By: Yasir Babbar
KARACHI, Oct 23 (PPI): “All seven Educational Boards of Province have refused to wave off the fees of flood affected students and said that Boards are self-generated bodies and they could not afford to wave off the fees until Government would not compensate us in this regard”, it was mentioned in a letter which was send to the Provincial Education Department by the Chairman Committee of Educational Boards of Sindh, a well placed source disclosed this with PPI here on Saturday.
Letter further said that Educational Boards are purely self-generated institutions, if we would wave off the fees of Flood victims students that how we would bear these expenses which would be in Millions of rupees.
From the recovered amount in terms of fees from students, we pay 60 percent in Salaries, 30 percent to High Schools and College Teachers in head of Exam duties and papers assessments and checkings, 5 percent amount goes to stationary of forms and exams and the rest 5 percent utilized in the Petrol, Telephone and other expenses, letter added
It is also mentioned in the letter that all Boards have collectively funded Rs 3.5 Million for the flood affected people of the province, 5 days salaries of Boards officers shared for the relief of Flood survivors while; one day salary of all lower staff of all Boards was also contributed for same purpose, source added.
Letter showed that if the Boards would wave off the fees of students of flood affected areas, resulting Boards would definitely face the financial crisis.
Letter demanded that if Government would compensate all Boards from local or International funds, than we would decide to wave off the fees of flood affected students.
This letter was made after the detailed meeting of the Chairman Committee of Educational Boards held at office of Chairman Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) some days ago.
This meeting was held on the directives of Steering committee of Provincial Education Department, the Steering Committee which met about three weeks ago, has directed all Educational Boards to wave off the fees of Flood affected students.
Chairman Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) Anwar Ahmed Zai who is also the chairman of said Committee, has chaired the meeting, while, Chairman Board of Secondary Education Karachi Anzar Ahmed Zaidi, Chairman Sindh Board of Technical Education, Chairman Board of Intermediate and Education Hyderabad Dr Fazal Haq, Chairman Board of Intermediate and Education Sukkur Dr Mahboob Shaikh, Chairman Board of Intermediate and Education Mirpurkhas Dr Haleem Khanzada and Chairman Board of Intermediate and Education Larkana Ali Shah Bukhari have attended the meeting and reviewed the issues regarding the fees waving of students of flood affected areas.
END-PPI
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The Fort of DIJI ( Kotdiji Jo Qilo)
The Fort of DIJI ( Kotdiji Jo Qilo), about 200 years old archiliogical place situated at District Kher Pur Mir's Of Sindh. This pr-historical place is going to destroy day by day but govt has no time to look after it. (Picture by Yasir Babbar)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
No Govt Public Libraries in 16 districts of Sindh
By:Yasir Babbar
KARACHI, Oct 22 (PPI): Libraries are the basic units of informal education in Developed countries but unfortunately 16 districts of Sindh Province still have no Government Public Libraries, It is learnt to PPI here on Friday.
About two and half years have been passed away but the Provincial Culture Department has not made such concrete plan in order to establish Public Libraries in 16 remaining districts of province including Sukkur, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Qambar-Shahdadkot, Kashmor-Kandhkot, Noshahro Feroz, Shaheed Benazirabad, Matiari, Tando Mohammad Khan, TandoAllahyar, Badin, Umerkot, Sanghar, Tharparkar, Jamshoro and Thatta.
Sukkur is Divisional Headquarter and third big city of Sindh with thickly populated Taulakas Rohri, Saleh Pat and Pano Aqil but it has not Public library where from the people of Sukkur and its adjoining areas would get educational benefits.
Jamshoro is called the city of Education because University of Sindh, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology and Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences are located in the heart of this city but Provincial Government has no time and budget of some millions to establish a Public Library there.
Noshahro Feroze was called as the land of education and educators in the British era. But, people of this district also use to migarat to Hyderabad or Karachi for the preparation of CSS and PCS examas and Libararies are basic source of books in this regard.
Similarly, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Qambar-Shahdadkot, Kashmore-Kandhkot and Shaheed Benazirabad districts have population in Millions but unfortunately all governments had not took sereous efforts in order to establish the Public Libararies.
The Provincial Culture Department is running only 10 Public libraries in province including Liaquat Memorial Library Karachi, Shams-ul-Ulma Daudpota Library Hyderabad, Lal Shahbaz Library Sehwan Sharif, Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Library Larkana, Shah Latif Library Ratodero, Allama I.I Kazi Library Dadu, Sachal Sarmast library Khairpur Muir’s, Sindh Government Library Mirpurkhas and Qadir Bux Bedal Library Shikarpur.
These libraries are also running on old patron, lack of latest books, lack of staff, lack of Air-conditions, lack of drinking water facilities are main problems observed by the PPI.
When contacted, Director Culture Mohammad Ali Manjhi told PPI that Culture department has no such funds to establish more Public libraries in all districts of Sindh.
He added that seven Cultural Complexes are under construction in Umerkot, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Tando Alahayar, Thatta, Sanghar and Shaheed Benazirabad, libraries are part of these complexes. Auditorium, Art Galleries and Museums are also the main features of these on going projects, he added.
He said that there are many libraries are running under the Provincial Education department and District and Town Councils are also running many libraries.
END-PPI
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KARACHI, Oct 22 (PPI): Libraries are the basic units of informal education in Developed countries but unfortunately 16 districts of Sindh Province still have no Government Public Libraries, It is learnt to PPI here on Friday.
About two and half years have been passed away but the Provincial Culture Department has not made such concrete plan in order to establish Public Libraries in 16 remaining districts of province including Sukkur, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Qambar-Shahdadkot, Kashmor-Kandhkot, Noshahro Feroz, Shaheed Benazirabad, Matiari, Tando Mohammad Khan, TandoAllahyar, Badin, Umerkot, Sanghar, Tharparkar, Jamshoro and Thatta.
