repeating in Sindhi that she had killed her son. However, minutes later she changed her earlier statement by saying that he had drowned in deep water while they were on their way towards the camp.
“She is mentally ill or appears to be in shock by what she has done,” said the doctor.
Abida, a young woman of 28, was heard screaming and hitting something around midnight when some people went near her camp to check what was happening. An old man saw her beating her son who was crying continuously. The old man said that they called the police, who looking at the condition of the woman, let her go and the baby was buried in a nearby graveyard.
Speaking about the plight of the people living in camps, Dr Mirani said, “Even after giving them medication, we are not sure if they are taking care of themselves and we cannot push them to do so. The amount of stress they have to go through after leaving their home and hearth is something we cannot understand at all.” The doctor said that a day back she sent a four months pregnant woman to a hospital because she was suffering from severe bleeding. “This is all related to depression, the people around here, especially women are not sure about their future and although there are female doctors now we are not enough to deal with them one on one,” she explained.
Abida, who is presently living in the camp, has two more kids and her husband is worried that she might attack them too. “I cannot say anything at the moment as I don’t know what her condition is going to be like in the next few days,” he said.
“Unmet physical needs and the stress of relocating to a new and strange place triggers intense responses among people, precipitating anger and irritation,” eminent psychiatrist and educationist, Syed Haroon Ahmed explained. He added that this particular case is related to psychosomatic disorders in which hypertension and physical ailments, for instance lack of sleep and constant disturbance, can trigger an impulsive action. “But most of such disorders surface after a few weeks. If they are occurring now it calls for swift action in providing rehabilitation for the people suffering silently at the moment,” he added. Haroon Ahmed along with his colleagues is preparing a team of volunteers who can give counselling to the patients suffering from post-traumatic stress.
Gastro and other diseases: Cases of diarrhea and gastroenteritis are on the rise in the Razaqabad camp, said Dr Zahida Mirani, a doctor from the Landhi General Hospital, presently deputed at the camp.
The medical camp, which was put up a day ago, has so far received 382 patients, according to Dr Mirani. Sitting in a government camp with four of her colleagues from the Landhi Hospital, she said that a majority of people she has received suffer from stomach flu and diarrhea. When asked to give an estimate as to how many patients of gastroenteritis she has received, she said, “The number exceeds 100 as every other patient, be it a child or adult, is suffering from extreme stomach flu.”
The doctor said that there were chances that the disease will increase in the coming days because of poor hygienic conditions at the camp. Apart from gastroenteritis and diarrhea, skin infections and high fever is also common among the people as they line up for their second check up in two days. According to the doctor, there are around 200 patients with skin infections and most of them, usually children, are getting it from their family members.
Looking around the camp, she pointed towards a public toilet that was being built at that time. “This is the fifth day that we are here and it is today that a public toilet is being put up.” She said that everyone, young and old alike, go in the bushes when they feel the need and as a result there was a very bad odour emanating from that area. “Those who do not find a place, they use any place they deem proper,” explained the doctor.
Other doctors seated in the medical camp said that this camp was just to fulfil the basic needs of the people and in case of emergencies they refer the cases to different hospitals. Dr Mirani, understanding the need of a medical camp, insisted on her point that poor hygienic condition was the main cause for many of the patients to go into a relapse after a while.
Home to some 5,000 displaced people, the camp is getting full by the hour as it keeps on receiving more people from Jacobabad and connecting districts. According to Revenue officers deputed at the camp, 1,000 people are expected to come to these areas as well which the doctors say is a cause for worry, as it will raise the chances of more infections coming in.
In one of the camps, a 70 year old man is frustrated as his wife is ill and he has not been provided with an ambulance as yet. Inayat Khatoon, 60, is an arthritis patient who had to be taken to a hospital because of her illness. Getting rueful, he said that no matter how much he screams or shouts for things at the end of the day he is a displaced person with no home or belonging. “If given a chance, I’ll go back to my home no matter what happens. I can not live the life of a beggar!” he said.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Out in the open, waiting for relief
Huddled at a muddy ground in Mehmoodabad, Rukhsana and her seven children, residents of Muzaffargarh district, rejoiced biryani, their first proper meal in ten days after floodwaters ravaged their village and left them penniless, starved and homeless.
“Stranded on a mud dune, we saw our homes, our lands, and our livestock being swallowed by the deadly waters. Even though we have nothing left to call of our own and are living in this cramped camp alongside buffaloes and innumerable flies, we consider ourselves extremely lucky to have survived the disaster,” she said.
At Marawat ground in Mehmoodabad, around 150 flood-affected people, mostly comprising women and minor children have sought refuge as the influx of migrants from the affected areas has increased.
“No one from the government informed us when the floods were coming. We left our homes only after water gushed into the village.”
In this chaotic situation, Rukhsana lost touch with her brothers and several relatives. Sitting next to her, a girl Aasia also said that the floods had separated her elder sister from her. “I am very worried as I don’t know where she is,” cried the 20-year-old.
The camp housing a number of refugees portrayed a heartrending sight as men and women consoled one another and shared each others grievances over the loss of lives and possessions.
Sitting on a charpoy, an elderly Haji Badal said, “Never in my life had I seen such a horrifying sight. Men and women were fighting against the waters in a bid to survive. We remained without food most of the time, and survived of morsels or any piece of edible anyone could lay their hands own.”
Fanning her child to sleep, Mumtaz, hailing from village Saiful Khan, Kashmore, demanded that proper shelter be provided to them by the government.
“We cannot go back as there is no trace left of our village and thus want a proper house here. When the floods overtook our village, we escaped and took shelter on a main road which connects Kandhkot to Karachi. When we came here six days ago, there was no facility for us and we broke our fast with roti.” However, now a medical desk has been set up in the camp by Jamshed Town officials and the civil society is providing them with water and cooked food.
A representative of the community Muhammad Yaqoob told The News that they managed to save around 10 animals while some 50-60 were swept away and the others were sold to pay for transportation.
“Instead of helping us out, the trailer drivers took advantage of our situation and demanded Rs 80,000-90,000 for bringing us to Karachi from Kandhkot. Whatever money we had, we paid to them,” he said, worriedly.
Yaqoob demanded that security and protection be provided to them in the wake of an untoward incident on Friday night, when armed men harassed and threatened them of dire consequences if they would not vacate the ground.
“We request the government to protect us as we fear that they will come back again and threaten us. We have not taken over the ground. We are just a bunch of helpless people who have unwillingly sought refugee,” he explained.
As misery surrounds these victims, the little ones remained oblivious of the crises situation back home and wished to return home. One of them, Safia, an eight-year-old, said, “I want to go back to my home and to my school. I don’t like it here as I don’t have a bed to sleep and I don’t have any toys,” complained the little girl.
“Stranded on a mud dune, we saw our homes, our lands, and our livestock being swallowed by the deadly waters. Even though we have nothing left to call of our own and are living in this cramped camp alongside buffaloes and innumerable flies, we consider ourselves extremely lucky to have survived the disaster,” she said.
At Marawat ground in Mehmoodabad, around 150 flood-affected people, mostly comprising women and minor children have sought refuge as the influx of migrants from the affected areas has increased.
“No one from the government informed us when the floods were coming. We left our homes only after water gushed into the village.”
In this chaotic situation, Rukhsana lost touch with her brothers and several relatives. Sitting next to her, a girl Aasia also said that the floods had separated her elder sister from her. “I am very worried as I don’t know where she is,” cried the 20-year-old.
The camp housing a number of refugees portrayed a heartrending sight as men and women consoled one another and shared each others grievances over the loss of lives and possessions.
Sitting on a charpoy, an elderly Haji Badal said, “Never in my life had I seen such a horrifying sight. Men and women were fighting against the waters in a bid to survive. We remained without food most of the time, and survived of morsels or any piece of edible anyone could lay their hands own.”
Fanning her child to sleep, Mumtaz, hailing from village Saiful Khan, Kashmore, demanded that proper shelter be provided to them by the government.
“We cannot go back as there is no trace left of our village and thus want a proper house here. When the floods overtook our village, we escaped and took shelter on a main road which connects Kandhkot to Karachi. When we came here six days ago, there was no facility for us and we broke our fast with roti.” However, now a medical desk has been set up in the camp by Jamshed Town officials and the civil society is providing them with water and cooked food.
A representative of the community Muhammad Yaqoob told The News that they managed to save around 10 animals while some 50-60 were swept away and the others were sold to pay for transportation.
“Instead of helping us out, the trailer drivers took advantage of our situation and demanded Rs 80,000-90,000 for bringing us to Karachi from Kandhkot. Whatever money we had, we paid to them,” he said, worriedly.
Yaqoob demanded that security and protection be provided to them in the wake of an untoward incident on Friday night, when armed men harassed and threatened them of dire consequences if they would not vacate the ground.
“We request the government to protect us as we fear that they will come back again and threaten us. We have not taken over the ground. We are just a bunch of helpless people who have unwillingly sought refugee,” he explained.
As misery surrounds these victims, the little ones remained oblivious of the crises situation back home and wished to return home. One of them, Safia, an eight-year-old, said, “I want to go back to my home and to my school. I don’t like it here as I don’t have a bed to sleep and I don’t have any toys,” complained the little girl.
Young boy made soldier for one day
On the 64th Independence day, Abdul Basit, 15, made history by becoming soldier of Pakistan Army for a single day, as his utmost desire to serve in armed forces of Pakistan was accomplished due to the directives of Chief of Army Staff General Asfhfaq Pervez Kayani.
The patriotic lad, who is suffering from blood cancer had expressed his desire to Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani through an NGO "Make A Wish Foundation" that he wanted to be soldier of Pakistan Army, even it is for a day. Conceding to his desire, Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani took special interest and allowed the child to become a soldier for a day and spend time in an Army unit on the Independence Day of the motherland.
Abdul Basit, despite being physically very weak and fragile due to his ailment put on the uniform like a professional soldier and reported to unit of Punjab Regiment at Malir Cantonment Karachi. The young soldier filled with patriotic zeal and spirit set a historic example by doing so. He was warmly welcomed at the unit where Master Abdul Basit spent a busy day with officers and men of his unit. Abdul Basit after a day's work with soldiers said that his life time dream to join Pakistan Army has come true and he cherished every minute spent with the soldiers who guard the motherland in every now and then trying time.
