Sunday, November 8, 2009

Development works in Larkana halted after bogus payments to contractors

LARKANA: October 7, 2009. Government Contractors have halted road development work under the Larkana Development Package due to non payment of outstanding amount Rs. 60 to 70 crores, in spite the funds release against the ongoing development work; the authorities had disbursed bogus payments to their favorite contractors in fiscal year 2008-09.

The contractors in the press conference held here at Larkana Press Club, claimed that the EDO Works and Services department Kamber-Shahdadkot Imdad Ali Magsi, District Officer Roads along with Coordination Officer Zahid Hussain Memon, EDO and other concerned officials alleged in the bogus payments and corruption of ADP yearly funds Rs. 250 crore.

The Contractors claimed that the above officials have embezzled millions of misappropriation in the name of re-appropriation and M& R of roads around the Kamber-Shahdakot and Larkana. They said total of amount Rs. 13.5 Arab (billions) allocated for LDP out of Rs. 120 crore (billions) were used, while 800 millions were lapse in June 2009 they told.

They said the ADP budget 2008-09 could not be used properly and misused funds by the concerned authorities in the constituency of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, in this connection they have also submitted a brief complaint to the President of Pakistan, Chief Minister Sindh, Secretary Works and Services, Anti-corruption and other authorities to take action and enquiry against the culprits they said.

Contractors President Manzoor Soomro, Niaz Hussain Mirani, Ajeet Kumar, Khan Bahadur Abro, Hidayatullah Bhatti, Atta Mohammed and others were present in the press conference.

Online motor registration starts in Larkana

LARKANA - Sindh Minister for Excise and Taxation Mukesh Chawla said that the present government promoted
400 employees of the department through DPC and to improve the performance of the department, more
appointments have been made.
Remaining promotions will be given to employees of the department on merit basis within one month through
DPC, he said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of Motor Registration Online System at Old Excise and
Taxation Office here Monday. The minister said that the new system is being extended to other parts of the
province on which an amount of Rs 14crors is being spent. He said that all the vehicles of Larkana region would
be registered at Larkana and no one will have to go to Karachi. Soon the property tax system will also be
computerized here, he said.
Chawala said that he will try his best to provide buildings to Excise and Taxation Department, and in this regard
the summery will be submitted to the chief Minister for approval.
He said that with the efforts of the department 35% more tax was collected so far against the target given to the
department. He directed to the officers to behave with the people in a polite way and solve their problems
without any delay. On the occasion secretary Excise and Taxation Mohsin Haqani, special Secretary Manzoor
Ahmad Memon, Director General Shoaib Ahmad was present.
Director, Excise and Taxation Larkana Ahmad Hussain Solangi welcomed the Minister and highlighted the
performance of the officials of the department in Larkana region.
Later, Minister visited Larkana Press Club and announced the amount Rs1 lac for the press club from his own
pocket.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Larkana Development Authority revived

The Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a bill to revive Larkana Development Authority (LDA) with an amendment moved by Munawar Abbasi MPA for including three MPAs in the LDA, with one being its vice chairman.

Munawar Abbasi advocated for initiating a master plan for Larkana and other districts of the province. He said that sufficient budget should be earmarked for the LDA.
Talking about the objectives of the bill, Sindh Law Minister Muhammad Ayaz Soomro said that the past regime winded up LDA because of political reasons. He said that the LDA was being revived to provide shelter to the people. He said that the LDA would construct houses for the poor people.

Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto recalled that Z.A. Bhutto had established the LDA in 1974. She added that poor infrastructure in Larkana created an image problem and hoped that the city would be uplifted with the revival of LDA.

New admission policy for medical colleges announced

The Sindh government, with the approval of Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and in consultation with coalition parties, announced the admission policy for medical colleges/universities in the province on Saturday.

Under the new policy, all reciprocal seats have been abolished and instead 45 seats have been reserved in two Dow University of Medical and Health Sciences and Sindh Medical College for the students of interior Sindh. Similarly, 20 seats have been reserved for students of Karachi in institutions of interior Sindh. Out of 45 seats, 12 seats have been allocated for students of the Hyderabad Board and 11 seats each have been allocated for students of Sukkur, Larkana and Mirpurkhas Boards.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Rs 2 billion subsidy on flour, says Sindh CM

LARKANA: Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that an amount of Rs. two billion subsidy under the Ramazan Package is being provided on flour throughout the province.

