Karachi, interior Sindh in grip of heatwave, loadshedding

KARACHI: Severe heatwave accompanied by loadshedding has gripped interior Sindh and Karachi over the last three days, affecting social and business life.

The people have been compelled to stay home, while the number of students in schools and colleges across the province has also declined. The patients in the hospitals are also facing torments due to heatwave plus loadshedding.

Furthermore, major cities in Sindh including Sukkur, Hyderabad, Larkana, Khairpur, Nawabshah and Karachi have been hit by water shortages in warm weather due to load shedding.

The number of gastro and diarrhea patients is also rising in this summer season. Nawabshah have been the worst affected district throughout Sindh, enduring three consecutive days of temperatures reaching above 41 degrees centigrade, while the temperature in Karachi struck 41 degrees centigrade on Monday.

Due to heatwave and load shedding, people have been compelled to pass sleepless nights. The HESCO and Wapda are carrying out over six to eight hours load shedding in interior Sindh, while citizens in Karachi have been forced to endure power outages carried out by KESC for over six-hours on daily basis.

The students appearing in the ongoing examinations being held across Sindh are also facing problems due to warm weather and load shedding.

ECP be consulted about interim govt

KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has dispatched a 40-page report to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani comprising proposed reforms for the next General Election.

This was announced by the ECP Secretary General Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad at a press conference here on Sunday.

He said: “We have proposed the government to consult the election commission about formation of interim government in the report.”

Dilshad said that caretaker prime minister and ministers would not be eligible to contest the polls according to the proposed reforms.
source : jang.com.pk

One dies, four hurt in Karachi road mishaps

KARACHI: Reckless driving claimed life of young woman, while four others sustained injuries in different road incidents on Saturday.

A 20-year-old Rozina died when a dumper hit her in Orangi Town No 1 in the jurisdiction of Orangi Town Police Station. Police arrested driver, impounded the dumper and registered the case.

Separately, a 35- year-old motorcyclist Shahdab was hit by unknown taxi at Bilal Colony in North Karachi. The victim was rushed to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where his condition was termed precarious.

In third incident, one Abdul Shakoor, 35, Samia, 28 and Ameera, 10 were seriously hit by unknown car at Shahra-e-Faisal near Awami Markaz.

source : jang.com.pk

Bid to bomb Karachi bank foiled

KARACHI: Security guards of a bank foiled a suicide attack in New Sabzi Mandi area of the city here, Geo news reported on Saturday.

The suicide bomber wanted to enter into the bank but the security guards gunned him down. According to DIG East Zafar Bokhari, the suspected bomber was killed in a police encounter.

source : jang.com.pk

Bullish trend prevails in KSE

KARACHI: Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) witnessed bullish trend as benchmark 100-Index gained more than 100 points to cross 6000 points psychological barrier during trading.

According to sources, positive trends are witnessed during trading and KSE-100 index crossed 6000 points after gaining more than 75 points.

source : jang.com.pk

Bullish trend continues at KSE, Index crosses 6000 points

KARACHI: The bullish trend continued today as the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) has witnessed this morning a gain of more than 100 points in Index-100 during trading this morning after which it has crossed 6000-point psychological barrier.

An increase in the activity and volume of trade was also witnessed yesterday as the chemicals and banking sectors were prominent.

According to stock analysts, the increase in the investors’ confidence was mainly due to the encouraging results of trading in various companies.

Besides, the reports of the peace agreements in northern areas have also made a positive impact.

source : jang.com.pk

Sri Lankan team postpones practice session

KARACHI: The Sri Lankan cricket team has postponed its practice session scheduled to be held at the National Stadium today while the Pakistan team will practice in afternoon.

The Sri Lankans while postponing their practice session preferred to go to the Karachi Golf Club where they are enjoying golf at themoment.

Meanwhile, Pakistani cricketers will go on practice at the National Stadium where Ahmed Shahzad will also join the training camp.