The patriotic lad, who is suffering from blood cancer had expressed his desire to Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani through an NGO "Make A Wish Foundation" that he wanted to be soldier of Pakistan Army, even it is for a day. Conceding to his desire, Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani took special interest and allowed the child to become a soldier for a day and spend time in an Army unit on the Independence Day of the motherland.
Abdul Basit, despite being physically very weak and fragile due to his ailment put on the uniform like a professional soldier and reported to unit of Punjab Regiment at Malir Cantonment Karachi. The young soldier filled with patriotic zeal and spirit set a historic example by doing so. He was warmly welcomed at the unit where Master Abdul Basit spent a busy day with officers and men of his unit. Abdul Basit after a day's work with soldiers said that his life time dream to join Pakistan Army has come true and he cherished every minute spent with the soldiers who guard the motherland in every now and then trying time.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
MQM urges effective steps to help affected
The MQM has called upon the authorities concerned to take allout measures to help the flood-affected people.
Addressing a press conference at the headquarters of the Muttahida’s Khidmat-iKhalq Foundation, senior MQM leader Dr Farooq Sattar said that MQM had established a countrywide network for providing relief goods to flood victims and so far it had sent goods worth Rs20 million.
He said that MQM’s zonal offices in big cities had been converted into relief camps. In Hyderabad and Sukkur, he said, a large number of MQM workers were taking part in efforts being made for strengthening embankments on the Indus River.
karachi, aug 13: the mqm has called upon the au- thorities concerned to take allout measures to help the flood-affected people. addressing a press confer- ence at the headquarters of the muttahida’s khidmat-i- khalq foundation, senior mqm leader dr farooq sattar said that mqm had establish- ed a countrywide network for providing relief goods to flood victims and so far it had sent goods worth rs20 million. he said that mqm’s zonal offices in big cities had been converted into relief camps. in hyderabad and sukkur, he said, a large number of mqm workers were taking part in efforts being made for strengthening embankments on the indus river.
Fasting diabetics advised steps to avoid complications
Medical experts have said that diabetics, with some exceptions, can fast during Ramazan after undergoing a medical assessment and making necessary changes in the dosage and timings of medicines on doctors’ advice.
Interviews with senior diabetologists brought to light some important steps to help diabetic patients who want to fast without experiencing medical complications.
Prof M. Zaman Shaikh, the director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Dow University of Health Sciences, told Dawn that the frequency of acute complications was higher in the patients with type-1 and type-2 diabetes who fasted.
He said patients with severe hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar), severe hyperglycemia (very high blood sugar), type-I diabetics who are always on minimum two doses of insulin a day, patients with acute illness, on dialysis, liver and kidney impairment, elderly patients especially living alone and pregnant women must see their doctor before deciding to fast during Ramazan.
Speaking of the complications, the professor said that hyperglycemia which caused drowsiness, perspiration, palpitation, increased hunger and restlessness, dehydration, and blood clotting were some major risks.
Regular blood sugar monitoring and meal planning were the basic guidelines to avoid such complications, he said.
Besides, he suggested that such patients wear medical alert bracelets or keep a card in their pocket with the mention of their own and their doctor’s name, address and phone numbers, especially if they are on insulin or on high potency drugs.
He said that blood sugar should be monitored just before and two hours after Iftar and Sehri. From Sehar to Iftar, at any given time, blood sugar should not be below 100mg/dl and above 200mg/dl.
If blood sugar was less than 80mg/dl in the morning, diabetics should contact their doctors or break their fast, he said.
About the meal management, he said that patients should increase intake of fluid and complex carbohydrates and avoid food rich in fats and sugar. They should take Sehri as late as possible and should avoid dates, juices and other traditional food items at Sehri and Iftari which are rich in cholesterol and sugar.
He advised patients to break their fast any time during the day if their blood sugar level was less than 60 mg/dl and to avoid fasting when they are sick. He said that those diabetic patients who controlled their blood sugar on diet and oral drugs could safely fast but after advice of their physician regarding modifications in the timings of exercise and dosage of their drugs.
“Patients who are on insulin once or twice a day should get advice from their doctors for change in type and dose of insulin if they insist on keeping fast,” he added.
He said that these patients should also take care of their blood pressure which tends to fall during fasting and their blood cholesterol which tends to increase during Ramazan because of unhealthy eating habits.
Prof Asmat Nawaz of the Baqai Institute of Diabetology & Endocrinology said that type-1 diabetes was not an absolute contraindication for fasting and many people with type-1 diabetes could fast under the supervision of their physicians. “With the timely and appropriate medical guidance, fasting in Ramazan for diabetics could be as pleasant as for non-diabetics,” he remarked.
However, according to him, fasting involves risk for people whose diabetes is not well under control; who have very low or very high blood sugars in last three months; who have developed nephropathy (kidney disease), retinopathy (eye disease) or neuropathy (nerve disease) as a complication of diabetes; who are undergoing dialysis for kidney failure; who suffer from a severe illness in the last few weeks; and elderly diabetics with a poor general health.
He said that hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is the most apprehended adverse event occurring during fasting, particularly in type-1 diabetics and type-2 diabetics who are taking insulin.
“Low blood sugar can ef fectively be prevented by prior adjustment of the dosage and timings of insulin or diabetes tablets and by a comprehensive dietary advice,” he said adding that the hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is another possible complication.
He further said that diabetics should avoid physical exercise till Iftar.
According to Dr Nawaz, diabetics should take a balanced diet containing carbohydrates, proteins and some amount of fats in Sehri.
“Although diabetics are advised to avoid paratha normally, a paratha with moderate amount of canola oil or olive oil (instead of plain chapatti) is advisable in Sehri which helps prevent low blood sugar during the day,” he added.
He said that protein requirements could be met by taking egg white or fish and chicken. Foods containing dietary fibre must be taken at Sehri as fibre helps maintain blood sugar at the normal level, the doctor said
Thursday, August 12, 2010
KU suffers due to lackadaisical attitude of teachers, staff
Reflecting the moral decline that has crept in the society, teachers and other employees at the University of Karachi (KU) are emulating the negative aspects of it and have been dragging the university into a dark abyss.
There was a time, as recent as in the tenure of VC Dr Abdul Wahab, when the VCs would visit the departments and see if the teachers were delivering their lectures. Currently, despite requests from many well-wishers of the university, the VC refuses to visit the departments.
The permanent faculty, especially the senior professors, manage to bring out time tables that put the cooperative teachers, apparently ‘KU’s beasts of burden’, in the first and second periods while they chill out at their homes within the campus.
Pro VC Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi, while talking to The News, came straight to the point, “I am very sorry to see the teachers and employees not coming to work on time. I used to visit various departments when I was the dean of the Science Faculty and made sure that teachers start coming to their departments on time. It did work then.” However, Dr Kazmi says that now she is too busy to repeat her success story.
President Karachi University Teachers Society (KUTS) Dr Abid Hasnain condemned the practice of absenteeism among the teachers. “There could be no other opinion about this. Unfortunately there is lack of ownership when work is involved. We own it only when we want to get things ñ salaries, perks, etc. We remind other of their duties while remembering our rights only!” he said sarcastically. Dr Hasnain said that performing their duties well was of ‘prime importance’ but the teachers forget this point mostly. He blasted the lack of accountability culture in the university. “No one is accountable, be it the VC or the peon. KU employees want their rights without realising their responsibilities. The university is lamenting about the financial crunch but money is being spent lavishly,” he further said.
A student at the Science Faculty complained about the lack of interest shown by the teachers. “Sometimes classes are not held because the ‘weather is pleasant’ while on other times the teacher is ‘not in a mood to teach’. Sometimes the senior teachers are sitting in their cozy rooms and do not even bother to tell the students that they will not deliver the lecture. It is very disgusting. We come from far off places in the city to KU and end up facing this dilemma,” he said.
A Cooperative Teacher, requesting anonymity, told The News that she has seen closed class rooms in different departments. “The office would not be opened at 8:30 am and classes, when opened, have the garbage piles and a nauseating smell. It is pathetic. The chairpersons do not bother to look into these matters. They are not in the department before 10:00 am. It is so discomforting. Who will correct this mess?” she questioned.
Meanwhile, the Registrar KU has taken note of the absence of resident teaching and non-teaching staff from their duties during the law and order situation. In a notification issued by him, the registrar has urged the teaching and non teaching staff to start coming to their departments and offices on time
There was a time, as recent as in the tenure of VC Dr Abdul Wahab, when the VCs would visit the departments and see if the teachers were delivering their lectures. Currently, despite requests from many well-wishers of the university, the VC refuses to visit the departments.
The permanent faculty, especially the senior professors, manage to bring out time tables that put the cooperative teachers, apparently ‘KU’s beasts of burden’, in the first and second periods while they chill out at their homes within the campus.
Pro VC Dr Shahana Urooj Kazmi, while talking to The News, came straight to the point, “I am very sorry to see the teachers and employees not coming to work on time. I used to visit various departments when I was the dean of the Science Faculty and made sure that teachers start coming to their departments on time. It did work then.” However, Dr Kazmi says that now she is too busy to repeat her success story.
President Karachi University Teachers Society (KUTS) Dr Abid Hasnain condemned the practice of absenteeism among the teachers. “There could be no other opinion about this. Unfortunately there is lack of ownership when work is involved. We own it only when we want to get things ñ salaries, perks, etc. We remind other of their duties while remembering our rights only!” he said sarcastically. Dr Hasnain said that performing their duties well was of ‘prime importance’ but the teachers forget this point mostly. He blasted the lack of accountability culture in the university. “No one is accountable, be it the VC or the peon. KU employees want their rights without realising their responsibilities. The university is lamenting about the financial crunch but money is being spent lavishly,” he further said.
A student at the Science Faculty complained about the lack of interest shown by the teachers. “Sometimes classes are not held because the ‘weather is pleasant’ while on other times the teacher is ‘not in a mood to teach’. Sometimes the senior teachers are sitting in their cozy rooms and do not even bother to tell the students that they will not deliver the lecture. It is very disgusting. We come from far off places in the city to KU and end up facing this dilemma,” he said.
