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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
12-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PAC probes mosque solar project lapses
Refuting rumours of new taxes on solar power, Minister for Power Awais Leghari stated that the government has no such plans in the near future. photo: file The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has taken notice of Rs200 million advance payment made under the mosque solarization project in Mardan and has ordered a formal inquiry into the matter. The committee instructed that the investigation report be submitted within one month. During the session, concerns were also raised regarding the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) for allegedly diverting development funds to pay employee salaries and cover other non-developmental expenses. The PAC meeting was initially chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and later by MPA Idrees Khattak. At the start of the session, Speaker Swati noted that the committee was meeting after a prolonged gap due to a year-long period of political instability in the country. He also referenced recent Indian aggression, stating that the Pakistani armed forces had decisively countered the threat, securing a symbolic '6-0' victory, and reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to respond to any future aggression. The session reviewed the audit report for the fiscal year 201819. During deliberations, financial irregularities amounting to Rs145.4 million within the PDA were examined. According to officials from the Auditor General's office, the PDA had decided to invest a surplus amount of Rs1.8 billion, of which Rs1.15 billion was invested. However, Rs650 million remained unutilized. In response, the Secretary for Local Government explained that the uninvested funds were used to pay employee salaries due to delays in disbursements from the Finance Department. PAC Chairman Idrees Khattak questioned the legality of using funds allocated for one purpose for a different purpose. The secretary further clarified that, to ensure operational continuity, funds are sometimes internally reclassified into various categories, and that operational funds are occasionally redirected to cover development expenditures. The PAC instructed the PDA and other departments and public institutions to regularly convene Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) meetings to ensure transparency and accountability. PAC member Abdul Salam Afridi brought the issue of the Rs200 million advance payment in the Mardan mosque solarization project to the committee's attention, stating that no physical work had begun despite full payment. He added that repeated requests for an inquiry to the Local Government Department and Anti-Corruption Establishment had not yielded any progress. In response, the Local Government Secretary stated that an inquiry against the former Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMO) of Mardan had been initiated and the official had been removed from office.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Time of India
Karad contractor accused of cheating Chinchwad resident of Rs1.6cr
Pune: The Nigdi police registered a case against a civil contractor from Karad in Satara district for allegedly duping a supplier of earth-moving machines and heavy vehicles from Chinchwad of Rs1.63 contractor took five dumpers and three earth-moving machines on rent from the complainant in Feb last year. He also borrowed money from the complainant to make payments to the drivers and buy diesel. The accused used the vehicles between Feb and Aug last year and did not pay any money to the complainant. When the complainant did not receive money after repeated follow-ups, he approached the Nigdi police and lodged a officer from the Nigdi police said the complainant ran a business of providing dumpers and earth-moving machines on rent. In Feb last year, the accused from Karad contacted him and introduced himself as a govt contractor. He also told the complainant that he had the state govt's contracts for constructing roads and transporting goods, the officer said."The contractor demanded five dumpers and three earth-moving machines on rent against Rs1.85 lakh and Rs1.8 lakh per month, respectively. He promised to pay the salaries of drivers and operators," the officer to the complainant, he sent five dumpers and three earth-moving machines to Karad. After some days, the contractor requested him to send drivers and operators. The suspect also requested him to pay their salaries and promised to reimburse it later."The complainant sent 10 drivers, six operators and two helpers on the salary of Rs26,000 per month. A few days later, the contractor requested the complainant to pay for the diesel too as he was running in a loss," the officer said the contractor used the vehicles and machines for six months. When the complainant sent him a bill of Rs1.63 crore, the accused returned the vehicles and refused to clear the dues claiming that he had suffered a loss."The complainant stated that the suspect was not paying his dues despite getting his bills cleared by the govt. Our investigations are on," he said.
