Tag: Sindh

  • Chutti Manao, Diwali Hai

    Chutti Manao, Diwali Hai

    The caretaker Sindh government has declared November 13 a public holiday for the Hindu community, marking the vibrant festival of Diwali.

    A notification issued by the provincial government confirmed the holiday, stating, “The Government of Sindh declares 13th November, 2023 (Monday) as Holiday for Hindu Community on the occasion of DIWALI for all Government offices, Autonomous Bodies, Semi-Autonomous Bodies, Corporations and Local Councils under the administrative control of Government of Sindh.”

    This decision by the Sindh government highlights a gesture of inclusivity and respect for the diverse religious festivities observed within the province.

    Moreover, provincial authorities had previously announced November 9 as a public holiday in honor of Iqbal Day, as per an official notification disseminated across various government departments.

    This measure aims to commemorate the influential legacy of Allama Iqbal, a renowned poet, philosopher, and politician, who played a pivotal role in shaping the ideological foundations of Pakistan.

  • Election Commission takes notice of violations in Sindh

    Election Commission takes notice of violations in Sindh

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a directive instructing the Chief Secretary of Sindh to immediately withdraw security, privileges and protocols from former members of the provincial cabinet and government officials. The decision follows the conclusion of the provincial government’s tenure and the upcoming general elections scheduled for the beginning of next year, after the delimitation process.

    In a letter addressed to the provincial secretary and inspector general, Election Commission Secretary Omar Hamid highlighted that former officials and cabinet members were still benefiting from the perks and privileges associated with their former positions.

    The letter stated, “You are, hereby, advised to withdraw protocol/security and perks and privileges from those former provincial cabinet members and political appointees of equivalent status and send a note of compliance within three days. This matter may be treated as most urgent.”

    The ECP had earlier on August 15 sent a letter to provincial authorities for withdrawal of the official protocol of the then members of former Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah-led cabinet and government officials.

    Additionally, in a separate communication to the Balochistan chief secretary, the Election Commission directed the immediate replacement of existing officials with new appointees for specific positions.

    The letter states, “As you are aware the Election Commission of Pakistan is charged with the Constitutional duty to organize and conduct elections in terms of Article 218 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and “to make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law and that corrupt practices are guarded against. Therefore, it has been desired that the following senior officers be immediately reshuffled:

    1. Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Balochistan
    2. Secretary, Services & General Administration Department, Balochistan
    3. Home Secretary, Balochistan
    4. Finance Secretary, Balochistan”

    The ECP has requested a compliance report from the concerned authorities within three days.

  • Inquiry launched into killing of four villagers during operation in Sakrand

    Inquiry launched into killing of four villagers during operation in Sakrand

    Caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar, has on Saturday initiated an inquiry into the tragic incident in Sakrand, where four villagers lost their lives during a law enforcement operation. The CM has called for a comprehensive report on the incident within four days.

    The operation, carried out by law enforcement agencies, aimed to apprehend militants associated with the banned Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army. In the course of the operation, four individuals were killed, and nine others, including four Rangers personnel, sustained injuries. A Rangers spokesman released a statement mentioning that the operation was intelligence-based and targeted high-value individuals, as per Dawn.

    However, Sindh United Party (SUP) Secretary General Roshan Burriro claimed that those killed were supporters and revealed that a confrontation had ensued between security forces and villagers. The situation escalated when law enforcement officers opened fire, resulting in tragic deaths and injuries.

    Subsequently, grieving villagers staged a protest and blocked a section of the National Highway while carrying the coffins of the deceased individuals.

    The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) took to X (former Twitter) to demand an independent investigation into the incident, emphasizing the importance of justice for the affected families.

    “The deaths of at least four people, killed allegedly by law enforcement agencies during a security operation in a village near #Sarkand in Sindh, must be investigated independently. While the government should take all possible steps to improve law and order in the province, this in no way excuses extrajudicial killings, which HRCP has always opposed. We urge the caretaker chief minister to take notice of this incident. Those families currently protesting in Sarkand deserve justice. Additionally, the whereabouts of Liaquat Jalbani, a student initially in the custody of law enforcement personnel, who was brought to the village when this incident took place, must be established.”

    CM Baqar firmly stated that such incidents should not occur and formed a three-member committee to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter, with a mandate to deliver its findings within four days.

    The Sindh Home Department has issued an order appointing Hyderabad Commissioner Khalid Hyder Shah to lead the inquiry committee, assisted by the Shaheed Benazirabad deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) and Karachi DIG Special Branch. The committee’s task is to ascertain the causes behind the clash that resulted in the loss of lives and injuries to law enforcement personnel.

