Karachi Political Diary

 Karachi Political Diary

 Mubasher Mir

In a posh area of ​​Karachi city, there was a fierce firing between the family members of former chief minister of Balochistan and well-known politician late Nawab Akbar Bugti over a family dispute and five people were killed on the spot. Firearms were used by both sides. After the police arrived, the injured were shifted to the hospital. Later, DIG South Zone told the media that a case has been registered on the state's plea, in which the stand of both sides has been included.

From this incident, other questions have also arisen that even in the areas that are considered relatively safe in the city of Karachi, the tribal style exists with full intensity. But the state system of Pakistan has become so weak that armed groups not only roam freely in urban areas but also use weapons and are involved in killings. The fact that the case has been registered in the state's prosecution means that it will also be difficult to investigate as police officers change and past cases are left behind. The Sindh Provincial Home Department has kept quiet about the incident as the dispute took place between members of a powerful political family. The way the state institutions treat a weak and common man after a crime is also surprising. The provincial government should check the documents of big vehicles in the city of Karachi, also get biometrics of drivers and guards of such persons so that other residents do not feel unsafe.

MQM Pakistan organized a youth convention, a large number of youth participated in it, the information technology training program for the youth was started by the Governor of Sindh, which is going on successfully, if it is carried forward, many Unemployed people will be able to earn a decent living, as online jobs are increasing worldwide and Pakistani youth should take advantage of this, other political parties and social organizations like MQM should expand this trend. . Currently, unemployment is at its peak while the people are also facing inflation, so it is important to train the youth in technical skills.

Jamaat-e-Islami has come out against the increase in inflation and electricity rates, the Dharna (Sit in) is going on in Islamabad, but a protest dharna has also been planned in Karachi.

The capacity charges of IPPs have been heavily criticized in relation to electricity rates. Billions of rupees have been paid in the last thirty years in this regard, yet free electricity is being given to high officials and officers. Former Commerce Minister (caretaker) and former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail have announced to approach the Supreme Court. It is to be hoped that the delay will be corrected. Owners of IPPs are benefiting from capacity charges. At that time, agreements with forty-two IPPs of Pakistan were made during the regime of People's Party, Muslim League-N and Pervez Musharraf (Muslim League-Q). These three parties are in power at the moment, they should answer the questions of the people that the institutions to which these contracts were given, why these favors were given to them, at that time the price per unit of electricity in Pakistan,  There are more than Bangladesh ,India and Afghanistan that are absolutely destroying our economy.

A senior journalist named Gadani was killed in Ghotki district of Sindh province, but no progress has been made by the Sindh administration. The family members of the slain journalist tried to protest by going to the final resting places of Bhutto family members Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Nusrat Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto in Garhi Khudabakhsh, but the district administration did not allow them to enter. Earlier too, Umm Rabab Chandio had chosen the same place to protest against the accused of killing her grandfather, father and uncle, but she too was not allowed to enter there. If a political government claims that we are in favor of peaceful protest and we have no obstacle to it, then they should not object to that protest. The Bhutto family graves are a symbol of the struggle against the outdated system, if anyone goes there to express their sorrows, the provincial government should not interfere.

Tehreek-e-Insaf Sindh is politically very sluggish, although Islamabad has become the center of political activities in every respect, but the provincial organization and especially in Karachi, the assembly members and organizational officials still live a life of political concealment.  Former President of the country, Dr. Arif Alvi, is again practicing at his clinic in Karachi. Although he tried to be politically active and effective, he has stuck to a protocol of inactivity for two years, refusing even to meet any political figure or media persons, which is surprising.

A photo of the patient being examined by his sources was also released on social media. At present, the provincial leadership of Tehreek-e-Insaf is waiting for a big decision. Until then silence has been regarded as bliss.