Business Recorder
22-04-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Absence of PNMC president, secretary: NA body directs ministry to initiate disciplinary action
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel on Monday expressing serious displeasure over the absence of the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) president and secretary from the meeting, despite the issuance of formal notices has directed the Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations to initiate appropriate disciplinary action against the officials. The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services and Regulations meeting which held under the chairmanship of Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, discussed the longstanding matters of the PNMC and directed the Health Ministry to take serious notice of the officials over non-attendance and initiate appropriate disciplinary action against them in accordance with the relevant rules and procedures. The committee resolved to issue a show-cause notice through the National Assembly speaker. The members raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the PNMC president's appointment and her academic qualifications. The chair directed the ministry to finalise its response and ensure that a comprehensive decision on the matter, including the president's qualifications and appointment process, be presented before the next meeting. Responding to the questions of the committee members regarding the Sehat Sahulat Programme, the officials of the Health Ministry apprised that a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) was expected within the next 15 days, and that a high-level committee under the prime minister has recommended shifting the programme's coverage to those living below the poverty line, with government subsidies. The committee stressed the need for transparency in determining hospital eligibility and recommended that details of the development or current mode under which the programme would continue be shared with the committee. It also stressed that the programme should be expanded to areas such as AJK and Tharparkar and that manpower issues and malpractices be addressed at the earliest. The committee, while discussing matters related to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and its regulatory framework, especially regarding the longstanding issue of rising fees in private medical colleges, appreciated the uniformity introduced through the PMDC proposal to cap the fee at Rs1.8 million to Rs2.5 million annually, with a maximum five percent yearly increment. However, the chair strongly emphasised that this cap must be strictly enforced and no institution should be permitted to exceed the limit. Regarding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), the committee was informed that a uniform national curriculum had been developed through consensus and was available online. The revised curriculum would be finalised soon, but the committee stressed that it must be shared with members prior to formal approval. The committee expressed serious concern about the delays and reported corrupt practices in issuing experience certificates to medical professionals. It was categorically directed that such certificates be issued without delay and in a transparent manner. The committee reviewed the proposal to increase the excise duty on sugary and ultra-processed foods. It was informed that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had agreed to the Ministry of Health's recommendation to raise the duty from the existing 20 percent to 30 percent. The chair directed that the proposal be included in the upcoming Finance Bill and reiterated to the FBR that this must be ensured. The Committee requested that the final response from the FBR be submitted before May 2, 2025. Regarding 'The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2024' and 'The Islamabad Healthcare Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2024' (moved by ShaistaPervaiz, MNA), the chairman of the committee instructed the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) to hold a separate meeting with the mover without delay, address all outstanding concerns, and ensure her satisfaction prior to April 24, committee deferred 'The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2024' (moved by Abdul Qadir Patel, MNA) due to absence of the mover. The committee, unanimously, approved 'The Islamabad Capital Territory Compulsory Thalassemia Screening Bill, 2025' (moved by Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam, MNA) with amendment to clause 4 of the bill that was unanimously agreed to be removed. The Ministry of Law and Justice as well as the Ministry of NHSR&C were on the same page and did not give a nod of approval. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
06-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Police bust fraud gangs, recover record millions
Police's Organised Crime Unit has arrested seven members of three gangs involved in fraud and seized nearly Rs240 million in cashthe largest single seizure in the city's history, officials announced on Saturday. The arrests were announced during a press conference held in Model Town by DIG Investigation Syed Zeeshan Raza and DSP Chaudhry Faisal Sharif, who led the high-stakes operation. The accusedShahid Akram (ringleader), Aamir Ali, Nazeer Ahmed, Khalid Mahmood, Khizar Hayat, Imran Shah, and Talat Butt — allegedly secured jobs in reputable companies, committed large-scale frauds, and vanished without a trace. Along with the cash recovery, police also seized clothing worth Rs1.8 million, with more recoveries expected as investigations unfold. DIG Raza credited the success of the operation to the use of advanced technology and collaboration with IT experts, calling it a "complex case" that required meticulous planning and execution. DSP Sharif said that the suspects would face the full force of the law, with the prosecution already working to build a strong case for conviction. The officials reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks. Meanwhile, nine police officials were handed down penalties for misconduct. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran presided over the weekly Orderly Room at Police Lines, where he reviewed the performance, discipline and conduct of personnel. According to the spokesperson, 19 officials were punished for negligence, carelessness, corruption and misuse of authority. Three appeals against previous disciplinary actions were rejected. The DIG stated that an effective and transparent self-accountability system was in place in the department. Over the past 11 months, 357 personnel have faced departmental action, including dismissal of four inspectors, three sub-inspectors and 10 other officials.
