Latest news with #MurtazaWahab
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Padel Stars, TRIBS clinch Padel Ranking Cup titles
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab gives winner's cheque to Super Striker team for winning the Boys Under-14 title at the Pak Padel Ranking Cup at Sport-on. President PPF Muhammad Mateen, CEO Mudassar Razak and other officials are also seen. PHOTO: PPF Padel Star and TRIBS outplayed their respective rivals in thrilling contests to clinch the men and women titles in the exciting Pakistan Padel Ranking Cup 2025 that concluded at Sport on in Karachi. Super Striker bagged the Boys U-14 title. Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony and gave away the trophies, certificates and cash prizes to the winning teams. President, Pakistan Padel Federation, Muhammad Mateen, CEO, Mudassar Razak, Vice President, Syed Rehanuddin, Secretary General, Quratulain, Finance Secretary, Karima Bano, Secretary General, Pakistan Throwball Federation, Maqbool Ahmed, Sohail Vohra of Sport On and a large number of dignitaries and sports enthusiasts were also present on the occasion. In the mens category, Padel Star comprising brilliant duo of Aamil and Murtazain, emerged victorious in a gripping final against Katch Brothers which were represented by M. Azhar & Nafees Yaqoob. Padel Star won by 2-0 (6-3, 7-6) to claim the championship title. In the third place match, Tigers Team (Rayyan Younas & Abdullah) secured bronze via walkover (1-0) against Gar Gala Team (Farhan Mustafa & Abdul Rehman). In the women's category, TRIBS team comprising the skillful pair of Natalia and Natasha dominated the final against MUV team which was represented by Mehak Tehrani & Saira Umer. TRIBS won 2-0 (6-1, 8-6). The third place match saw Control X Power Team (Safina & Neha Khan) triumph over Sister Squad (Sher Beg & Saleena Beg) by 2-0 (7-5, 6-3) victory. In the Boys Under-14 category, the talented Super Striker Team (Azhar & Mustafa) outplayed Allawala Team (Ansarullah & Azhar Allawala) in the final to win by 2-0 (7-5, 6-0). The third place match was a thrilling encounter, with A2 Brothers (Arsh & Azan) edging past Shaheen Team (M. Bin Haris & Rayyan) by 2-1 (7-5, 5-7, 7-5). The winning teams received a handsome prizemoney of Rs 100,000 along with the trophies while the runner-up teams received Rs 50,000 with trophies. Third position holders received Rs 25,000 along with the trophies. The tournament was played under the auspices of Pakistan Padel Federation (PPF) and under the umbrella of the International Padel Federation (FIP), Padel Asia in collaboration with the Sindh Padel Association and Sport On Clifton, Karachi.
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
City marks Youm-e-Takbeer
The city comes alive as Mayor Murtaza Wahab leads a Youm-e-Takbeer rally through Bagh-e-Jinnah, showcasing unity and patriotism. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS This year's Youm-e-Takbeer was celebrated with more pride and pomp owing to the success of the operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that May 28 is a symbol of Pakistan's defence sovereignty and national dignity. The CM said that Youm-e-Takbeer reflects national determination and the tireless efforts of our scientists. He said, "Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of Pakistan's nuclear programme after India's nuclear tests in 1974 and declared we will build the atomic bomb." At a ceremony hosted by MQM-P near its Bahadurabad centre, Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said May 28 marks the fulfilment of Pakistan's foundational promise. He commended Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, calling him "a son of Karachi and the man who gave Pakistan an invincible defence." On appeal by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rahman, the JI Karachi chapter observed May 28 as Dr Abdul Qadeer Day on Wednesday. Camps were setup and banners were fastened in all union councils and towns to pay a rich tribute to the nuclear scientist. The Pakistan Markazi Muslim League held three major rallies across the city, attracting large public participation. The processions passed through key neighbourhoods including Tower, Orangi, Korangi, and Sohrab Goth, culminating at Mazar-e-Quaid. Pakistan Sunni Tehreek chief Shadab Raza Naqshbandi, addressing Fatah Mubeen seminars in several cities, said the 1998 nuclear tests restored strategic balance in South Asia. "We honour Dr Khan as a national hero," he said. Jamaat Ahle Sunnat Pakistan also held a convention in Lines Area, where Amir Allama Shah Abdul Haq Qadri highlighted the role of the nuclear scientists and armed forces. The event included expressions of solidarity with the people of Kashmir and Palestine.
