Latest news with #Wahab
Politico
2 days ago
- Business
- Politico
Renter-protection bills are too damn risky
TENANT TROUBLE: Renter-protection bills have been running into a wall of resistance in Sacramento, even as legislative leaders insist affordability concerns are top of mind for them. And State Sen. Aisha Wahab — one of the few lawmakers aggressively pushing tenant-related legislation — is facing a barrage of negative ads from the California Apartment Association as she whips votes on the Senate floor. The Apartment Association, a deep-pocketed trade group that represents landlords and developers, is targeting Wahab's proposals to limit rental fees and give tenants more time to pay overdue rent before they can be evicted, arguing those measures would destabilize the rental market and drive up costs. Tenant legislation has never been an easy lift in California, but the issue seems to be especially challenging now, as Democrats increasingly favor easing the construction of new homes as a solution to the state's notorious housing affordability crisis. It's been six years since former Assemblymember David Chiu pushed a bill capping rent increases statewide — which also included significant new eviction restrictions for landlords — through the Capitol. 'Housing and homelessness is the No. 1 issue for the majority of Californians,' said Wahab, a Hayward Democrat. 'This Legislature cannot ignore the issues that renters are facing, and these are bills to address and alleviate some of the pain points.' In the years since California lawmakers approved an annual 10 percent limit on rent increases through 2029, the Apartment Association has successfully used Covid pandemic rent relief programs to beat back new tenant legislation, including a proposal to lower and extend the cap. The group has made mom-and-pop landlords central to its lobbying efforts and emphasized that its members have already taken financial hits. It's also highlighted failed statewide ballot measures that would have made it easier for local governments to enact rent control, saying it's clear voters are opposed to the issue. 'Fundamentally, voters and housing leaders understand that the key to solving our housing crisis is creating more housing at every level — not putting more regulatory burdens and restrictions on people providing housing,' said Nathan Click, an Apartment Association spokesperson, in a statement. Lawmakers are often loathe to go up against the powerful trade group because of its willingness to play in elections, but Wahab has not shied away from the conflict. In addition to her tenant legislation, she has tried to block bills meant to fast-track housing construction — a stance the Apartment Association is also targeting in its ad campaign. She's been critical of the benefits such proposals provide developers and argues they should include more stringent density and affordability requirements. Wahab doesn't buy the popular philosophy that more housing will eventually add up to lower rents and home prices. Tenants, she argues, are so hamstrung by high rental costs they can't even dream of purchasing a home. 'Has it translated to lower-cost rents? No,' she said. 'Has it translated to lower-cost home ownership opportunities? No. So what it has translated to is the developer benefits by putting the cost savings of all the streamlining efforts into their own pocket.' Legislative Renters' Caucus chair Matt Haney, a San Francisco Democrat, is trying to straddle the line between pro-development and tenant-rights advocates, saying he supports rent control but also wants to make it easier for developers to build housing. 'I don't accept that it's an either/or,' he said. 'Over the long term, we absolutely have to build a lot more housing, and the housing shortage is directly connected to the high rents that Californians pay, there's no doubt about that.' Still, he added, it may be years before the additional housing stabilizes and lowers rents. 'Californians can't wait that long,' he said. Haney is now negotiating with the Apartment Association on his own bill dealing with rental fees, which he and Wahab contend are being used to get around the rent cap. Wahab believes she has the votes she needs to advance her bills to the Assembly ahead of next Friday's deadline. But this year's most ambitious tenant legislation didn't make it very far. A proposal from Los Angeles Democrat Isaac Bryan that would have frozen rents in Los Angeles County after the wildfires couldn't get off the Assembly floor. San Jose Democrat Ash Kalra tabled legislation that would have lowered the state's annual limit on rent hikes to 5 percent after facing blowback from fellow Democrats. 'We have a very effective lobbying core that speaks on behalf of the small percentage of Californians that are landlords, versus renters that can't afford that same degree of ferocious lobbying on a daily basis in Sacramento,' Kalra said. IT'S WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. This is California Playbook PM, a POLITICO newsletter that serves as an afternoon temperature check on California politics and a look at what our policy reporters are watching. Got tips or suggestions? Shoot an email to lholden@ WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY TRANS SPORTS FALLOUT: A day after President Donald Trump threatened to withhold funding from California over a law that allows transgender students to participate in women's sports and called out a transgender athlete, the Justice Department announced it has opened an investigation into the issue. Justice officials said in a statement today that the probe would look into whether California's rules violate Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools. The investigation marks the latest clash between the Trump administration and deep blue California over transgender athletes — a hot-button topic Gov. Gavin Newsom waded in earlier this year when he broke with Democrats, calling it 'an issue of fairness.' The DOJ said it sent letters of legal notice to California Attorney General Rob Bonta and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond as well as the district where the transgender athlete attends school and the state's governing body for high school sports. 'Title IX exists to protect women and girls in education. It is perverse to allow males to compete against girls, invade their private spaces, and take their trophies,' Harmeet K. Dhillon, assistant attorney general for Civil Rights, said in a statement. 'This Division will aggressively defend women's hard-fought rights to equal educational opportunities.' The state's law, which passed in 2013, allows transgender students to participate in school programs and sports teams and use facilities consistent with their gender identities. — Eric He IN OTHER NEWS DELAY OF LAUNCH: Readers eager to get their hands on Newsom's memoir will have to wait just a little bit longer. The governor's book, titled 'Young Man in a Hurry,' has been delayed from May 13 to Feb. 24, spokesperson Lindsey Cobia confirmed to Playbook. 'In January, the governor postponed the release of his book so he could focus on the Los Angeles wildfires and LA's recovery,' Cobia said in a statement. EVEN WHEN I LOSE, I'M WINNING: Michael Tubbs may be trailing Fiona Ma's fundraising numbers in the lieutenant governor's race, but he does now boast financial support from a legend: John Legend. The 'All of Me' singer — whose legal name is John Roger Stephens — gave $5,000 to Tubbs, campaign finance filings show. Legend and Tubbs were linked up through shared Hollywood connections, and Legend was aware of Tubbs' work as mayor of Stockton where he piloted a universal basic income program, according to a spokesperson for Tubbs' campaign. — Blake Jones WHAT WE'RE READING TODAY — The San Francisco school board today dropped plans for alternative grading after the proposal received widespread blowback, including from political figures. (San Francisco Chronicle) — The U.S. Postal Service is still trying to reach about 330 people who lost their homes in the LA fires and are owed tax refunds because their properties dropped in value. (Los Angeles Times) — San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie's Instagram is a hit. (San Francisco Chronicle) AROUND THE STATE — San Diego Community Power will open two battery and solar storage projects to meet their renewable energy goals. (San Diego Union-Tribune) — Anaheim Hills homeowners voted against continuing to fund water pumps installed in the neighborhood after a 1993 landslide. (Orange County Register) — Oakland moved dozens of community-installed speed bumps in Highland Terrace, causing neighbors to complain once again about reckless driving. (San Francisco Chronicle) — compiled by Nicole Norman
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- 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.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- 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.