Ahmed Shahzad, who was earlier not among the 22 probable players, has succeeded in getting the attention of the selectors by hitting a brilliant 146 in the recent two-day practice match against the touring Sri Lankan team.

source : jang.com.pk

Dollar up by paisa 29 breaches Rs80 marks

KARACHI: The value of dollar against rupee in the inter-bank today jumped up by paisa 29 breaching the Rs80 marks.

Forex market dealers said that dollar against rupee surged by paisa 29 and it was being sold at Rs80.05 and bought at Rs80.

Money market dealers told that the rising demand for dollar saw its value against rupee surging in the inter-bank. On the other hand, dollar in the open market selling at Rs80 and bought at Rs79.50.

source : jang.com.pk

Poet, columnist Shabnam Roomani passes away

KARACHI: Renowned poet, writer and columnist Shabnam Roomani expired here today at the age of 80 years.

The aged poet died after an illness on Tuesday and he would be laid to rest after the Asr prayer in the evening.

The real name of Shabnam Roomani was Mirza Azeem Baig Chughtai, who he was born on December 30, 1928 in Shahjahanpur, India. He did his graduation from the Agra University.

His first book of poetry came in 1959 under the title of “Masnavi Sair Karachi” and later his three poetry compilations were published, titled as “Jazeera”, “Tohmat” and “Doosra Himala”.

Besides, compilations of Naat and Manqabat, and a compilation of his literary columns titled as “Hyde Park” have also been published.

Presently, various publications are under-printing which include a compilation of his poems “Nafi Barabar Isbaat”, a compilation of literary criticism “Harf-o-Zarf”, a compilation of satirical articles “Kehtey Hain Jis Ko Ishqh” and a compilation of satirical poetry “Fun Hamara”.

source : jang.com.pk

Sri Lanka focused on Jayawardene farewell

KARACHI: Sri Lanka test regular Thilan Samaraweera wants to use the cricket tour to Pakistan as an opportunity to send outgoing captain Mahela Jayawardene off on a high note.

“Everyone knows his record as a captain, which is brilliant in both test cricket and one-day cricket,” Samaraweera said Monday. “I think we will give a good farewell to him as a captain.”

Jayawardene, 31, has announced he will quit as captain at the end of the second test at Lahore on March 5. The first test will be played at Karachi from Feb. 21. Jayawardene has struck 24 test centuries–11 as captain—and overall has scored 7,959 runs in 100 tests at an average of 52.36

source : jang.com.pk

Blast in Nooriabad factory injures 4

KARACHI: Four persons are reported injured in a blast that occurred in a factory in Nooriabad area here on Saturday.

Man gunned down in Karachi

KARACHI: Unidentified armed men Thursday gunned down a man, Khan Muhammad in Sohrab Goth area.

His body was shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

Meanwhile, an unidentified person was crushed to death at national highway near steel mills by a dumper.

Buying pushes KSE-100 Index to 5183 points

KARACHI: Investors buying at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) added 43 points to the benchmark KSE-100 Index, pushing it up to 5183 points.

Market opened in a positive zone today and at one point the Index was seen at 5234 points. But the Index failed to sustain this level due to later profit taking and closed at the present level.

OGDC led the volume leaders which gained paisas 52 to close at Rs44.15.

source : jang.com.pk

Manufactures exports as compared last year rise by 15.2pc

KARACHI: Pakistan manufactures exports during July-December current fiscal year amounted to $1.87 million, which is 15.2 percent higher than the same period previous year.

Federal ministry of commerce sources told Geo News that carpet rigs and mats’ exports during July-December amounted to $7 million, which was 24.5 percent less as compared previous year. Ministry of commerce officials told that current year first six months data showed among other exports leather tanned $163.9 million, leather manufactures $312.5 million, footwear $61 million, surgical and medical equipments 125.8 million and cutlery $21.9 million included.

source :  jang.com.pk

30 injured as bus overturns near Ormara

KARACHI: At least 30 people have been injured when an over speeding bus traveling from Balochistan to Karachi has overturned near Ormara on Tuesday.

