MESSAGE FROM THE DIVISIONALCOMMISSIONER’S DESK

Shoaib Ahmad SiddiquiCommissioner Karachi Division

HEALTH

EDUCATION

INTERFA

ITH HARMONY

SPORTS

SOCIAL CORNER

DISASTER M

ANAGEMENT

YOUTH INIT

IATIV

E & H

R

The Karachi Administration is always connected with the people and through its third version of Newsletter this contact is being further strengthened. I hope our previous Newsletters have been reaching you raising hope in the working of Government organizations. We are trying to make endeavours in almost every field, which is related to the lives of people. This issue is a glimpse of what is being done.On this occasion I would like to insist on a strong need to eradicate copy culture during examinations for promoting good education. This is so essential for the development of our society and country. All of us need to standby against this copy culture. Parents, children and students themselves need to realize that by adopting unfair means to achieve a certificate or degree leads to destruction.Similarly taking care of health of our children and youth is very important. The menace of Gutka, mainpuri and drugs is tearing apart the health fabric of our new generation. We are up against such activities and urge you all to support and play a role in convincing such persons not to use injurious items, which become cause of fatal diseases.

The issue of illicit/spurious liquor and drugs is multidimensional.The negative impacts are both economic and social. The scourge of drugs in any society is a double-edged sword: not only does it have an adverse effect upon individuals and the wider society; also the proceeds of drugs cultivate many undesirable criminal activities.For a dynamic metropolis like Karachi, that has youth as a major portion of population, drug abuse can be deadly. Hence, there should be no stone left unturned to eradicate the prevalence of drugs in the society. On the directives of the government, Divisional Narcotics Control Committee (DNCC) has been constituted which is committed to enforce ‘National Anti-Narcotics Policy 2010’. In this regard, regular meetings have been held, under the chairmanship of the Commissioner Karachi, to support Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), Narcotics Department and the Karachi Police in its operations against drug barons and peddlers. The Commissioner inculcated that in order to make society bereft of

drugs; there is a need to set up anti-drugs committees in every district of Karachi. Indeed, a strong strategy against drug smugglers has been devised and ANF is also on board. It is worth-noting that Deputy Commissioners (DC’s) and Karachi Police are making all-out efforts in this cause.

DIG EAST RECOVERED 8386 Kg. of

Charas, 35 Kg. of Heroine, 299.926 kilograms

of Hashish 1757 wine bottles in vulnerable areas

of the zone. The Police also arrested 732 culprits

involved. -Director Excise Government of Sindh

have con�scated 100 liters of liquor and

arrested 12 people.

Peaceful Karachi

Successes of Divisional Narcotics Control Committee in

the first quarter

Issue3November 2014

Weed out drug menace from society

DIVISIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL COMMITTEE

ADMINISTRATION

• Prohibition on sale, production and use of illicit liquor or drugs• District Administration, District Police, Narcotics department and ANF to carry out raids at susceptible locations • Isolation wards have been established in several hospitals for narcotics patients and awareness sessions have been held in collaboration with KMC• Awareness campaigns in educational institutes with assistance of NGO’s • Health Department in collaboration with ANF is running a rehabilitation center in Lyari• Advertisements and tender notices by Information Department against drug use• Awareness banners in all tournaments by the KMC, Sports & Youth Affairs department• Coordination among the Excise Department, ANF and the Karachi Police for checking trafficking of narcotics

STRICT MEASURES AGAINST NARCOTICS INCLUDESThe role of Deputy Commissioners is pivotal in the fight against narcotics and illicit liquor. Through their Assistant Commissioners, they have been instructed to reach out to public as much as possible. The role of District Narcotics Control Committee will be helpful in the dealing with the drug smugglers, drug dens, supply routes and data of drug addicts. They have been advised to check outlets of manufacturing and sale of illicit liquor as well as engage civil society or area residents to share any confidential information in relevance. The Commissioner stresses upon two key factors needed to wipe out this menace from our society; effective coordination and firm action. The citizens are encouraged to come forward and join the battle against narcotics, as their participation in the social movement will provide a great impetus. The youth is the future of our nation and the government cannot compromise to let them go off beam. Efforts to promote healthy activities such as cultural or sports will protect the younger generation from the drug menace. The Commissioner Karachi believes that measures to curtail the use of drugs and drug dens in the metropolis will have a positive impact and this will eventually develop drug-free Karachi.

