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Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Orangi no more a slum, PA told
Once dubbed as the biggest slum of the Asia, Orangi Town is no more a katchi abadi, said CM's Advisor on Human Settlement Najmi Alam on the floor of Sindh Assembly on Friday. "Orangi Town is no longer classified as a katchi abadi (slum), with the Sindh government investing Rs7 billion in its development," Najmi said. He noted that while the number of slums across the city has grown significantly, the government is committed to regularising these settlements after completing all necessary legal formalities. He made these remarks on Friday during the question-and-answer session related to the Human Settlements Department in the Sindh Assembly. The session, chaired by a Panel of Chairpersons' head Rehana Leghari, also addressed various written and supplementary questions from lawmakers. While responding to questions in the Sindh Assembly, Najmi Alam acknowledged widespread encroachments on drains and water lines. He reported that three employees were dismissed for issuing illegal leases. Responding to MQM member Quratul Ain's question, he said the department has records of slums registered until 2011. Alam highlighted the major issue of illegal construction in slums, mentioning that even the posh Clifton locality has three slum settlements. The government has formed a demolition squad All through the slums, streets would be widened by 10 feet any other structure on the streets would be razed. Answering MQM's Fauzia Hameed, he explained that property ownership is thoroughly verified, maps are prepared, and drone imagery is used before leases are granted.
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Orangi Town is no longer classified as ‘slum': Rs7bn uplift package allocated by Sindh govt
KARACHI: In a major urban development milestone, the Sindh government announced that Orangi Town is no longer classified as a slum, allocating an Rs7 billion uplift package for the area to transform one of the city's most densely populated localities. Najmi Alam, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Human Settlement told the Sindh Assembly on Friday during a question-and-answer session that Orangi Town does not fall in slum category of urban settlements, crediting the upgrade to sustained developmental efforts and infrastructural improvements in the locality. However, while celebrating Orangi Town's progress, he voiced concern over the increasing number of illegal slums in the city, warning that the trend presents serious challenges for urban planning and service delivery. 'The Sindh government only regularizes a slum after all legal and procedural formalities are fulfilled,' he said. He also pointed to ongoing issues with land encroachments, revealing that nullahs (storm water drains) and underground water lines have been taken over in various parts of the city. He confirmed that three government officials were recently dismissed for issuing unauthorized lease documents, underlining the government's commitment to fighting corruption and land irregularities. The advisor further noted that the Katchi Abadi Department had failed to initiate planned recruitments, but emphasized that future hiring would be conducted transparently, with local candidates given priority to ensure accountability and community engagement. In response to a question from MQM's Qurat-ul-Ain, he revealed that slum registration records extend only up to 2011, leaving many newer informal settlements unregistered and unregulated. Najmi identified illegal construction as a widespread issue even in upscale areas, noting the presence of at least three katchi abadis in Clifton, a traditionally elite neighbourhood. The Assembly session also focused on Karachi's ongoing water crisis. MQM MPA Shariq Jamal highlighted a sharp reduction in water supply in PS-90, attributing it to the installation of a new eight-inch pipeline. He said residents were protesting due to acute shortages and inconsistent supply. Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Siraj Qasim Soomro explained that Karachi's water distribution system is divided into three categories: settled neighbourhoods, informal settlements, and areas suffering from water theft. He revealed that the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) collect payment for only 125 million gallons per day, a fraction of the city's demand. In many katchi abadis, electricity cut-offs prevent pumps from supplying water, exacerbating the crisis. Further attention was drawn to water shortages by MQM's Aamir Siddiqui in Jinnah Town and Jamshed Quarters, and PTI's Wajid Hussain in Landhi. Wajid criticized the Local Government Minister for failing to act against water mafias and said that illegal water connections were rampant. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Water, drainage issues raised in PA
Opposition MPAs raise the issues of lack of water supply during heatwave and cleaning of drains before the rains. Sindh Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution condemning the armed attack and arson at the residence of Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar in Moro. During the session, several bills were also passed, and members raised multiple call-attention notices on matters of public importance. MQM MPA Qurat-ul-Ain raised the issue of drainage before the upcoming monsoon season in Karachi. She stressed the need to clean major nallas. Saeed Ghani responded that the Sindh government allocates large funds to KMC for cleaning of nallas. This time, KMC demanded Rs800 million. Work is ongoing to fix the flow of large nallas mostly clogged by plastic bags. Ghani said that 45 major nallas of the city will be cleared in June. Jamaat-e-Islami Muhammad Farooq raised concerns over severe water shortage in his PS-91 constituency. He said that while there is no water shortage at hydrants, water is now sold through contracts. During the proceedings, Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani presented the resolution condemning the attack on residence of Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar in Moro. He stated that while everyone has the right to protest, no law or constitution in the world grants anyone the right to block roads or set homes on fire. The Council of Common Interests (CCI) has made it clear that no new canal can be constructed without the consensus of all provinces, some individuals continue to protest and create unrest, Ghani said. Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi, Jamaat-e-Islami's parliamentary leader Muhammad Farooq, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-eInsaf (PTI) MPA Owais Ahmed Khan also supported the resolution and called the incident deeply regrettable. All members stood from their seats in support when the resolution was passed. During the session, PPP MPA Saadia Javed presented a resolution condemning the attack in Khuzdar, which was unanimously approved by the House. Countering narrative of extremism and terrorism The House unanimously passed a bill to establish a Center for Excellence to combat extremism and terrorism. The bill was presented by the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs. MQM member Sabir Qaimkhani suggested sending the bill to the standing committee. However, Zia Lanjar stressed the importance of the bill, and said similar centers being established in other provinces. The Sindh Assembly passed an amendment bill for Aror University of Art in Sukkur and appointed Taha Ahmed and Adil Askari to the Board of Governors of Nazir Hussain University. Several call-attention notices addressed public concerns. MQM's Rashid Khan highlighted the illegal occupation of 1,500 Workers Welfare Board flats in Hyderabad, demanding their allocation to deserving laborers. Labour Minister Shahid Theem stated a committee was formed to ensure merit-based distribution. MQM's Fauzia Hameed raised the issue of age relaxation for youth in government jobs, advocating for similar relief as approved by the National Assembly. Zia Lanjar noted the Sindh government previously offered a 15-year relaxation, later reduced to five years by Supreme Court order. He welcomed the proposal to increase the age limit for commissioned officers from 30 to 35, allowing five attempts, calling it worthy of consideration.
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Resolution against power utility shot down in PA
Sindh Assembly, during the Private Members' Day session, passed government members' resolutions and rejected opposition members' private resolutions. The resolution by MQM's Amir Siddiqui against K-Electric was also included, which demanded the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate 'unjustified practice' by the power utility. Parliamentary Secretary Heer Sohoo opposed the resolution, stating that a committee already exists, chaired by Fayyaz Butt, to review the matter. Provincial Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla said the committee is empowered and its meeting will be held tomorrow (Wednesday). Fayyaz Butt also took the same stance and said that there is a committee in this regard. The committee includes six government and six opposition members. The committee will also hear Amir Siddiqui's complaint. The house rejected the resolution presented by Amir Siddiqui with a majority vote. Jamaat-e-Islami's Muhammad Farooq presented a resolution suggesting that the country and province's economic conditions are bad, and expenses should be reduced by adopting austerity, starting from Sindh. Parliamentary Secretary Heer Sohoo opposed the resolution, saying that Sindh government has already adopted austerity, and the chief minister now offers tea with only two biscuits. Mukesh Kumar Chawla also opposed the resolution, and said that Sindh government has already cut down its expenses. However, the House unanimously passed a resolution presented by Dr Sikandar Shoro of the PPP regarding the elimination of gas load-shedding in Sindh. The resolution stated that Sindh provides its allocated share of gas, and load-shedding should be eliminated. The resolution also mentioned that according to the Constitution, gas should be provided to the province where it is extracted. The opposition also supported the resolution, and it was passed unanimously. The Sindh Assembly also passed a resolution regarding the construction of the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway, presented by PPP's Asif Moosa.
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Cattle market: sudden burst of activity in Karachi
KARACHI: With Eid-ul-Adha just 18 days away, the Northern Bypass Cattle Market has turned busier, with the total number of livestock exceeding 70,000. Member of the Sindh Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary for Livestock, Fisheries & Katchi Abadis, Muhammad Asif Khan, visited the market praised the security and arrangements made by the Sindh government. Senior Vice President of PML-N Sindh, Raja Khaleeq uz Zaman Ansari, also visited the market and praised its arrangements. However, trader community leader Jameel Paracha expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements, saying, 'People are visiting with their families even in the late hours of the night, which reflects the secure and well-managed environment here.' Administrator Faisal Ali expressed gratitude for the visit of the guests. The cattle traders have arrived from Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Naushero Feroze, and Karachi's farmhouses. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
