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Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
MPAs close ranks to champion minorities
The Sindh Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to mark National Minorities Day, with both treasury and opposition leaders affirming that the Constitution guarantees complete protection to minorities in Sindh and across Pakistan. The move, taken three days before Independence Day, was described as a reaffirmation that every citizen is assured freedom of religion and security of life and property. The session, held in the old Assembly building under the chair of Speaker Owais Qadir Shah, saw the resolution moved by Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony. Earlier, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ziaul Hassan Lanjar had successfully sought suspension of other proceedings to allow debate on the motion. Speaking in favour, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah recalled the Assembly's historic role in passing the 1943 resolution in favour of Pakistan and hosting Quaid-e-Azam's 1947 address. He said observing Minorities Day before Independence Day underscored the guarantee of religious freedom and protection for all citizens. He noted Sindh's leading role in joining Pakistan, adding that its representatives would continue contributing to the country's unity and survival. Referring to Quaid-e-Azam's commitment to safeguarding minorities, Shah cited contributions by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. The CM also hoisted the national flag in the Assembly Hall. Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi supported the resolution, urging all parties to respect its spirit. He cautioned against sectarian and ethnic bias, and highlighted the need for serious attention to public safety issues. Interior Minister Lanjar announced plans to establish minority desks headed by SSP-level officers at the Sindh Police headquarters and the IG's office. Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani said protection of non-Muslims dated back to the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Rashidun Caliphate. He emphasised that Islam prohibits harm to non-Muslims, adding that minorities in his constituency are treated with respect. Deputy Speaker Anthony noted that former president Asif Ali Zardari had initiated National Minorities Day in 2009, recalling Quaid-e-Azam's 11 August 1947 speech in which he symbolically represented minorities in the national flag through the white stripe. He proposed that the constitutional term 'minority' be removed to reflect equality. Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani stressed that the term is a constitutional provision that could only be changed in the National Assembly, and highlighted the PPP's record in granting minorities more than five per cent of government jobs. Speaker Shah announced that a symbolic session will be held on August 14, inviting special children as guests. MQM's Taha Ahmed Khan, PTI's Shabbir Qureshi, and MQM's Anil Kumar and Fauzia Hameed also backed the resolution. MQM members called for constitutional removal of the term 'minority' and reiterated the need for religious harmony. Anil Kumar said minorities enjoy all facilities in Pakistan, unlike in India. The House unanimously approved the resolution before adjourning the session.
Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sindh Assembly unites for minorities' rights ahead of Independence Day
Listen to article The Sindh Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to mark National Minorities Day, with both treasury and opposition leaders affirming that the Constitution guarantees complete protection to minorities in Sindh and across Pakistan. The move, taken three days before Independence Day, was described as a reaffirmation that every citizen is assured freedom of religion and security of life and property. The session, held in the old Assembly building under the chair of Speaker Owais Qadir Shah, saw the resolution moved by Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony. Earlier, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ziaul Hassan Lanjar had successfully sought suspension of other proceedings to allow debate on the motion. Speaking in favour, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah recalled the Assembly's historic role in passing the 1943 resolution in favour of Pakistan and hosting Quaid-e-Azam's 1947 address. He said observing Minorities Day before Independence Day underscored the guarantee of religious freedom and protection for all citizens. He noted Sindh's leading role in joining Pakistan, adding that its representatives would continue contributing to the country's unity and survival. Referring to Quaid-e-Azam's commitment to safeguarding minorities, Shah cited contributions by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. The CM also hoisted the national flag in the Assembly Hall. Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi supported the resolution, urging all parties to respect its spirit. He cautioned against sectarian and ethnic bias, and highlighted the need for serious attention to public safety issues. Lanjar announced plans to establish minority desks headed by SSP-level officers at the Sindh Police headquarters and the IG's office. Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani said protection of non-Muslims dated back to the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Rashidun Caliphate. He emphasised that Islam prohibits harm to non-Muslims, adding that minorities in his constituency are treated with respect. Deputy Speaker Anthony noted that former president Asif Ali Zardari had initiated National Minorities Day in 2009, recalling Quaid-e-Azam's 11 August 1947 speech in which he symbolically represented minorities in the national flag through the white stripe. He proposed that the constitutional term 'minority' be removed to reflect equality. Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani stressed that the term is a constitutional provision that could only be changed in the National Assembly, and highlighted the PPP's record in granting minorities more than five per cent of government jobs. Speaker Shah announced that a symbolic session will be held on August 14, inviting special children as guests. MQM's Taha Ahmed Khan, PTI's Shabbir Qureshi, and MQM's Anil Kumar and Fauzia Hameed also backed the resolution. MQM members called for constitutional removal of the term 'minority' and reiterated the need for religious harmony. Anil Kumar said minorities enjoy all facilities in Pakistan, unlike in India. The House unanimously approved the resolution before adjourning the session.