According to sources, a bus traveling from Manthbilue to Karachi has over turned near Ormam due to over speeding. Thirty people were injured that were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi. Six injured were reported in critical condition.

source : jang.com.pk

Tremor rocks Quetta

KARACHI: The seismological network of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an earthquake of 3.7 magnitude in Quetta on Monday.

According to Met office, the epicenter of earthquake was near Quetta.

Prolonged power cuts irk people

KARACHI: Prolonged and unscheduled power outages have paralyzed the normal life of people around the country.

Despite the fact that trade centers in various cities of Sindh remained closed on account of Friday Prayers, 10 to 12 hours of power cuts were observed today.

About eight hours of loadshedding is being observed in Hyderabad, Dada, Sehwan, Tando Muhammad Khan, Nawabshah, Thatta and Badin.

In Faisalabad, domestic consumers of urban areas are bearing 10 to 12 hours of loadshedding while in rural areas, the duration exceeds further.

Besides, 14 to 16 hours of loadshedding is being observed in various cities of Southern Punjab, including Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rahimyar Khan and Bahawalpur.

source : jang.com.pk

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Blast heard near British consulate Karachi

KARACHI: A loud blast has been heard near the British High Commission here on Friday.

According to SP Clifton Asad Raza, the blast occurred in a garbage container due to gas pressure

Power cuts continue around the country

KARACHI: Unscheduled and scheduled electricity loadshedding have continued to hamper the normal life of people across the country on Thursday.

According to reports, 10 to 12 hours of power cuts are being observed in various cities of Sindh, including Sukkur, Rohri, Panu Aqil, Sangrar and Khairpur.

Meanwhile, eight to 10 hours of loadshedding is being witnessed in urban areas of Hyderabad, Matli, Tandobago, Tando Muhammad Khan, Jamshoro, Badin, Nawabshah, Mirpurkhas, Umar Kot, Tharparkar, Ghotki and Obaro. However, rural areas bear prolonged power cuts of around 14 hours a day.

People held a protest demonstration against 16-hours of power outage in Thatta. The protestors staged a sit-in on the National Highway, causing a huge traffic jam.

In Faisalabad, domestic consumers of urban areas are bearing 10 to 12 hours of power cuts while in rural areas, this duration exceeds further.

Similarly, 14 to 16 hours of electricity loadshedding is being observed in various cities of Southern Punjab, including Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rahimyar Khan and Bahawalpur.

source : jang.com.pk

Cool, dry weather forecast for Karachi

KARACHI: The Meteorological Office has forecast cool and dry weather for Karachi on Tuesday with the minimum temperature expected to range between 10 to 12 degrees centigrade.

Cool and dry weather has also been forecast for Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas divisions, while Sukkur and Larkana divisions will brave cold and dry weather.

On Monday, the highest maximum temperature of 26.2 degrees centigrade was recorded at Karachi and the lowest minimum of -08.5 at Kalat Hill Station, Balochistan.
source: jang.com.pk

Engro Chemical profit likely to increase over 50 pc

KARACHI: Engro Chemical profit is expected to increase by over 50 percent due to hiked prices of urea in the year 2008 and additional income from the subsidiary units.

According to a report, Engro Chemical profit is expected to increase by 53 percent and amount to Rs4.80 billion, while the per share income works out to Rs22.70. Analysts expecting announcement of Rs2/3 per share profit for the shareholders in the final results.

source : jang.com.pk

Justice Iftikhar accorded warm welcome in Karachi

KARACHI: Deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry arrived in Karachi on Saturday. Upon arrival at the Karachi airport, the deposed chief Justice was accorded a warm welcome by lawyers and workers of various political parties.

Security was beefed up in and around the airport building and the government has provided him with a bulletproof vehicle. The caravan of Justice Iftikhar will reach Karachi Bar where he will administer the oath taking of newly elected members of the Bar. The deposed CJ will also address a dinner reception being given in his honour by the Karachi Bar.