Sukkur is Divisional Headquarter and third big city of Sindh with thickly populated Taulakas Rohri, Saleh Pat and Pano Aqil but it has not Public library where from the people of Sukkur and its adjoining areas would get educational benefits.
Jamshoro is called the city of Education because University of Sindh, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology and Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences are located in the heart of this city but Provincial Government has no time and budget of some millions to establish a Public Library there.
Noshahro Feroze was called as the land of education and educators in the British era. But, people of this district also use to migarat to Hyderabad or Karachi for the preparation of CSS and PCS examas and Libararies are basic source of books in this regard.
Similarly, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Qambar-Shahdadkot, Kashmore-Kandhkot and Shaheed Benazirabad districts have population in Millions but unfortunately all governments had not took sereous efforts in order to establish the Public Libararies.
The Provincial Culture Department is running only 10 Public libraries in province including Liaquat Memorial Library Karachi, Shams-ul-Ulma Daudpota Library Hyderabad, Lal Shahbaz Library Sehwan Sharif, Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Library Larkana, Shah Latif Library Ratodero, Allama I.I Kazi Library Dadu, Sachal Sarmast library Khairpur Muir’s, Sindh Government Library Mirpurkhas and Qadir Bux Bedal Library Shikarpur.
These libraries are also running on old patron, lack of latest books, lack of staff, lack of Air-conditions, lack of drinking water facilities are main problems observed by the PPI.
When contacted, Director Culture Mohammad Ali Manjhi told PPI that Culture department has no such funds to establish more Public libraries in all districts of Sindh.
He added that seven Cultural Complexes are under construction in Umerkot, Mithi, Mirpurkhas, Tando Alahayar, Thatta, Sanghar and Shaheed Benazirabad, libraries are part of these complexes. Auditorium, Art Galleries and Museums are also the main features of these on going projects, he added.
He said that there are many libraries are running under the Provincial Education department and District and Town Councils are also running many libraries.
END-PPI
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Private consultancy firms express serious concerns over design map of Gorakh Hills Project
By: Yasir Babbar
KARACHI, Oct 21 (PPI): A few private consultancy firms including Ernest and Young and others have expressed serious concerns over the design map of the Gorakh Hills Development project and demanded major changes, it is learnt to PPI here on Thursday.
Gorakh Hills Project is located in Dadu District of Sindh, which lies at the altitude of 5688 feet above the sea level and has temperature in between 15 to 16 degree centigrade even in summer season.
Ernest and Young a private consultancy firm, which is working for creating attraction and opportunities for Local and International Private investors in order to investment in the Gorakh Hills Development Project since last few months.
After the passing of Public-Private Partnership Bill from Sindh Assembly, The Provincial Tourism Ministry had made agreements with some private consultancy firms for different purposes in order to create investment opportunities for Gorakh Hills Project.
The experts of different firms have told the authorities of Gorakh Hills Development Authority (GHDA) in Black & White that they are not satisfied with the current design of the Project which would definitely discourage the Local and International investors.
After a few routine meetings, authorities of GHDA are now ready to follow the changes proposed by the Firm.
All firms are working on the changes of the design and the proposals are likely to be submitted soon to the authorities of GHDA, which would be forwarded to the Chief Minster Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah who is also the Chairman of GHDA for the final approval.
When contacted, Director General Gorakh Hills Development Authority (GHDA) AbdulQadir Mangi has confirmed this and said that we are also reviewing the design map of the project and stopped the development work at the site.
He added that it’s up to us whether we are accepting the proposals of private firms regarding the changes in design of Gorakh project or not.
In a question he said that recent heavy floods have also affected the development work at the Gorakh, we are trying to restart this soon.
He told that some experts of private firms have started their work at the Gorakh Hills, Topographic and Geo-technical surveys are also under way, he added.
He expressed satisfaction over the performance of GHDA regarding the development of Gorakh Hills and claimed that Provincial Government is taking keen interest in the completion of project as soon as possible.
It is pertinent to mention here that the first development work was initiated on the Gorakh Hills Project in 1989. About 21 years passed away but the project is still under construction.
END-PPI
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KARACHI, Oct 21 (PPI): A few private consultancy firms including Ernest and Young and others have expressed serious concerns over the design map of the Gorakh Hills Development project and demanded major changes, it is learnt to PPI here on Thursday.
Gorakh Hills Project is located in Dadu District of Sindh, which lies at the altitude of 5688 feet above the sea level and has temperature in between 15 to 16 degree centigrade even in summer season.
Ernest and Young a private consultancy firm, which is working for creating attraction and opportunities for Local and International Private investors in order to investment in the Gorakh Hills Development Project since last few months.
After the passing of Public-Private Partnership Bill from Sindh Assembly, The Provincial Tourism Ministry had made agreements with some private consultancy firms for different purposes in order to create investment opportunities for Gorakh Hills Project.
The experts of different firms have told the authorities of Gorakh Hills Development Authority (GHDA) in Black & White that they are not satisfied with the current design of the Project which would definitely discourage the Local and International investors.
After a few routine meetings, authorities of GHDA are now ready to follow the changes proposed by the Firm.
All firms are working on the changes of the design and the proposals are likely to be submitted soon to the authorities of GHDA, which would be forwarded to the Chief Minster Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah who is also the Chairman of GHDA for the final approval.
When contacted, Director General Gorakh Hills Development Authority (GHDA) AbdulQadir Mangi has confirmed this and said that we are also reviewing the design map of the project and stopped the development work at the site.
He added that it’s up to us whether we are accepting the proposals of private firms regarding the changes in design of Gorakh project or not.
In a question he said that recent heavy floods have also affected the development work at the Gorakh, we are trying to restart this soon.
He told that some experts of private firms have started their work at the Gorakh Hills, Topographic and Geo-technical surveys are also under way, he added.