CALLING ON THE SECRETARY EXCISE, TAXATION & NARCOTICS DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF SINDH

A 10-member delegation from World Bank met Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui at his office to discuss Karachi Transformation Strategy, a non-lending technical assistance (NLTA) project sponsored by the Korean Green Growth Trust. The strategy aims to provide an environment that may promote a decent standard of living for its residents, and an improved quality of municipal services.

The members of the World Bank Mission who attended the meeting included Ming Zhang, Sector Manager, Peter D. Ellis, Lead Urban Specialist, Victor M. Vergara, Lead Urban Specialist , Jana El-Horr, Social Development Specialist, Shehnaz Arshad, Sr. Urban Specialist, Songsu Choi Regional Planning and Strategy Consultant, Sangmoo Kim, Urban Specialist , Jon Kher KaW Sr. Urban Specialist Suhaib Rasheed, Urban Specialist and Wit Siemieniuk, Solid Waste Management Consultant. The meeting was also attended by the members of the focal group for institutional arrangements including the Director General UP and SP Karachi Mudassar Iqbal, Director General Municipal Services KMC Masood Alam, officials of Transport and Local Government Departments, KWSB, SBCS, Military Land and Content Board, KPT and DHA.

THE WORLD BANK BRINGS KARACHI TRANSFORMATION STRATEGY

The Excise, Taxation & Narcotics Department is the main revenue-collecting agency of the Government of Sindh, which plays a paramount role in resource mobilization. The Department has been entrusted with two functions i.e. Tax collection and Narcotics suppression. It has the exclusive authority of issuance & administering the intoxicating liquor and other intoxicating licenses. Pur Aman Karachi caught up with Mr. Abdul Majeed Pathan, Secretary Excise, Taxation & Narcotics department. An able officer in his true capacity, Mr. Pathan has done much for the suppression of narcotics and is committed to this noble cause. His thoughts on the following questions are quoted.“Take on narcotics consumption”“Drugs are a menace which need to be eradicated from the society on urgent basis to save our present as well as the future generations.”“Duties of the Narcotics department”“ It is the prime duty of the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics department to combat, eradicate and suppress the use and sale of narcotics and illicit/spurious liquor. Through this scribe, I’d like to assure the Karachiites, that the department is committed to eradication of this menace. Together, we can make Karachi a narcotics-free metropolis. “ Narcotics-free Karachi for a Peaceful karachi (Pur Aman Karachi)They are correlated to the greatest degree. Usage of narcotics is directly related to criminal activities in the city. By controlling this nuisance, we will surely witness a decreasing rate of crime in the city. In my view, Karachi is still a better place than so many big cities of the world are with regard to the drug abuse. However, we are striving for a narcotics-free Karachi. “”Way Forward” “ We recently seized 47000 liters of illicit liquor all over the province. I believe that the issue needs awareness among the masses. This could be achieved through active support of the media, sports competitions, dissemination of the message in educational institutes, awareness walks and making it a part of study syllabus. The Excise, Taxation & Narcotics department is going in to a large scale media campaign against this menace in the coming days.”