Justice Iftikhar is accompanied by former president of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan and other lawyers.

source : jang.com.pk

Deposed CJ arrives in Karachi

KARACHI: Deposed Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has arrived here, Geo news reported.

Security was beefed up on the occasion. Justice Iftikhar will administer the oath-taking ceremony of newly elected members of Karachi Bar Association today.

source : jang.com.pk

Two killed in separate incidents in Karachi

KARACHI: Unidentified men murdered a man and a woman, while street criminals injured a man in different incidents in the city on Friday.

Chhipa ambulance sources said that unidentified armed men shot at a 20-year-old youth, Muhammad Sarwar in a market near his house in Gulshan-e-Maymar.

His body was shifted to hospital. Six armed criminals tried to snatch a bike; cell phone and cash from a 44-years-old man Peter John near a church in Maripur. On offering resistance, they shot at him. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where his condition was stated to be serious.

Unidentified men cut the throat of a woman with a sharp object in Qayyumabad. She was identified as 40-years-old Amiran Bibi. Her body was shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC).

Police have registered FIR and started further investigation.

source :jang.com.pk

Chinese company begins coal mining work in Thatta

KARACHI: A Chinese company has began the coal mining work in Thatta and digging has been started to drain out water from mines in the first phase.

According to an announcement of National Machinery Import and Export Corporation, the Chinese company, despite the international economic meltdown the CMC continues to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector.

In the first phase investment of 2 million dollars will be made for extraction of coal in Sawand Jharok area, Thatta.

source : jang.com.pk

Profit taking erodes 102 points at KSE

KARACHI: Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) witnessed a mixed trend on the opening day of the trading week on Monday.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index lost 102 points but managed to sustain above 6,000 level at 6,041.

The trade volume was recorded at 120 million shares.

OGDC was the star performer in terms of volume, whose share lost Rs1.62 to close at Rs52.40.

Market analysts say the market could witness fluctuation in the coming sessions.

source : jang.com.pk

Thar Express arrives in Karachi

KARACHI: Thar Express has reached here with passengers from India at Karachi Railway Station on Sunday, Geo T.V reported.

Before coming to Karachi, Thar Express had arrived at Mirpur Khas railway station with 246 passengers on board on late Saturday. Meanwhile, police had taken special measures for the safety of passengers and it had deployed commandos on major spots, police sources said.

Passengers returned from India conveyed the massage of Indian people that they want peace, friendship and extend love and harmony for the people of Pakistan. However, they informed that Indian officials and media are creating hype of Pak-India tension.

They also stressed upon Indian media to be wise enough to tackle India-Pakistan tension.

source : jang.com.pk

PM urges int’l community not to have ‘double standards’

KARACHI: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday urged the international community not to have ‘double standards’ on the issues of Kashmir and Gaza.

He was addressing foundation stone ceremony of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Accident, Emergency and Trauma Centre to be established in Civil Hospital Karachi. The ceremony was organized here in Sindh Chief Minister House.

“There is a lot of hue and cry on Mumbai attacks but a complete silence on the atrocities in Palestine and Kashmir which shows double standards on part of the world forces,” the Prime Minister complained, stressing need for changing this attitude.

He ruled out holding of mid-term elections, saying the assemblies will complete their five-year term.

“We pray that no other untoward incident takes place India because we fear its blame will also be put on us,” he said adding “it looks as if we are protecting two countries at the same time.”

The Premier clarified that the President and Prime Minister belong to the same party and brushed aside the impression of having any differences between them.

Pakistan is stable and strong and its military forces alert while the government is well poised to face any kind of challenge including terrorism, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani asserted.

He dispelled the impression of failure of Pakistan’s foreign policy and added that it wishes to develop amicable relations with its neighbors.