He expressed satisfaction over the performance of GHDA regarding the development of Gorakh Hills and claimed that Provincial Government is taking keen interest in the completion of project as soon as possible.
It is pertinent to mention here that the first development work was initiated on the Gorakh Hills Project in 1989. About 21 years passed away but the project is still under construction.
END-PPI
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Private consultancy firms express serious concerns over design map of Gorakh Hills Project
By: Yasir Babbar
KARACHI, Oct 21 (PPI): A few private consultancy firms including Ernest and Young and others have expressed serious concerns over the design map of the Gorakh Hills Development project and demanded major changes, it is learnt to PPI here on Thursday.
Gorakh Hills Project is located in Dadu District of Sindh, which lies at the altitude of 5688 feet above the sea level and has temperature in between 15 to 16 degree centigrade even in summer season.
Ernest and Young a private consultancy firm, which is working for creating attraction and opportunities for Local and International Private investors in order to investment in the Gorakh Hills Development Project since last few months.
After the passing of Public-Private Partnership Bill from Sindh Assembly, The Provincial Tourism Ministry had made agreements with some private consultancy firms for different purposes in order to create investment opportunities for Gorakh Hills Project.
The experts of different firms have told the authorities of Gorakh Hills Development Authority (GHDA) in Black & White that they are not satisfied with the current design of the Project which would definitely discourage the Local and International investors.
After a few routine meetings, authorities of GHDA are now ready to follow the changes proposed by the Firm.
All firms are working on the changes of the design and the proposals are likely to be submitted soon to the authorities of GHDA, which would be forwarded to the Chief Minster Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah who is also the Chairman of GHDA for the final approval.
When contacted, Director General Gorakh Hills Development Authority (GHDA) AbdulQadir Mangi has confirmed this and said that we are also reviewing the design map of the project and stopped the development work at the site.
He added that it’s up to us whether we are accepting the proposals of private firms regarding the changes in design of Gorakh project or not.
In a question he said that recent heavy floods have also affected the development work at the Gorakh, we are trying to restart this soon.
He told that some experts of private firms have started their work at the Gorakh Hills, Topographic and Geo-technical surveys are also under way, he added.
He expressed satisfaction over the performance of GHDA regarding the development of Gorakh Hills and claimed that Provincial Government is taking keen interest in the completion of project as soon as possible.
It is pertinent to mention here that the first development work was initiated on the Gorakh Hills Project in 1989. About 21 years passed away but the project is still under construction.
END-PPI
NNNN
KARACHI, Oct 21 (PPI): A few private consultancy firms including Ernest and Young and others have expressed serious concerns over the design map of the Gorakh Hills Development project and demanded major changes, it is learnt to PPI here on Thursday.
Gorakh Hills Project is located in Dadu District of Sindh, which lies at the altitude of 5688 feet above the sea level and has temperature in between 15 to 16 degree centigrade even in summer season.
Ernest and Young a private consultancy firm, which is working for creating attraction and opportunities for Local and International Private investors in order to investment in the Gorakh Hills Development Project since last few months.
After the passing of Public-Private Partnership Bill from Sindh Assembly, The Provincial Tourism Ministry had made agreements with some private consultancy firms for different purposes in order to create investment opportunities for Gorakh Hills Project.
The experts of different firms have told the authorities of Gorakh Hills Development Authority (GHDA) in Black & White that they are not satisfied with the current design of the Project which would definitely discourage the Local and International investors.
After a few routine meetings, authorities of GHDA are now ready to follow the changes proposed by the Firm.
All firms are working on the changes of the design and the proposals are likely to be submitted soon to the authorities of GHDA, which would be forwarded to the Chief Minster Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah who is also the Chairman of GHDA for the final approval.
When contacted, Director General Gorakh Hills Development Authority (GHDA) AbdulQadir Mangi has confirmed this and said that we are also reviewing the design map of the project and stopped the development work at the site.
He added that it’s up to us whether we are accepting the proposals of private firms regarding the changes in design of Gorakh project or not.
In a question he said that recent heavy floods have also affected the development work at the Gorakh, we are trying to restart this soon.
He told that some experts of private firms have started their work at the Gorakh Hills, Topographic and Geo-technical surveys are also under way, he added.
He expressed satisfaction over the performance of GHDA regarding the development of Gorakh Hills and claimed that Provincial Government is taking keen interest in the completion of project as soon as possible.
It is pertinent to mention here that the first development work was initiated on the Gorakh Hills Project in 1989. About 21 years passed away but the project is still under construction.
END-PPI
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Sindh Govt made 50% cut on Education’s ADP despite 24 Billion losses due to floods
By: Yasir Babbar
KARACHI, Oct 20 (PPI): Sindh Government has made fifty percent cut on Annual Development Progarmme (ADP) 2010-11 of Education and Literacy department, instead of to give it special assistance to overcome their Rs 24 Billion losses due to recent heavy floods, it is learnt to PPI here on Wednesday.
This decision was taken during the meeting chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (P&D) Mohammad Ishaq Lashari at his office, Additional Secretary Education (PD&F) Ashfaque Ahmed Qadri and others have attended the meeting and reviewed the ADP schemes.
Education Ministry’s officials have briefed the meeting that Rs 7,030 millions were allocated for the fresh and on going development schemes of the department, from which about 30 percent schemes have been completed yet, many of them are ready for physical work and rest are still in process of documentation.
Additional Chief Secretary (P&D) Mohammad Ishaq Lashari said during the meeting that on the directives of Chief Mister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, we are modifying ADP 2010-11 of all departments as we can collect the huge amount for the purpose of Rehabilitation of Millions of Flood victims of the Province.
After a long discussion, it was finalized that 50 percent cut would be made on the total amount of ADP but on going schemes would be completed soon within the budget and time limits.