Karachi Political Diary

 Karachi Political Diary

 Mubasher Mir

After the announcement of banning Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf, Pakistan People's Party has not yet agreed with Muslim League-N. There are different opinions in the People's Party. Which has also been expressed, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is completely silent in this political environment, rather he is out of the country. The surprising thing is that MQM has also kept quiet about it. Although there is a strong impression about MQM that it will be ready to do anything at the beck and call of the powers that be, but after the above announcement by the federal government, the central leadership of MQM did not support it.

DG ISPR has made it clear that this is not just a military operation but a campaign to stop terrorism but negative propaganda is being done against it. He called political mafia but did not name any political party.

In order to prevent terrorism, it is necessary to execute the sentences given to the arrested terrorists. In 2015, the then Army Chief General Raheel Sharif started the execution of the punishments, after which the effects came in the form of peace. But in the six years of General Qamar Javed Bajwa, this process was a little stopped, there are still prisoners in jails who were convicted of terrorism, they should be sentenced to execution.

The environment of political uncertainty is still there, even though the Supreme Court's decision has come and will surely be implemented as announced by the Federal Government and the Election Commission.

Tehreek-e-Insaf will also be allotted specific seats in the Sindh Assembly, but due to this situation, the stock market has seen a sharp decline. Although it is a speculation and it is possible to fluctuate, but news of uncertainty tends to dominate the bearish market. The market is still at a high psychological level. Although industry and trade are affected due to inflation and sharp rise in energy prices in the country, investments are being made in the stock market.

Key figures from the business community, civil society individuals and organizations are openly discussing IPPs agreements. In this age of information, it has become clear to the public that public rights are not protected in contracts with IPPs. In this, the power plants have been able to earn billions of rupees without selling electricity. Surprisingly, many companies have been given further extension of contracts, which is being continuously burdened on the public.

The Federal Power Minister has also admitted that Rs 18 per unit is being charged as capacity charges, the government is also promoting solar energy, and has extended contracts with IPPs, while till now in Pakistan Energy sector not audited.

The public pressure is increasing in this regard, the federal government should take some action in this direction soon, even under the cover of the IMF conditions, the per unit rates of electricity are being increased while taxes are not being imposed on the rich. That's why the people may have an anxiety which is increasing day by day. While the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami has openly expressed against these agreements, other political parties are reluctant to discuss it.

In the province of Sindh, K Electric in the city of Karachi, while in Sindh HESCO and SEPCO have electricity transmission, load shedding also occurs in many areas on both sides in such a way that people come to the streets , meaning load shedding in Karachi. Water supply to them has also been stopped.

Along with the heat wave, the monsoon has started but it has not yet rained enough to reduce the heat and humidity. Government of Sindh has been ineffective in controlling urban flooding, although cleaning of drains is being talked about but no work has been done on rain water storage. Sindh government's performance in dealing with climate change is very poor.

The security situation during Muharram has been satisfactory, for which the Prime Minister of Pakistan has also praised the provinces. There was no  incident in Sindh province either, but seven-year-old Priya Kumari, who was abducted while making Sabil from Sukkur on the day of Ashura in 2021, has not yet been recovered. When the civil society protested on Clifton, Karachi, the police also acted harshly on it, while the police are still helpless on the increase in the number of dacoities in the city and the dacoits in Riverine area have also become active again.

Karachi Political Diary.

 Karachi Political Diary.

Mubasher Mir

Nisar Ahmad Khoro, a senior leader of the ruling party (People's Party) has been elected as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the Sindh Assembly. The Public Accounts Committee, considered the strongest and most powerful committee of the Assembly, is generally considered the right of the opposition. Because its responssibility is to keep track of the money spent by the government. The schemes proposed by the cabinet also have to be monitored and irregularities are also noticed. The Public Accounts Committee can also recover funds from the concerned departments for misappropriation of funds. Nisar Ahmad Khoro, though a senior politician, still belongs to the government benches.

However, political ethics require that the right of monitoring should be given to the opposition. The best example of democracy is that in which accountability is maximized. But in the Sindh Assembly, a member of his own party has been put in charge of accountability. How will it be possible for Nisar Khoro to bring the ministers to the dock, to direct action against a minister for the corruption of a department, anyway, this is a difficult task, but this step has been taken by keeping the moral values ​​of democracy above the threshold.