    Protest by the families and relatives of the deceased villagers came to an end after the initiation of the judicial inquiry and the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).

    The FIR was filed under Sections 302 (intentional murder) and 324 (murder attempt) of the Pakistan Penal Code based on the complaint of Rahib Jalbani, the brother of one of the deceased individuals. According to the FIR, the security officials arrived at a house in the village and accused those present of being terrorists before opening fire. The complainant’s brother and another individual died on the spot, while several others were injured.

    SUP President Syed Zain Shah clarified that the deceased villagers were not politically affiliated, and their bodies will be laid to rest following a funeral in the village. He also mentioned that the villagers agreed to end their protest after authorities committed to conducting a judicial inquiry.

    SUP leaders highlighted that the villagers were ready to visit and inquire about the health of injured Rangers personnel, expressing concern that labeling the villagers as terrorists was a significant stigma. Law enforcement officers had claimed they had acted based on information about miscreants in the area.

  • Hadiqa Kiani’s charity has built an astonishing number of homes in Balochistan

    Hadiqa Kiani’s charity has built an astonishing number of homes in Balochistan

    Actress and musician Hadiqa Kiani took to social media to share a monumental milestone achieved by her charity organisation ‘Vaseela-e-Raah’, revealing the organisation had surpassed their goal of building more than 200 homes in Balochistan. Taking to her Instagram account, the ‘Dobara’ actress revealed the organisation had constructed over 370 homes, and several other community facilities.

    “By the grace of Allah and your selfless help, we have surpassed our goal. The promise I made last year to the people of Balochistan, to my mother, and to my country is now complete.”

    “Our initial goal was 200 homes, but through prayer, determination, hard work, and community, we have now completed 370 homes, 2 mosques, 2 maternity centers, 1 school, and 1 grocery store in Tamboo and Kundi villages of Naseerabad, Balochistan. All funds collected over the past year have been fully utilized.”

    The actress went on to thank the love and gratitude other people had showered on her non-profit by donating medicine, water, food and other facilities to help them accomplish their goal. She said that a follow-up video will be posted with more details about their campaign.

    Hadiqa was one of the celebrities who offered support for communities effected by the devastating 2022 floods of Sindh and Balochistan, setting up her non-profit in an effort to reconstruct homes for the survivors. In March, Kiani shared that her organisation had built over a hundred homes, a maternity clinic, grocery store and primary school for children in Balochistan.

    “As many of you know, I have been in Balochistan for the past few days…by the grace of Allah + your support, we have completed the 1st phase of our project. 100 houses are complete and now occupied by flood victims, a maternity clinic, a grocery store and a primary school..”

  • 21 million more voters registered since 2018: ECP

    21 million more voters registered since 2018: ECP

    Compared to the statistics of the 2018 general elections, the number of voters in Pakistan has increased by 21 million 24 thousand and 863 voters.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has said that the total number of voters has reached 126,980,272, while the total number of voters in the country in the 2018 general elections was 105,955,409.

    The number of male voters in 2023 has increased to 68,508,258; while the number of female voters has increased to 58,472,014.

    This means that the number of male voters is 10,036,244 more than women.

    Province-wise increase in voters

    Punjab

    Voters in Punjab have increased by one crore 16 lakh 37 thousand (11,637,811).

    2018: 60,672,771

    2023: 72,310,582

    Sindh

    In total, an increase of 42 lakh 59 thousand (4,259,917) voters has been recorded in Sindh.

    2018: 22,391,244

    2023: 26,651,161

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

    In total, 63 lakh 78 thousand (6,378,212) voters have increased in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    2018: 15,314,169

    2023: 21,692,381

    Balochistan

    The number of voters in the province has increased by 9 lakh 58 thousand (985,100) voters.

    2018: 4,299,494

    2023: 5,284,594 

    Islamabad

    Number of voters in the federal capital has increased by 2 lakh 76 thousand (276,107) voters.

    2018: 765,447

    2023: 1,041,554

    Age-wise voter statistcis:

  • Rocket launcher ‘accidentally’ explodes, killing eight in Sindh

    Rocket launcher ‘accidentally’ explodes, killing eight in Sindh

    A rocket launcher shell exploded inside a home in the Kandhkot area of interior Sindh on Wednesday, SAMAA has confirmed. Eight people, including five children, died in the explosion while six others were injured.

    Three individuals are Saif to be in a critical condition.

    The shell of the rocket launcher had been warehoused and suddenly exploded.