Abdul Majeed Pathan, Secretary Excise,

Taxation & Narcotics Department

DEVELOPMENT

PREVENTING THE LIFE THREATENING STROKE

World Stroke Day public awareness walk and seminar held in District Central

In this fast-paced world high blood pressure, work fatigue and restlessness have become common. All these elements might result in stroke, which could be fatal or leads to lifelong paralysis. While realizing the importance of its awareness on World Stroke Day on 29th October, the Deputy Commissioner Central Dr. Syed Saif ur Rehman, who himself is a foreign qualified doctor and a PhD student, organized a public awareness walk followed by a seminar to raise awareness among government officials and general public. The Walk began from the office of DC Central led by him along with Senior Director Medical and Health Services, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Dr. Salma Kausar, AC Gulberg Sumera Hassan, AC Nazimabad Kamal Hakeem, Town Health Officers (THOs), doctors of Sindh Health Department and KMC, and general public participated in walk by holding banners and placards depicting slogans to prevent stroke. Talking to Pur Aman Karachi, Dr. Saif quoted “It is much better to increase numbers of people in parks and play grounds than establishing news hospitals. Routine immunization of children needs to be improved, whereas smoking and use of other forms of tobacco should be avoided. Sale of tobacco to children under age of 18 and sale of tobacco within 500 meters of educational institutions is banned by government and is being enforced. Blood pressure and sugar should be controlled whereas junk food should not be consumed to avoid stroke.”

The Commissioner Karachi along with Additional Inspector General Karachi, Mr. Ghulam Qadir Thebo and Secretary Health, Mr. Iqbal

Hussain Durrani, visited sensitive Union Councils of the city such as UC-4 Gadap to monitor the Polio drive. They also administered drops

and convinced the locals to support the drive against Polio virus

Mr. Aslam Khoso Additional Commissioner Karachi - I is the focal person for health

initiative. He can be reached at 021-99205601

HEALTHERADICATING SOCIAL EVILS:

CAMPAIGN AGAINST GHUTKA & SHEESHA

“WE WILL FIGHT POLIO”

A healthy environment is essential to a livable metropolis and flourishing economy like Karachi is. It is crucial that the city be devoid of social menaces that are undermining the society and its people. Like every populous mega city, Karachi has been encountering health and social challenges in the form of Ghutka (betel-nut chewing), manpuri and new sheesha joints

opening every now and then in Karachi. The Karachi Administration has issued a stern crackdown against these threats. As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”, an exhaustive strategy has been devised under the chairmanship of the Commissioner Karachi in the interest of public lives. The Commissioner Karachi ordered that this campaign be kicked-off from Government offices by banning the use of paan, ghutka and cigarettes so that officers can work in a salubrious atmosphere, which will hence improve their efficiency. The hazards of betel nut, paan and sheesha are horrifying and alarming for our lives that simply cannot be overlooked. They can raise the risk of cancer and other fatal diseases amongst people as well as impair the society with poisonous gases. Hence, a ban on import of hazardous concoctions, which are unfit for human consumption like betel-nut, has been imposed. To promote good health of youth of Karachi and ensure that they do not get exposed to these deadly products, the Secretary Education Government of Sindh and Secretary University & Boards have been requested to check that sale of such items is not made in school/college/university cafeterias. Furthermore, Assistant Commissioners will regularly pay surprise visits to assure that these orders are adhered to and no objectionable product is being sold to the students. According to Prohibition of Smoking Ordinance 2002, tobacco sale is prohibited by law to anybody under the age of 18 and smoking is also prohibited in public spaces. To safeguard that anti-smoking laws are not flouted in hotels and restaurants, Deputy Commissioners have been directed to lead an influential campaign against sheesha smoking in their jurisdictions. Thus, it is the duty of every Karachiite to fight against social jeopardies, which hamper the growth of our society. Community awareness campaigns will be regularly managed by media, Civil Administration, Health Department and PMA to disseminate information, which is in public interest. In view of the sensitivity of the matter, monitoring committee will hold a meeting every month to review the progress of crackdown against the menace of quacks, Ghutka and sheesha. The Commissioner Karachi strongly believes that together we can restore the well-being of our citizens by prohibiting the use of products which impair their capabilities and leave a negative impact upon their health. It is our responsibility to unite as citizens and battle-out all such loopholes, which obstruct our nation’s development, and also strive to make Karachi a healthier city to live in.

The newly posted team members. From L-R Mr. Saleem Rajput, DC South Mr. Agha Pervez, DC East, and Mr. Asif Jan Siddiqui, DC Korangi. We wish

them all the success on their new assignment.

NewMembers All Deputy Commissioners of Karachi

Division attended the consultative workshop on ‘Ending Polio in Pakistan by the end of 2015 in

Bhurban which was organized by the Ministry of National Health Services,

Regulations and Coordination (NHSRC) and World Health

Organization (WHO).

