Author: Moin Ullah Shah

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: Authorities in Karachi have extended restrictions on rickshaws and Qingqis entering 25 major city roads, a measure aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving road safety. The ban, issued under Section 144, is set to remain in effect until 22 February 2026, according to an official notification. Karachi’s Commissioner explained that the decision was taken to streamline vehicle movement on key urban thoroughfares and reduce the risk of accidents, reflecting a broader strategy by city authorities to address persistent traffic challenges. The extension underscores the difficulties faced by the sprawling metropolis in balancing the needs…

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi has announced that comprehensive security, cleanliness and civic service arrangements will be put in place around churches during Christmas, with deputy commissioners instructed to take priority measures in consultation with the Christian community. Speaking at his office during a meeting with a delegation from the First United Presbyterian Church of Pakistan, Naqvi said “foolproof” security would be provided at churches across the city. The presser issued from commissioner office clearly missing the mentioning of Quaid-e-Azam Day celebrations on the same day. He directed all DCs to coordinate closely with church…

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the CIA has released its annual report detailing operations against extortionists in Karachi during 2025. According to the report, a total of 171 cases related to extortion were registered in the city over the year. Investigations confirmed that 75 of these cases involved genuine extortion activities, while the remaining 96 cases were related to transactions, land disputes, personal matters, quarrels, and other conflicts. Of the 75 confirmed extortion cases, 71 were successfully traced, reflecting a 95 percent tracing rate. A total of 128 suspects were involved in these cases.…

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: K-Electric carried out an operation against illegal electricity connections in Khameso Goth, North Karachi, targeting elements involved in electricity theft. During the operation, staff members were attacked by the so-called “kunda mafia,” leaving one employee seriously injured and hospitalized. An FIR has been registered regarding the incident. The spokesperson for K-Electric reported that the affected feeder in Khameso Goth suffered approximately 40% losses, resulting in an estimated annual electricity loss of 3.4 million units. Despite weekly removal drives, illegal connections continue to reappear, highlighting the persistent challenge posed by the illegal electricity network. The spokesperson…

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided that fishermen without NADRA-issued identification will not be registered, issued licences or allowed to register fishing launches. The decision was taken at an important meeting chaired by the provincial minister for livestock and fisheries, Muhammad Ali Malkani, in Karachi on 18 December. Senior officials from security agencies, Pakistan Customs, and federal and provincial fisheries departments attended the meeting. It was decided that the Sindh government would register fishermen and fishing launches only after verification of identity issued by NADRA. Officials said the measure would help prevent smuggling and other criminal…

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: Four key operatives of an extortion gang led by Samad Kathawari have been arrested in Karachi, police said on Thursday. According to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the CIA, the arrests were made in a major operation, with SSP SIU Imran Khan confirming that the suspects included the brother of the gang’s ringleader, Samad Kathawari. The men were apprehended on technical grounds from the Federal B Area. Police said a mobile phone and SIM card used for extortion were recovered from the suspects. They were identified as Shayan, Mubashir, Shafee and Shahid. During initial…

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: The Progressive Group is set to secure victory in the upcoming Karachi Club elections on 25 December, local business leaders claimed on Monday, pledging to rid the institution of corruption. Speaking to the media at a dinner hosted in honor of all Progressive Group candidates, ACM Group of Companies chairmen Farhan Pardesi and Irfan Pardesi expressed confidence in the group’s success. “The members have already rejected the group that has long dominated the club’s governance. Now, only Progressive Group will lead,” Farhan Pardesi said. Presidential candidate Mohammad Aslam Rangoonwala and secretary candidate Abdul Waheed Qadir…

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: Karachi’s DIG Traffic, Pir Muhammad Shah, has said the new enforcement system is designed to improve conditions for citizens rather than to punish them, as authorities step up action against traffic law violations. He said more than 500 vehicles had so far been placed in the blacklisting pool, adding that all of them were involved in repeated breaches of the law. “Our objective is not punishment but compliance,” he said, describing the measures as corrective rather than punitive. Shah clarified that vehicles being driven on open letters could be regularized by visiting a facilitation center…

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: Sindh Police announced that it would launch a major operation from Friday targeting motorists who conceal or tamper with number plates to evade e-challans and traffic fines. The initiative will be carried out jointly by district police, traffic police, the Excise Department, and the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee. Karachi Police Chief Javed Alam Odho said at a press conference on Tuesday that an increasing number of drivers had been hiding registration numbers or using fake number plates to avoid e-challans. He warned that action would follow verification of Excise Department records, and vehicles found misusing or…

Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly this week unanimously passed a resolution commemorating the victims of the 1971 East Pakistan tragedy, a dark chapter in the subcontinent’s history that continues to evoke reflection and remembrance. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum came together to honour those who lost their lives during the conflict, recognising the profound human cost of the events that unfolded more than five decades ago. In its proceedings, the assembly paid special tribute to the Bihari community, whose members are remembered for their steadfast support of the Pakistan Armed Forces during the upheaval. The resolution highlighted…