In this connection when contacted, Additional Secretary Education (PD&F) Ashfaque Ahmed Qadri confirmed this and said that after the deep discussion within the department, we have accepted the cut on ADP 2010-11.
In a question, he said that every body knows the importance of Education but in this situation, where every individual is contributing for the flood relief and rehabilitation so why not government’s own departments can sacrifice? It’s also our duty to help out the flood survivors.
He expressed hope and said Ministry of Education is in contact with International donors Organization and they would help us to overcome the losses of Education sector in the province.
END-PPI
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KARACHI, Oct 20 (PPI): Sindh Government has made fifty percent cut on Annual Development Progarmme (ADP) 2010-11 of Education and Literacy department, instead of to give it special assistance to overcome their Rs 24 Billion losses due to recent heavy floods, it is learnt to PPI here on Wednesday.
This decision was taken during the meeting chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (P&D) Mohammad Ishaq Lashari at his office, Additional Secretary Education (PD&F) Ashfaque Ahmed Qadri and others have attended the meeting and reviewed the ADP schemes.
Education Ministry’s officials have briefed the meeting that Rs 7,030 millions were allocated for the fresh and on going development schemes of the department, from which about 30 percent schemes have been completed yet, many of them are ready for physical work and rest are still in process of documentation.
Additional Chief Secretary (P&D) Mohammad Ishaq Lashari said during the meeting that on the directives of Chief Mister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, we are modifying ADP 2010-11 of all departments as we can collect the huge amount for the purpose of Rehabilitation of Millions of Flood victims of the Province.
After a long discussion, it was finalized that 50 percent cut would be made on the total amount of ADP but on going schemes would be completed soon within the budget and time limits.
In this connection when contacted, Additional Secretary Education (PD&F) Ashfaque Ahmed Qadri confirmed this and said that after the deep discussion within the department, we have accepted the cut on ADP 2010-11.
In a question, he said that every body knows the importance of Education but in this situation, where every individual is contributing for the flood relief and rehabilitation so why not government’s own departments can sacrifice? It’s also our duty to help out the flood survivors.
He expressed hope and said Ministry of Education is in contact with International donors Organization and they would help us to overcome the losses of Education sector in the province.
END-PPI
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Snail-paced progress on decisions of Education’s Steering Committee
By: Yasir Babbar
KARACHI, Oct 19 (PPI): Snail-paced progress on the decisions of Provincial Education Ministry’s Steering Committee’s meeting, despite passing 10 days, the department has not yet moved a summary to Chief Minster Sindh for the approval of abolition of Saturday leave and other important decisions, it is learnt to PPI here on Tuesday.
The steering Committee of Education Department had met on 8th October 2010 at Sindh Education Foundation’s Building, many decisions were taken in order to overcome the losses due to recent floods and to support the flood affected students of the Province.
The Steering committee had decided to move the summary to Chief Minster Sindh for the abolition of Saturday leave in order to meet the time losses of 72 days.
The committee also directed the representatives of Hyderabad Board, Sukkur Board, Mirpurkhas Board and Larkana Board to wave off the exams fees in flood affected areas. But, this decision is also pending.
During the meeting, Senior Minster for Education and Literacy Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq has directed to Secretary Education to conduct a departmental meeting in order to wave off tuition fees of all flood victim students of the province. But, No result has come out in this regard.
Committee has also enhanced the academic timings of Primary and Secondary schools of the province but no official notification has been issued yet.
When contacted, Additional Secretary (Academic and Trainings) Taj Mohammad Seelro has told the PPI that all decisions of Steering Committee are still pending due to the non-approval of minutes of meeting since last 10 days.
He disclosed that Provincial Minster for Education and Literacy has approved the minutes of meeting yesterday on Tuesday; therefore, we would make and move the summary to the Chief Minster Sindh soon.
To a question that why minutes of meeting have taken 10 days to approval, he replied that its official work process, section officer has to moved the minutes for approval from the Deputy Secretary to Secretary and in the last the Minster has to approve it that’swhy it has taken more time.
He said that we would issue the Notification of enhancing the academic timings of Schools and would contact representatives of Educational boards soon in order to pursue the committee’s decisions.
END-PPI
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KARACHI, Oct 19 (PPI): Snail-paced progress on the decisions of Provincial Education Ministry’s Steering Committee’s meeting, despite passing 10 days, the department has not yet moved a summary to Chief Minster Sindh for the approval of abolition of Saturday leave and other important decisions, it is learnt to PPI here on Tuesday.
The steering Committee of Education Department had met on 8th October 2010 at Sindh Education Foundation’s Building, many decisions were taken in order to overcome the losses due to recent floods and to support the flood affected students of the Province.
The Steering committee had decided to move the summary to Chief Minster Sindh for the abolition of Saturday leave in order to meet the time losses of 72 days.
The committee also directed the representatives of Hyderabad Board, Sukkur Board, Mirpurkhas Board and Larkana Board to wave off the exams fees in flood affected areas. But, this decision is also pending.
During the meeting, Senior Minster for Education and Literacy Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq has directed to Secretary Education to conduct a departmental meeting in order to wave off tuition fees of all flood victim students of the province. But, No result has come out in this regard.
Committee has also enhanced the academic timings of Primary and Secondary schools of the province but no official notification has been issued yet.
When contacted, Additional Secretary (Academic and Trainings) Taj Mohammad Seelro has told the PPI that all decisions of Steering Committee are still pending due to the non-approval of minutes of meeting since last 10 days.
He disclosed that Provincial Minster for Education and Literacy has approved the minutes of meeting yesterday on Tuesday; therefore, we would make and move the summary to the Chief Minster Sindh soon.
To a question that why minutes of meeting have taken 10 days to approval, he replied that its official work process, section officer has to moved the minutes for approval from the Deputy Secretary to Secretary and in the last the Minster has to approve it that’swhy it has taken more time.