The 10 kg flour bag was being provided ar fixed rate Rs. 100. The ministers and advisers will supervise the distribution of atta in their respective areas so that the sugar can be provided on Utility Stores at fixed price Rs. 38 per kg while in open market, sugar will be sold at Rs 45 per kg. The chief minister said that 1,000 low cost houses will be constructed all over Sindh, hence, 500 houses each in Larkana/ Badin districts were being constructed and 40 houses were being constructed in Union Council Pir Bux Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bux Bhutto in order to provide the same houses to poor people.

In this regard, the govt land is available, then construction work will be started. The chief minister said that in hoarding case 50,000 fine will be imposed by magistrates and imprisonment will be given for six months.

He said that it will be ensured that the essential commodities of daily use were sold at fixed price, meanwhile, black marketing will not be tolerated at any cost and the quantity/requirement of Atta for every district will be increased accordingly.

On the occasion, District Coordination Officer, Larkana, Mohammad Jaffar Abbasi briefed the chief minister that at present 27,000 kg of sugar was available in Larkana. Provincial ministers Mohammad Ayaz Soomro, Agha Siraj Durani and Manzoor Ahmed Waan were also present on the occasion.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Chief Minister’s Enquiry Committee probes corruption in CMC hospital

LARKANA: July 23, 2009. Chief Minister’s inquiry team led by an enquiry Officer Dr. Abdul Karim Khawaja President Peoples Doctors Forums Sindh arrived at CMC Hospital Larkana for probing into the matter of corruption in the CMC Hospital funds Larkana, ghost employees, unauthorized, fake jobs and various embezzlements during the period of former Medical Superintendent Syed Mehboob Shah.On the occasion, Enquiry Officer Dr. Abdul Karim Khawaja held meeting with MS Larkana Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Siyal and collected all related documents, orders copies, list of ghost employees and others proofs.

While talking to this scribe Dr. Abdul Karim Khawaja said that the team was sent at CMC Hospital Larkana by Chief Minister Sindh Sayed Qaim Ali Shah to look into the matters of ghost employees and unauthorized appointments, which were made by Ex- MS Larkana. He told that he visited the civil hospital CMC Teaching Hospital, Shaikh Zaid Women and Children hospital units and met with doctors, Para Medical Staff and all stake holders regarding the inquiry matter.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Sindh Law and Local Government ministers meet US Counsel

LARKANA: July 16, 2009. (Nazir Siyal for PCP) Sindh Minister for Local Government Agha Siraj Ahmad Durani and Sindh Minister for Law Mohammed Ayaz Soomro held meeting with US Counsel for Economic Affairs Mary Elizabeth Madden and USAID Pakistan Associate Director Democracy & Health Katie McDonald at Kot Durnai Garhi Yaseen here on Wednesday.On the occasion Agha Siraj Durani showed them historical book collections in his personal Library and discussed various development and economic opportunities for the area.While Sindh Minister for local Government said that the renowned leader “Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto” was committed to the people of country regarding the provision of jobs to the youth and other opportunities to the people.

The government was providing job Opportunities in different departments on merit, while under the Presidents ordinance sacked employees of various departments including SSGC, Sui Northern Gas Company and other departments were being re-instated in their service, which is a great achievement in the part of present government.Addressing the inaugural ceremony at the meat and fish market at Garhi Yaseen Town with a cost Rs. 4 million, he said the local government after the August 14th Local government will appoint Administrators by replacing all Nazims throughout province and this process will end by 31st December 2009.He said that we are trying our best to provide basic facilities including roads, water Supply drainage, electricity, education and Health facilities in Garhi Yaseen Town along with 35 streets constructed with CC Blocks.

The local people were involved in various development works, so that they can take interest in the development of their areas, besides the workof drain Nalas of Garhi Yaseen Town is in progress and will be completed in due course of time.Agha Siraj Ahmad Khan Durani directed TMO Garhi Yaseen to remove the encroachments from both sides of roads under the Law, added that beautification plan for the town may be ensured at any cast in this regard alternate plot may be provided to the affectees.