There is sufficient evidence

that the habit of chewing betel

quid, with or without tobacco,

is cancer causing to humans.

(International Agency for

Research on Cancer)

.

What are the Article 20 (a) and Article 36 of the 1973 Constitution of the Islamic Republic

of Pakistan say?

Article 20(a): “every citizen shall have the right to profess, practise and propagate his religion”

Article 36: “The State shall safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of minorities, including their due

representation in the Federal and Provincial services.”

Pur Aman Karachi supports the legal literacy campaign #LegalLiteracy

www.facebook.com/ManzilPakistanOrg

LIGHTING UP KARACHI!

Diwaali was celebrated with zest and zeal by the Hindu

community in Karachi. The city was adorned with festive lights

and colors on the occasion.

Article 20 (a) and Article 36 of the 1973 Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan refer to the fundamental rights and protection of minorities respectively. Karachi is home to a multi-cultural diverse society where various religious and ethnic groups live together. As the custodian of the city, the Commissioner Karachi ensures sound liaison with the minorities for a peaceful and tolerant Karachi. Much to the Hindus merriment, the Government of Sindh announced that this year’s Diwaali would be celebrated officially and their Hindu employees would be granted a holiday on the religious festival. The excitement doubled when instructions were passed to pay advance salaries to all Hindu officials employed in the government.

Most importantly, the security was on high alert around all temples and religious venues in the city for the safety of Hindu community. A foolproof security and civic plan in coordination with public and minority representatives was developed so that the festival could carry out in an amicable manner. The Commissioner Karachi feels that the sensitivities of minorities residing in our city should be respected and protected. Interfaith harmony will endeavuor to develop cordial relationships, promote brotherhood, spread solidarity and protection of minority rights in Karachi. As the Founder of our nation openly declared, “You are free to go to your temples; you are free to go to your mosques and to any other place.”

Let there be unity in diversity!

LEGAL LITERACY

Amid stringent security measure, the main mourning processions on the occasion of Muharram-ul-Haram culminated peacefully in Karachi, which was a big achievement for the government. A series of meetings were held for effective coordination and to deliberate arrangements to win this achievement. The Commissioner Karachi ensured that the security plan and code of conduct for Ashura was strictly implemented. He made several visits to review security, cleanliness, sewerage and other civic arrangements around the city. The administrative officials were instructed to remain in close contact with the organizers and fire tenders were made available in sensitive areas of Karachi. The organizers of the processions and people of Karachi should be acknowledged for cooperating with the government in maintaining peace in the city. Indeed, inter-sect harmony has to be promoted to maintain tranquility in Karachi. The event brought Ulemas of all sects on a single platform for the cause of Karachi. The Commissioner Karachi advocates that the spirit of unity, tolerance and affection manifested by Karachiites will definitely send a positive message to the whole country.

A classic epitome of inter-sect harmony with ulemas of from all sects, civil

administration and the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) on one table

MUHARRAM PROCESSIONS PASS PEACEFULLY IN KARACHI.

KARACHI PLACEMENT BUREAU

YOUTH AFFAIRS & HUMAN RESOURCES

Job seeking becomes a click away on commissioner

Karachi website

J

CVs could be uploaded at www.pb.commissionerkarachi.gos.pk

or emailed to:karachiplacementbureauckd

@gmail.com

INTERFAITH HARMONY

Anil & his friendsenjoying Diwaali

THE DIGIT PRICERs. 33,72300 FineImposed on 2244

Profiteers, in the monthof October under price

control initiative32 Profiteers Jailed.

EDUCATIONADOPTING EDUCATION

M. Peeral Chandio, Assistant Commissioner,

Baldia Sub Division

ERADICATING COPY CULTURE

The campaign finds it self all the way to Larkono. DC Larkano Mr. Ganhwar Khan

Leghari has also served as Deputy Commissioner Karachi West.