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
KMC session over water crisis ends in slugfest
A special session of the Karachi City Council was convened at the KMC Headquarters to discuss the debilitating water crisis in the metropolitan city. Attendees at the meeting, chaired by Mayor Murtaza Wahab, included both treasury and opposition members, as well as senior officials from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC). The session, which lasted over two and a half hours, focused on pressing concerns related to water shortages, poor distribution, water theft, and institutional inefficiencies. The meeting was adjourned by the mayor and will reconvene on Friday. Despite assurances of attendance, KWSC CEO Ahmed Siddiqui and COO Asadullah Khan did not show up in the session due to recent Sindh High Court orders revoking their appointments. Their absence drew concern from several council members. A contentious moment arose during the meeting when Mayor Wahab asked KWSC Chief Engineer (Bulk) Syed Ijaz Ahmed to leave, stating that he was not the appropriate official for the discussion. This move was strongly objected to by opposition leader Saifuddin Advocate, who deemed it disrespectful and inappropriate. Many council members expressed surprise, especially as another senior KWSC official, Chief Engineer (Distribution) Muhammad Ali Sheikh, remained present without being questioned. The incident led to accusations of political bias and undue targeting of officials. PPP leader Najmi Alam criticised the KWSC's operational structure and revenue generation. He proposed dividing the utility into three administrative zones with designated officers to enhance efficiency. Alam highlighted that despite leasing rights being granted to numerous informal settlements, proper billing procedures are not in place. He noted that KWSC generates only Rs600 million in revenue, with 400 vacant positions and widespread unauthorised water connections, particularly in District West. During the session, Shahid Farman, Chairman of the Union Council in Karachi Admin Society, made serious allegations against Farhan Ghani, Chairman of Chanesar Town and brother of Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani. Farman claimed that Ghani was shielding water theft in his jurisdiction and that KWSC staff had admitted being unable to act due to political interference. This accusation sparked a heated exchange with PPP council members, which Mayor Wahab eventually calmed. The city mayor acknowledged that water theft, particularly from the K-III supply line, remains an issue. However, he claimed that efforts are ongoing to curb the problem. He also presented a comparison between KWSC and K-Electric customer bases, noting that KWSC has only 1.4 million registered customers, compared to 3.8 million for K-Electric. He stated that only half a million water consumers are billed, and an even smaller fraction actually pay their dues. Since taking office, the mayor said the KWSC's revenue has increased from Rs1.1 billion to Rs1.8 billion, but the funds are largely consumed by operational and maintenance expenses. Meanwhile, outside the KMC Headquarters, retired employees staged a protest demanding payment of pensions and arrears pending for over a decade. The demonstrators chanted slogans against the mayor and the Sindh government, calling attention to their prolonged financial hardships. A delegation from the MQM-Pakistan, led by opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly Ali Khursheedi, joined the protest in solidarity. The issue of unpaid pensions affects retirees across all local government bodies, from Karachi to Kashmore, he said, holding the mayor accountable for the disbursement of payments and demanded financial autonomy for local governments. The MQM delegation departed after a brief media interaction, while the protesting retirees attempted to enter the KMC building but were prevented by security personnel. The demonstration concluded peacefully.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Eid prep reviewed
A meeting was held at the office of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) with Mayor Murtaza Wahab in the chair to discuss arrangements made for Eidul Azha. The mayor said that arrangements have been finalised to collect animal waste on time to provide clean environment to the citizens. The meeting was attended by MD SSWMB Tariq Ali Nizamani, town chairmen, relevant officials, and representatives of private sanitation companies. The mayor said that excavation work is underway for seven trenches to bury animal waste, and approximately 100 collection points are being set up in all seven districts. Over 8,000 sanitary workers and additional staff will be deployed to collect waste from homes and areas. He further said that this year, SSWMB will provide bags for animal offal. The mayor directed town chairmen to ensure public facilities in their areas during Eid days, so that citizens don't face any issues. He also instructed staff to ensure timely collection of waste and offal, lime sprinkling, and spraying at collection points and other locations.
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Mayor vows to preserve city's heritage
KARACHI: Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has stated that the restoration of the city's historic buildings is ongoing. Following the restoration of Khaliq Dina Hall, Frere Hall, and Empress Market, the historic Denso Hall and Library has been reopened after renovation. He emphasized the commitment to fulfilling promises, digitizing all KMC assets, and preserving the city's heritage to educate the younger generation about Karachi's rich history. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the renovated Denso Hall and Library on M A Jinnah Road, Mayor Wahab urged various institutions, banks, and multinational companies to join hands in serving the city. He was accompanied by Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Labor Bureau President Aslam Samoo, Mumtaz Tanoli, Senior Director of Culture and Sports Mehdi Maloof, and other officials. Mayor Wahab expressed that Karachi has everything, and what's missing is a love for its soil. He said critics will keep criticizing, but the work will continue to make Karachi more beautiful and vibrant, restoring historic structures that represent the true essence of the city. He noted that Denso Hall, built in 1886, was the first public library open to locals. Previously, libraries and halls were only accessible to British officials and their families. He expressed regret that the building was converted into a government office in the 1980s, depriving children and students in the area of its use. In 2007, the building was handed over to a private party, after which it remained closed until December 31, 2023. Now, it has been reopened for citizens as promised. Mayor Wahab encouraged the public to use the space for literary, academic, and cultural events. He envisioned gatherings of religious recitations, qawwalis, inter-collegiate debates, poetry readings, and storytelling. He assured that the KMC budget was used transparently for the renovation. He highlighted the spirit of the city's past, noting that philanthropists once donated generously – such as Rao Ram Das gifting a clock for the hall, and over 3,000 books being donated by Persian and Khoja communities. The KMC itself is historically significant, having registered its first birth and death in 1872.