On the occasion PPP Leader Nisar Ali Shaikh, Taluka Nazim Garhi Yaseen Najaf Ali Kamario PPP Taluka President Ghulam Rasool Siyal, Syed Aziz Ahmad Shah Amroti, Rahim Bux Bhutto, TMO Garhi Yaseen Mr.Abdul Hafeez Pirzado also spoke about the development schemes being carried out in Garhi Yaseen Taluka and appreciated the efforts of Sindh Minister for Local Government Agha Siraj Ahmad Khan Durani who is taken interest in completion of the development schemes in the area.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Shaheed Bhutto,s were great reformers in Pakistan: Shafqat Soomro

LARKANA: June 25, 2009. Chairman Sindh Peoples Development Committee and Senior Vice President Dr. Shafqat Hussain Soomro on Wednesday said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto were great reformers in the history of Pakistan, who wanted to end the feudal lord system in country and distributed hundred and thousand acres to landless Harees for poverty alleviation.

This he said while distributing the ceremony of Rs. 14000 Cheques each to the 108 women and men farmers of Larkana district by the Sindh Rural Support Organization here at Sambara Inn. On the occasion, SRSO Project Coordinator, Nisar Ahmed Pathan, District Program Officer Saeed Ahmed Buledi briefed about the SRSO loan about Rs. 2.5 million disbursements to check and supervise the agricultural development in the district and provision of seeds, pesticides, fertilizer to the 65 women and 43 landless male farmers of Larkana district.

Dr. Shafqat Soomro addressing the ceremony, said that there was no any development since long in Larkana, while the present government is keenly interested into resolve the matters of common people on priority level and they will be provided relief regarding the agricultural objectives he said.He said that they have provided more than 4500 jobs to the educated youth of Larkana and development of Larkana, added further development schemes and roads are underway in this regard he said.Dr. Shafqat said presently survival of Pakistan is due to the IMF loan and the government cannot withdraw the agriculture taxes including the water tax, Abiana and Dhall, added we have to stand on our own feet.

He said the conspiracies against the PPP government could not be materialized even in Larkana people, added that the UN probe into the assassination of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto will find out the facts behind her murder and those figures will be exposed very soon.On the occasion, Dr. Shafqat Soomro distributed cheques of worth 2.5 million among the 65 women and 43 men Harees of Larkana district.

Later, the SPDC Chairman attended the lunch hosted by ex-Principal CMC College Prof. Sikander Ali Shaikh, the other participants attended were among the District Zakat Chairman Mohammed Moosa Abro, PPP leader Nisar Ali Shaikh, PPP leader Suhail Siyal, President Press Club S. Iqbal Babu, Sr. Journalist Dr. M. B Kalhoro, PPP information Secretary Asghar Ali Shaikh, Kamran Odhano, Abdul Ghani Jatoi, Ex-Taluka Nazim Nazir Shaikh, Dr. Liaqat Ali Shiakh on the occasion, PPP leaders, Business community and large numbers of citizens were among the meeting.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Bilawal Bhutto visits Larkana City and Garhi Khuda Baksh




LARKANA: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid homage to his mother Shaheed
Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh Bhutto on Monday. He laid a
floral wreath at her grave and offered Fateha. He also visited the graves of
Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mir Murtaza Bhutto and Shaheed Shahnawaz
Bhutto, and laid floral wreathes there besides offering Fateha.He was
accompanied by Syed Khursheed Shah, Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza,
Khursheed Ahmed Junejo, Dr Shafqat Soomro and various PPP leaders and workers.
Bilawal stayed in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh Bhutto for some time and went to the
Naudero House where a large number of PPP leaders and workers congratulated him
on the resignation of Pervez Musharraf.

On the occasion, Bilawal told media persons that his mother always said,
"Democracy is the best revenge from a dictator and the people earned a victory over dictatorship."