    According to the initial investigation, family members found the rocket launcher shell in a nearby farm field, and they took it to the house for safekeeping. However, children in the house started using the shell as a toy.

    Local authorities have been alerted, and police have cordoned off the affected area.

  • Sindh raises factory worker salaries: Skilled workers to earn Rs33,280 monthly

    Sindh raises factory worker salaries: Skilled workers to earn Rs33,280 monthly

    The Sindh Minimum Wage Board, in a recent announcement, has officially revised the compensation rates for factory workers. Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Nizamani revealed that skilled workers in the province will now receive a minimum monthly wage of Rs33,280, while unskilled workers will be entitled to a minimum wage of Rs32,000.

    According to ARY News, Nizamani emphasised the mandatory nature of these minimum wages for factory owners, with a provision for objections to be submitted within a 14-day window. He also warned of punitive measures against those who fail to adhere to these wage standards.

    Notably, the Sindh High Court has intervened in this matter, ordering the enforcement of the minimum wage set by the Sindh government. Specifically, the court mandated that sanitary workers must receive a minimum wage of Rs25,000.

    Additionally, the labour department has been directed to gather reports from various departments to assess and oversee compliance with these wage regulations.

  • Deadly virus kills 35 ibex in Kirthar

    Deadly virus kills 35 ibex in Kirthar

    Ibex goats are dying in large numbers in Kirthar National Park, authorities have confirmed.

    According to local sources, four more ibex were found dead on Sunday while nine infected animals were traced by wildlife officers.

    Local sources have also reported that dead ibex are being cremated and buried, while efforts are being made to clean the ibex’s watering holes.

    The water in which the dead ibex were found has been blocked by planting bushes around it. While the water has become very polluted after decomposing ibex were found in it, locals claim the water will clean naturally with rains.

    Ibex are apparently suffering from an epidemic called Peste des Petits Ruminants, or PPR.

    Locals explain that this ‘goat plague’ is a virus that spreads rapidly, usually infecting sheep and goats. It is thus feared that the disease has been spread to ibex from goats

    Currently, there are around 25 thousand ibex in Kirthar and so far, 35 have died.

    Deputy Conservator of the Department of Wildlife, Hyderabad, Wahid Shaikh told Geo News that samples of the dead ibex have been sent to the laboratory for analysis, adding that the Sindh Wildlife Department has sent more teams to the affected area.

  • 10-year-old Fatima case: Suspect Asad Shah appears in court

    10-year-old Fatima case: Suspect Asad Shah appears in court

    Pir Asad Shah, compounder Imtiaz and driver Ijaz were produced in an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in the rape and suspicious death of 10-year-old Fatima in Ranipur Haveli, Khairpur.

    The suspects were produced in the court after the completion of seven day physical remand.

    According to the Khairpur police, the investigation has not been completed yet, so they will seek further remand.

    Khairpur police has also said that Hina Shah and father Fayaz Shah, also accused in the case, are still on the run.

    Fatima’s case

    A domestic maid, 10-year-old child Fatima Phuriro, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in Ranipur.

    The child had been working as a domestic worker at a haveli owned by an influential local, Pir Asad Shah Jilani.

    Fatima’s mother, Shabana, was informed about the death by the employer who asked her to remove the body from the premises where two of Fatima’s sisters were also employed.

    According to DIG Sukkur Javed Jiskani, the parents initially did not share the facts of the case with the police and claimed that the girl was suffering from gastroenteritis. While her diagnosis was also confirmed by Dr Abdul Fatah Memon who treated her, the DIG revealed that Fatima was taken to the hospital either by the Pir or his staff and that the SHO was present at the time she was pronounced dead.

    It was not until videos of the child were leaked by an unknown source and circulated in social media that the case caught media’s eye. By then, the family had buried Fatima on August 15.

    The body was later exhumed and sent for an autopsy which revealed that the girl had been raped both vaginally and anally.

  • Sindh’s caretaker Interior Minister clarifies statement on mobile snatching

    Sindh’s caretaker Interior Minister clarifies statement on mobile snatching

    Earlier this month, while talking to the media, Sindh’s caretaker Interior Minister Brigadier (R) Haris Nawaz said that people should keep their mobile phone in a place where it cannot be stolen, or keep the mobile phone in an inner pocket.

    His comment led to trolling across social media as people deemed his statement absurd.

    The interior minister has now clarified his statement in a short video comment published by Times of Karachi.

    He stated that he meant a mobile phone can easily be snatched if it is in one’s hand instead of the pocket.

    Nonetheless, he added that no one should resist when someone tries to snatch the phone at gunpoint, and ensure the safety of one’s own family.