To a question regarding Mumbai attacks, he said Pakistan has repeatedly expressed its readiness to extend all possible cooperation to India including intelligence sharing. India should refrain from demoralizing Pakistan through building diplomatic pressure and using its media.

On the statement of former president Pervez Musharraf in which he said there was no agreement with the U.S. in connection with drone attacks in tribal areas, the Prime Minister said: “whether or not there was any agreement by the previous regime I can tell you the present government has no understanding with the U.S. in this regard.”

source : jang.com.pk

Countrywide Shabih-e-Alam procession being taken out today

KARACHI: The procession of Shabih-e-Alam Hazrat Abbas (RZ) Alamdar is being brought on the 8th of Muharramul Haram, Tuesday all across the country besides Zakerin relating the Karbala incident and its philosophy with the particular emphasis on the martyrdom of the companions of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and Nazar being arranged in numerous Majalis Aza being held countrywide.

Hazat Abbas was the Imam Hussain (AS)’s Qafila Salar and Alamdar of the Fauj-e-Hussaini, whose bravery being termed similar to that of the Hazrat Ali (AS).

Karachi main procession will be taken out from Nishtar Park under the aegis of Sadaat-e-Amroha, which passing through fixed routes would end at Hussainia Iranian, Kharadar. Sabeels on the routes of the procession for the convenience of Azadars have been arranged. Besides, processions from several other places would also be coming out. Stringent security arrangements have also been made on this occasion.

source : jang.com.pk

KARACHI: Load-shedding continues

KARACHI: The load-shedding has been continued in metropolis, however, the duration has been reduced.

The Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) sources said they are trying to operate production units with full strength after increment of gas supply from Sui Southern Gas Company and purchase of furnace oil.

source : jang.com.pk

Pak Navy ready to face any ‘misadventure’: CONS

KARACHI: The current security environment in the region has posed new challenges for Pakistan Navy.

Notwithstanding, Pakistan government’s unprecedented peace initiative with India, coupled with confidence building measures, we cannot afford to be complacent and must maintain a high state of operational preparedness as only maintenance of a credible deterrence guarantees peace.

This was stated by Chief of the Naval, Staff Admiral Noman Bashir, while addressing the 90th officers commissioning parade of Pakistan Navy held at Pakistan Naval Academy here on Friday.

Admiral Noman observed that despite limited resources, the government is eager to modernize Pakistan Navy, adopting a two-pronged approach that is acquisition from abroad with transfer of technology and indigenous construction.

Commenting on Pakistan’s maritime strategy, Chief of the Naval Staff termed it paramount to consolidate our maritime capability and infrastructure. In the context of Gwadar Deep-Sea Port and Costal Highway, he said that these developments would certainly provide fresh impetus to the economic activities related to sea and strengthen our national economy.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Muhammad Hisham highlighted salient features of the training being imparted to naval cadets.

source : jang.com.pk

Magnitude 2.2 tremors felt in Karachi

KARACHI: Some of the areas of Karachi have felt jolts on Thursday, Geo T.V reported.

The areas included Landhi, Korangi, Malir and Ibrahim Haideri where people had to rush to the open-air places in panic.

According to Chief metrology officer Muhammad Riaz, it was of 2.2 magnitude on Richter scale while the epicenter he told was Southeastern part of Karachi.

No loss of life or property was reported, he added. Meanwhile, jolts were also felt in different areas of Balochistan.

source : jang.com.pk

Gold surges, stands at Rs. 21,557

KARACHI: Gold prices have been surged by Rs. 215 to stand at Rs. 21,557 per 10 grams in the local market Thursday as its international price also moved up to $ 882 an ounce, sources said.

Silver closed at Rs. 304.28 per 10 grams.

Govt to go after elements spreading rumours

KARACHI: The government has decided to take action against the elements spreading rumours against it.

The decision was taken at a Pakistan People’s Party meeting held here at Peoples Secretariat on Thursday.

The meeting presided over by Federal Information Minister, Sherry Rehman was also attended by district information secretaries of PPP Sindh besides spokesman of Bilawal House Aijaz Durrani and Sindh Secretary Information Waqar Mehdi.