He said Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life for the sake of democracy and the
country. He termed the PPP a democratic party and said his father would
accomplish the mission of his mother Benazir Bhutto. Earlier, Bilawal, along
with his companions, arrived at the Moen-Jo-Daro airport from Karachi. The PPP
leaders and workers accorded them a warm welcome and showered flowers on them.
He then proceeded to Garhi Khuda Bakhsh Bhutto in a procession.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

State Bank of Pakistan will start operation in Larkana.

LARKANA: May 8, 2009. (Nazir Siyal reports for PCP) State Bank of Pakistan will be opened soon in Larkana and operation camp office would start functioning with all its features and fascilities of currency exchange and export business for the people of Larkana and other districts.

This he discussed and said in a meeting with District Coordination Officer Larkana Mohammed Jaffer Abbasi by the Deputy Governor (DG)) State Bank of Pakistan Imran Shahzad here at DCO office on Friday.State Bank delegation including the Director SBP Qasim Nawaz, Chief Manager SBP Sajid Ali Shah, Munwer Ali, Abdul Hakim and others held meeting for the establishment of camp office of State Bank of Pakistan, which was announced by the Ex-Governor State Bank Shamshad Akhtar during her visit to Larkana.

DCO Lakana on the occasion appreciated the efforts of SBP delegation for the establishment of State Bank camp office, he directed Taluka Municpal Administration to immediately report municipal vacant areas/plots and proposed sites for the State Bank in Larkana.On the occasion DCO Larkana told that various locations including Sachal Colony, CMC VIP road side, Sambara Inn, in front the vacant areas of Central Prison, Old Bus Stand area, opposite Government Boys Degree College Larkana and other locations were identified and discussed the security points and business opportunities.

The State Bank officials said that the people of Larkana are fortunate and opportunity to explore their business all over the world after the opening of the branch.Later, the delegation of State Bank of Pakistan visited the proposed sites in Larkana and reviewed about the security areas and business opportunities.The meeting attended by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry representatives, EDO Larkana Agha, DDO (HR) Ameer Abro, DEO revenue Tariq Khokhar, TMO Larkana and others on the occasion. Whereas, the District Coordination Officer Larkana Mohammed Jaffer Abbasi presided over the gathering of Agriculture Department in connection with the Certificate Distribution ceremony under the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Youth Development program here at Circuit House on Friday.DCO Larkana said that young people should utilize their capacity after the technical training in the Farming and machinery.
He said the skill development will open their doors of Job opportunities in the market, so they should utilize their services and create an environment of skill development among all others.DCO Larkana distributed 92 completion certificates of Mechanical Trainings, Farming, nursery and other fields among the youths.

The event was attended by EDO Agriculture Tharoo Mal, DO, Agricultural, DDO forest and several youths on the occasion.Meanwhile, Larkana Blood Bank and Thalassaemia (LBBT) center working under the umbrella of The Blessing Foundation (TBF) in Sukkur and Larkana, has appealed the common men to come forward and voluntarily to donate blood for the thaelaesmic patients. This was said in a press statement issued by the organization here on the eve of International Thaelessmia day.The organization is providing services in the field of Blood transfusion related diseases including Thalaessemia, Hemophilia and Leukemia and other aspects. The LBB/TBF has served 1300 blood pints to the poor patients of interior Sindh. Larkana Blood Bank and Thalassaemia arrange weekly/monthly blood donation camps at different locations of district for collecting fresh blood to save the lives of Thallasaemic patients. Qurat-ul-Ain the project coordinator and administrator of the LBB/TBF told that the organization providing free of cost monthly blood to all Thaelassemic patients on priority basis as per to the requirement and need basis.

She said about 300 Thalassaemic patients are registered, while 24 hour emergency screening of blood with cross matching and other vaccination, tests including HIV/AIDS, HBV, HCV, Malarial Parasite, Blood related Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) with Blood transfusion services provided to the patients of Larkana, Qamber– Shahdad kot, Jacobabad, Dadu and other concerned districts as well as other parts of Balochistan she told.She has appealed to the people to come forward to help needy people; they are suffering from various illnesses, support the institution and take part in the blood donation voluntary services.She urged the people of civil society, business community, traders, philanthropists and the citizens for the blood donations for thaelesmia patients to promote healthy environment in Larkana district.