KARACHI: Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar in order to implement Urban Rebuilding Plan under which high rises would be constructed at vacant plots of old Martin and Clayton quarters and Jahangir Quarters, has decided to sign Memorandum of Understanding with Federal Ministry of Housing and Works.

This emerged in meeting interim Chief Minister held with interim Ministry of Housing and Works through video link. Secretary of Housing and Works Dr Shahzad Bangash along with his team participated in meeting through video link from Islamabad. CM was assisted by Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, Chairman P&D Shakil Mangnejo, Secretary Local Government Manzoor Shaikh, DG P&D Asad Zamin and others.

Baqar said that he has worked out an urban rejuvenation/rebuilding plan under which high-rise plazas would be constructed at empty plots of Matrin, Clayton, Jahangir Quarters and Pakistan Quarters which are in dilapidated condition.

Justice (retd) Baqar said that these old quarters were established over an area of 240 acres at junction of District East and District Central. He added that after shifting of Capital in 1959, no proper maintenance of quarters has been made by federal government.

It was pointed out that federal employees on their retirement did not vacate official accommodation. Their next generations and some other people have encroached upon open spaces around houses.

He said that key objective of urban rejuvenation project was to improve housing conditions, improve infrastructure and public services, increase economic activity in areas and create new jobs and economic opportunities.

Federal Secretary for Housing shared similar plan and finally, it was agreed upon that MOU should be signed between Sindh government and federal government so that project could be carried forward.

Interim CM directed his team to prepare draft for MOU and share it with federal government so that it could be signed within next two weeks.

Meanwhile, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar released dove-symbol of peace, love and hope to inaugurate `Jawidan’ Art Exhibition at Pakistan National Council of Art.  

Work of leading sculptors and painters including Hussain Baqar son of caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice Maqbool Baqar was exhibited which reflected Indus Civilisation and Gandhara Art.

Emerging sculptor Hussain Baqar exhibited sculpture of Budha. He told Baqar that sculpture of Budha signified enlightenment, path to enlightenment, serenity, detachment, concentration, wisdom and benevolence.

In exhibition, Sidhartha was sitting and earthen lamps were lit around him. Siddhartha Gautama is referred to as Budha.

In art exhibition seals, pottery, terracotta figures and other forms made by emerging artists were also put on exhibition.  Interim CM said that our art, culture and civilisation were rich in world. He added that we must organise such an exhibition so that message of love, co-existence, plural society, science and technology could be disseminated in world.

On other hand he said that Karachi International Container Terminal, stakeholder of Karachi Port Trust plays pivotal role as cornerstone of nation’s trade activities, serving as vital link for both exports and imports. Consul General of China Yang Yundong and KPT Chairman Syed Syedain Raza Zaidi as well as various representatives from industry attended event.

Speaking at Hutchison Ports KICT’s celebration of achieving milestone of handling 15 million TEUS here at West Wharf Justice Baqar said that Hutchison Ports KICT’s marked quarter-century and achieved significant milestone of handling 15 million TEUS. He added that recognised for its pivotal role at crossroads of global trade routes, KICT has become vital hub, fostering economic growth and contributing significantly to nation’s revenue.

He expressed confidence in KICT’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s maritime industry and applauded its contributions to Karachi’s resurgence as gateway to East. Andy Tsoi Managing Director of Middle East and Africa at Hutchison Ports highlighted KICT’s journey, stating, “Strategic location of KICT, coupled with an enduring commitment to operational efficiency has positioned it as beacon of reliability in global trade landscape. Our handling of 15 million TEUs is not just numerical milestone, it’s testament to our commitment to service excellence, innovation and sustainability.”

\KICT, beyond celebrating its historical milestone announced community support initiative by pledging assistance to SOS Village and The Citizen’s Foundation. KICT remains dedicated to further development, innovation and community engagement, ensuring promising future for Pakistan’s maritime sector.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 18 2024

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