Day: July 28, 2026

Karachi: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted the launch ceremony of Mera Safar, the autobiography of eminent social, political, and literary figure Qazi Faiz Muhammad.

The event was presided over by senior journalist, columnist, and human rights advocate Hussain Naqi. Among those in attendance were former Chief Minister of Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah, senior advocate Akhtar Hussain, renowned journalist Mazhar Abbas, educationist and researcher Akbar Zaidi, scholar Dr. Imdad Chandio, along with distinguished personalities from the literary, journalistic, social, cultural, and political spheres.

The ceremony commenced with a soulful rendition of a Waee by the great Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, performed by Faqeer Nizam Ali, Faqeer Ismail, Faqeer Ali Murtaza, and Faqeer Iman Ali.

In his presidential address, Hussain Naqi described Mera Safar as far more than an autobiography, calling it an important historical record of Pakistan’s political and democratic struggle.

He said that Qazi Faiz Muhammad devoted his entire life to principled politics, democratic values, and the rights of ordinary people. According to Naqi, it is impossible to fully understand Sindh’s political history without appreciating Qazi Faiz Muhammad’s lifelong struggle.

Former Chief Minister of Balochistan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch said that Qazi Faiz Muhammad remained steadfast in his political ideals throughout his life and courageously fought for the rights of peasants and working-class communities through the Sindh Hari Committee.

The ceremony concluded with a captivating performance by renowned folk singer Mai Dhai from Thar, who enthralled the audience with traditional folk and Sufi melodies. Her soulful voice and music reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Thar mesmerized the audience, who responded with prolonged applause and appreciation, bringing the evening to a memorable close.

Karachi: Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said that dreams become reality only through hardwork, dedication and perseverance, urging young people to equip themselves with modern education, information technology and digital skills so they can play a meaningful role in Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.

He expressed these views while addressing students of a one-year Leadership and IT Classes programme.

The Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said that when the Youth Parliament Forum was established, it was initially met with criticism and ridicule. Rizwan Jaffer remained determined, continued his efforts with unwavering commitment, and ultimately achieved success. He said such dedicated young people are among Pakistan’s greatest assets and serve as an inspiration for others.

Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said that the Prime Minister’s Digital Youth Programme is a revolutionary initiative aimed at preparing young people for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

“Through the programme, youth are being provided with opportunities in information technology, artificial intelligence (AI), digital skills, freelancing, startups, entrepreneurship, employment, scholarships, internships, the laptop scheme, and other modern facilities, enabling them to compete successfully at both national and international levels, he added.

He added that Pakistan’s future rests in the hands of its youth, and the government is utilizing every available resource to empower them.

Hashmi said that he has always envisioned a strong, prosperous, and developed Pakistan where investment flourishes, industries expand, and young people enjoy abundant employment opportunities. He added that Pakistan has now reached a stage where no one can dare cast an evil eye on the country.

He recalled that when laptops were distributed among university students a decade ago, he saw dreams of progress and success in the eyes of young people. Today, he said, those dreams are gradually becoming reality through the vision of a Digital Pakistan and the promotion of modern IT education.

He urged the youth to take full advantage of the Prime Minister’s Digital Youth Programme, enhance their skills, and contribute towards making Pakistan one of the world’s leading nations in technology, innovation, and research.

The Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi also appreciated the services of Daniyal Nagori, saying that he has been tirelessly providing IT training to thousands of young people and has become an exemplary role model for the younger generation. He added that the Governor House would continue extending every possible support for technical education, IT training, artificial intelligence, and digital skills development.

Concluding his address, Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah made unparalleled sacrifices for the creation of Pakistan, and it is now the responsibility of every Pakistani to transform his vision into a strong, prosperous, and self-reliant nation.

Karachi: One person was killed and another injured in a road accident on Karachi’s Super Highway area, on Monday, according to rescue officials quoted by tv channels.

Initial reports said that a speeding vehicle struck a motorcycle passing through the Super Highway area. As a result, the motorcyclist died on the spot, while another person sustained injuries in the incident.