Business Recorder
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Business Recorder
Musical programme at Rani Bagh: Governor praises Sindh govt
HYDERABAD: Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori arrived in Hyderabad today, where he addressed a press conference at a local hotel. He expressed gratitude to the journalist community for their consistent cooperation and extensive coverage on each of his visits to the city. Speaking about the purpose of his current visit, the Governor said that today's program is part of the 14th August Independence Day celebrations and the 'Battle of Truth' Marka-e-Haq series of events. Governor Sindh noted that just as the Governor House had hosted renowned singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan earlier, today the people of Hyderabad will enjoy the performance of celebrated artist Ali Zafar at Bagh-e-Mustafa, Latifabad. The event will be a grand, colourful musical evening, complete with digital screens displaying the 'Battle of Truth' Marka e Haq festivities, and decorations matching those at the Governor House. He congratulated the Sindh Government for the successful musical programme held earlier at Rani Bagh, calling it a vibrant part of the Independence Day celebrations. Governor Sindh stated that whether it is musical shows like the one at Rani Bagh, today's mega event at Bagh-e-Mustafa, or the IT courses being launched, the good days for the people of Hyderabad have already begun. Regarding IT courses, Governor Kamran Khan Tessori announced that all preparations have been completed, 1,000 computers have been purchased for the computer labs, and over 50 faculty members have been appointed. The first phase will be launched at the university previously established by MQM, while discussions are ongoing with the Divisional Commissioner and Mayor Hyderabad for a permanent venue. Out of 50,000 students, 22,000 are already earning 600 US dollars per month through these initiatives. Highlighting the unique features of today's event, the Governor announced that Bagh-e-Mustafa will host a world record-breaking fireworks display lasting one hour and twenty minutes. He praised the dedication of the organizing team, who have been working day and night for the past five days to ensure flawless arrangements. Our MPAs and MNAs are making every effort to make this musical program a success. He added. Next event will be held at Pakka Qila, as we continue moving forward with the mission of the 'Battle of Truth', he said. Governor Sindh also provided updates on the Hyderabad Development Package, confirming that Rs. 5 billion has already been received in the first phase through PIDCL, with another Rs. 5 billion to follow in the second phase. Development projects have been handed over to contractors, and work will be carried out under the supervision of PIDCL, in accordance with schemes submitted by MNAs. He reiterated his commitment to fulfilling promises made to provide employment opportunities for the people of Hyderabad. The people of Hyderabad will themselves witness how close this city is to my heart. The doors of the Governor House are always open to them. Development projects funded through MPAs' and MNAs' allocations will be carried out under my direct supervision, Governor Sindh assured. Governor Sindh further announced that next week, two inactive hospitals of the international relief organisation Red Cross in Hyderabad will be made operational, with visits arranged for the Consul General. The Governor also revealed plans to invite more than seven Federal Ministers to Hyderabad's Chambers of Commerce to discuss development projects and consult with the business community. Governor Kamran Tessori concluded by reaffirming his mission, we are united and moving forward with full determination to work for the people of Hyderabad and Karachi. Whether it is a matter of resources, employment, or admissions in universities and colleges, any shortcomings will be eliminated. We want to uplift Hyderabad and Karachi, and we are working for the progress of our local areas, the province, and the country. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Government yields to MWM demands
The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and Shia Ulema Council (SUC) on Friday called off their "Arbaeen Hussaini March" after successful negotiations with officials from federal and provincial governments over the ban on Shia pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq via land routes. The breakthrough came after Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori, accompanied by MQM leaders, visited the MWM office and held a five-hour meeting with MWM chief Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri. According to both sides, all seven demands of the march organising committee have been accepted. These include extending visas nearing expiry through talks with the Iraqi government; refunding amounts already paid to bus owners; facilitating pilgrims with valid visas to travel by air at subsidised fares; launching