He said that we would issue the Notification of enhancing the academic timings of Schools and would contact representatives of Educational boards soon in order to pursue the committee’s decisions.
END-PPI
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CMIT demands more NADRA Centers and ATM Booths for flood victims
By: Yasir Babbar
KARACHI, Oct 19 (PPI): Chief Minster Sindh Inspection team (CMIT) has rejected the complaints of corruption in the process of issuing of Wattan Cards and demanded more NADRA Centers and ATM Booths for flood affected people in order to get Wattan cards easily, it is learnt by the PPI here on Tuesday.
The Chief Mister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah had issued directives to CMIT to probe the complaints regarding the Wattan cards issuing process.
CMIT team consisting, Director General (Technical) Jinsar Ali Shah, Memebr-1 Ms Fakhar Karim Siddiqui and member-3 Asif Marghoob Siddiqui has visited the 18 flood affected districts of the province including Dadu, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Jamshoro, Ghotki, Karachi, Shikarpur, Larkana, Noshahroferoz, Matiari, Kahmore-Kandhkot, Qambar-Shahdadkot, Khairpur Mir’s, Shaheed Benazirabad, Thatta, Badin and Tando Mohammad Khan.
After the completion of their visit, the team has combined a report which would be submitted to the Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah soon.
According to the report, lack of NDRA Centers in flood affected areas is main hindrance of getting Wattan Cards, Millions of people are eligible for Wattan Cards but the quantity of Centers is very low.
CMIT recommended that quantity of NDRA Centers would be increased in order to facilitate the flood affected people.
Report further said that after receiving Wattan Cards, people rushed to ATM Booths but unfortunately, the quantity of ATM Booths is also very in rural areas of Province..
Chief Minster Inspection Team has said in its report that CNIC scanning counters are also scarce, report demanded for the increase of counters too.
The report said that it was noticed in many cities that NADRA staff is asking death certificates of Husbands to their widows, which is not impossible in this situation.
They recommended that Municipal staff should be assigned to sit with NADRA teams to verify such cases or any other alternate solution would be provided to the Flood affected widows.
Report further said that flood affected people are use to create panic when they could not afford the blazing Sun, therefore shades would be made outside the Wattan Cards centers.
Report said that there are no such arrangements for the sitting at any center throughout the Province. CMIT has recommended for the proper sitting arrangements at the Wattan Cards centers.
Chief Minster Inspection Team also demands for the drinking water facility at the all spots of Wattan cards.
END-PPI
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KARACHI, Oct 19 (PPI): Chief Minster Sindh Inspection team (CMIT) has rejected the complaints of corruption in the process of issuing of Wattan Cards and demanded more NADRA Centers and ATM Booths for flood affected people in order to get Wattan cards easily, it is learnt by the PPI here on Tuesday.
The Chief Mister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah had issued directives to CMIT to probe the complaints regarding the Wattan cards issuing process.
CMIT team consisting, Director General (Technical) Jinsar Ali Shah, Memebr-1 Ms Fakhar Karim Siddiqui and member-3 Asif Marghoob Siddiqui has visited the 18 flood affected districts of the province including Dadu, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Jamshoro, Ghotki, Karachi, Shikarpur, Larkana, Noshahroferoz, Matiari, Kahmore-Kandhkot, Qambar-Shahdadkot, Khairpur Mir’s, Shaheed Benazirabad, Thatta, Badin and Tando Mohammad Khan.
After the completion of their visit, the team has combined a report which would be submitted to the Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah soon.
According to the report, lack of NDRA Centers in flood affected areas is main hindrance of getting Wattan Cards, Millions of people are eligible for Wattan Cards but the quantity of Centers is very low.
CMIT recommended that quantity of NDRA Centers would be increased in order to facilitate the flood affected people.
Report further said that after receiving Wattan Cards, people rushed to ATM Booths but unfortunately, the quantity of ATM Booths is also very in rural areas of Province..
Chief Minster Inspection Team has said in its report that CNIC scanning counters are also scarce, report demanded for the increase of counters too.
The report said that it was noticed in many cities that NADRA staff is asking death certificates of Husbands to their widows, which is not impossible in this situation.
They recommended that Municipal staff should be assigned to sit with NADRA teams to verify such cases or any other alternate solution would be provided to the Flood affected widows.
Report further said that flood affected people are use to create panic when they could not afford the blazing Sun, therefore shades would be made outside the Wattan Cards centers.
Report said that there are no such arrangements for the sitting at any center throughout the Province. CMIT has recommended for the proper sitting arrangements at the Wattan Cards centers.
Chief Minster Inspection Team also demands for the drinking water facility at the all spots of Wattan cards.
END-PPI
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Saturday, October 2, 2010
Kot Diji, a dying chapter of the majestic history of Sindh
The Sindh Telegraph Exclusive
By: Yasir Babbar
More than 200 years old, Fort of Diji (Kot Diji) is a Marvell of engineering of old period. This great place is now a great example of negligence by the current government. It is going to destroy day by day, but the government has not enough time to show interest to save and preserve fort.
This ancient fort is situated in Kot Diji (Taaluka) of District Khairpur Mir’s. The old name of Kot Diji was Ahmed Abad and because of the name, the Kot Diji fort was also called as Fort of Ahmed Abad in the time of Talpur’s state.
District Khairpur Mir’s is home district of Syed Qaim Ali Shah ( Chief Minister of Sindh) that’s why local population is hoping that Mr. Shah will take proactive steps to save the Kot Diji and other historical places as well.