The performance of Sindh Information Secretary also came under review at the meeting.

source : jang.com.pk

Tremors felt in Landhi, Korangi

KARACHI: Tremors felt in Landhi and Korangi areas on Thursday.

People came out of their houses after they felt the jolts.

Meanwhile, jolts have also been felt in different areas of Balochistan.

source : jang.com.pk

Qaim urges KESC to raise production, cut load-shedding

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister, Qaim Ali Shah Thursday urged KESC to increase its power production capacity and cut load-shedding.

This he said while presiding over a meeting to review prevailing electricity crisis in Karachi at Chief Minister House.

He said the people are facing hardship due to the prolonged and frequent power outages. The government intends to provide relief to the masses, he added.

Provincial Advisor Rashid Rabbani, Chief Secretary Fazl-ur-Rehman, Chief Operating Officer KESC Syed Jan Abbas Zaidi and other officials attended the meeting.

source : jang.com.pk

Karachi police kill 3 dacoits

KARACHI: In an encounter on Khalid-Bin-Waleed road in Karachi, Anti-car lifting cell’s officials have killed three dacoits and two others were injured, police sources said.

The bandits were allegedly lifting cars on the road while they were also wanted by police in many car lifting cases, police said and added, the dead bodies and injured have been shifted to hospital.

source : jang.com.pk

No differences between PM, President: Sherry Rehman

KARACHI: The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Sherry Rehman, has strongly dispelled the impression created by certain elements regarding any differences between the President and the Prime Minister.

“ There are absolutely no differences”, she remarked in reply to a question while talking to reporters here at the Press Information department (PID) on Tuesday.

The Minister said that such an impression is being created by mischievous hands.

Sherry Rehman stated that there is absolutely no question of any differences and that the President and the Prime Minister are working seamlessly together. In fact, all the institutions are working seamlessly, she added.

She said that this seems to be the kind of situation that arises when there is a political and elected, democratic government. The Minister said that the PPP government does not believe in any sort of restriction on the media.

She stated that the present government is striving for the resolution of the problems being faced by the media. Sherry Rehman referred to her Tuesday’s meeting with the editors of the Sindh newspapers at the PID Karachi.

She was of the view that the regional press should also be encouraged.The Minister said that in the prevailing situation when there is tension on the borders, the hands of the government should be strengthened.

She further said that we will have to make the region a place of peace and also rid the country of the menace of terrorism. Sherry Rehman said that the government does not believe in an atmosphere of tension and confrontation.

source : jang.com.pk

Change of guards at Quaid’s mausoleum

KARACHI: A ceremony of the change of guards was held here at the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah on the occasion of his 132nd birthday today (December 25).

A smartly turned out contingent that including eight women cadets from Pakistan Military Academy Kakul took over the duties at the mausoleum of the Quaid at a dignified ceremony held here this morning. Commandant Pakistan Military Academy Kakul Raheel Sharif was chief guest at this occasion. He laid floral wreath and offered fateha.

source : jang.com.pk

Electronic products’ sale plunge due to recession

KARACHI: Electronic products’ sale has plummeted by 65 percent in the wake of depreciated rupee and slowdown in the economy, while the small shopkeepers have shut down their business.

Karachi Electronic Traders Association (KETA) sources told Geo News that this being the wedding season was seen best for the sale of electronic items, yet the sale has significantly slumped due to economic slowdown, regulatory duty by the government and the hundred percent LC margin slapped by the Central Bank. The sale of washing machine, juicer, toaster and electronic heater has dropped by 35 percent, while fridge, deep freezer, and air conditioners’ sale has almost dissipated, he said. Sources said that the small shopkeepers running business in rented shops were hard hit and 25 percent of them have closed their business. On the other hand, State Bank data said that the imports of electronic products shot up by 20 percent have reached up to $350 million.

source : jang.com.pk