A Cooperative Teacher, requesting anonymity, told The News that she has seen closed class rooms in different departments. “The office would not be opened at 8:30 am and classes, when opened, have the garbage piles and a nauseating smell. It is pathetic. The chairpersons do not bother to look into these matters. They are not in the department before 10:00 am. It is so discomforting. Who will correct this mess?” she questioned.
Meanwhile, the Registrar KU has taken note of the absence of resident teaching and non-teaching staff from their duties during the law and order situation. In a notification issued by him, the registrar has urged the teaching and non teaching staff to start coming to their departments and offices on time
Prices have doubled since last Ramazan
According to a price list of essential items fixed by the City District Government Karachi for Ramazan, it has been found that the prices of lentils, spices and some other commodities have almost doubled since last Ramazan.
The price list, wAccording to a price list of essential items fixed by the City District Government Karachi for Ramazan, it has been found that the prices of lentils, spices and some other commodities have almost doubled since last Ramazan.
The price list, which will go in effect from today, shows that the price of lentils has increased two-folds with the rate of Mong Daal (lentil) increasing immensely. As compared to last Ramazan’s wholesale and retail rate of Daal Moong Chilka of Rs42 and Rs44 per kg, respectively, this year the rate has been increased by Rs63. Now, the wholesale rate of Daal Mong Chilka is Rs105 per kg and while the retail rate is Rs107 per kg. The price of Daal Mong Sabit has also increased from the wholesale rate of Rs42 and retail rate of Rs44 per kg to Rs100 and Rs102 per kg, respectively. Daal Mong Dhuli from last year’s wholesale and retail rate of Rs47 per kg and Rs50 per kg have gone up as well and is now at Rs127 and Rs129 per kg, respectively.
Also, the new price of one kg Daal Mash Dhuli wholesale is Rs145 and retail is Rs147 as compared to last Ramazan’s rates of Rs79 and Rs84, respectively. Meanwhile, there has been an increase of Rs63 in Daal Mash Chilka Kaali per kg as compared to last year. This Ramazan, it is available for Rs128 (wholesale) and Rs130 (retail).
Amongst the various spice, the prices of turmeric (Haldi) have also doubled. This Ramazan, Haldi sabit’s wholesale rate per kg is Rs265 and retail 100gram is Rs27 as compared to last years wholesale rate of Rs118 per kg and Rs12 per 100 gram. Haldi powder wholesale rate is Rs275 and Rs28 per 100 grams as compared to last Ramazan’s wholesale rate of Rs121 and retail Rs 13 per 100 grams.
Bari Elaichi rates have increased the most from last yeas, rising from Rs 350 to Rs 1300 per kg in wholesale while in retail the price for 100 grams has soared from Rs 37 to Rs 132. Elaichi (small) has shot up from the wholesale rate of Rs 898 to Rs 2050 per kg and in retail from Rs 90 to Rs 206 per 100 grams. Black pepper (whole) has increased from Rs 270 to Rs 400 per kg while its retail has increased from Rs 26 to Rs 41 per 100 grams. Black pepper powder has increased from Rs 270 to Rs 410 per kg in wholesale while the rates have also upped from Rs 26 to Rs 42 per 100 grams. Similarly, Red Chilli Sabit has risen from Rs 97 to Rs 160 per kg in wholesale and Rs 10 to Rs 17 per 100 grams, while Red Chilli powder prices have increased from Rs 117 to Rs 170 per kg and Rs 12 to Rs 18 per 100 grams.
Meanwhile, the prices of mutton and beef have been fixed as follows:
Mutton (quality no 1) Rs 440 per kg, Mutton (quality no 2) Rs 415 per kg, Beef (bone) Rs 220 per kg, Beef (boneless) Rs 250 per kg.
hich will go in effect from today, shows that the price of lentils has increased two-folds with the rate of Mong Daal (lentil) increasing immensely. As compared to last Ramazan’s wholesale and retail rate of Daal Moong Chilka of Rs42 and Rs44 per kg, respectively, this year the rate has been increased by Rs63. Now, the wholesale rate of Daal Mong Chilka is Rs105 per kg and while the retail rate is Rs107 per kg. The price of Daal Mong Sabit has also increased from the wholesale rate of Rs42 and retail rate of Rs44 per kg to Rs100 and Rs102 per kg, respectively. Daal Mong Dhuli from last year’s wholesale and retail rate of Rs47 per kg and Rs50 per kg have gone up as well and is now at Rs127 and Rs129 per kg, respectively.
Also, the new price of one kg Daal Mash Dhuli wholesale is Rs145 and retail is Rs147 as compared to last Ramazan’s rates of Rs79 and Rs84, respectively. Meanwhile, there has been an increase of Rs63 in Daal Mash Chilka Kaali per kg as compared to last year. This Ramazan, it is available for Rs128 (wholesale) and Rs130 (retail).
Amongst the various spice, the prices of turmeric (Haldi) have also doubled. This Ramazan, Haldi sabit’s wholesale rate per kg is Rs265 and retail 100gram is Rs27 as compared to last years wholesale rate of Rs118 per kg and Rs12 per 100 gram. Haldi powder wholesale rate is Rs275 and Rs28 per 100 grams as compared to last Ramazan’s wholesale rate of Rs121 and retail Rs 13 per 100 grams.
Bari Elaichi rates have increased the most from last yeas, rising from Rs 350 to Rs 1300 per kg in wholesale while in retail the price for 100 grams has soared from Rs 37 to Rs 132. Elaichi (small) has shot up from the wholesale rate of Rs 898 to Rs 2050 per kg and in retail from Rs 90 to Rs 206 per 100 grams. Black pepper (whole) has increased from Rs 270 to Rs 400 per kg while its retail has increased from Rs 26 to Rs 41 per 100 grams. Black pepper powder has increased from Rs 270 to Rs 410 per kg in wholesale while the rates have also upped from Rs 26 to Rs 42 per 100 grams. Similarly, Red Chilli Sabit has risen from Rs 97 to Rs 160 per kg in wholesale and Rs 10 to Rs 17 per 100 grams, while Red Chilli powder prices have increased from Rs 117 to Rs 170 per kg and Rs 12 to Rs 18 per 100 grams.
Meanwhile, the prices of mutton and beef have been fixed as follows:
Mutton (quality no 1) Rs 440 per kg, Mutton (quality no 2) Rs 415 per kg, Beef (bone) Rs 220 per kg, Beef (boneless) Rs 250 per kg.
The price list, wAccording to a price list of essential items fixed by the City District Government Karachi for Ramazan, it has been found that the prices of lentils, spices and some other commodities have almost doubled since last Ramazan.
The price list, which will go in effect from today, shows that the price of lentils has increased two-folds with the rate of Mong Daal (lentil) increasing immensely. As compared to last Ramazan’s wholesale and retail rate of Daal Moong Chilka of Rs42 and Rs44 per kg, respectively, this year the rate has been increased by Rs63. Now, the wholesale rate of Daal Mong Chilka is Rs105 per kg and while the retail rate is Rs107 per kg. The price of Daal Mong Sabit has also increased from the wholesale rate of Rs42 and retail rate of Rs44 per kg to Rs100 and Rs102 per kg, respectively. Daal Mong Dhuli from last year’s wholesale and retail rate of Rs47 per kg and Rs50 per kg have gone up as well and is now at Rs127 and Rs129 per kg, respectively.
Also, the new price of one kg Daal Mash Dhuli wholesale is Rs145 and retail is Rs147 as compared to last Ramazan’s rates of Rs79 and Rs84, respectively. Meanwhile, there has been an increase of Rs63 in Daal Mash Chilka Kaali per kg as compared to last year. This Ramazan, it is available for Rs128 (wholesale) and Rs130 (retail).
Amongst the various spice, the prices of turmeric (Haldi) have also doubled. This Ramazan, Haldi sabit’s wholesale rate per kg is Rs265 and retail 100gram is Rs27 as compared to last years wholesale rate of Rs118 per kg and Rs12 per 100 gram. Haldi powder wholesale rate is Rs275 and Rs28 per 100 grams as compared to last Ramazan’s wholesale rate of Rs121 and retail Rs 13 per 100 grams.
Bari Elaichi rates have increased the most from last yeas, rising from Rs 350 to Rs 1300 per kg in wholesale while in retail the price for 100 grams has soared from Rs 37 to Rs 132. Elaichi (small) has shot up from the wholesale rate of Rs 898 to Rs 2050 per kg and in retail from Rs 90 to Rs 206 per 100 grams. Black pepper (whole) has increased from Rs 270 to Rs 400 per kg while its retail has increased from Rs 26 to Rs 41 per 100 grams. Black pepper powder has increased from Rs 270 to Rs 410 per kg in wholesale while the rates have also upped from Rs 26 to Rs 42 per 100 grams. Similarly, Red Chilli Sabit has risen from Rs 97 to Rs 160 per kg in wholesale and Rs 10 to Rs 17 per 100 grams, while Red Chilli powder prices have increased from Rs 117 to Rs 170 per kg and Rs 12 to Rs 18 per 100 grams.
Meanwhile, the prices of mutton and beef have been fixed as follows:
Mutton (quality no 1) Rs 440 per kg, Mutton (quality no 2) Rs 415 per kg, Beef (bone) Rs 220 per kg, Beef (boneless) Rs 250 per kg.
hich will go in effect from today, shows that the price of lentils has increased two-folds with the rate of Mong Daal (lentil) increasing immensely. As compared to last Ramazan’s wholesale and retail rate of Daal Moong Chilka of Rs42 and Rs44 per kg, respectively, this year the rate has been increased by Rs63. Now, the wholesale rate of Daal Mong Chilka is Rs105 per kg and while the retail rate is Rs107 per kg. The price of Daal Mong Sabit has also increased from the wholesale rate of Rs42 and retail rate of Rs44 per kg to Rs100 and Rs102 per kg, respectively. Daal Mong Dhuli from last year’s wholesale and retail rate of Rs47 per kg and Rs50 per kg have gone up as well and is now at Rs127 and Rs129 per kg, respectively.
Also, the new price of one kg Daal Mash Dhuli wholesale is Rs145 and retail is Rs147 as compared to last Ramazan’s rates of Rs79 and Rs84, respectively. Meanwhile, there has been an increase of Rs63 in Daal Mash Chilka Kaali per kg as compared to last year. This Ramazan, it is available for Rs128 (wholesale) and Rs130 (retail).
