Karachi, Pakistan – In a press conference held in Karachi, Manzoor Ahmed Channa, the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi, expressed his concerns over the series of tragic incidents plaguing the city. The recent explosion at the Gul Plaza, which occurred over a month ago, has yet to be properly investigated, and the exact number of causalities remains unknown.
Channa stated that on February 14, he and his supporters were subjected to baton charges and shelling, and subsequently, cases were registered against them under the Anti-Terrorism Act. However, he said that his followers showed great patience and restraint, and today, they remain resolute in their determination to carry on the movement.
He also criticized the government’s lack of response to the city’s problems, including the acute water shortage, which affects more than 50% of the population during Ramadan. He pointed out that even the courts have instructed the authorities to provide water through pipes, rather than tankers, but the city still lacks an effective local government system.
Channa also accused the ruling parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, of controlling the city’s resources, authorities, and institutions. He mentioned that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) was formed with the involvement of these parties, and the Karachi Transport Corporation was shut down when an MQM minister was in charge.
He also highlighted the poor condition of the city’s roads, stating that the Green Line project, which was initiated in 2016, has yet to be completed. He also pointed out that the Jhangoir Road has become a major bottleneck, causing difficulties for residents.
Channa emphasized the need for strong local governments in all provinces of Pakistan, as stipulated in the Constitution. He also highlighted the need for effective law enforcement and the rule of law to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Meanwhile, the Sindh government has announced that it will reschedule the exams for Easter, which will now take place from April 2 to 6. The government has also instructed the educational boards not to hold exams during the Easter holidays.
In other news, the Sindh High Court has issued a written verdict on a case regarding the citizenship and Pakistani Origin Card (POC) of a Pakistani woman’s Afghan husband. The court has directed the authorities to provide a report within nine days.
In a separate incident, the police have registered a case against a government officer’s nephew for allegedly committing a crime. The complainant has requested the court to declare the notification of the appointment of Maulana Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the caretaker chief minister null and void.
The security forces have conducted an intelligence operation in Dera Ismail Khan, which was aimed at eliminating proxies of Indian-backed terrorist groups.
In a separate incident, Maryam Nawaz has announced that the government will no longer charge exorbitant fees for private ambulances to transport bodies from government hospitals.
The World Wide Fund for Nature Pakistan has announced that a rare species of fish, the Bohidea guitarfish, has been spotted in 30 meters of water in the Gulf of Oman. The species is found in only 20% of its original population worldwide.
The federal minister has stated that Pakistan has proof of terrorism originating from Afghanistan, which it has shared with the Afghan government.