The Karachi Administration under the leadership of the Commissioner Karachi discourages the cheating mafia and copy culture. The Commissioner believes that the quality education system is the base stone of any nation and any element, which involves its erosion, will be seriously dealt with. The Karachi Administration through its Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners has been taking all necessary steps to uproot this menace. All the officers are advised to pay surprise visits to examination centers all types of examinations taking places in their area of jurisdiction and take stern actions against the ones involved. The initiative is the brainchild of Syed Khalid Shah, President, All Private Schools Management Association (APSMA) Sindh, who has been instrumental in dealing with issues of education for over two decades. The Commissioner Karachi acknowledges and appreciates the initiative taken by in their drive against the cheating culture and assures complete cooperation the same in true spirits. The APSMA is also an integral of the Earthquake awareness group and through it, awareness drives and campaigns are coordinated in the schools all over Karachi.The Commissioner Karachi appreciates the initiative taken by the All Private Schools Management Association Sindh in their drive against the cheating culture and assures complete cooperation the same in true spirits.

Mr. Muhammad Peeral Chandio, Assistant Commissioner, Baldia Sub Division, District West has introduced an innovative concept of adoption of schools in his area. After his adoption, Government Boys Secondary School, Lasi Para, Sector 4/C, Saeedbad, has witnessed a large number of enrollment, cleanliness and trust of the local community. Through his efforts, desks, water coolers and reservation of adjoining park for school children have been arranged. The most important attribute of this step is thee locality in which this activity has been carried out. With increased rate of education, employment opportunities will be created which would curb unemployment rate and decrease in crime rate. Syed Muhammad Ali Shah, Deputy Commissioner West speaks high of his efficient officer and believes that promotion of education is no less than a worship. It is indeed caliber of an Assistant Commissioner to become the social leader of his area. It is hoped that other officers of Karachi Administration would take similar steps for the cause of education.

Keeping up with the tradition of paying tribute to the national Heros, the Iqbal Day was celebrated on 9th November by the Karachi Administration with fervour and devotion. Under the direction of the Commissioner Karachi, debate competitions and seminars in various districts and colleges of Karachi took place. Deputy Commissioner Central, Dr. Syed Saif ur Rehman, organized a seminar reminiscing the ideas and poetry of at the DC Central Office. Syed Muhamamad Ali Shah, Deputy Commissioner West arranged a debate competition in the the DC West Public School in Pak Colony where children performed tableaus and delivered speeches related to the achievements and struggle of Iqbal for a separate homeland. DC West was represented by Mr. Sher Hussain Shah, ADC West. One witnessed positive activities in colleges of Karachi. Dr. Nasir Ansar, Director General Colleges Sindh patronized many such events. The worth-mentioning events include the one in Govt College Stadium Road where Principal Dr. Tariq hosted the event while at Govt College Malir Cantt, Principal Mr. Abdul Fateh Wahoocho conducted a morale-boosting program. Both the events witnessed eloquent speeches from students in which they paid tribute to the Poet of the East. Mr. Shahzeb Shaikh, Assistant Commissioner (General), Karachi Division, represented the Commissioner Karachi in the functions. He interacted with the attendees and urged them to join forces with the Karachi Administration in all the domains for the cause of Karachi. He also distributed certificates of appreciation to the high-achievers in the 1st year examination

Paying Homage To The Poet Of The East, Dr. Allama Muhamamd Iqbal

TRIBUTE

The Commissioner Karachi gives the Employee of the Month (October) certificate to Mr. Sajjad Ali Khan of Home Branch for his hard work. Home branch deals with the issues relating to declaration of press and publications, coordination with the

police and LEAs and arms licenses.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

HAZARON SAAL NARGIS APNI BAYNOORI PE ROTI HAY!BARI MUSHKIL SE HOTA HAY CHAMAN MEIN DEEDAWAR PAIDA!

Karachi hosts ‘one-day international blind cricket series’

between Pakistan and India.