Amongst the various spice, the prices of turmeric (Haldi) have also doubled. This Ramazan, Haldi sabit’s wholesale rate per kg is Rs265 and retail 100gram is Rs27 as compared to last years wholesale rate of Rs118 per kg and Rs12 per 100 gram. Haldi powder wholesale rate is Rs275 and Rs28 per 100 grams as compared to last Ramazan’s wholesale rate of Rs121 and retail Rs 13 per 100 grams.
Bari Elaichi rates have increased the most from last yeas, rising from Rs 350 to Rs 1300 per kg in wholesale while in retail the price for 100 grams has soared from Rs 37 to Rs 132. Elaichi (small) has shot up from the wholesale rate of Rs 898 to Rs 2050 per kg and in retail from Rs 90 to Rs 206 per 100 grams. Black pepper (whole) has increased from Rs 270 to Rs 400 per kg while its retail has increased from Rs 26 to Rs 41 per 100 grams. Black pepper powder has increased from Rs 270 to Rs 410 per kg in wholesale while the rates have also upped from Rs 26 to Rs 42 per 100 grams. Similarly, Red Chilli Sabit has risen from Rs 97 to Rs 160 per kg in wholesale and Rs 10 to Rs 17 per 100 grams, while Red Chilli powder prices have increased from Rs 117 to Rs 170 per kg and Rs 12 to Rs 18 per 100 grams.
Meanwhile, the prices of mutton and beef have been fixed as follows:
Mutton (quality no 1) Rs 440 per kg, Mutton (quality no 2) Rs 415 per kg, Beef (bone) Rs 220 per kg, Beef (boneless) Rs 250 per kg.
VERY GOOD JOCKKKKKKKKKKKKK
No outages during Sehr, Iftar: KESC
The Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) has announced that there will be no loadshedding in the city during Sehr and Iftar timings in Ramazan starting from today.
According to a KESC spokesman, there will be no loadshedding throughout the city between 6pm to 8pm. Also, there will be no loadshedding during Friday prayers from 1pm to 3 pm.
However, in the light of KESC’s Ramazan loadshedding plan, it seems that people in various residential areas of the city will have to endure loadshedding during the timings set for Taraveeh prayers.
Meanwhile, the loadshedding timings on a daily basis will continue till around 1:30am maximum. This will cause hardships to the citizens in various areas affected by loadshedding when it comes to waking up for Sehri.
Given that KESC’s transmission and distribution system is well prone to trippings and faults due to overloading, it seems imminent that the citizens will have to suffer extended power failures in addition to the routine instances of loadshedding.
The recent spells of monsoon rains have yet again exposed the unreliable and weak status of the KESC’s distribution system that has long been causing problems for the citizens.
The Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) has announced that there will be no loadshedding in the city during Sehr and Iftar timings in Ramazan starting from today.
According to a KESC spokesman, there will be no loadshedding throughout the city between 6pm to 8pm. Also, there will be no loadshedding during Friday prayers from 1pm to 3 pm.
However, in the light of KESC’s Ramazan loadshedding plan, it seems that people in various residential areas of the city will have to endure loadshedding during the timings set for Taraveeh prayers.
Meanwhile, the loadshedding timings on a daily basis will continue till around 1:30am maximum. This will cause hardships to the citizens in various areas affected by loadshedding when it comes to waking up for Sehri.
Given that KESC’s transmission and distribution system is well prone to trippings and faults due to overloading, it seems imminent that the citizens will have to suffer extended power failures in addition to the routine instances of loadshedding.
The recent spells of monsoon rains have yet again exposed the unreliable and weak status of the KESC’s distribution system that has long been causing problems for the citizens.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Musharraf’s farmhouse being prepared to receive him
Besides resumption of renovation work at the farmhouse of former president Pervez General (retd) Pervez Musharraf at Chak Shahzad in Islamabad, work has also been initiated for making foolproof security arrangements on the premises, a reliable source told The News here on Monday.
“The work for renovation of farmhouse of former president, which was temporarily suspended because of his absence from the country, has resumed,” said the source, requesting anonymity. “Colonel Ilyas, who is currently security officer of the former president, will be responsible for all security matters at the Chak Shahzad farmhouse of General Musharraf,” he added.
According to the source, a residential compound for private security guards is also being constructed. He said that the latest security gadgets are being installed at the personal farmhouse of General (retd) Musharraf.
When contacted by The News, Chaudhry Fawad Advocate, political adviser to General (retd) Musharraf, confirmed the information and said that it was residence of General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, so steps were being taken to improve its security.
He said that the former president was going to formally initiate his political activities after the holy month of Ramazan, the security arrangements at his Islamabad residence were being improved.
“The League convention, under the auspices of the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional after the month of Ramazan, will prove to be a milestone in the political history of Pakistan,” Chaudhry Fawad said confidently in response to a question.
The political adviser to the former military ruler said that General (retd) Musharraf would establish direct contact with the Pakistan and international media in the last week of September.
He claimed that requests of 10 major television networks of the world with General (retd) Pervez Musharraf were pending at the moment for an interview immediately before the former president’s launching of his political activities and return to Pakistan.
“The work for renovation of farmhouse of former president, which was temporarily suspended because of his absence from the country, has resumed,” said the source, requesting anonymity. “Colonel Ilyas, who is currently security officer of the former president, will be responsible for all security matters at the Chak Shahzad farmhouse of General Musharraf,” he added.
According to the source, a residential compound for private security guards is also being constructed. He said that the latest security gadgets are being installed at the personal farmhouse of General (retd) Musharraf.
When contacted by The News, Chaudhry Fawad Advocate, political adviser to General (retd) Musharraf, confirmed the information and said that it was residence of General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, so steps were being taken to improve its security.
He said that the former president was going to formally initiate his political activities after the holy month of Ramazan, the security arrangements at his Islamabad residence were being improved.
“The League convention, under the auspices of the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional after the month of Ramazan, will prove to be a milestone in the political history of Pakistan,” Chaudhry Fawad said confidently in response to a question.
The political adviser to the former military ruler said that General (retd) Musharraf would establish direct contact with the Pakistan and international media in the last week of September.
He claimed that requests of 10 major television networks of the world with General (retd) Pervez Musharraf were pending at the moment for an interview immediately before the former president’s launching of his political activities and return to Pakistan.
HSC II Pre-Medical annual result Girls clinch top three positions
Girls have clinched the top three positions in the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSC) Part-II, Science Group, Pre-Medical, Annual Examinations 2010.
The results were announced by the controller of examinations Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) at the BIEK Auditorium on Tuesday.
According to the result, 14,973 candidates registered while 14,812 appeared in the exams. Of these, 7,717 were declared pass. The pass percentage is 52.10 per cent. As per the gazette, 2,895 male candidates registered for the examinations while 2,844 appeared and 1,162 candidates passed the annual examinations. The pass percentage is 40.84 per cent.
Meanwhile, 12,078 female candidates registered and 11,967 appeared in the annual examinations. According to the result, 6,555 female candidates managed to pass the exams while overall pass percentage is 54.78 per cent.
The Controller of Examinations, BIEK, Professor Agha Akber Mirza said that 29 unfair means cases were reported during/after examinations. He also said that the marks certificates for the exams will be issued to their respective institutions within two weeks time.
The result further shows that 143 male and 811 female secured A-1 grade while 304 male and 1,820 female bagged A-grade in the exams. Furthermore, 272 male and 1,991 female had B-grade whereas 269 male and 1,551 passed the exams with C-grade and 166 male and 379 had D-grade. The result also shows that eight male and three female candidates relieved an E-grade.
Sundus Mehtab Shafee daughter of Sheikh Muhammad Shafee, having roll number 138656, the student of PECHS Government College for Women, clinched overall first position among the candidates. She got 985 out of total 1100 marks with 89.54 per cent.
“I made my own notes and concentrated a lot on my studies,” Sundus said. “I was a regular student at college with over 80 per cent attendance in all classes. I have no regrets about taking tuitions. I believe it was another option available for the students and those who want more marks in the examinations would like to avail it,” she further said.
According to her, the students, especially male candidates, nowadays are more interested in watching television, playing games or spending time on computers and mobile phones. “This is a major reason why they are not getting top positions in the annual examinations,” she added.
Rabia Moiz daughter of Moiz Uddin Siddiqui with roll number 137305 and student of St. Lawrence’s Government Girls Degree College bagged second position in the exams. She secured 976 out of total 1100 marks with 88.72 per cent.
“We don’t have a television at home. I had more time to study and I am pleased with my results,” Rabia said. She further said that public colleges are better than the private sector colleges. To a query, she replied that taking tuitions is not a bad option for the students. “College teachers are willing to teach at the colleges but unfortunately students are not there to attend the classes on a regular basis,” she also said.
Sundus Sabir, daughter Muhammad Sabir, with roll number 141694 of DA Degree College for Women, Phase VIII secured the third position. She secured 975 out of total 1100 marks with 88.63 per cent.
“I never went to tuition centres in my whole life and I believe that result depends upon the time spent on studies,” she shared her views.
Sundus said that there must be a separate professional medical college for women in the city. “It will help in increasing the numbers of female doctors in the city,” she said.
Chairman, BIEK, Anwar Ahmed Zai said, “Different education boards of Sindh would now print three question papers at a time. We are already practicing this at the moment. After the 18 Amendment, policy making regarding education will be transfer to the provincial governments.” “We will study our subjects, syllabus, content used in courses and after reviewing and studying it properly, a report would be sent to the department of education, government of Sindh for improvement in the education sector,” he added. The Board would arrange course books for the top position holders while top 20 position holders would get Rs500 per month for the next two years, he announced.
The results were announced by the controller of examinations Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) at the BIEK Auditorium on Tuesday.
According to the result, 14,973 candidates registered while 14,812 appeared in the exams. Of these, 7,717 were declared pass. The pass percentage is 52.10 per cent. As per the gazette, 2,895 male candidates registered for the examinations while 2,844 appeared and 1,162 candidates passed the annual examinations. The pass percentage is 40.84 per cent.
Meanwhile, 12,078 female candidates registered and 11,967 appeared in the annual examinations. According to the result, 6,555 female candidates managed to pass the exams while overall pass percentage is 54.78 per cent.