Hindustan Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Same Pak officer facilitated visa for UP man and Haryana YouTuber? ATS connecting the dots
LUCKNOW Pakistan high commission officer Ehsan-Ur-Rehman alias Danish, who is said to have facilitated a Pakistani visa for Haryana YouTuber Jyoti Mehrotra, arrested recently over espionage charges from Hisar, may also have arranged a visa for Shahzad Wahab, 35, the alleged ISI agent in UP's Rampur nabbed from Moradabad on Sunday, said ATS officials. Wahab, a resident of Rampur, was apprehended by the UP Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) on Sunday night, following inputs about his alleged involvement in cross-border smuggling and espionage activities for the ISI. He travelled to Pakistan several times over the years and was allegedly smuggling cosmetics, clothes, spices, and other items across the border. So far, 14 people had been arrested in multiple north Indian states over the past two weeks — including four in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh — for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Pakistani operatives. 'Shahzad Wahab visited Lahore twice after his visa was cleared by Pakistan High Commission office in New Delhi where Danish remained posted since 2023. His call records confirmed that he was in touch with Danish. However, Wahab will be interrogated further about his proximity with Danish,' stated an ATS official. He said Danish introduced Wahab to an ISI handler, who later utilized him to arrange different things including money, Indian SIM cards for other agents. The ISI handler also asked Wahab to identify people, who could be turned into agents to spy for the Pakistan secret agency and share vital information related to internal security of India. The ATS official had earlier confirmed that 20 people, including three women, were recruited by Wahad to spy for ISI and provided them funds on ISI handlers' instructions. The ATS launched a hunt to trace people introduced by Wahab to ISI handlers. Another police official said Wahab's mobile phone details revealed that he was in constant touch with ISI operatives in Pakistan and shared information related to activities in India before and after the Pahalgam attack.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Zarina Wahab's mother raised concerns about her interfaith marriage with Aditya Pancholi: ‘Beta, he's a Hindu'
Veteran actor Zarina Wahab has often addressed the smooth and rocky patches of her marriage with former co-star Aditya Pancholi. The two got married in 1987. She's five years older than him. They have two kids — daughter Sana Pancholi and actor-son Sooraj Pancholi. In a recent interview, Wahab recalled her wedding and first pregnancy. 'Nari Hira ji (former Stardust owner) was making a film. That's when I met him (Aditya). He was a very good looking boy. But there wasn't anything more to it. Then there was a shot in which he was supposed to cry. He kept crying so much that we had to pack up. When we were sitting in the car, I held his hand and said, 'Don't cry.' As soon as I held his hand, he held mine, and then we got married in 15 days (laughs),' said Wahab. In the interview with Nayandeep Rakshit, she recalled how she never thought she'd marry Aditya. 'He was five years younger than me. When we got married, people would say she's wooed such a handsome guy, he'd leave her in five days or five years. Now, it's been nearly 38 years,' added Wahab. 'I didn't want to Nari Hira ji's film. I was doing quite well then. But I thought if I say no, Stardust guys would feel bad. So I did it half-heartedly. And then got married within 15 days,' recalled Wahab. She clarified that there was no opposition from either side because it's an interfaith marriage. 'They didn't say anything. My family is very open-minded. My mother said, 'Beta, he's a Hindu.' I said, 'Maa, Hindu-Muslims are all the same. You say without Allah's wish, even a leaf can't be moved. Then Allah has taken such a big decision of my life. It's not me who took that decision, He did. 'Go ahead,' she said,' added Wahab. She also recalled how Aditya was very nice to her parents and they loved him too. 'My mother-in-law was a darling! My father-in-law was also very nice. They're both not there anymore. I was very lucky to have in-laws like that,' said Wahab. She soon got pregnant with their firstborn, daughter Sana Pancholi. 'He (Aditya) was younger to me. So I felt he's just starting his career. I felt whether I should tell him or not. But when I did, he was really, really happy,' said Wahab. Also Read — Zarina Wahab says husband Aditya Pancholi's affairs don't bother her: 'Many men have affairs and run their family, I don't want to suffer' On the work front, Wahab, 65, was last seen in Gopichand Malineni's action film Jaat earlier this year. Aditya Pancholi, 60, last starred in Bejoy Nambiar's 2020 action thriller Taish. Their son Sooraj Pancholi will be next seen in Prince Diman's historical action saga Kesari Veer, slated to release in cinemas this Friday, May 23.