Rescue team rushed to the scene after receiving information about the accident and shifted the deceased’s body and the injured person to a nearby hospital. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and are making efforts to trace the driver of the vehicle, who fled the scene after the accident.

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken serious notice of the deteriorating condition of roads and persistent sewerage problems in Gulistan-e-Jauhar and directed Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab to take immediate measures to address the issues.

The Chief Minister ordered the urgent rehabilitation of damaged main arteries and internal roads in the locality and instructed the Mayor to personally review the ongoing development and repair works in Gulistan-e-Jauhar.

Murad Ali Shah also directed the Mayor to submit an immediate report on road repairs, drainage issues, and the cleaning of sewerage lines. He emphasised that development activities should not cause inconvenience to residents and commuters.

‘The government is responsible for providing citizens with better commuting facilities and a clean environment, ‘ the Chief Minister said, adding that all relevant agencies must take emergency measures to improve drainage and infrastructure in the area.

He assured residents of Gulistan-e-Jauhar that their concerns would be addressed on a priority basis and warned that delays in development projects and poor maintenance would not be tolerated.

The Chief Minister further directed all concerned departments to complete development works across the city on a priority basis and with greater speed to ensure public convenience and improved urban infrastructure.

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and World Bank Country Director Ms. Bolormaa Amgaabazar on Monday reviewed the progress of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP), assessed key implementation challenges and agreed on an accelerated roadmap to strengthen Karachi’s water supply and sanitation infrastructure.

The meeting, held at the CM House, The meeting was attended by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary to CM Agha Wasif, Acting Chairman PandD Bilal Memon, ACS Local Government Waseem Shamshad, CEO Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWandSC) Ahmed Siddiqui, Chief Foreign Aid PandD Sajda Ayaz Kazi, Project Director KWSSIP Ayesha Hameed Safia and other senior officials.

The World Bank delegation included Operations Officer Hina Salim Lotia, Senior Water Specialist Tiziana Smith, Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist Mohammad Farhanullah Sami, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist Kamran Akbar (virtual), Senior Procurement Specialist A. N. M. Mustafizur Rahman, Procurement Specialist Syed Wajahat Ali Shah, Environmental Specialist Nida Asif, Social Development Specialist Sarah Khokhar, Environmental Specialist Ibad-ur-Rehman and other experts.

The Chief Minister emphasized that improving access to safe drinking water and modernizing Karachi’s water and sewerage network remained among the Sindh government’s highest priorities.

The Chief Minister Murad Shah said that one of the principal development objectives of KWSSIP is to provide safe drinking water access to nearly two million Karachi residents. Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab reported that chlorination stations have been shifted to designated locations and commissioning is underway. Water quality testing is expected to commence by July 30, 2026.

The Chief Minister directed the KWandSC and project management teams to complete commissioning and testing activities without delay and ensure that water quality standards are strictly maintained.

‘The ultimate success of this project will be measured by its impact on citizens. Every household must receive clean, safe and reliable water. Timelines should be treated as commitments to the people of Karachi, ‘ Murad Shah said.

The meeting was further informed that KWandSC has successfully achieved full coverage of its operation and maintenance costs, a major institutional milestone under the reform programme.

Mayor Murtaza Wahab briefed the meeting that compensation payments had been disbursed to 186 out of 203 Project Affected Persons (PAPs), while efforts were continuing to complete payments to the remaining beneficiaries. Notices have already been issued and the remaining process is expected to be completed after approval of the revised resettlement plan.

The Chief Minister directed the Mayor to ensure that all outstanding compensation cases are resolved transparently and expeditiously. ‘No affected family should face unnecessary delays. Social safeguards and community confidence are essential components of infrastructure development, ‘ he said.

The meeting was informed that an Independent Monitoring Consultant for environmental and social compliance had joined the project on July 13, strengthening oversight of safeguards and resettlement measures.

Reviewing the 2. 7-kilometre common corridor works, officials informed the meeting that the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) had handed over the site on June 22, 2026, while preparations for joint integrity verification of the 96-inch pipeline are underway.

Bridge rectification works and piling activities have commenced, with weld integrity verification and NIPA bridge rectification scheduled for completion by August 20, 2026.