The Controller of Examinations, BIEK, Professor Agha Akber Mirza said that 29 unfair means cases were reported during/after examinations. He also said that the marks certificates for the exams will be issued to their respective institutions within two weeks time.
The result further shows that 143 male and 811 female secured A-1 grade while 304 male and 1,820 female bagged A-grade in the exams. Furthermore, 272 male and 1,991 female had B-grade whereas 269 male and 1,551 passed the exams with C-grade and 166 male and 379 had D-grade. The result also shows that eight male and three female candidates relieved an E-grade.
Sundus Mehtab Shafee daughter of Sheikh Muhammad Shafee, having roll number 138656, the student of PECHS Government College for Women, clinched overall first position among the candidates. She got 985 out of total 1100 marks with 89.54 per cent.
“I made my own notes and concentrated a lot on my studies,” Sundus said. “I was a regular student at college with over 80 per cent attendance in all classes. I have no regrets about taking tuitions. I believe it was another option available for the students and those who want more marks in the examinations would like to avail it,” she further said.
According to her, the students, especially male candidates, nowadays are more interested in watching television, playing games or spending time on computers and mobile phones. “This is a major reason why they are not getting top positions in the annual examinations,” she added.
Rabia Moiz daughter of Moiz Uddin Siddiqui with roll number 137305 and student of St. Lawrence’s Government Girls Degree College bagged second position in the exams. She secured 976 out of total 1100 marks with 88.72 per cent.
“We don’t have a television at home. I had more time to study and I am pleased with my results,” Rabia said. She further said that public colleges are better than the private sector colleges. To a query, she replied that taking tuitions is not a bad option for the students. “College teachers are willing to teach at the colleges but unfortunately students are not there to attend the classes on a regular basis,” she also said.
Sundus Sabir, daughter Muhammad Sabir, with roll number 141694 of DA Degree College for Women, Phase VIII secured the third position. She secured 975 out of total 1100 marks with 88.63 per cent.
“I never went to tuition centres in my whole life and I believe that result depends upon the time spent on studies,” she shared her views.
Sundus said that there must be a separate professional medical college for women in the city. “It will help in increasing the numbers of female doctors in the city,” she said.
Chairman, BIEK, Anwar Ahmed Zai said, “Different education boards of Sindh would now print three question papers at a time. We are already practicing this at the moment. After the 18 Amendment, policy making regarding education will be transfer to the provincial governments.” “We will study our subjects, syllabus, content used in courses and after reviewing and studying it properly, a report would be sent to the department of education, government of Sindh for improvement in the education sector,” he added. The Board would arrange course books for the top position holders while top 20 position holders would get Rs500 per month for the next two years, he announced.
KESC staffers absolved of criminal negligence charges
Additional District and Sessions Judge (East) Abdullah Channa absolved all the five KESC staffers of the charges of criminal negligence while disposing of an application filed against them for causing damage to the property of the complainant.
All the five KESC staffers — Bashir Ahmed Sheikh, Tufail Hussain, Javed Iqbal, Khalid Mehmood and Fayyaz Ahmed — were absolved of the charges of criminal negligence that caused burning of electrical appliances and damaging the house of complainant Asif Hanafi in Awami Colony area on April 4 last year. The judge observed that if the complainant has any grievances against the KESC he may file a civil suit under the fatal accident clause.
The judge observed that the prosecution could not establish any motive, enmity or ill will of the accused. Besides, nothing was mentioned about the burnt articles in the challan. The judge observed that the prosecution witnesses were interested witnesses who happen to be the relatives of the complainant and there was no probability of convicting the accused persons since the charges against them were groundless.
Asif Hanafi had filed an application under Section 22-A in the court of District and Sessions Judge (East) Sadiq Hussain Bhatti through his counsel Naheed Munawar, who is also the Chairperson of Pakistan Human Rights Association and Legal Aid, that on April 4, 2009 the power supply of Awami Colony, Korangi, exceeded from 220 volts to 440 volts and consequently his entire house situated at Korangi Double Room Quarter was burnt and the goods were reduced to ashes, causing him a loss of Rs 35 million.
He prayed the court that relevant police station be ordered to register an FIR against the KESC staffers who were on duty at that time. The DJ East referred the matter to ADJ Sanaullah Ghori for necessary action.
On court orders, Awami Colony police registered FIR No. 549/09 under sections 435 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to the amount of one hundred rupees), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with the intent to destroy house, etc), 437(mischief with intent to destroy or make unsafe a decked vessel or one of twenty tons burden) and 34 (common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code against five KESC staffers, namely, Bashir (Manager KESC Bilal Colony), Assistant Manager Mohammed Tufail, and three technicians Fayyaz, Khalid and Javed. Later, the name of Javed was removed from the FIR for want of evidence.
However, the KESC filed an application under Section 265-K for dismissing the case, submitting that it was a routine matter and there was no negligence on the part of KESC or its staff. It contended that the complainant should file damages suit since it was purely a civil matter.
Complainant’s counsel Naheed Munawar advocate strongly opposed the KESC’s plea, contending that all evidences and witnesses proved that it was a case of total negligence on the part of the KESC and the matter may be tried in the court.
Supporting the counsel, Additional District Public Prosecutor Amir Ibrahim Dasti said that it was sheer negligence on the part of KESC as it caused damages to the tune of millions of rupees.
All the five KESC staffers — Bashir Ahmed Sheikh, Tufail Hussain, Javed Iqbal, Khalid Mehmood and Fayyaz Ahmed — were absolved of the charges of criminal negligence that caused burning of electrical appliances and damaging the house of complainant Asif Hanafi in Awami Colony area on April 4 last year. The judge observed that if the complainant has any grievances against the KESC he may file a civil suit under the fatal accident clause.
The judge observed that the prosecution could not establish any motive, enmity or ill will of the accused. Besides, nothing was mentioned about the burnt articles in the challan. The judge observed that the prosecution witnesses were interested witnesses who happen to be the relatives of the complainant and there was no probability of convicting the accused persons since the charges against them were groundless.
Asif Hanafi had filed an application under Section 22-A in the court of District and Sessions Judge (East) Sadiq Hussain Bhatti through his counsel Naheed Munawar, who is also the Chairperson of Pakistan Human Rights Association and Legal Aid, that on April 4, 2009 the power supply of Awami Colony, Korangi, exceeded from 220 volts to 440 volts and consequently his entire house situated at Korangi Double Room Quarter was burnt and the goods were reduced to ashes, causing him a loss of Rs 35 million.
He prayed the court that relevant police station be ordered to register an FIR against the KESC staffers who were on duty at that time. The DJ East referred the matter to ADJ Sanaullah Ghori for necessary action.
On court orders, Awami Colony police registered FIR No. 549/09 under sections 435 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage to the amount of one hundred rupees), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with the intent to destroy house, etc), 437(mischief with intent to destroy or make unsafe a decked vessel or one of twenty tons burden) and 34 (common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code against five KESC staffers, namely, Bashir (Manager KESC Bilal Colony), Assistant Manager Mohammed Tufail, and three technicians Fayyaz, Khalid and Javed. Later, the name of Javed was removed from the FIR for want of evidence.
However, the KESC filed an application under Section 265-K for dismissing the case, submitting that it was a routine matter and there was no negligence on the part of KESC or its staff. It contended that the complainant should file damages suit since it was purely a civil matter.
Complainant’s counsel Naheed Munawar advocate strongly opposed the KESC’s plea, contending that all evidences and witnesses proved that it was a case of total negligence on the part of the KESC and the matter may be tried in the court.
Supporting the counsel, Additional District Public Prosecutor Amir Ibrahim Dasti said that it was sheer negligence on the part of KESC as it caused damages to the tune of millions of rupees.
Two businessmen gunned down; sexually assaulted girl’s body found
A known businessman was gunned down in the Ferozeabad police limits, a girl’s body, who was killed after being sexuall assaulted, was found in the Paposh police area and a trader was shot dead in Nazimabad in separate incidents in the city on Tuesday.
Aga Abid Sherazi, 52, was shot dead at around 9:15 am while he was parking his car at his office situated adjacent to Duty Free Shop, Baloch Colony Bridge, Ferozeabad police limits. Sherazi was a resident of Mohammed Ali Society.
Sherazi was rushed to Aga Khan Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. The deceased was a known businessman and running his office with the name Contractor Technologies.
Quoting eyewitnesses, police said that the suspect had parked his motorcycle at a short distance from the place of the incident and he came near the deceased on foot. However, another eyewitness said that the terrorists were two in number.
Sherazi used to come to his office at 9:20 to 9:30am and he was alone at the time of the incident. His office is situated on the first floor of the building with eight to 10 employees.
The deceased’s brother is the trustee of an Imambargah situated in Soldier Bazar police limits. A robbery was also attempted at his bungalow in Mohammed Ali Society sometime back; however, one suspect was killed and two others fled during an encounter with the police.
Investigators probing the case termed it a targeted sectarian killing.
Sherazi has left behind two daughters and a son.
Meanwhile, a trader was gunned down by armed men on Tuesday afternoon in an incident reported in the Nazimabad police limits.
Anwer Khan, 35, and his associate, Faiz Mohammed, were ambushed inside a plastic godown in Mohammedi Manzil, Nazimabad No-4. The former was killed in the attack, while the latter managed to survive.
Nazimabad SHO Jehanzeb said that the deceased was the owner of a plastic godown. On Tuesday afternoon, Khan was sitting in his office along with Mohammed when armed men barged inside the premises and opened fire. After injuring both men, the culprits managed to flee the spot.
The injured were rushed to the hospital where Khan was pronounced dead. The deceased had received a bullet in his face. Meanwhile, Mohammad, who received a bullet in his back, has survived the attack.
The deceased was a resident of Block-H, North Nazimabad and was married. Mohammed hails from Balochistan and was living in the godown for quite a few years. According to the victim’s family, they had an ongoing family feud and this might have led to Khan’s killing.
A case has been registered and investigation is under way.
In a separate case, the tortured body of an unidentified girl in her twenties was found from Paposh police limits. The police said that they received information that a body was lying near a drain situated in Ajab Khan Colony.
