at the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s Secretariat (www.mohtasib.gov.pk). After a long (and arduous?) battle, the powers that be have finally made some headway into who will be ‘accepting’ complaints from the general public regarding the public utilities. For the longest time, they couldn’t figure out if the mohtasib should take the complaints or if NEPRA and OGRA do it on their own. They’ve even taken it online and have forms available from the website for download.

The Ombudsman can address complaints on billing, defective meters, electricity connections, low voltage and defective transformers to name a few

However, dont be surprised if action is, yet again, not taken in a timely fashion. Interdepartment or inter-agency cooperation is not something we are known for, and it takes months or even years for a complaint to be fixed.

For example, one case against KESC took two years to solve. Despite repeated reminders, KESC failed to produce billing details and data for comparison. It also failed to produce any inspection reports or evidence showing commercial use of electricity but in the end the Ombudsman’s office concluded that the supplementary bill it issued had not been done according to the proper rules.

Source: Dailytimes

Update: thankyou rukun for the URL correction.

” Society can survive with kufr (infidelity), but not injustice “ CJP quoting Hazrat Ali (credits : IntelliBriefs) (Image Credit : DAWN )

Lawyers from Karachi like all over Pakistan were jubilant on Friday & Saturday (overall & especially in the context of May 12 & Mano Bheel case pending in SHC) & why not. For the first time in history SC has acted like a real court & pounded a big punch at the face of establishment. While the decision is indeed historic & memorable it must be kept in mind that this was the beginning of the journey & not the end, as few may consider.

Regarding Sindh/Karachi I wont be surprised if we read Arbab Rahim felt his clothes wet after he heard the SC decision but an honest suggestion from my side is to save his remaining *** & fully assist the judiciary in its matters. Same is advised to MQM. Poor Altaf bhai was dragged by ARMY to act from its side on May 12 & if PPP comes into power (yeah, they are hungry like all others for long time now) & we see 90′s situation it will only be a strong judiciary which can save it form the wrath of the likes of Naseerullah Babar.
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Here it is. The 100th WIK.
I had to trim the edges to eliminate all identification marks of the place where it located.

Guesses?

Today at The Second Floor it was Ardeshir Cowasjee, invited as the honorable guest to talk about the glory days of Karachi. At the age of almost 81 the man young at heart, bold and out spoken and lively as a newly wedded groom talked about the Karachi he knew.
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There was a bomb threat at Park Towers, Clifton, a while ago. A 10-kg bomb was recovered from one of the cars parked outside. Henna has covered that in detail here.

As a result of the bomb threat, though, the Harry Potter launch ceremony which had been scheduled for 04:00 a.m. July 21 (tonight) at Park Towers has been cancelled. The Liberty Books outlet there will open up at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, and the book will be sold “unceremoniously.”

*bursts into tears*

Rangers are here and there, everywhere. The city’s on high alert. Two bombs were found at the Park Towers Mall. Two bombs, five kilograms each. It’s weekend and everyone must have made a beeline for the solitary mall near the beach. I’m aghast, it just feels like being violated. Karachi has always been critical when it comes to security but bombs in the mall? Honestly, it feels like I’m loosing this city once again to the hate and violence.
Things have just begun piling here. A man was shot in the leg at Gulistan-e-Jauhar, two political parties were celebrating CJ’s victory. The happiness got the guns blasting. We shoot when we are happy. We shoot when we want to fight. Another man was killed near Sabzi Mandi a few days back for two lakh rupees. The took the money and shot the father of two. My own car’s window has been smashed to pieces for the stereo.
I try to find humour in this situation, there is none. I honestly try to find some hope, any shred of optimism but the city’s sinking into despair all over again.

having just returned from the premiere of shoaib mansoor’s new movie, khuda kay liye – something the alarmists were advising against, what with the security threats and all – i can safely say the public needn’t worry about getting killed by suicide bombers blowing themselves up during the movie. the sight of the dirty premises might kill you though.
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Our police is finally feeling the heat coming from capital. Police stations in Karachi have been asked to close their gates & take stringent measures to avoid any suicidal attempts especially after what happened at the outer circle of Karachi near hub.

An email forwarded at Proud-Pakistani email list has forced me to revise my plan for the movie Khuda Ke Liye but a friend of mine is going this eve. The events outside this city are indeed effecting this city as well at least mentally. Currently there is a lot of confusion among people on who is actually behind all this. While media has gone into hibernation due to dunda majority thinks fanatics are behind it (i strongly oppose because fanatics cannot even do normal talks properly damn it!, there are some cool head, genius minds behind to scare a million Army men, don’t you agree?) but a another group thinks its all yet another of the great ISI drama’s. For our agencies completion of the project from GHQ is important then poor men & women’s life. Many thanks to GOD’s that Karachi is still safe but history tell us that things can change fast here so none of us should take any chance. This is indeed true if you think the evil-drama is official.

This news makes one wonder who will guard our police if it become a target?. We may well see Rangers guarding police for the first time in worst case scenario. In such a case who will be protecting us?, The Lord ?

If Karachi had its own superhero, who would it be? Spiderman? Superman? Batman? Daredevil? Or a more localised pathan bus conductor? How would he navigate? What would be his secret weapon?

Let your imagination go wild.

* Image Credit: The Hindu

Today, more so than most days, I enjoyed my drive to work, The city just looked cleaner, not as hot, less problems in general. Or maybe it was my state of mind. The first point I should mention about my way to work was that I took a rickshaw. Yes, a rickshaw, and I was able to think! Thats all thanks to brand new Green CNG rickshaws that are hitting the streets in increased numbers.

Only the day before I had seen 2 on the streets! I guess the governments subsidization plan is really working afterall! This rickshaw driver was so happy and proud of his new CNG Rickshaw. He commented on the build of it, how it was stronger in comparison to the flimsy old rickshaws. He smiled and pointed to his ear and said, listen no annoying racket from the loud muffler.
The noise reduction alone made for a much more comfortable ride, as I said, I was able to think for the first time on a rickshaw.
He then mentioned how less of a pollutant it was, and that it is so much better for the environment!

Throughout the journey, on 2 occasions, individuals at stop lights came out of their cars and asked the driver how he likes the new rickshaw, one even circled it commenting on how nice it was.

I asked him the price and his response was rather surprising; he said “thanks to the government and Musharef who has helped subsidize this rickshaw for me, I can really enjoy my livelyhood now”

I looks like the driver has gotten a fresh haircut, a new rickshaw and a great new confidence on the road, knowing that the government actually helped him out, and now he’s become quite the center of attention to curious motorists and somewhat a symbol of jealousy to others still driving the old rickshaws.

It was a pleasant journey, and I for one, like today, will bypass 6 other rickshaws to get my hands on a CNG rickshaw to ride.
It just makes things that much more pleasant while on the road to work.

Have great day!