Forts are living icons of very old and great history of Sindh. Likewise, Fort of Diji (Kot Diji), Pakko Fort (Pakko Qilo), Kacho Fort (Kacho Qilo), Fort of Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, Fort of Sehwan Sharif, Fort of Dahleel (Dahleel Kot), Fort of Kalan ( Kalan Kot), Fort of Umer ( Umer Kot), Fort of Nind (Nind Kot), Fort of Kherien(Kherien Kot), Fort of Karachi( Karachi Kot) , Fort of Ratto( Ratto Kot), Fort of Ranno (Ranno Kot), Fort of Malaaki (Malaaki Kot) and others.
They were built by the various rulers in different era and for different purposes. These ancient forts show that the Sindhi nation had remained in defensive position in the past and forts were used to protect the residents from attacks of foreign enemies.
Kot Diji was the personal property of Mir’s before the Pakistan. When the Pakistan came into being, General Ayoub Khan got this ancient place in the control of government with the permission of Mir’s.
More than 45 years have been passed, but the government has not taken a single and serious step to make safe and secure this historical place.
There is a well 300 meter deep well at the ground level of the fort. It used supply drinking water to the residents of the fort. This well is in a state of total extinction, but government has no time to pay attention to it.
The tall walls of the fort are also in the worst. Bricks are crumbling under the harsh weather conditions rapidly.
There are three godowns (warehouses) which are gradually destroying too, but the Ministry of Culture is into a deep sleep. Though, ministry has got back the authority of Archeological sites from federal government.
Four towers (burgees) are the beauty of fort, but they are not in original condition now, because of the carelessness of the authorities.
There is a water tank, which was built for the purpose of storage of water in case of enemy’s attack. This is also in broken condition.
A Shahi Mahal (Royal Palace) was built at the top level of fort to provide comfort and security to the ruler and his family, in case of war. This Mahal is also is also a Marvell of workmanship and archeology. Its walls were decorated with the beautiful mural ceramics. But, sadly, those historic mural ceramic walls that were once the bearers of art and cultural heritage of the Sindh’s past are now covered with vulgar wall chalking, and ugly graffiti. Shahi Mahal is in same bad position like other parts of the fort.
There is a place of capital punishment, and barracks for the prisoners. The British Army was stationed there during the period of 1843. From there, they used to carryon attacks under the command of Sir Charles Napier, on the fort of Imam Garh (Imam Garh Jo Qilo).
“Takht Gah” is also a main part of the fort which is situated at the far corner; it was used for the meetings of ruler and his cabinet.
A garden namely, Faiz Baagh, was used by the outsiders coming to Khairpur state. This garden is also in a worst condition.
There are three main gates in the fort. First is called as Royal Gate (Shahi Darwazo). Everybody can enter in the fort through this gate. Royal Gate is a marvel of engineering artistry of ancient period.
Following words are written on the top of third gate. “Abandon hope all ye who enter here”
“When the drought hit the areas of Thar, people used to migrate towards Khairpur, because it was the closest safe heaven to them at that time. Mir Suhrab Khan Talpur got the benefit of migrations and engaged those people in the construction of the Fort”. Ghulam Mustafa Shar, Ex Chairman of Archeological Department of Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, opened the pages of history.
One of the majestic towers - a crumbling witness to the negligence of authorities
Mr. Shar told that Kot Diji was built for protection the people in times of war. There are separate portions for the residence of the forces, there is weapon storage, and about 90 cannons (topoon) were fixed there in the trenches.
He added that, design of the fort shows that in case of war, it was strategically secure as the enemy’s cannon fire could not reach at the fort.
Mr. Shar further said that, Fort of Diji was built in the era of Talpur state. Mir Suhrabn Khan Talpur was the ruler at that time. Not only the fort of Diji, but he had built the fort of Imam Garh in the area of Thar, and Shah Garh Fort in the frontier belt of Jodhpur and Jesalmir.
In current situation, no one can see single cannon there. When this correspondent contacted Mr. Shahnawaz Janwiri, Chief Security Guard of fort, he said that, General Ayoub Khan transferred all the cannons to Punjab, after the federal government took over the control of the fort.
He told this correspondent that people are coming from all over the country to witness the grandeur, and majesty of the fort, but the government is not taking any serious steps to secure and develop the Kot Diji.
There is staff of five personnel only deployed at the fort, who are all, but security guards (Chowkidar). But, there is no official tour guide to brief the tourists about the history of fort.
Yasir Babbar is a Sindh based free lance journalist.
He has contributed many write-ups to Sindhi and
English newspapers and magazines.
By: Yasir Babbar
More than 200 years old, Fort of Diji (Kot Diji) is a Marvell of engineering of old period. This great place is now a great example of negligence by the current government. It is going to destroy day by day, but the government has not enough time to show interest to save and preserve fort.
This ancient fort is situated in Kot Diji (Taaluka) of District Khairpur Mir’s. The old name of Kot Diji was Ahmed Abad and because of the name, the Kot Diji fort was also called as Fort of Ahmed Abad in the time of Talpur’s state.
District Khairpur Mir’s is home district of Syed Qaim Ali Shah ( Chief Minister of Sindh) that’s why local population is hoping that Mr. Shah will take proactive steps to save the Kot Diji and other historical places as well.
Forts are living icons of very old and great history of Sindh. Likewise, Fort of Diji (Kot Diji), Pakko Fort (Pakko Qilo), Kacho Fort (Kacho Qilo), Fort of Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, Fort of Sehwan Sharif, Fort of Dahleel (Dahleel Kot), Fort of Kalan ( Kalan Kot), Fort of Umer ( Umer Kot), Fort of Nind (Nind Kot), Fort of Kherien(Kherien Kot), Fort of Karachi( Karachi Kot) , Fort of Ratto( Ratto Kot), Fort of Ranno (Ranno Kot), Fort of Malaaki (Malaaki Kot) and others.
They were built by the various rulers in different era and for different purposes. These ancient forts show that the Sindhi nation had remained in defensive position in the past and forts were used to protect the residents from attacks of foreign enemies.