A patrolling mobile immediately rushed to the place and shifted the body to a hospital. During the post mortem it was found that the girl was sexually assaulted and brutally tortured. Later, she was strangulated and her body was dumped in the area by unknown culprits. A case has been registered and further investigation is under way.
Aga Abid Sherazi, 52, was shot dead at around 9:15 am while he was parking his car at his office situated adjacent to Duty Free Shop, Baloch Colony Bridge, Ferozeabad police limits. Sherazi was a resident of Mohammed Ali Society.
Sherazi was rushed to Aga Khan Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead. The deceased was a known businessman and running his office with the name Contractor Technologies.
Quoting eyewitnesses, police said that the suspect had parked his motorcycle at a short distance from the place of the incident and he came near the deceased on foot. However, another eyewitness said that the terrorists were two in number.
Sherazi used to come to his office at 9:20 to 9:30am and he was alone at the time of the incident. His office is situated on the first floor of the building with eight to 10 employees.
The deceased’s brother is the trustee of an Imambargah situated in Soldier Bazar police limits. A robbery was also attempted at his bungalow in Mohammed Ali Society sometime back; however, one suspect was killed and two others fled during an encounter with the police.
Investigators probing the case termed it a targeted sectarian killing.
Sherazi has left behind two daughters and a son.
Meanwhile, a trader was gunned down by armed men on Tuesday afternoon in an incident reported in the Nazimabad police limits.
Anwer Khan, 35, and his associate, Faiz Mohammed, were ambushed inside a plastic godown in Mohammedi Manzil, Nazimabad No-4. The former was killed in the attack, while the latter managed to survive.
Nazimabad SHO Jehanzeb said that the deceased was the owner of a plastic godown. On Tuesday afternoon, Khan was sitting in his office along with Mohammed when armed men barged inside the premises and opened fire. After injuring both men, the culprits managed to flee the spot.
The injured were rushed to the hospital where Khan was pronounced dead. The deceased had received a bullet in his face. Meanwhile, Mohammad, who received a bullet in his back, has survived the attack.
The deceased was a resident of Block-H, North Nazimabad and was married. Mohammed hails from Balochistan and was living in the godown for quite a few years. According to the victim’s family, they had an ongoing family feud and this might have led to Khan’s killing.
A case has been registered and investigation is under way.
In a separate case, the tortured body of an unidentified girl in her twenties was found from Paposh police limits. The police said that they received information that a body was lying near a drain situated in Ajab Khan Colony.
A patrolling mobile immediately rushed to the place and shifted the body to a hospital. During the post mortem it was found that the girl was sexually assaulted and brutally tortured. Later, she was strangulated and her body was dumped in the area by unknown culprits. A case has been registered and further investigation is under way.
ISI, IB to form special cell to curb violence
The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) will form a special cell with dedicated officers to coordinate with the local police for curbing violence and target killings in the city.
This was decided in a meeting under the chairmanship of Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza here on Tuesday. Sindh IG Babar Khattak, Home Secretary Arif Ahmad Khan, AIG Special Branch Akhtar Memon, CCPO Waseem Ahmed and representatives of intelligence agencies also attended the meeting.
It was further decided that SHOs in troubled areas will activate Aman committees and will hold regular meetings. They will point out the names of known criminals, gangsters and land grabbers and send the same to the IG Office.
The meeting also issued strict instructions against those who display arms. The criminals and gangsters, after being identified, will be taken to task without any discrimination, it resolved.
It was also decided in principle that the Frontier Constabulary, if need be, will be placed at the disposal of the Sindh Home Department to assist the police.
The interior minister appreciated the role of police, Rangers and the home minister for controlling the security situation in the city. He also lauded the role of Altaf Hussain and Asfandyar Wali Khan for keeping the people calm in those difficult moments.
A handout issued after the meeting said that police officers and Rangers have been directed to act fearlessly and without discrimination as no political pressure will be allowed to affect their activities.
This was decided in a meeting under the chairmanship of Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza here on Tuesday. Sindh IG Babar Khattak, Home Secretary Arif Ahmad Khan, AIG Special Branch Akhtar Memon, CCPO Waseem Ahmed and representatives of intelligence agencies also attended the meeting.
It was further decided that SHOs in troubled areas will activate Aman committees and will hold regular meetings. They will point out the names of known criminals, gangsters and land grabbers and send the same to the IG Office.
The meeting also issued strict instructions against those who display arms. The criminals and gangsters, after being identified, will be taken to task without any discrimination, it resolved.
It was also decided in principle that the Frontier Constabulary, if need be, will be placed at the disposal of the Sindh Home Department to assist the police.
The interior minister appreciated the role of police, Rangers and the home minister for controlling the security situation in the city. He also lauded the role of Altaf Hussain and Asfandyar Wali Khan for keeping the people calm in those difficult moments.
A handout issued after the meeting said that police officers and Rangers have been directed to act fearlessly and without discrimination as no political pressure will be allowed to affect their activities.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Hub Dam has now enough water for one year
Recent rains in southern Balochistan and Kirthar National Park area in Sindh have helped increase Hub Dam’s level to 310.4 feet and now the reservoir has enough water to supply to both Balochistan and Karachi for an entire year, officials said.
Karachi gets around 100mgd of water from the Hub Dam while Lasbella district gets around 60-70mgd of water for both irrigation and drinking purposes, as the reservoir cater to the water needs of millions of people.
Water level in the Hub reservoir had reached a dead level a few weeks back despite having the storage capacity for three years; however, recent rains heavily contributed to storing water in the dam, which will be enough to meet the water needs till August next year.
“By 4:00pm on Monday, water level in the dam had increased to 310.4 feet and water is still flowing into the reservoir. The dam’s maximum capacity is 339 feet and rains will continue to lash the catchment area of the dam as per predictions, so we will have more water stored,” Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the Hub Dam Ahmed told The News.
It is worth mentioning here that the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rains in southern Balochistan, including Lasbella district, and if the prediction comes true, the dam’s level is expected to further rise to seven to 10 feet.
Thousands of farmers in the Lasbella district, including Sakran area, cultivate their fields through Hub Dam water while the only source of drinking water of the entire area is also a canal that fetches water from the Hub Dam.
A large portion of Karachi, including Baldia Town, Manghopir, Surjani, New Karachi and adjoining areas, also get water from Hub Dam, which is first filtered at Hub Pumping Station in Surjani Town and then supplied to domestic and industrial consumers in these areas.
“In the wake of heavy downpour in the catchment area of the dam, it is highly likely that the dam would get enough water to meet the needs for the next couple of years,” SDO Hub Dam Ahmed hoped.
Karachi gets around 100mgd of water from the Hub Dam while Lasbella district gets around 60-70mgd of water for both irrigation and drinking purposes, as the reservoir cater to the water needs of millions of people.
Water level in the Hub reservoir had reached a dead level a few weeks back despite having the storage capacity for three years; however, recent rains heavily contributed to storing water in the dam, which will be enough to meet the water needs till August next year.
“By 4:00pm on Monday, water level in the dam had increased to 310.4 feet and water is still flowing into the reservoir. The dam’s maximum capacity is 339 feet and rains will continue to lash the catchment area of the dam as per predictions, so we will have more water stored,” Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of the Hub Dam Ahmed told The News.
It is worth mentioning here that the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rains in southern Balochistan, including Lasbella district, and if the prediction comes true, the dam’s level is expected to further rise to seven to 10 feet.
Thousands of farmers in the Lasbella district, including Sakran area, cultivate their fields through Hub Dam water while the only source of drinking water of the entire area is also a canal that fetches water from the Hub Dam.
A large portion of Karachi, including Baldia Town, Manghopir, Surjani, New Karachi and adjoining areas, also get water from Hub Dam, which is first filtered at Hub Pumping Station in Surjani Town and then supplied to domestic and industrial consumers in these areas.
“In the wake of heavy downpour in the catchment area of the dam, it is highly likely that the dam would get enough water to meet the needs for the next couple of years,” SDO Hub Dam Ahmed hoped.
Ex-CPLC chief appointed consultant to home dept
The Sindh government on Monday appointed Sharafuddin Memon, former chief of the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), as consultant (B-20) on contract basis with immediate effect.
According to the notification, Memon would serve as consultant for ‘planning, policy and public relations’ on the Home Department’s affairs.
Meanwhile, Memon told The News that he would assist the home minister for law and order, improving the image of the police, implementation of the police reforms, community policing and e-policing project etc.
He said that in capacity of the CPCL chief, he mostly dealt with the kidnapping for ransom cases and handled over 650 cases. Memon had been associated with the CPLC for 19 years, including seven years as its chief.
According to the notification, Memon would serve as consultant for ‘planning, policy and public relations’ on the Home Department’s affairs.
Meanwhile, Memon told The News that he would assist the home minister for law and order, improving the image of the police, implementation of the police reforms, community policing and e-policing project etc.
He said that in capacity of the CPCL chief, he mostly dealt with the kidnapping for ransom cases and handled over 650 cases. Memon had been associated with the CPLC for 19 years, including seven years as its chief.
Teenagers celebrate success in Indian rowing competition
In a small gym of the Karachi Boat Club one can see a bunch of lively teenagers greeting each other and visibly happy at their recent win in a rowing competition in India.
Around 176 students, boys and girls, from five countries including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Japan and United Arab Emirates participated in the UNIFI Capital-ASRA Regatta, conducted by the Association of School Rowing in Asia (ASRA) on July 26.
The students competed for single sculls, double sculls, and coxed fours for three days in the silent back waters of Koovathur in Chennai. “It was a surprise win,” says Zaara Khadija Abbas, a student at Lyceum School, who won a bronze medal in the competition. When asked why she thinks it was a surprise win, she explained that before the competition all of them were nervous and worried. “After practicing for months the event was finally happening and while sitting there we were cheering up that we can do it,” she said adding that once she was in the water she forgot the huge crowd and the people sitting there.
The worry and nervousness earned the rowers from Pakistan two gold, five silver and three bronze medals in the competition. Speaking about her experience in India, Zaara said that the people were really warm and welcoming. “But while staying there I realized that I love my country more,” she said warmly.
Looking at the camaraderie between the youngsters, it seems that they were from the same school, but, it turned up that they were actually from five different schools of Karachi. “We practice together for eight to 10 hours a day together,” said Alizeh Premjee adding: “That is why the frankness.”