Among the seven members of the Public Accounts Committee, one member of the Sunni Ittehad Council (Tehreek-e-Insaaf) did not raise any objection. .

CDT police officer DSP Ali Raza was killed by unknown persons in Karachi. The late  was a close associate of Chaudhry Aslam, SSP who was murdered few years before, and had participated in many operations with him. Informed sources have revealed that he was receiving threats for a few days while his guards were also withdrawn. For those police officers and personnel involved in critical operations, their own security is also important, especially as they should reside in secure areas. While the reporting of their actions should also be done carefully in which they are not advertised personally. In this way, the mafia people become their personal enemies.

Severe heat is continuing across the province and water shortage has also occurred in many areas due to electricity load shedding. Due to which people have started a series of protests in different areas of Karachi city. Although the provincial energy minister has claimed that representatives of K Electric, Hesco and Sesco have promised to improve power supply, there are no signs of improvement.

The government has further increased the rateof per unit of electricity, accordingly the price per unit will become more expensive according to the rate of taxes. People are expressing concern that there should be a forensic audit of the electricity meters to see if the electricity per unit is being counted as per international standards or not. If any electrical device or light is powered by one kilowatt of electricity, the electricity consumed in one hour is equal to one unit. As the scale of unit of electricity is same in every country, the objection of people in Pakistan must be addressed.

People's Party and MQM's style of politics has been expressed surprise many times by the public, the rhetoric from both sides is still going on. The Mayor of Karachi is also a part of this rhetoric. It is strange that the mayor of Karachi, immediately after his election, was claiming that he will be able to bring important projects for the city of Karachi because the provincial government belongs to his party, while the center (Federal) also to them.

So far he has not been able to provide clean water at cheap rates, after the heat wave the prices of water tankers have also increased, like electricity and petrol it is also not within the reach of the common man. Hundreds of people have lost their lives due to severe heat wave in recent days. Most of them were those who suffered from dehydration due to the lack of clean water from working in the open areas and could not survive. In these circumstances, the Mayor of Karachi should ensure the provision of basic facilities to the citizens instead of rhetorical politics.

Jamaat-e-Islami has started a series of protests on this situation, Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi held a protest meeting along with representatives of business organizations, which was also addressed by other leaders, the government should also consider peaceful protests as well.  Amir Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a protest sit-in in Islamabad on July 12. Protests have been going on since the budget, but the government is not even talking about negotiations with business organizations. The Prime Minister has announced in the National Assembly that the current budget has been prepared with the guidance and support of the IMF. Therefore, the chances of change in it are less.

It is also being announced to give free solar panels in the province of Sindh, it is surprising that the government has not announced to give free drinking water, but it is ready to give free solar panels. The intention of the government may be good, but what secret is being hidden in this news will be revealed soon.

Karachi Political Diary

 Karachi Political Diary 

Mubasher Mir

The verbal exchange between PPP and MQM has started once again. Both parties have maintained this position for a long time, both are allies of each other and at the same time ,MQM tries to play the role of opposition. The rhetorical battles between the two parties have happened many times and then they turn out as friends not rivals in a short period of time. Both the parties are now jointly close to the ruling powers but are gaining interests with their full blessing, giving the impression to the public that major conflicts have arisen between them, its not a weighty matter.

The political parties in Pakistan must understand that the accusations they have been making against each other for decades and then they come together, this does not do them any good in the public, but the people do not like this style anymore.  People are suffering from severe difficulties at this time. If the political leaders are trying to make non-issues into issues, it is their naivety that people will show interest in it, it is anecdotal that verbal bombardment used to be noticeable, now people are waiting for performance.

In the city of Karachi, people are suffering from load shedding of electricity. Rather, heavy loadshedding is being done throughout Sindh. Due to which there is more shortage of water, many areas are not benefiting from gas supply, so the ability to fight the heat wave is reduced, which is the reason where workers are working in open environment suffer from heat stroke and have lost their lives. According to the general estimate, the number of deaths in the city of Karachi has exceeded eight hundred.