Kot Diji was the personal property of Mir’s before the Pakistan. When the Pakistan came into being, General Ayoub Khan got this ancient place in the control of government with the permission of Mir’s.
More than 45 years have been passed, but the government has not taken a single and serious step to make safe and secure this historical place.
There is a well 300 meter deep well at the ground level of the fort. It used supply drinking water to the residents of the fort. This well is in a state of total extinction, but government has no time to pay attention to it.
The tall walls of the fort are also in the worst. Bricks are crumbling under the harsh weather conditions rapidly.
There are three godowns (warehouses) which are gradually destroying too, but the Ministry of Culture is into a deep sleep. Though, ministry has got back the authority of Archeological sites from federal government.
Four towers (burgees) are the beauty of fort, but they are not in original condition now, because of the carelessness of the authorities.
There is a water tank, which was built for the purpose of storage of water in case of enemy’s attack. This is also in broken condition.
A Shahi Mahal (Royal Palace) was built at the top level of fort to provide comfort and security to the ruler and his family, in case of war. This Mahal is also is also a Marvell of workmanship and archeology. Its walls were decorated with the beautiful mural ceramics. But, sadly, those historic mural ceramic walls that were once the bearers of art and cultural heritage of the Sindh’s past are now covered with vulgar wall chalking, and ugly graffiti. Shahi Mahal is in same bad position like other parts of the fort.
There is a place of capital punishment, and barracks for the prisoners. The British Army was stationed there during the period of 1843. From there, they used to carryon attacks under the command of Sir Charles Napier, on the fort of Imam Garh (Imam Garh Jo Qilo).
“Takht Gah” is also a main part of the fort which is situated at the far corner; it was used for the meetings of ruler and his cabinet.
A garden namely, Faiz Baagh, was used by the outsiders coming to Khairpur state. This garden is also in a worst condition.
There are three main gates in the fort. First is called as Royal Gate (Shahi Darwazo). Everybody can enter in the fort through this gate. Royal Gate is a marvel of engineering artistry of ancient period.
Following words are written on the top of third gate. “Abandon hope all ye who enter here”
“When the drought hit the areas of Thar, people used to migrate towards Khairpur, because it was the closest safe heaven to them at that time. Mir Suhrab Khan Talpur got the benefit of migrations and engaged those people in the construction of the Fort”. Ghulam Mustafa Shar, Ex Chairman of Archeological Department of Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, opened the pages of history.
One of the majestic towers - a crumbling witness to the negligence of authorities
Mr. Shar told that Kot Diji was built for protection the people in times of war. There are separate portions for the residence of the forces, there is weapon storage, and about 90 cannons (topoon) were fixed there in the trenches.
He added that, design of the fort shows that in case of war, it was strategically secure as the enemy’s cannon fire could not reach at the fort.
Mr. Shar further said that, Fort of Diji was built in the era of Talpur state. Mir Suhrabn Khan Talpur was the ruler at that time. Not only the fort of Diji, but he had built the fort of Imam Garh in the area of Thar, and Shah Garh Fort in the frontier belt of Jodhpur and Jesalmir.
In current situation, no one can see single cannon there. When this correspondent contacted Mr. Shahnawaz Janwiri, Chief Security Guard of fort, he said that, General Ayoub Khan transferred all the cannons to Punjab, after the federal government took over the control of the fort.
He told this correspondent that people are coming from all over the country to witness the grandeur, and majesty of the fort, but the government is not taking any serious steps to secure and develop the Kot Diji.
There is staff of five personnel only deployed at the fort, who are all, but security guards (Chowkidar). But, there is no official tour guide to brief the tourists about the history of fort.
Yasir Babbar is a Sindh based free lance journalist.
He has contributed many write-ups to Sindhi and
English newspapers and magazines.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Lakhiyun Jo Darro, classical example of negligence
http://www.sindhtelegraph.com/index.php/education/32-education/917-lakhiyun-jo-darro-a-5500-years-old-civilization-victim-of-government-neglect-
“Lakhiyun Jo Darro” a 5,500 years old civilization victim of government neglect
Written by Yasir Babbar
Monday, 31 May 2010 18:59
A Sindh Telegraph exclusive by: Yasir Babbar
“Lakhiyun Jo Darro” a 5,500 years old Indus civilization; a victim of ignorant citizens, and un-interested government of Sindh
Lakhian Jo Darro, 5,500-years-old historical place in Sindh is still waiting for Go dot, who will come and give it rebirth for the young generation of the province. So far, Pakistan Peoples Party’s Sindh government has turned a blind eye towards this archeological marvel.
Though, PPP’s government has entered in the 3rd year of rule, but they didn’t do anything for the preservation and development of Lakhian Jo Darro. While, Asif Ali Zardari, after becoming the President of Pakistan, had decided to return the control of historical places to the provincial government, but the actual control and authority has yet to be transferred to Sindh, from the federal government. Earlier, Federal government was looking after the Sindh’s archeological sites.
Actually, it’s the main responsibility of provincial culture department, and the reins of this important portfolio are in hands of Sasui Palijo.
Though, Sasui Palijo hails from a very important political, social, and literary family of Sindh, but she hasn’t play a significant role in this regard. Perhaps, due to the lack of power and authority.
Earlier, minister Sasui Palejo had visited the Lakhian Jo Darro in 2009, and granted only a meager amount of Rs2 million for the development and security of the remains. In this connection, a police check post was established at, and exploration work had started again on the site. But all of a sudden work was stopped.
After the stopping of excavation work, police department had felt that the constables are wasting their time at the check post, thus, they removed the check post without a notice.
In present situation, the historical site of Lakhian Jo Darro is looking like an open field, where the labourers from brick kilns are digging ground of this very important archeological site to collect dirt for making bricks, while the authorities of culture department and Sahah Latif University team are taking a deep sleep.