A former rower and now progressing towards becoming a coach at the boat club, Alizeh said that sport was the only thing that brings people together. “It is usually standardized and is above political discords.”
She said that her team reached India a bit late because of visa restrictions, which was a bit uncomfortable for them. “I would obviously want to go to a country freely, and though we got there a bit late, no one made us feel uncomfortable.”
Speaking about rowing, she said that not many people in Pakistan know about it but it was quite a well known sport internationally.
Suddenly, the students standing on the sides hoot on top of their voices and there was a string of endearments floating in the air. Alizeh said that it was actually the coach who was getting the royal treatment.
The coach of the winning team Asghar Ali is a lean and beaming man, who spoke politely about their win and the situation of sport in Pakistan.
Asghar, who started his career in 1992 and joined the Karachi Boat Club in 2000, said that now things have changed quite drastically and given the right amount of back up needed, “our sportsmen can do wonders”. “When I joined in 2000, there used to be no one in the practice area. I used to come in, sit for a few hours, and go away. But now, after these young people joined the club, there is a new verve and vitality with which I and our club members work.”
Asghar while pointing towards the new row boats said that previously they used wooden boards to row.
Happy over his team’s win in India, he said that they gave the international players a tough competition and modestly credited the young students for their zest and focus which led to their win.
He said that the water in which the students practice was quite rough, which required extra effort and focus on their part. “Comparatively in India the backwater of Koovathur was smooth. We practiced harder and made our win look easy,” he says with a proud smile.
Around 176 students, boys and girls, from five countries including Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Japan and United Arab Emirates participated in the UNIFI Capital-ASRA Regatta, conducted by the Association of School Rowing in Asia (ASRA) on July 26.
The students competed for single sculls, double sculls, and coxed fours for three days in the silent back waters of Koovathur in Chennai. “It was a surprise win,” says Zaara Khadija Abbas, a student at Lyceum School, who won a bronze medal in the competition. When asked why she thinks it was a surprise win, she explained that before the competition all of them were nervous and worried. “After practicing for months the event was finally happening and while sitting there we were cheering up that we can do it,” she said adding that once she was in the water she forgot the huge crowd and the people sitting there.
The worry and nervousness earned the rowers from Pakistan two gold, five silver and three bronze medals in the competition. Speaking about her experience in India, Zaara said that the people were really warm and welcoming. “But while staying there I realized that I love my country more,” she said warmly.
Looking at the camaraderie between the youngsters, it seems that they were from the same school, but, it turned up that they were actually from five different schools of Karachi. “We practice together for eight to 10 hours a day together,” said Alizeh Premjee adding: “That is why the frankness.”
A former rower and now progressing towards becoming a coach at the boat club, Alizeh said that sport was the only thing that brings people together. “It is usually standardized and is above political discords.”
She said that her team reached India a bit late because of visa restrictions, which was a bit uncomfortable for them. “I would obviously want to go to a country freely, and though we got there a bit late, no one made us feel uncomfortable.”
Speaking about rowing, she said that not many people in Pakistan know about it but it was quite a well known sport internationally.
Suddenly, the students standing on the sides hoot on top of their voices and there was a string of endearments floating in the air. Alizeh said that it was actually the coach who was getting the royal treatment.
The coach of the winning team Asghar Ali is a lean and beaming man, who spoke politely about their win and the situation of sport in Pakistan.
Asghar, who started his career in 1992 and joined the Karachi Boat Club in 2000, said that now things have changed quite drastically and given the right amount of back up needed, “our sportsmen can do wonders”. “When I joined in 2000, there used to be no one in the practice area. I used to come in, sit for a few hours, and go away. But now, after these young people joined the club, there is a new verve and vitality with which I and our club members work.”
Asghar while pointing towards the new row boats said that previously they used wooden boards to row.
Happy over his team’s win in India, he said that they gave the international players a tough competition and modestly credited the young students for their zest and focus which led to their win.
He said that the water in which the students practice was quite rough, which required extra effort and focus on their part. “Comparatively in India the backwater of Koovathur was smooth. We practiced harder and made our win look easy,” he says with a proud smile.
Plea for judicial inquiry into targeted killings
A petition seeking judicial inquiry over targeted killings in Karachi since 2009 has been filed in the Sindh High Court.
A representative of the Human Rights Commission of South Asia, Syed Iqbal Kazmi, referring to the killings of over 90 people in the city during the first week of August, submitted that the law-enforcement agencies had failed to protect the life and liberty of the citizens although Article 9 of the Constitution guaranteed protection to citizens, while Article 4 assured that every individual had right to be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The petitioner submitted that the government on the one hand constituted investigation team headed by the DIG West Sultan Khawaja and nine other high-ranking police officers for probing the killing of Muttahida Qaumi Movement MPA, Raza Hyder, who had been assassinated on August 2, while no inquiry team was constituted for probing the murder of over 90 people who had been killed in last week’s violence in the city which was discriminatory as police could not distinguish in investigation and that every citizen was equal in the eyes of the law.
He submitted that the wave of target killings stopped following the visit of federal interior minister Rehman Malik to Karachi who met with the leaders of Awami National Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement which gave the impression that the two parties had some role in the entire episode as the Rangers and police failed to control the killings and violence, but the same abruptly reduced to some extent after the visit of the federal interior minister.
He said that all those criminal cases that had been withdrawn under the National Reconciliation Ordinance in Sindh could not be reopened despite orders of the Supreme Court and prayed the court to order immediate trial of those cases.
The petitioner cited the interior and home secretaries, the DG of Rangers, the IG of police, the Capital City Police Officer Karachi, the DG of ISI, the Director of IB, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and the Awami National Party as respondents and prayed the court to conduct the judicial inquiry over the killings in the city since 2009.
UNDISPOSED CASES: The Sindh High Court directed the IG of Sindh and the secretary of law to file a detailed report on the steps they had taken for submission of final charge-sheets of 5,422 un-disposed cases in the province.
The court was hearing the petition of the Member of Inspection Team-II regarding non-submission of police reports in 5,422 cases before the trial courts.
The MIT-II had earlier submitted its report before the SHC chief justice who converted the report into a petition observing that non-submission of 5,422 FIRs was alarming. The MIT submitted in the report that neither the FIRs were disposed of by the police nor the charge-sheets of these cases were submitted before the concerned trial courts.
The court, granting further time, directed the IG of Sindh and the secretary of law to submit a detailed report on the steps they had taken for submission of final challans of un-disposed FIRs.
ARSON SUSPECTS REMANDED: The administrative judge of anti-terrorism courts in Karachi remanded four suspects facing arson charges in police custody till August 16.
Raza Khan, Naeem Khan, Mir Kalam and Fareed Khan were arrested by the F. B. Industrial Area police on August 5.
A representative of the Human Rights Commission of South Asia, Syed Iqbal Kazmi, referring to the killings of over 90 people in the city during the first week of August, submitted that the law-enforcement agencies had failed to protect the life and liberty of the citizens although Article 9 of the Constitution guaranteed protection to citizens, while Article 4 assured that every individual had right to be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The petitioner submitted that the government on the one hand constituted investigation team headed by the DIG West Sultan Khawaja and nine other high-ranking police officers for probing the killing of Muttahida Qaumi Movement MPA, Raza Hyder, who had been assassinated on August 2, while no inquiry team was constituted for probing the murder of over 90 people who had been killed in last week’s violence in the city which was discriminatory as police could not distinguish in investigation and that every citizen was equal in the eyes of the law.
He submitted that the wave of target killings stopped following the visit of federal interior minister Rehman Malik to Karachi who met with the leaders of Awami National Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement which gave the impression that the two parties had some role in the entire episode as the Rangers and police failed to control the killings and violence, but the same abruptly reduced to some extent after the visit of the federal interior minister.
He said that all those criminal cases that had been withdrawn under the National Reconciliation Ordinance in Sindh could not be reopened despite orders of the Supreme Court and prayed the court to order immediate trial of those cases.
The petitioner cited the interior and home secretaries, the DG of Rangers, the IG of police, the Capital City Police Officer Karachi, the DG of ISI, the Director of IB, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and the Awami National Party as respondents and prayed the court to conduct the judicial inquiry over the killings in the city since 2009.
UNDISPOSED CASES: The Sindh High Court directed the IG of Sindh and the secretary of law to file a detailed report on the steps they had taken for submission of final charge-sheets of 5,422 un-disposed cases in the province.
The court was hearing the petition of the Member of Inspection Team-II regarding non-submission of police reports in 5,422 cases before the trial courts.
The MIT-II had earlier submitted its report before the SHC chief justice who converted the report into a petition observing that non-submission of 5,422 FIRs was alarming. The MIT submitted in the report that neither the FIRs were disposed of by the police nor the charge-sheets of these cases were submitted before the concerned trial courts.
The court, granting further time, directed the IG of Sindh and the secretary of law to submit a detailed report on the steps they had taken for submission of final challans of un-disposed FIRs.
ARSON SUSPECTS REMANDED: The administrative judge of anti-terrorism courts in Karachi remanded four suspects facing arson charges in police custody till August 16.
Raza Khan, Naeem Khan, Mir Kalam and Fareed Khan were arrested by the F. B. Industrial Area police on August 5.
Katchi Abadis worst affected after rains
Heavy downpour in the western part of the city raised the level of water in the Lyari River on Monday, with the water flow entering the houses in the Katchi Abadis along the Gujjar and Orangi nullahs.
The victims of Gujjar Nullah, Liaquatabad, have been shifted to a school building. Meanwhile, the administrator of Karachi, Fazlur Rehman, visited the spot to monitor the relief activities. He asked officials to speed up the relief activities and transfer the victims to the temporary camp.
The administrator also asked the officials to provide potable water and accommodation to the victims. He asked the executive district officer (EDO) of Health to set up a temporary dispensary at the camp.
The administrator also said that the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) was alert and ready to tackle any emergency situation. While talking to the media at the Gujjar Nullah, the administrator said that the city government had started di-silting process of drains two-and-a-half months back, and that the citizens were getting fruit of those arrangements.
He said if the Gujjar Nullah had not been di-silted, then the scale of the affected dwellings would have been much greater. He said only those houses were affected in rains which were constructed inside the nullahs.Rains have continued to lash the city for the last three days, causing serious difficulties for the citizens. On Monday, some parts of the city received heavy rainfall.
