Author: Aziz Khatri

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, addressed a comprehensive press conference at the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation head office on Shahrah-e-Faisal, Karsaz, discussing ongoing water supply projects, municipal reforms, and the recent Gul Plaza tragedy. The Mayor confirmed that the rescue operation at Gul Plaza had been completed, the affected building sealed, and an FIR registered. An inquiry committee has been formed under the Commissioner Karachi on the directives of the Chief Minister Sindh, and the investigation report will be made public soon. Expressing sorrow over the tragedy, he assured that lessons would be learned and…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Karachi’s Mayor, Murtaza Wahab, carried out a late-night inspection of ongoing development work along Jahangir Road, urging officials to accelerate the projects and complete them as swiftly as possible. Speaking directly to the team on-site, Mayor Wahab emphasized the need to finish the work ahead of schedule, saying it was time to set a new benchmark for efficiency in the city’s municipal projects. He pledged to personally oversee project briefings, signaling a departure from the traditional closed-door approach to governance. Highlighting the strategic importance of Jahangir Road, the mayor acknowledged the hardships faced by residents and…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted the book-launch ceremony of Brigadier (retd) Syed Karrar Hussain Abidi’s book Nakal Makaniyan or Be Sarosamaniyan – Kab Se Kab Tak at Haseena Moin Hall, drawing a large gathering of diplomats, retired military officers, writers and intellectuals. The event was attended on behalf of the governor of Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, by his adviser and federal secretary Syed Tariq Mustafa. Ambassador Jameel Ahmed Khan, Brigadier Yaqoob Awan, director sports Syed Habib, Muhammad Umar Khan, Brigadier (retd) Syed Karrar Hussain Abidi, Arts Council administrative director Shakeel Khan, Mansoor Sahir and…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Alliance Française Karachi held its 171st photography exhibition and graduation ceremony at the Alliance Française Art Gallery, showcasing the creativity and artistic skills of its students in the field of photography. The exhibition featured works from students completing diploma courses as well as participants from short courses, presenting unique and creative images across a range of themes, colours and techniques. The photographs drew the full attention of visitors and reflected contemporary trends in photography. The event was inaugurated by the Deputy Consul General of France, who toured the exhibition before distributing certificates to the students. Special…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Aga Khan University has partnered with the federal ministry of national heritage and culture to undertake a major upgrade of the National Museum of Pakistan, in a move officials described as a significant step towards preserving and re-presenting the country’s cultural legacy. The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding at AKU’s Karachi campus, during a ceremony attended by senior representatives from the university, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and other partner institutions. Speaking at the event, the federal minister for national heritage and culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, said Pakistan’s cultural…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has strongly rejected what it describes as misleading and baseless speculation regarding the rescue of vehicles from the rooftop and surrounding areas of Gul Plaza, insisting that the entire operation was carried out exclusively by civic authorities and not by any private individuals or groups. In a detailed clarification issued on Tuesday, the KMC said claims circulating in sections of the public domain — suggesting that private parties were responsible for rescuing vehicles — were “entirely false, factually incorrect, and designed to create confusion”. The civic body maintained that the rescue…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: In a major move to boost municipal efficiency, Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has inducted a new fleet of heavy vehicles into the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). The initiative aims to improve the mobility and effectiveness of essential municipal services, while promoting the independent use of KMC’s own resources. The procurement was financed through proceeds from the auction of obsolete vehicles. A total of Rs 110 million was allocated to purchase heavy-duty vehicles, including mount trucks from FAW Automobile Industries. A handover ceremony at the KMC Head Office saw Mayor Wahab formally deliver the vehicles…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Karachi mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a major infrastructure rehabilitation project stretching from Hub River Road to Tori Bangash Road in Ittehad Town, as part of development schemes valued at more than Rs850 million. The project aims to promote urban development, improve transport facilities, resolve long-standing drainage problems and integrate informal settlements into a framework of sustainable development. The ceremony was attended by Member of the Provincial Assembly Liaquat Askani, parliamentary leader in the KMC City Council Karamullah Waqasi, deputy parliamentary leader Dil Muhammad, Union Council chairman Arif Tanoli, other…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad announced that cooperation between the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will be further strengthened to ensure more effective implementation of federal welfare programs in the city. He said the partnership will play a key role in addressing public issues, with KMC committed to providing full support. Chairperson BISP, Senator Rubina Khalid, visited the BISP office at the KMC headquarters, where she was warmly received by Deputy Mayor Murad. During the visit, she reviewed ongoing welfare initiatives and the functioning of the BISP office established…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Barrister Murtaza Wahab, expressed full solidarity with the people of Kashmir on the occasion of Kashmir Right to Self-Determination Day. Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Wahab emphasized that the Kashmiri people must be granted their right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions. He noted that the UN resolution of 5 January 1949 continues to challenge the conscience of the international community, while the people of Kashmir have endured decades of struggle to achieve their fundamental rights. The mayor reiterated that Pakistan firmly supports the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and urged the international community,…