Day: April 14, 2024

Karachi, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), has expressed profound sorrow over the recent fatal incidents caused by severe rains and lightning strikes in various parts of Pakistan, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. These weather-related disasters have led to numerous casualties and significant destruction, highlighting the broader challenges of climate change.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the PPP Chairman specifically pointed out the devastating impact of lightning strikes in districts of South Punjab such as Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Lodhran. He urged the provincial government of Punjab to mobilize all resources to assist those affected by the rains. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zardari emphasized the need for immediate government intervention to aid victims facing problems from landslides, particularly in the lower and upper Chitral areas. The situation in Balochistan was also addressed, with calls for the local government to support rain victims in Chaman, Dera Bugti, and Kohlu.

Zardari also highlighted the increase in lightning incidents as a clear indicator of climate change, calling on universities and research institutions to step up their efforts in studying these phenomena. He stressed the need for exceptional leadership and initiative at the governmental level to combat the threats posed by climate changes, criticizing passive approaches and emphasizing proactive measures.

Karachi, The Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), Altaf Shakoor, has raised concerns over the increasing prevalence of diseases, particularly waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea, in Karachi. He attributes this rise to the ongoing decline in municipal services and the ineffectiveness of local governance.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor highlighted several issues contributing to the health crisis in Karachi. He pointed to broken water pipelines and overflowing gutters as primary sources of water contamination. He described how residents in some localities, especially those in shanty towns, break pipelines to access water, inadvertently causing further contamination by washing clothes and vehicles at these sites. This dirty water then mixes back into the supply chain, ending up as drinking water for the city’s population.

Shakoor criticized the Karachi Water Board for failing to address these issues, suggesting that corruption within the agency allows these practices to continue without intervention. Furthermore, he noted the failure to effectively manage solid waste in the city. Despite private companies receiving substantial contracts for garbage collection, Shakoor observed that many areas are still littered with uncollected waste, contrasting sharply with successful recycling efforts seen in European countries.

The PDP chairman also accused city officials, including councilors, town Nazims, and the city mayor, of neglecting their duties. He argued that while they are vocal in their political assertions, their actual performance in improving municipal conditions is lacking. Illegal constructions and sprawling shanty towns along major highways such as the M-9 Superhighway were cited as examples of governance failure.

In his concluding remarks, Shakoor called for a comprehensive plan to improve living conditions in Karachi. He emphasized the need for provincial and federal governments to support the city in overcoming its civic challenges, underlining the importance of Karachi to Pakistan’s overall economic health.

Karachi, The Karachi Development Authority (KDA) has declared a rain emergency across all its townships and schemes in anticipation of expected heavy rainfall. Syed Shujaat Hussain, Director General of the KDA, has directed immediate enhancements to the city’s drainage systems to mitigate potential flooding and ensure public safety.

According to Karakoram International University, DG Syed Shujaat Hussain has instructed relevant authorities to ensure that all water drainage machinery remains operational and that KDA personnel are available around the clock to handle any emergency. He has also ordered the cancellation of leaves for concerned officers and employees in preparation for the storms. Chief Engineer KDA Tariq Rafi has been specifically tasked with removing encroachments around drainage areas and maintaining clear water flow paths in KDA’s jurisdictions.

Additionally, the KDA has established a Rain Emergency Center at the Civic Center, which will operate 24/7 to monitor rain-related developments and coordinate emergency responses. The center is expected to play a crucial role in preventing loss of life and property damage during the rains, with a strict directive issued against any negligence in these preparedness efforts.

Karachi, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has publicly addressed the severity of the climate crisis in the wake of widespread rain-induced disasters across Pakistan, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. His comments highlighted the tragic loss of lives from rain-related accidents and emphasized the increased frequency of lightning strikes as a dangerous manifestation of changing climate conditions.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the PPP Chairman expressed profound condolences for the lives lost due to recent severe weather events and called on regional governments to intensify their response efforts. He noted the significant impact in districts such as Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan in South Punjab, urging local authorities to maximize resource deployment for victim assistance. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the Chitral regions, he stressed the urgent need for disaster response to help those affected by landslides and other rain-related challenges.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also voiced his sorrow for the fatalities and damage caused by weather in Balochistan, including in areas like Chaman and Dera Bugti, asserting confidence in the provincial government’s support for the affected communities. He underscored the critical role of academic and research institutions in combating the climate crisis and called for genuine leadership and action at the governmental level to effectively protect citizens from the escalating threats posed by climate change.

Karachi, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has identified judicial reforms as a critical, unfinished component of the Charter of Democracy. Speaking at a large gathering on the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he emphasized the need for comprehensive consultations with stakeholders, including civil society, to achieve these reforms.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the PPP Chairman, during his address in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, recounted the achievements and ongoing influence of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He celebrated Bhutto’s contributions to Pakistan, including the empowerment of farmers and workers, the establishment of voting rights, and the country’s advancement to nuclear power. He also highlighted the current political influence of the PPP, noting its leadership positions in two provinces and the Senate, and Asif Ali Zardari’s re-election as president.

Bilawal praised the Supreme Court’s recent acknowledgment of injustices in the trial of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, viewing it as a victory for all democrats in Pakistan. He discussed the high hopes the Pakistani people have for President Zardari, citing his previous success in fostering political reconciliation and economic stability amidst anti-democratic conspiracies. The Chairman critiqued politicians who seek to disrupt this progress through protests and confrontations, urging a return to constructive dialogue.

Lastly, Bilawal stressed the urgency of judicial reforms, indicating that without them, the Charter of Democracy remains incomplete. He pointed out that the lengthy delay in justice experienced by his grandfather should not befall any other citizen. The PPP plans to engage with other political parties and societal groups to push these reforms forward, ensuring a swift and fair judicial process for all.

Karachi, During the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari underscored the necessity of judicial reforms as part of the broader democratic aspirations of the country. At a large public gathering in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, he reiterated the PPP’s commitment to democracy and detailed plans for engaging various stakeholders in the reform process.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Chairman PPP paid tribute to the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, praising his significant contributions to the establishment of the constitution and advancement of democratic values in Pakistan. Bilawal emphasized the enduring influence of martyrs like Bhutto, stating that their ideals continue to inspire the party’s policies and actions. He celebrated Bhutto’s legacy, citing his role in empowering voters, facilitating land ownership for farmers, and advancing labor rights, as well as positioning Pakistan on the nuclear map.

During his speech, Bilawal highlighted the achievements of the PPP under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, including maintaining governance in two provinces and holding the Senate chairmanship. He also noted a recent Supreme Court acknowledgment of an unfair trial against Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, considering it a victory for democracy and the PPP’s supporters. Bilawal detailed the political and economic achievements during President Zardari’s tenure, while also condemning ongoing threats to democracy and the stability of Pakistan’s political environment.

In conclusion, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for a unified approach to address the remaining challenges in implementing the charter of democracy, particularly judicial reforms, to ensure timely justice and uphold democratic principles throughout the country.