The victims of Gujjar Nullah, Liaquatabad, have been shifted to a school building. Meanwhile, the administrator of Karachi, Fazlur Rehman, visited the spot to monitor the relief activities. He asked officials to speed up the relief activities and transfer the victims to the temporary camp.
The administrator also asked the officials to provide potable water and accommodation to the victims. He asked the executive district officer (EDO) of Health to set up a temporary dispensary at the camp.
The administrator also said that the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) was alert and ready to tackle any emergency situation. While talking to the media at the Gujjar Nullah, the administrator said that the city government had started di-silting process of drains two-and-a-half months back, and that the citizens were getting fruit of those arrangements.
He said if the Gujjar Nullah had not been di-silted, then the scale of the affected dwellings would have been much greater. He said only those houses were affected in rains which were constructed inside the nullahs.Rains have continued to lash the city for the last three days, causing serious difficulties for the citizens. On Monday, some parts of the city received heavy rainfall.
Rs10 bn Sindh flood relief fund established
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Monday established a Rs10 billion Sindh Flood Relief Fund in view of the massive devastation caused by raging floods in several districts of the province where hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced.
According to a notification, the Sindh government has decided that all MPAs, cabinet members, including special assistants to the chief minister, and government employees in BS-01 to BS-22 (both provincial and district) will contribute the following amounts to the relief fund.
Ministers, advisers, special assistants and MPAs will contribute their one-month salary. Provincial and district government employees in Bs-17-22 will donate their five days salary while provincial and district government employees in Bs-1-16 will donate their one-day salary.
The deduction on account of the said contribution will be made from their salaries for the month of August, 2010, payable on September 1, 2010, in advance. The employees on contract basis or those of autonomous or semi autonomous bodies of the Sindh government will also have to pay the aforementioned amount.
The government has directed the Sindh accountant-general, district accounts officers and principal accounting officers to make the above deductions on August 9, 2010.Meanwhile, focal person of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Iffat Malik told The News that around 0.6-0.8 million people have been evacuated so far. She said the floods have affected around 0.8-0.9 million people.
The Irrigation and Power Department spokesman has said in a statement that the “super flood” was passing through the Guddu barrage with a discharge of 11,48,738 cusecs of water and the same situation will prevail during the next 24 hours.
It is likely that the discharge at the Sukkur barrage may pass in the range of 11, 00,000 cusecs to 11, 50,000 cusecs within the next 24 hours. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has urged the people to help the victims in cash and kind of dry ration such as dates, milk, biscuits, bottled drinking water, soaps, cakes, hygiene kits, medicine and blankets.
Meanwhile, Corps Commander Lieutenant-General Shahid Iqbal visited Kashmore, Kandh Kot and Qadirabad to inspect the rescue and relief efforts of the troops. He asked the soldiers to gear up their efforts and perform this task as a national duty.
While briefing the corps commander, General Officer Commanding Major-General Nasrullah Tahir Dogar said that the relief and rescue work was being done through boats, vehicles and Army helicopters.
According to a notification, the Sindh government has decided that all MPAs, cabinet members, including special assistants to the chief minister, and government employees in BS-01 to BS-22 (both provincial and district) will contribute the following amounts to the relief fund.
Ministers, advisers, special assistants and MPAs will contribute their one-month salary. Provincial and district government employees in Bs-17-22 will donate their five days salary while provincial and district government employees in Bs-1-16 will donate their one-day salary.
The deduction on account of the said contribution will be made from their salaries for the month of August, 2010, payable on September 1, 2010, in advance. The employees on contract basis or those of autonomous or semi autonomous bodies of the Sindh government will also have to pay the aforementioned amount.
The government has directed the Sindh accountant-general, district accounts officers and principal accounting officers to make the above deductions on August 9, 2010.Meanwhile, focal person of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Iffat Malik told The News that around 0.6-0.8 million people have been evacuated so far. She said the floods have affected around 0.8-0.9 million people.
The Irrigation and Power Department spokesman has said in a statement that the “super flood” was passing through the Guddu barrage with a discharge of 11,48,738 cusecs of water and the same situation will prevail during the next 24 hours.
It is likely that the discharge at the Sukkur barrage may pass in the range of 11, 00,000 cusecs to 11, 50,000 cusecs within the next 24 hours. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has urged the people to help the victims in cash and kind of dry ration such as dates, milk, biscuits, bottled drinking water, soaps, cakes, hygiene kits, medicine and blankets.
Meanwhile, Corps Commander Lieutenant-General Shahid Iqbal visited Kashmore, Kandh Kot and Qadirabad to inspect the rescue and relief efforts of the troops. He asked the soldiers to gear up their efforts and perform this task as a national duty.
While briefing the corps commander, General Officer Commanding Major-General Nasrullah Tahir Dogar said that the relief and rescue work was being done through boats, vehicles and Army helicopters.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Woman strangled in domestic dispute
A young woman was strangled to death on Sunday by her in-laws for marrying her brother-in-law; a case was reported at the Quaidabad police limits.
According to the police, Naheed Khan (aged 30) was strangulated to death in Muslimabad Colony No-2, Quiadabad by her in-laws; in this regard an FIR was lodged on complaint of the victim’s husband, Bakht Alaam against Bakht Kamal, Ahmed Shah, and one Commander.
During the investigation it was found that the deceased was a resident of Shangla, (Swat) Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and 11 years before Naheed had married Bakht Alaam’s elder brother, during which she gave birth to two children.
Moreover, during the period, Naheed fell in love with Bakht Alaam, who is her younger brother-in-law. They fled from the house 8 years before alongwith the two
children and settled in
Muslimabad Colony No-2, where Bakht Alaam started working as a painter to earn his living.
They added that, during their wedlock, Naheed gave birth to two more children and were residing a happy life, when on Saturday night a man visited the house of Bakht Alaam and identified himself as Waheedullah and informed him that he wanted to paint his Madrassah situated in Bakhtawar Goth.
Bakht Alaam agreed to take the job.
The next morning one of Waheedullah’s men visited his house and took him to see the Madrassah. The stranger then took Bakht Alaam to a house where he was kept confined.
Police said that, later Bakht Alaam’s brothers, Bakht Kamal, Ahmed Shah and one unknown person went to the house and beat Bakht Alaam. They then went to his house, and tied the hands and Alaam’s wife Naheed and strangled her to death.
According to the police, Naheed Khan (aged 30) was strangulated to death in Muslimabad Colony No-2, Quiadabad by her in-laws; in this regard an FIR was lodged on complaint of the victim’s husband, Bakht Alaam against Bakht Kamal, Ahmed Shah, and one Commander.
During the investigation it was found that the deceased was a resident of Shangla, (Swat) Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and 11 years before Naheed had married Bakht Alaam’s elder brother, during which she gave birth to two children.
Moreover, during the period, Naheed fell in love with Bakht Alaam, who is her younger brother-in-law. They fled from the house 8 years before alongwith the two
children and settled in
Muslimabad Colony No-2, where Bakht Alaam started working as a painter to earn his living.
They added that, during their wedlock, Naheed gave birth to two more children and were residing a happy life, when on Saturday night a man visited the house of Bakht Alaam and identified himself as Waheedullah and informed him that he wanted to paint his Madrassah situated in Bakhtawar Goth.
Bakht Alaam agreed to take the job.
The next morning one of Waheedullah’s men visited his house and took him to see the Madrassah. The stranger then took Bakht Alaam to a house where he was kept confined.
Police said that, later Bakht Alaam’s brothers, Bakht Kamal, Ahmed Shah and one unknown person went to the house and beat Bakht Alaam. They then went to his house, and tied the hands and Alaam’s wife Naheed and strangled her to death.
CDGK blacklists firm for failure
Storm water drainage project
Administrator Karachi Fazlur Rehman has taken strict action on the failure of the storm water drainage system installed by the city government at Natha Khan Goth Airport.
During a visit of the area on the night intervening Saturday and Sunday along with a team of concerned engineers he issued orders for the seizing of the security deposit of the consultant firm and its blacklisting for future assignments.
On this occasion he expressed acute annoyance over the fact that the project which cost millions of rupees was not fulfilling the purpose for which it was designed and the de-watering work still needed many pumps. He also directed to take departmental disciplinary action against the project director and concerned engineers.
Administrator Karachi also constituted a three member committee consisting of the Executive District Officer (EDO) Works and Services, Rasheed Mughal, EDO Municipal Services Masood Alam and District Officers Works and Services, Saeed Malik to find the reasons of project failure. The committee will submit its report within next 15 days.
Administrator Karachi further instructed EDO Works and Services to withhold all payments to the concerned contractor firm and also seize any of their security deposits in other projects.
He also directed him to dispatch all manpower and machinery on roads and drain accumulated water out as soon as possible. He also instructed to keep at least two pumps at the Airport area so that they could be used instantly after the start of rain.
The EDO Works and Services and the EDO Municipal Services also paid separate visit of different areas of city and monitored drainage and dewatering works.
Administrator Karachi Fazlur Rehman has taken strict action on the failure of the storm water drainage system installed by the city government at Natha Khan Goth Airport.
During a visit of the area on the night intervening Saturday and Sunday along with a team of concerned engineers he issued orders for the seizing of the security deposit of the consultant firm and its blacklisting for future assignments.
On this occasion he expressed acute annoyance over the fact that the project which cost millions of rupees was not fulfilling the purpose for which it was designed and the de-watering work still needed many pumps. He also directed to take departmental disciplinary action against the project director and concerned engineers.
Administrator Karachi also constituted a three member committee consisting of the Executive District Officer (EDO) Works and Services, Rasheed Mughal, EDO Municipal Services Masood Alam and District Officers Works and Services, Saeed Malik to find the reasons of project failure. The committee will submit its report within next 15 days.
Administrator Karachi further instructed EDO Works and Services to withhold all payments to the concerned contractor firm and also seize any of their security deposits in other projects.
He also directed him to dispatch all manpower and machinery on roads and drain accumulated water out as soon as possible. He also instructed to keep at least two pumps at the Airport area so that they could be used instantly after the start of rain.
The EDO Works and Services and the EDO Municipal Services also paid separate visit of different areas of city and monitored drainage and dewatering works.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)