special flight operations, and forming a government committee — with MWM and SUC representation — to address pilgrims' issues. Speaking at a joint presser with march organisers, Chaudhry apologised to the community for the inconvenience caused, terming the travel ban "temporary" and imposed solely for security reasons. "We accept all demands of the Arbaeen march leadership, and practical steps will begin soon," he said, lauding the governor's role in the breakthrough. MWM deputy chief Allama Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi thanked the governor and MQM leadership for their role before calling off the "Arbaeen Hussaini March" from Karachi-to-Rimdhan. "We will monitor the implementation of these commitments," he said, adding that students stranded at the border would be allowed immediate entry, while pilgrims in Quetta would also benefit from discounted air tickets. SUC leader Allama Nazir Abbas Taqvi also welcomed the agreement, saying government representatives had given firm assurances of action on all points. The federal government's decision to bar land travel for Shia pilgrims to Iran and Iraq had prompted MWM chief Allama Jafri to announce the long march on Aug 6, attracting hundreds of participants. Meanwhile, the first Iran Air flight from Quetta to Zahedan departed on Thursday night, marking the commencement of a weekly air service between the two cities. According to a Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) spokesperson, a ceremony was held to mark the occasion, attended by the Iranian consul general, airport manager, chief security officer, Airport Security Force (ASF) officials, and representatives of the chamber of commerce. The spokesperson said that Iran Air flight IR-824, carrying 75 passengers, took off for Zahedan at 11.30pm. Earlier in the evening, the inaugural incoming flight from Zahedan had landed in Quetta at 9.15pm. The PAA confirmed that one flight per week will operate on the QuettaZahedan route.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Hub dam project to be inaugurated by Aug 13, says Murtaza Wahab
Listen to article Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab announced on Wednesday that the Hub Dam water supply project will be inaugurated on August 13. Speaking to media outside the Supreme Court Karachi Registry, Wahab said propaganda was being spread using old videos regarding the new canal supplying water from Hub Dam to the city. "After 22 years, it is due to the efforts of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that the city is receiving additional water," he said. He stated that the project, completed at a cost of Rs12.8 billion within a record time of 10 months, is ready for inauguration. 'If the propaganda were true, this inauguration would not be happening,' he said. The mayor clarified that work on the project has been completed and that trial runs are standard procedure before launching large-scale initiatives. 'Such issues are common in concrete work, and the purpose of testing is to detect and resolve problems beforehand,' he said. Wahab added that a one-year warranty period has been set post-completion, under which the contractor is responsible for any required repairs. He dismissed allegations against the project as baseless. 'All standards were maintained during construction. The noise of propaganda is drowning out the news of additional water supply to the city,' he said. Read: No end to water woes as K-IV hits another snag 'Propaganda is being spread to sabotage the water supply project.' He said the Hub Dam had previously supplied 100 million gallons of water daily to Karachi, but due to a 45-year-old transmission system, the supply had fallen to 60 million gallons per day. 'The new canal project will again deliver 100 million gallons of water daily,' he said. 'After this, the old canal will be repaired. Once both systems are functional, the water supply from Hub to Karachi will be doubled.' The project is expected to benefit residents of District West, Keamari, and Central. Commenting on federal funding, Wahab referred to earlier statements by the Governor of Sindh. 'He said on TV that Rs40 billion have been received from the federal government. I remind him that he had promised Rs100 billion. If Rs40 billion have been received, transfer them to the KMC account and serve the city.' He also criticized the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), saying that 'China-cutting,' land commercialization, and resource plundering are remnants of its era. 'We also remember the body bags, extortion, and kidnappings for ransom,' he said. 'The city's fundamental problems began during MQM's time.' Wahab expressed his willingness to work with other parties for the city's development. 'The city's hopes are tied to its political leaders,' he said. 'We want chaos to end. Everyone must work together for the betterment of Karachi.' He added, 'I am ready to sit with MQM, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), or Jamaat-e-Islami for the betterment of the city.'