Near past back ground:
In the era of Arbab Ghulam Rahim, ex Chief Minister of Sindh, SITE department had allotted the plots of Lakhian Jo Darro for the construction of a marble factory. Soon after, this issue was taken by media and the SITE department was compelled to cancel the allotments.
After this issue, Kamran Lashari, the Project Director of provincial government’s special initiatives at that time, had visited the site and granted Rs.1 Million for the excavation of Lakhain Jo Darro.
“Lakhiyun Jo Darro” a 5,500 years old civilization victim of government neglect
Talking to The Sindh Telegraph, Ghulam Mustafa Shar, ex Chairman of Department of Archeology SALU, has said that I was the chairman, when SITE department of Sukkur had allotted the plots of LJD site for the construction of the factories. He added that, we had launched a movement against this step with the help of media.
Mr Shar said that after the cancellation of plots, Sindh government had given a grant of 1 Million rupees for the development of Lakhianm Jo darro, but soon after the Vice chancellor of SALU Dr Neelofer Shaikh removed me from the post of chairmanship without any reason.
He further said its proper job of culture department to further explore the very historic place, and build a museum, which is necessary for the saving of LJD.
This correspondent had made several attempts to contact the vice chancellor of SALU, Dr. Nelofar Shaikh, for her comments on this issue, but she was never available to talk to. Interestingly, Dr. Shaikh is a renowned archeologist herself, and the first ever excavation work on LJD was started under her supervision.
Lakhian Jo Darro is situated near a village and graveyard named Lakha, in Sukkur. The area is in the middle of the city in the middle of the industrial site; the plots for which were allotted in 1970s. Unfortunately the archaeologists had not surveyed the area at that time. Now this area is under Sindh Industrial Trade Estate (SITE) department and is called the Industrial Area of Sukkur.
Yasir Babbar is a sindh based free lance journalist. He has contributed to many Sindhi, English, and Urdu newspapers and magazines.
http://yasirbabbar.blogspot.com/
“Lakhiyun Jo Darro” a 5,500 years old civilization victim of government neglect
Written by Yasir Babbar
Monday, 31 May 2010 18:59
A Sindh Telegraph exclusive by: Yasir Babbar
“Lakhiyun Jo Darro” a 5,500 years old Indus civilization; a victim of ignorant citizens, and un-interested government of Sindh
Lakhian Jo Darro, 5,500-years-old historical place in Sindh is still waiting for Go dot, who will come and give it rebirth for the young generation of the province. So far, Pakistan Peoples Party’s Sindh government has turned a blind eye towards this archeological marvel.
Though, PPP’s government has entered in the 3rd year of rule, but they didn’t do anything for the preservation and development of Lakhian Jo Darro. While, Asif Ali Zardari, after becoming the President of Pakistan, had decided to return the control of historical places to the provincial government, but the actual control and authority has yet to be transferred to Sindh, from the federal government. Earlier, Federal government was looking after the Sindh’s archeological sites.
Actually, it’s the main responsibility of provincial culture department, and the reins of this important portfolio are in hands of Sasui Palijo.
Though, Sasui Palijo hails from a very important political, social, and literary family of Sindh, but she hasn’t play a significant role in this regard. Perhaps, due to the lack of power and authority.
Earlier, minister Sasui Palejo had visited the Lakhian Jo Darro in 2009, and granted only a meager amount of Rs2 million for the development and security of the remains. In this connection, a police check post was established at, and exploration work had started again on the site. But all of a sudden work was stopped.
After the stopping of excavation work, police department had felt that the constables are wasting their time at the check post, thus, they removed the check post without a notice.
In present situation, the historical site of Lakhian Jo Darro is looking like an open field, where the labourers from brick kilns are digging ground of this very important archeological site to collect dirt for making bricks, while the authorities of culture department and Sahah Latif University team are taking a deep sleep.
Near past back ground:
In the era of Arbab Ghulam Rahim, ex Chief Minister of Sindh, SITE department had allotted the plots of Lakhian Jo Darro for the construction of a marble factory. Soon after, this issue was taken by media and the SITE department was compelled to cancel the allotments.
After this issue, Kamran Lashari, the Project Director of provincial government’s special initiatives at that time, had visited the site and granted Rs.1 Million for the excavation of Lakhain Jo Darro.
“Lakhiyun Jo Darro” a 5,500 years old civilization victim of government neglect
Talking to The Sindh Telegraph, Ghulam Mustafa Shar, ex Chairman of Department of Archeology SALU, has said that I was the chairman, when SITE department of Sukkur had allotted the plots of LJD site for the construction of the factories. He added that, we had launched a movement against this step with the help of media.
Mr Shar said that after the cancellation of plots, Sindh government had given a grant of 1 Million rupees for the development of Lakhianm Jo darro, but soon after the Vice chancellor of SALU Dr Neelofer Shaikh removed me from the post of chairmanship without any reason.
He further said its proper job of culture department to further explore the very historic place, and build a museum, which is necessary for the saving of LJD.
This correspondent had made several attempts to contact the vice chancellor of SALU, Dr. Nelofar Shaikh, for her comments on this issue, but she was never available to talk to. Interestingly, Dr. Shaikh is a renowned archeologist herself, and the first ever excavation work on LJD was started under her supervision.
Lakhian Jo Darro is situated near a village and graveyard named Lakha, in Sukkur. The area is in the middle of the city in the middle of the industrial site; the plots for which were allotted in 1970s. Unfortunately the archaeologists had not surveyed the area at that time. Now this area is under Sindh Industrial Trade Estate (SITE) department and is called the Industrial Area of Sukkur.
Yasir Babbar is a sindh based free lance journalist. He has contributed to many Sindhi, English, and Urdu newspapers and magazines.
http://yasirbabbar.blogspot.com/
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