Author: Sudhir Ahmad Afridi

By Nasir Dehlvi KARACHI: Members of the MQM Pakistan Central Committee have voiced serious concerns over the worsening conditions in Karachi, Hyderabad, and other Sindh cities following recent rains. The committee members criticized the performance of local representatives, asserting that a brief downpour has laid bare their ineffectiveness. The MQM committee members contended that the so-called “rain emergency” claims quickly dissolved with just a few minutes of rain, leaving the city inundated with dirty water. They expressed frustration over the city administration’s inability to manage the situation effectively, transforming what could have been a manageable event into a significant crisis.…

KARACHI: A violent confrontation in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Iqbal area on Sunday led to the tragic death of a tenant. The altercation, which occurred at House No. A-86 in Block 13B within the jurisdiction of Aziz Bhatti Police Station, resulted in the death of 45-year-old Asif. Details surrounding the incident reveal that the conflict arose between the tenant, Asif, and his landlord, Meraj Ahmed Sheikh, along with Sheikh’s son, Muhammad Shafi. The dispute centered around Asif’s failure to vacate the rented property by the stipulated date. When the tenant did not comply with the eviction notice, the disagreement escalated. According to SHO…

By Nasir Dehlvi KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has formally requested the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to postpone the implementation of the Trader-Friendly Scheme and to withdraw notices issued to small shopkeepers and traders. The call for action follows concerns over recent demands from the FBR. In a statement released by the KCCI, the Chamber expressed strong objections to the FBR’s requirement for small traders to deposit Rs. 60,000 monthly. This mandate has been described as burdensome and challenging for small businesses, leading to the Chamber’s demand for the immediate withdrawal of these notices. The…

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has incurred a staggering loss exceeding Rs21.81 billion primarily attributed to the prolonged grounding of its aircraft for routine maintenance. The Auditor General’s report highlights that the maintenance procedures for forty-four to forty-two days extended significantly beyond the expected duration, resulting in substantial operational and financial setbacks for the national carrier. The audit revealed that the airline’s management was made aware of the maintenance delays and their repercussions as early as September 2012. Despite these warnings, the issue persisted, leading to a considerable financial burden. The report underscored that the management failed to provide adequate…

KARACHI: Pakistan’s power distribution companies (DISCOs) have caused a staggering loss of over Rs196 billion to the national exchequer within just one year, according to the Auditor General of Pakistan’s report for the fiscal year 2023-24. The audit reveals that eight DISCOs exceeded the loss limits set by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), with losses ranging from 8.84 percent to 20.16 percent. Leading the list, Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) reported a loss of Rs133 billion, followed by Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) at Rs19.17 billion, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) at Rs14.95 billion, Faisalabad Electric Supply Company…

KARACHI: At a conference held at the Karachi Press Club, Aslam Khan, Chairman of the Karachi Grand Alliance, addressed journalists, stating that the press wields the power of a sword with its pen. He criticized the mafias operating at every level in Karachi, particularly targeting Karachi Electric, KMC, KDA, and MDA, which are exploiting and troubling the public. Aslam Khan vowed that the Karachi Grand Alliance would continue to pursue these mafias and hold them accountable, announcing that collective protests would soon be organized. The conference was held against the corrupt system and mafias. The Karachi Grand Alliance has appealed…

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has delivered a significant written order regarding a petition challenging the allocation of 6,000 acres of land to the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) at Hawke’s Bay. The order, issued by a two-member bench led by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, addresses concerns raised by the Sindh United Party (SUP) about the potential displacement of residents due to the proposed land transfer. The court has issued a restraining order prohibiting the Sindh government from demolishing any villages or displacing residents until further notice. The petitioners argue that the government’s plan to allocate between five to six thousand acres…

KARACHI: The Corporate Crime Circle of Karachi has carried out a significant operation leading to the arrest of a key figure in an organized hawala gang and the seizure of millions of rupees. Under the guidance of FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir, a targeted crackdown was launched against individuals involved in hawala and illegal currency exchange operations. During this operation, Mubashir Ahmed, a primary suspect, was apprehended from the Falak Corporate Tower on Bolton Road. According to an FIA spokesperson, Ahmed is implicated in engaging in unlawful hawala practices. The operation, which was based on confidential intelligence, resulted in…

In a contrasting development, the SBP reported a modest increase in its foreign exchange reserves, as of July 26, 2024, reserves rose by $75 million, or 0.83pc, reaching a total of $9.1 billion By Nasir Dehlvi KARACHI: Trade data for July 2024, the initial month of the current financial year, highlights a concerning expansion in Pakistan’s trade deficit, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The trade deficit surged by 19.7 percent year-on-year, reaching $1.95 billion compared to $1.63 billion in July 2023. In July 2024, Pakistan’s exports totaled $2.308 billion, representing an 11.83 percent increase from the previous…

KARACHI: In a tragic incident that has once again highlighted the escalating crime rate in Karachi, a bystander was fatally shot while attempting to thwart a robbery in Orangi Town. The incident, which occurred in a local shop, was captured on CCTV and reveals the distressing sequence of events. The footage shows two armed robbers on motorcycles storming into the shop, threatening employees and customers with their weapons. As the robbers began looting the establishment, a courageous bystander intervened in an effort to stop the crime. His resistance led to a violent struggle, but ultimately, the robbers decided to flee…