RARE TALENTAURANGZEB SULTAN, THE GUINNESS

WORLD RECORD HOLDERIt was one sunny afternoon when a young man entered the Commissioner’s office and stated that he intended to carry out a peace walk from Karachi all the way to Islamabad. To the surprise of the Commissioner Karachi, he didn’t seek any financial help. He plainly requested for assistance of the Karachi Administration for security and moral support. This was Aurangzeb Sultan, who had broken the world record of US’s Jessie Christian in 2004 by covering 235.22 km distance while walking in 24 hours at the World Greatest Distance Walk Competitions in New York ten years ago. He is the 13th Pakistani to find a place in the book and only the 4th individual from province of Sindh only after Ex-Prime Minister Mohatarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, Alam Channa and Abdul Sattar Edhi. A reception was hosted by Karachi Commissioner, World Peace Inter-faith Harmony Council and Sports Journalists Association of Sindh (SJAS) in his honour. Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs, Mr. Laeeq Ahmed was also present at the occasion. Speaking to Pur Aman Karachi, he said, “I worked hard for 11 long years under my coach Sir Laurence, Sultan During all these

years I never took tea, did not listen to music and did not attend any wedding ceremony.” Sultan is a true patriot and this he proved by rejecting the offers of Canadian & Australian nationalities. His prime motto is spreading peace and harmony in the society. He recently completed a peace walk from Karachi to Islamabad in the support of armed forces of Pakistan. Aurangzeb has now announced that he would embark on the journey of Hajj on foot. Karachi Administration ensures full support and cooperation to this pride of Pakistan in all his future endeavours.

Pakistan Blind Cricket team reached in the final of all the three editions of Blind Cricket World Cups and won the last two World Cups consecutively

in 2002 and 2006.Did youKnow

SPORTSREVIVAL OF INTERNATIONAL CRICKET IN PAKISTAN.

October 15 marks the White Cane Safety Day, which aims at paying tribute to blind and their tool of independence, the white cane. In this connection, a walk was arranged under the leadership of the Commissioner Karachi in collaboration with Pakistan Association of Blind (PAB), to express solidarity and pay homages to the blind / visually impaired people. The walk was attended by Mr. Aslam Khoso, Additional Commissioner-I, Mr. Haji Ahmed, Additional Commissioner-II, Mrs. Rubina Asif, Director Local Government, Syed Shukaib Ahmed, Director, Planning, Development, & Environment, civil society, Gender Interactive Alliance (GIA) among others. The Commissioner distributed white canes among the attendees. He assured full cooperation to the blind people for resolution of their problems. He called upon the drivers, conductors and personnel of police, traffic police, Pakistan Railways, PIA and other segments of the society to take all possible steps to facilitate the blind persons. Also, he assured full cooperation in the drive for employment of the blind and visually impaired.

SOCIAL CORNER

TRIBUTE TO THE WHITE CANE

White Cane Safety Day observed at the Commissioner’s Office to celebrate the achievements

of the blind or visually impaired.

Cricket fever grips the Karachiites. However, enthusiasm and excitement doubles in their hearts whenever Pakistan cricket team plays against the arch-rivals India. The same exuberance was rejuvenated when Karachi successfully hosted 3 one-day international Blind Cricket series between Pakistan and India. Pakistan and India may have suspended their bilateral cricket ties but it must be acknowledged that the Indian blind cricket team delightfully crossed the border hoping to break the ice. The Commissioner Karachi highlighted that this was a great achievement by the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) to initiate international cricket in Pakistan and also encourage healthy activities in the metropolis. He acknowledged that this event is aimed to promote international sports activities in Pakistan. Therefore, it was ensured that all relevant departments were committed to doing their best in order to make the event a grand success. Moreover, Additional I.G Karachi was requested to issue a comprehensive contingency plan for fool-proof security including walk-through gates on entry and exit points, placement of Bomb Disposal Squad at the venue, among others. The gesture of the DHA and the PCB must be acknowledged which voluntarily provided DHA South-End Stadium and National Stadium for conducting these matches in Karachi. The event left an inspiring and thrilling mark upon the spectators, who were mostly youngsters. By witnessing visually impaired cricketers playing cricket series with immense passion and confidence, it helped to boost the morale of citizens of both nations. It was a treat to watch the cricketers in green and blue play passionately against each other & flags of both countries hovering around the stadium.Pakistan and India are the best in the world of blind cricket. According to the Indian blind cricket team captain, Shekar Naik, the citizens of both nations were exceptionally fervent about Indo-Pak cricket and anticipated to see bilateral cricket series more often. The Commissioner Karachi advocates that events like these will portray a soft image of Pakistan globally and will promote friendliness with other cricketing nations. He believes that sportsmen are actually ambassadors of their respective countries and the arrival of an Indian team at this juncture is a positive sign for the promotion of goodwill and healthy rapport between the two neighbouring countries. This will ignite the flicker of hope amongst the two borders, spread solidarity and also will pave the way for the revival of the international cricket in Pakistan.

