Latest news with #AsifHaiderShah
Express Tribune
07-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Heads roll at SBCA over heritage building's demolition
Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah has ordered the registration of FIRs against two officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and the owner of Kharas House, a protected heritage property in Clifton, following its illegal demolition during the Eid holidays. The move came after an inquiry report by the Karachi commissioner, which held the demolition of the colonial-era structure - located at Plot No FT-4/14, Bath Island Road - unlawful and revealed a premeditated attempt by SBCA officials and the property owner, Dhummai Cowasjee Kanja, to bypass regulatory oversight. The chief secretary had ordered the inquiry on April 24. Its findings have triggered a wave of disciplinary actions: SBCA Director General Ishaq Khuhro has been issued a show-cause notice, while SBCA Director Ashfaq Hussain Khokhar and Deputy Director Agha Kashif have been suspended by the Local Government Department. The Services and Administration Department has suspended Pirah Mangi, Deputy Director (Heritage) at the Culture, Tourism and Archives Department. According to the report, the SBCA's Technical Committee on Dangerous Buildings started the demolition process on January 4, 2024, without input from professional bodies such as the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP) and the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD). Despite acknowledging that Kharas House appeared to be a heritage structure, the SBCA granted demolition permission on October 18, 2024, without seeking mandatory heritage status verification from the culture department. Perhaps most troubling, the demolition was timed to coincide with the Eid holidays - when government oversight would be minimal. The report stated that it was the deputy commissioner for District South, not the SBCA or culture department, who first took action to halt the demolition. The inquiry also uncovered attempts by SBCA to retroactively cover up its role: demolition notices were issued only after work had begun, and no timely communication was made with the assistant commissioner to prevent the damage. Terming the case a "clear example of misconduct and manipulation," the report has recommended criminal proceedings against the SBCA officials involved as well as the property owner. The entire matter was also brought to the knowledge of the Chief Minister Sindh, who reviewed the findings of the inquiry and fully endorsed the actions taken against the responsible officers. The Chief Minister expressed grave concern over the unlawful demolition of a protected heritage site and emphasized the need for strict accountability and reiterated the government's firm stance on the protection of Sindh's cultural heritage. Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah has also instructed the Culture Department to immediately begin a citywide survey and mapping of all declared heritage buildings in Karachi. The Chief Secretary also directed that disciplinary proceedings be initiated against the Deputy Director (Heritage), Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Department, under the applicable Efficiency and Discipline (E&D) Rules, for failure to discharge duties and prevent the illegal demolition. The Chief Secretary emphasized that any individual found involved in endangering or destroying the cultural heritage of Sindh would face severe legal and administrative consequences.
Express Tribune
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sindh announces three-day Eidul Fitr holiday
Listen to article The Sindh government has declared a public holiday across the province from March 31 to April 2, 2025, on account of Eidul Fitr, according to a notification issued by the provincial administration. The notification, signed by Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, stated that all public and semi-government offices under the administrative control of the Sindh government will remain closed from Monday to Wednesday. The announcement comes after the federal government also approved a three-day public holiday for Eid, with the Cabinet Division confirming the same dates. Meanwhile, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee is scheduled to meet on Sunday, March 30 (Ramazan 29, 1446 AH), along with zonal committees, to sight the Shawwal moon, which will determine the official end of Ramadan.
Express Tribune
09-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
KMC parking now free for public across Karachi
Listen to article The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has decided to make its parking sites free of charge. Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, announced that no fee will be charged at KMC parking sites, stating that the decision was made in the public interest, Express News reported. He added that KMC is now financially stable, with over Rs 2 billion in its account and more expected. 'KMC does not need Rs 40 to 50 million,' he said. Murtaza Wahab further stated that an official notification will be issued to relieve citizens from parking fees, and legal action will be taken against those illegally collecting money under KMC's name. The mayor clarified that parking fees will no longer be collected at 46 out of 106 main roads in Karachi, while fees will still apply in 25 towns and 6 cantonment board areas. He emphasised that KMC's financial position is stable, and providing public convenience remains their top priority. Earlier, the Sindh government imposed a ban on dumpers entering Karachi during daytime in response to the rising number of traffic accidents in the city. Under the new restriction, dumpers will be allowed entry only between 11 PM and 6 AM, officials announced. The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah on the directives of Chief Minister Sindh. The meeting was attended by Karachi Commissioner, Additional IG Karachi, Secretary Transport, DIG Traffic, and other senior officials. Authorities have also ordered the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) to shift its operations to nighttime within three months to reduce congestion and accidents.
Express Tribune
08-02-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Sindh bans daytime entry of dumpers in Karachi
Listen to article The Sindh government has imposed a ban on dumpers entering Karachi during daytime in response to the rising number of traffic accidents in the city. Under the new restriction, dumpers will be allowed entry only between 11 PM and 6 AM, officials announced. The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah on the directives of Chief Minister Sindh. The meeting was attended by Karachi Commissioner, Additional IG Karachi, Secretary Transport, DIG Traffic, and other senior officials. Authorities have also ordered the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) to shift its operations to nighttime within three months to reduce congestion and accidents. Additionally, a physical verification process for all heavy vehicles and their drivers operating in the city will be launched. Officials also decided that all commercial vehicles must obtain a certified QR code from the transport department for identification. The Sindh Chief Secretary directed the Water Board to regulate its water tanker operations and instructed motorcyclists to wear helmets. He also ordered traffic police to intensify enforcement of traffic laws. To raise public awareness, the Sindh Information Department has been tasked with launching a media campaign on traffic regulations. Authorities have also decided to increase fines by four times for traffic violations and take stricter action against reckless driving, including registering FIRs against offenders. The Sindh government also approved the launch of the Vehicle Inspection and Certification System (VICS) across the province. The transport department has been ordered to begin implementation to ensure roadworthy vehicles are on the streets. During the briefing, traffic police officials revealed that 65% of vehicles in Karachi are motorcycles, and 55% of accidents involve motorcyclists. Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah noted that the primary cause of traffic accidents is the lack of enforcement of heavy vehicle regulations. He instructed DIG Traffic to improve Karachi's traffic conditions within one month and ensure strict implementation of traffic laws.