Murad Shah directed the project director to ensure uninterrupted coordination among all agencies involved. ‘The remaining technical works must be completed within the revised timelines. Any avoidable delay will affect the larger objective of strengthening Karachi’s water supply network, ‘ he said.

The Chief Minister was informed that procurement activities for K-IV Augmentation have entered an advanced stage. Conditional no-objection from the World Bank has been received, while the advertisement for the project is expected to be published shortly.

The meeting reviewed progress on consultancy hiring, project management arrangements, GIS activities and preparation of technical studies required for future investments.

Murad Shah directed the concerned departments to expedite procurement approvals and maintain close coordination with development partners. ‘K-IV is a strategic project for Karachi’s future. Every procedural requirement should be completed swiftly while ensuring transparency and quality, ‘ he said.

The meeting was informed that a comprehensive metering plan had been shared with the World Bank and both sides had agreed to initiate a pilot programme before large-scale installation of system meters.

The meeting also discussed the future water sector master plan, digital monitoring systems, SCADA implementation and non-revenue water reduction measures that are being incorporated into the second phase of the programme.

The Chief Minister directed KWandSC to accelerate digital transformation initiatives. ‘Modern utilities rely on data, metering and technology. Karachi’s water utility must continue moving towards greater efficiency, accountability and service delivery, ‘ he said.

The meeting was informed that several unfinished components of KWSSIP-I are being transitioned to KWSSIP-II to ensure continuity and effective utilization of project resources.

These include the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) strategy, pilot district metered areas, hydraulic modelling, rehabilitation of water supply and sewerage systems in Essa Nagri, construction of remaining chambers, SCADA installation, water testing activities, master planning studies, works at the Centre for Excellence in Research, Rehabilitation and Innovation (CERRI), and additional pipeline works in Soba Nagar.

Mayor Karachi stated that the transfer of these activities would enable uninterrupted implementation while aligning future investments with Karachi’s long-term water sector strategy.

The meeting reviewed recruitment and institutional strengthening measures under KWSSIP-II. It was reported that key positions, including Manager Technical, EandM Specialist, Communication Specialist and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, had been filled, while recruitment for several other specialized positions was under evaluation.

The Chief Minister welcomed progress in strengthening project management capacity and directed that all remaining positions be filled at the earliest.

Speaking on the occasion, World Bank Country Director Ms. Bolormaa Amgaabazar appreciated the Sindh government’s commitment to water sector reforms and acknowledged progress achieved under KWSSIP despite implementation challenges.

‘The World Bank remains committed to supporting the Sindh government and KWandSC in delivering sustainable water and sanitation services for Karachi. Continued focus on reforms, safeguards, governance and timely execution will be critical to achieving the project’s objectives, ‘ she said.

She emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum on institutional reforms, project implementation, service delivery improvements and future investments under KWSSIP-II.

Concluding the meeting, the Chief Minister directed all stakeholders to adhere strictly to agreed timelines, strengthen inter-agency coordination and ensure that project benefits reach citizens without delay.

‘Karachi’s growing population requires resilient and modern water infrastructure. We must work collectively to deliver lasting improvements in water supply, sanitation and public service delivery. The government will continue to provide full support to ensure the success of these reforms, ‘ Murad Shah said.

Karachi: Police have arrested three alleged street criminals, including one injured suspect, in separate encounters conducted by Gulberg and Azizabad police stations in Central district.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Central Imran Khan on Monday identified the arrested suspects as Nauman, son of Abdul Shakoor, who sustained injuries during the encounter, Yousuf, son of Abdul Sattar, and Farhan, son of Iqbal.

According to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), police were on routine patrol near the Yaseenabad graveyard when they signaled two men riding a motorcycle to stop. The suspects allegedly opened fire on the police party, triggering an exchange of fire.

Police arrested both suspects following the encounter, while the third suspect was apprehended in the jurisdiction of Gulberg Police Station during a separate operation.

Police recovered three 30-bore pistols, six rounds of ammunition, mobile phones and a motorcycle from the suspects’ possession. Cases have been registered against the arrested suspects and further investigation is underway, the SSP added.