The need for security measures has found a new use for this cola bottle here in Karachi, where the top edge of the walls are often fixed with sharp broken glass to prevent easy scaling.

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Though, as always, little late but Sindh gov. finally has moved and according to GEO TV “SHOs of 12 police stations have immediately been suspended here on Tuesday after the police failed in controlling the tense situation continuing in the city for the last three days”. Dont know if this is done as per competency or political affiliation but all we can do is hope . . .  read more

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Image courtesy : Tariq Khanani

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Breaking News

News tickers at different channels have started appearing that pillion riding has been banned in Karachi. Also, public and private school and colleges will also remain closed.

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Just after the attacks in Mumbai Indian leadership started (their media jumping 10 steps ahead) pointing fingers at us, specifically Karachi. In his TV address their top man warned of consequences if appropriate measures not taken (”there would be a cost if suitable measures are not taken“). I take his words very seriously since I trust Indian leadership more than my own, when it comes to words. Though majority sees the current situation in city in an ethnic context, is there anyone who is willing to give a thought to an outside plan? Yes, I know its way too early so that’s why it’s a question. Any media report etc. especially if anyone was caught by police for interrogation? Are they starting the ignition and our people following innocently/deliberately?

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In the last few days, there had been reports of Pakhtuns being targetted in various parts of the city. Needless to say ethnic violence had to follow as seen last night. MQM cites Talibanisation as reason enough to evict Pakhtuns from Karachi. However, a sudden realization of the threat the Pakhtun community poses is suspicious.

Karachi is the trade hub of the country, and as any economist will tell you, when an urban centre is developed without enough attention to rural or even semi urban areas, rural-urban migration is only natural. Karachi thus attracts a number of migrants from not only the N.W.F.P, but all over the country. This migrant population then assimilates into the workforce and over the years has become an integral economic force in the city.

The Pakhtuns too have become an indispensable part of Karachi. Not only do they control most of the public transportation system, but a majority of cobblers, tea hotel owners, construction labourers happen to be Pakhtuns. Read more

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It is being reported from various parts of Karachi that there are wide spread riots in the city, as of last count Dawn has reported that there are eight people dead and over 77 injured.

Areas affected were Orangi Town, Banaras, Orangi Town, Quaidabad, North Karachi and Nazimabad. The resulting panic led to traffic jams in different parts of the city

In Nazimabad area, miscreants forced shopkeepers to close down markets whereas rumours led shopkeepers in Light House, Zainab Market and Jama Cloth Market to close up. While the Pakistan Rangers have dispatched 45 mobiles to different troubled areas, while the city police is operating on an emergency basis.

In a high level meeting with the ruling coalition running the province has issued strict shoot-to-kill orders to the police force. At the same time its ironic to note that with chaos in the city the electronic media has maintained a strange silence, except a few scarce reports, probably coaxed into submission ‘for the benefit of the country’ Karachi Stay Safe Follow twitter hashtag #Karachi for the latest updates

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 There are reports of heavy exchange of firing between two groups at Soharaab Goth and a bomb blast on a pushcart near Bakra Mundi. Reports of unrest and violence in different parts of the city. Shops and markets are reported to have been closed in Aziz Abad, Gulburg, parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal (near Abul Hasan Asphani Road) are reported to have been closed earlier then usual. While since 12:30 am we have been hearing heavy firing with intervals coming from a distance here in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

What’s surprises me is that none of the local news channels are reporting any of it.

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If we recall that last month there were countrywide protests against the rising cost of electricity which ultimately resulted in an announcement by the Federal Govt to reduce the tariff, instructing all consumers to deposit 60% of the bill for the month of October. It seems that KESC has this month included the arrears of 40 per cent back again in this months electricity bills. Your comments and reaction to this reversal in decision in light of the crushing economy

Read more: The Nation

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hello folks,

in these tense times, it is seldom that an event of recreation comes along and when it does, we are rarely notified well in time. well my friends, you might want to check out The Forum mall on Friday, November 28, 2008 from 6:00pm onwards.

Zeb & Haniya would be performing live alongwith the boys from Co-ven and ADP.

it sure is going to be a good break from hectic evening lives to enjoy some nice grooves from the female duo that’s been making waves across the country and beyond.

cheers!

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Image courtesy : Navaid Raza

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Our brave media recently went mum again and since there was again no official reason/confirmation/notice/press release ETC. every tom dick and harry has his chance to jump in for a comment. I avoided it for few days merely because i had absolutely no idea. But now, as time passes, and as it is always the case, guess who came out behind the curtain . . . . . again . . . . Read more

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Fourth International Book Fair will be held from 26th to 30th December, 2008 at Karachi Expo Center (Hall 1, 2 & 3). This event is arranged by The Pakistan Publishers and Booksellers Association.

Start Time: Friday, December 26, 2008 at 12:00pm
End Time: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 11:00pm
Location: Karachi Expo Center, Main University Road Near Civic Center.

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Yesterday our President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari chaired a high level meeting to decide that Karachi’s local administration should start registering all people coming to Karachi, as well as tenants of the city, at police stations and adopt better and modern methods for making the city more secure. The directive is an effort to enhance the security of Karachi.

While today Governor Sindh Ishrat ul Ibad was actually more direct and mentioned that this effort is to control the influx of immigrants specially coming from the NWFP and FATA areas. Some how this new decision seems to have been to appease the MQM lobby in its recent surge to de-Talibanize Pathanization Karachi

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