Along with this, inflation has broken the back of the people. The government has also increased the taxes, the price of electricity and petrol has increased further. In such a situation, the two political parties of the province are making political rhetoric instead of working on solving these problems, which is unnecessary.

Also, if a journalist from the media asks a question to a minister, it was not tolerated, but the journalist's job has lost. The name is said to be Sikandar Bhutto, suffered from difficulties.

The difference between urban Sindh and rural Sindh in the province of Sindh is very clear. In this regard, the quota system was introduced, but it also caused problems. If the merit was kept in mind, there would not have been any accusations today.

Pakistan's political history is full of successes, failures and lapses in terms of politicians. Successes are few but mistakes rather blunders are many. This is the reason why the people of Pakistan are suffering today. If these mistakes are corrected, the future can still be better.

The Sindh Assembly has passed the finance bill for 2024-25, the opposition has alleged that the proposals they had given were not included.

Although the opposition has pointed out several important issues, among which many reforms in the education sector are inevitable, while the problems of slums in Karachi and interior Sindh are very serious, there is a need for a coherent policy in this regard.

Senior journalist and editor S.M Fazal passed away after a long illness, who was associated with Jang Group of Newspapers for a long time, was now living a retired life due to illness, Karachi Editors Club and other journalistic organizations mourned his death and expressed grief.

On the 103rd anniversary of the Communist Party of China on July 1, the Silk Road Media Corridor Committee congratulated the Chinese Consulate on the occasion, reiterating that Pakistan has strongly responded to negative propaganda against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor , will go on the road to progress.

Karachi Political Diary

 Karachi Political Diary
 Mubasher Mir

The 71st birthday of  Benazir Bhutto Shaheed was celebrated , her daughter and Member of National Assembly Asifa Bhutto Zardari cut the birthday cake at the Sindh Assembly Building. On this occasion, memories of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto were refreshed. Benazir Bhutto was elected the Prime Minister of Pakistan twice but both times her tenure was short and the assemblies could not complete their constitutional term. Benazir Bhutto was successful in bringing missile technology to the country in 1989. Pakistan acquired missile technology from North Korea. But today trade between Pakistan and North Korea is negligible. North Korea is also under US sanctions. But She did a great job for Pakistan at that time.

Although the purchase of electricity from private companies was done in the first term of Nawaz Sharif's government, but in the second term of Mrs. Benazir Bhutto's government, more contracts were made due to which electricity consumption in Pakistan increased. After that, several agreements were signed to buy electricity from private companies. The private companies are called IPPs, the purchase of electricity from these companies is beyond the reach of the people of Pakistan. The government also depends on electricity rates and taxes to raise its revenue. Therefore, the country's economy is suffering and domestic consumers are also spending a large part of their income on electricity consumption. People's Party and Muslim League-N are criticized that expensive power plants were installed during the periods of these two parties.

 Benazir Bhutto's daughter, Asifa Bhutto Zardari has discussed the federal budget in the National Assembly, in which she has mentioned the load shedding of electricity across the country. The worst load shedding is also happening in Sindh province while electricity rates are going to increase further. The Pakistan People's Party has assured the Muslim League-N that the government will be supported in passing the  finance bill. Her party's policies from the past to the present have failed to protect the interests of industry and consumers.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed a public meeting in Lyari, but the people of Lyari did not receive the same reception that the leadership of the People's Party received from there. It seems that the People's Party has not been able to fulfill the expectations of the people even in its stronghold, Lyari. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari himself has made his Sindh Cabinet a target for criticism. At present, the speeches of the members of the assembly on the budget are going on in the Sindh Assembly. MQM members are criticizing in a friendly manner while PPP members are calling the budget as people-friendly, as if the real suffering of the people is not being discussed.