One of the prime roles of the Commissioner is to get onboard all sections of society for a peaceful city. This was eminent in the celebration of World Dwarfism Day (25th October, 2014), the 1st time in Pakistan, at the Rescue 1299 center in the Commissioner’s Office where Little People of Pakistan Welfare Association called on to the Commissioner and discussed various issues of the short heighted people. The issues included traveling, usage of ATM machines and unemployment etc. The Commissioner listened to their issues and assured them to remain in touch so that their problems could be addressed on emergent basis. The Commissioner appreciated the lofty aims of the visitors and wished them luck. A shield was also presented to the Commissioner by the delegation. Syed Shukaib Ahmed, Director, Planning, Development, & Environment, has been made the coordinating point for the initiative.

On ‘World Dwarfism Day’, Commissioner Karachi extends greetings to short height

people and invites them to his office.

AIMING TALL

Syed Murad Ali Shah, Minister for Finance and Energy, Sindh addresses at the audience.

The Commissioner Karachi attends Professionals Shipping Logistics and Supply Chain conference and Exhibition. He resolves to write to Trade Development

Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to hold multi-stake holders conference for promoting and increasing

exports. Better understanding of issues involved in the process is required for smooth functioning.

The city boasts a population of approximately twenty million people along with around seventy kilometer long coastline, which makes Karachi vulnerable to natural disasters, like any other coastal metropolis in the world. Fortunately, no major recent natural disaster has been recorded. But, what really matters is how will Karachi mitigate risks of catastrophes to keep its citizens safe in future? In this regard, the Commissioner Office with support of World Bank (WB) organized a ‘Multi-hazard Risk Assessment Seminar’ in which a steering committee was formed to lessen hazards in Karachi.The steering committee comprises of City administration, experts/researchers and various organizations such as: Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (K.M.C), Defence Housing Authority (D.H.A), Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), K-ELECTRIC, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Sindh Building Control Authority (KBCA) among others. The seminar was led under the banner of “ALERT TODAY ALIVE TOMORROW “. A team of experts and researchers led by Professor Dr. Sarosh H Lodi, Dean Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, NED University of Engineering & Technology (NEDUET) and Professor Dr. Syed Imran Ahmed, Professor of Water Resources, sought a pragmatic approach to address the issues involving the safety of human lives, infrastructure and resources.The timing of the session was immaculate. In addition to the pragmatic preparatory steps taken by the government for the risk of cyclone “Nilofar” in Karachi, the Karachi Administration sought the need to for an interactive discussion, which would highlight the vulnerability of low-lying areas of the metropolis and measures to combat them. The participants of the seminar showcased an excellent demeanor of expertise which would certainly help in future in taking precautionary steps and saving our city from unwanted calamities. An extensive study will be carried out by experts to analyze and evaluate ways to mitigate risk. A few factors of the study will include: • Prioritizing development programs • Collection of primary data and crowd sourcing• Topography, Typology, Seismic risk assessment• Pre-flood management and preparedness practices • Building professional resources and maintenance of infrastructureUrgent measures for consolidation of data compiled under frequently held studies in the city is more likely the need of hour. The seminar further precipitated the idea along with provision for efficient implementation of suggestions recommended by the researchers.The Commissioner Karachi believes that these steps are futuristic in nature, however, Karachiites should encompass the principle of “Alert today Alive Tomorrow”. There is a dire need to develop a sense of ownership amongst the citizens. Administrative measures need to be complimented with public awareness campaigns so that masses can avert associated mishaps. Under the directions of the Commissioner, civil defence training will be conducted in public and private organizations as well as various educational institutes. This will foster Karachi’s preparedness towards urban natural disasters.The Karachi Administration assures to extend required support to the steering committee constituted to counter multi-hazard risks and make efforts in saving precious lives and beautiful infrastruc-tures of Karachi. In significance, regular meetings will be conduct-ed by committee members to analyze data and monitor the exercise; expediting it with expertise at its disposal. Truly, it is important that efforts must remain ongoing to make the infrastructure of Karachi resilient enough to face risks; indeed natural disasters are national disasters!

STEERING COMMITTEE FORMED TO MITIGATE RISKS IN KARACHI

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

The Commissioner Karachi introduces ‘Pur Aman Karachi’ Newsletter at the conference

The Commissioner Karachi Mr. Shoaib Ahmad Siqqiqui accompanied by Mr. Masood Alam, Senior Director Municipal Services, KMC attended the Asian Mayors Forum 4th General Assembly and Meeting of United Cities & Local

Government & Sister Cities Conference at Haiko, People’s Republic of China (23-25 November, 2014) (Three events were clubbed together where more than 50 countries participated. The event is held after every two year. Next 2016 will

be in Turkey. One general meeting will be held in Karachi Nov 2015.

PICTURE PERFECT

Chief secretary gilgit-baltistan, the then director general passports and immigration, sikandar sultan raja paid a visit to

the commissioner’s office. The Commissioner Karachi bade farewell to

the then Indonesian Consul General Mr. Roosialis R. Adenan

VISITOR GALLERY LYARI EXPRESS WAY PROJECT

KARACHI IN A FLASHBACK

Dc EastCR. 99230918

Dc CentralCR. 99260049-50

Dc MalirCR. 35001305

Dc SouthCR. 99205628-29

Dc WestCR. 32594691-2

Dc KorangiCR. 99264407

The Commissioner Karachi and Deputy Commissioners’ control rooms can be contacted in case of emergency, price control complaints and assistance. The officers of Karachi

Administration personally monitor the control room activities.

EDITORIAL

Editor: Shahzeb Shaikh,Assistant Commissioner (General), Karachi Division

Feedback and comments are welcomed and appreciatedEmail: puramankarachinewsletter@gmail.com,puramankarachi@commissionerkarachi.gos.pk

Website: www.commissionerkarachi.gos.pkOffice of the Commissioner Karachi Division

4, Club Road, Karachi.24/7 Control Room for Complaints

Ph:021-99203443,99206648

FOREIGN FRONT

National Assembly Standing Committee holds meeting at Commissioner Office Karachi. This is an honour for the

Commissioner Karachi and his team as such a prestigious meeting has been held for the first time in this office. The

committee considered ways to speed up completion of Lyari Expressway Project for traffic and public convenience

The Commissioner Karachi with the winning team at the girl’s football match organised by the British Council for the major

showcasing event, of its project DOSTI (Developing and Organising Social Transformation Initiatives), which employs the medium of sports to encourage peace building, tolerance and learning among young people from different parts of society.

Information box

Commissioner’s Control room021-99203443 and 1299 (free call from

any mobile network)

SPREADING DOSTI (FRIENDSHIP)

Palace Hotel was ranked as the third best hotel in Karachi in the 1960s. Ultimately this hotel was razed for the construction of the Sheraton Hotel, which opened in 1982.

Mövenpick Hotel Karachi came into existence on 1st January 2014.

RESCUE CENTER: 1299

POLICE HELPLINE (MADADGAR): 15

TRAFFIC POLICE HELPLINE (RAHNUMA): 915

FIRE BRIGADE: 16

K Electric: 118

PTCL: 1218

RAILWAY INQUIRY: 117

FLIGHT INQUIRY: 114

EDHI: 115

CHIPA: 1020

KMC: 1339

KARACHI EMERGENCY NUMBERS YOU MUST KNOW!

DIPLOMAT GALLERY

Photography by Abid Arshad