Workers of Tehreek-e-Insaaf are trying to protest regarding the release of Imran Khan at various places. But their rally is sabotaged by the police. Women protested outside the Karachi Press Club before their camp was demolished. Police were also active in Korangi to prevent the rally from protesting. According to the current situation, PTI workers have not been able to protest. Tehreek-e-Insaaf MNA's MPA's and local body members are also not very active in organizing protests. At the same time, the People's Party is talking about political dialogue, but in Sindh province, it is not even giving the right to protest to Tehreek-e-Insaaf, rather those who take out the rally are arrested.

A few embankments of the dam in Sukkur have been damaged, although the provincial government has said that it will be investigated, but it should also be remembered that the monsoon will start next month and the way it is hot at that time. , the monsoon can also be erratic. It should be repaired first.

President Asif Ali Zardari is coming to Sukkur to preside over a special meeting on law and order. The situation near Sukkur is very bad due to the bandits of River Area. The President of the State has shown special interest in improving the law and order situation in Sindh, earlier a similar meeting was held in Karachi. This is the second meeting, in this regard, special arrangements are being made for the President's protocol in Sukkur.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange has set a record and the index crossed the 80 thousand mark. Although the business of stock exchange is called speculation, but economists consider it as a barometer of the economy, but it is also criticized by economists that the conditions of the industry are not good in the country at the moment, but the market shares The boom is not real but artificial. But both perspectives exist. If the federal government succeeds in attracting foreign investors, the country can get benefits.

Karachi Political Diary.

 Karachi Political Diary. 

Mubasher Mir

With the advent of Eid-ul-Adha, political activities have been relatively subdued, with the public and politicians taking an interest in buying animals. Due to the huge increase in inflation, the purchase of animals is not showing much speed. Cattle markets have been established in many places in the city of Karachi, according to the business community, this is a huge opportunity for the livestock industry, which accelerates the economy of the people associated with it. Although the municipality faces challenges in terms of sanitation, but if well planned, it is easy to deal with, not impossible.

People associated with livestock say that if the department of the provincial government makes a coherent and systematic plan for the livestock industry, this business can also give the country a lot of foreign exchange. The People's Republic of China has allowed Pakistan to export halal meat, some companies have sold beef to China, but there are vast opportunities to earn more foreign exchange. Millions of acres of land are lying waste in Sindh and Balochistan, both provinces have PPP chief ministers, who can make joint ventures in livestock industry. This will create vast employment opportunities.

The provincial government of Sindh is setting its priorities in the budget, especially for the flood victims, resettlement is a big challenge. Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also laid out a road map for the Sindh government, which includes public-private partnership program and more adoption of solar systems in addition to services in the social sector.

Solar energy and wind energy is a special gift of nature in Sindh province but it has been largely exploited by the private sector. Government of Sindh should switch to solar energy especially educational institutions and hospitals in interior Sindh.

There has been a deep concern in the public circles about street crimes, robbers have been caught and killed by the public in Karachi, but the robbers snatch goods at gunpoint and kill citizens on the slightest resistance. Most of them were young people, which caused deep concern among the public. This echo was heard in the Sindh Assembly as well. The opposition leader has also criticized the provincial government. The Sindh government is claiming that they are trying to control it, but in reality they are failing.

Former Governor of Sindh, Muhammad Zubair has parted ways with PML-N, he was also criticizing the party policies for some time, he was not very close after the return of Mian Nawaz Sharif, after the formation of the PMLN government. Even he was not invited in the high meetings of the party, the top leadership of the party was also silent in this regard, now he has announced formal separation. Before him, another former governor of Sindh, Dr. Ishratul Ibad Khan, has also announced his political mobilization. Some sources say that efforts will be made to collect many such people in Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's new political party.

Prominent social worker Saram Burni was arrested on his return from  USA, accused of being involved in human trafficking. The FIA ​​is investigating them, Saram Burni and his lawyers are confident that they will come out of trouble but a question arises as to why the system of checks and balances on human rights organizations is weak. ? Saram Burni has been arrested on US complaint while our own system is so weak why? Why would we be able to see these matters by which no organization is guilty of violating any law?

In the ongoing T20 Cricket World Cup in America, the Pakistan team suffered its second consecutive defeat. After losing the first match with USA, it was hoped that with India would play well but the result came against Pakistan. The whole nation was saddened by this. From this it can be inferred that despite all the difficulties and differences, Pakistanis celebrate the victory of their country together and the whole nation gets depressed even when it loses. There is a lot of passion in the Pakistani nation, if it gets the right direction, it can become a great nation.

Karachi Political Diary

 Karachi Political Diary

 Mubasher Mir

All party conference against unrest and banditry was held in Sindh, which was hosted by Jamaat-e-Islami, but People's Party and MQM did not participate in it. However, JUIF and Tehreek-e-Insaf participated. Prominent personalities include Liaquat Baloch, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Ayaz Latif Plajo, Gulzar Soomro, Syed Karim Abid. In the conference, it was emphasized that there is bandit rule in Sindh, so far, according to reports, 1900 people have been kidnapped for ransom from various places in the past while in few months. 72 people were killed in the incidents of robbery in Karachi.  It can be estimated that how serious the law and order situation is in Province of Sindh.

In this conference, the political leaders have decided to start a protest movement. In this regard, the strategy of holding protest processions,  and rallies will be decided.

Where political parties should protest, outdated laws should also be challenged in courts, information technology people should be brought on a platform and security apps should be introduced to protect people and prevent vehicle theft. The government's interest is only for them, Looks at jobs where more personal benefits can be gained in a shorter amount of time. Working for a lasting solution is not among their priorities. In the light of the statistics that have come out recently, the Safe City project should be completed soon, but it is also showing slowness.

Afaq Ahmed, the leader of MQM Haqiqi, has also targeted K Electric for criticism, as the power crisis has worsened due to severe load shedding in the city of Karachi. Political leaders have to get out of mere rhetorical strategies, though if all political parties meet together with the management of K Electric and try to understand the situation, a solution can emerge through mutual negotiation, Apart from this, The K electric administration also did not try to brief the civil society and media on the power crisis.

There is a gulf between K electric management and public in  communication at that time. K Electric management is reluctant to inform the media about the situation but is afraid to reveal the real situation.

The delegation of MQM has met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and tried to meet some demands. According to sources, MQM is seeking more representation in the federal cabinet. MQM has not yet succeeded in its attempt to gain public acceptance. On the February 8 election, his importance has been lost and further diminished after the audio-videos of her Leaders were leaked where he ( Mustafa Kamal ) was discussing the credibility of General Elections . Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has been criticized by former Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad Khan. Dr. Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamal are also asking for more benefits for MQM, in which Sindh Governor Kamran Tesori is also  with their colleague, but MQM is not popularly accepted, although Sindh Governor is somewhat active, and is considered popular.

Maulana Fazlur Rahman met Pirpagada in Karachi and discussed the future political plan. Maulana Fazlur Rahman is in favor of running a strong movement to prove his political weight and strength on the ruling forces but he has not succeeded in it yet.

There is also a public protest regarding the protection of the graves of personalities buried in Islamia College. The daughter of the founder,  Hasna Qureshi has the support of the public that graves should not be desecrated in Islamia College.

The government, after hinting at a big cut in the prices of petroleum products, finally issued a notification of a very small cut. Of course, the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif also faced difficulties. Just as it was indicated to reduce the price of petrol by 15 rupees per liter, the government members expressed their happiness on it, the people also sat with hopes, but after the official announcement, disappointment spread. People expressed their outrage on social media.

The Prime Minister's close associates and government spokespersons should note that until a final decision is made, it becomes counterproductive to merely propagate in the media. Thus the credibility of the government is affected. And to some extent people have made fun of government representatives on social media. There is a lot of talk before the federal budget, a bomb has been dropped on the public by increasing the per unit rate of electricity, but no relief is seen in the budget.