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Only 18 out of 32 CDGK fire tenders
used in dousing operations
Thursday, December 31, 2009
By Qadeer Tanoli
Karachi
Only 18 of the 32 fire tenders of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) could be used in dousing operations in Boulton Market and nearby wholesale markets, as the other 14 fire tenders were in disrepair, The News has learnt.
Sources said that some six months ago, the fire department was to add 13 refurbished fire tenders to its fleet, thereby taking the total number of fire tenders to 43. This could not happen, sources said, and the fire department currently has only 32 fire tenders.
The need for working fire tenders was fulfilled by seven fire tenders of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), three from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), one from Port Qasim Authority (PQA) and a few other fire tenders from other agencies. Similarly, five fire tenders from the Hyderabad city government also participated in the rescue operation.
A total of three snorkels of the fire department and one from the Hyderabad city government also participated in the rescue operation, but one snorkel fell out of order minutes after the start of the dousing and rescue operation.
Sources said that the first fire tender which reached the spot had a minimal capacity of carrying water, and this was barely enough for any sort of rescue operation.
The actual rescue operation started at 6.00pm on the day of the incident, when the fire had already spun out of control, sources claimed.
One of the sources argued that the affected place should have been cordoned off for speedy rescue operations, claiming that the attacks on the fire fighters by the public made rescue operations almost impossible. “The problem was that the public started attacking fire fighters,” said a source. “After the scuffle with some hooligans, I searched for my hammer, but then we realised that those who attacked us had taken four of our hammers with them,” he said.
There were other lacunas highlighted during the fire incident: the fire departments of different agencies had no incident command system (ICS) to communicate with each other ñ a requirement during major fire fighting operations. The ICS includes a comprehensive communication system, logistic support and coordination amongst the stakeholders concerned.
No command post had been established at the place of the incident, and as a result, information could not be centrally gathered and disbursed. Sources said that more than 1,000 fire fighters were busy in rescue operations, but were not equipped with handheld wireless sets.
Most personnel relied on their personal cellular phones to contact their superiors during the operation, sources said, adding that despite repeated demands, fire fighters are not being provided with wireless sets. “That is the reason that there seemed a complete disorder when someone wanted to contact a colleague during the rescue operation,” sources said.
Sources said that cellular phones are not deemed reliable when fire fighters are busy in any operation, as cellular signals vary from place to place, and the use of water may also damage the phone sets.
sources said.
“Fire fighters internationally are always equipped with handheld wireless, but despite the fact that these sets are easily available in the local market at Rs20,000 each, they are not being provided to the fire fighters,”
Besides not being equipped with safety gears, sources said, the fire fighters have also not been provided with a meal during the prolonged operation that started on December 28, and continues till the filing of this report. Sources said that a welfare organisation had provided meals to them, albeit irregularly, as part of its welfare activities.
Sources said that a lack of coordination amongst different departments was another factor behind the slower operation of the fire department, as even the debris was removed by fire fighters themselves.
Funeral prayers held amid tight security
by Salman Siddiqui
Tuesday, 29 Dec, 2009
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Thousands of mourners attend the funeral of five bomb blast victims in Karachi's M.A. Jinnah Road.-Photo by Faysal Mujeeb
Home
Terror strikes home again
AFTERMATH
Terror strikes home again
KARACHI: Thousands of mourners attended the funeral prayers of five victims of Monday’s suicide blast at a ceremony on Tuesday afternoon on the main street of M.A. Jinnah road’s Numaish area.
Security arrangements remained tight with police and Rangers setting up several checkpoints near the entry points. The inner ring of the ceremony was manned by the Boy Scout brigades.
Ahead on the same road, smoke from the fire which raged all night in the city was still visible. Fire fighters remained busy in dousing out the remaining flames even on Tuesday morning. Shop keepers could be seen surveying the damage done to their property.
Despite the deadly blast, the toll of which reached 40 on last count, there was a large turnout at the funeral ceremony and the clerics addressing the gathering claimed that this in itself was a show of defiance to the terrorists.
Many participants, including women, reached the venue on foot because of lack of transport. Almost all public buses remained off the street. However, some rickshaws and taxis were available, but were charging twice the normal fare.
Apart from prominent Shia Ulema, representatives of political parties, including the MQM, PPP and ANP attended the event. Dr Abdus Sattar led the MQM delegation; social worker Sattar Edhi not only offered the prayers side by side with the mourners, but also arranged ambulances in which the bodies of the victims were brought to the venue and later taken to the graveyard, Wadi-e-Hussain.
Before the start of the funeral prayers, clerics told the audience that the perpetrators of Monday’s attack were ‘not from among us’. They warned that certain elements wanted to stoke sectarian tensions in the city and the country, and urged their followers to thwart any such designs. The crowd responded with slogans of “Amreeka Murdabad” and “Israel Na Manzoor”.
The funeral prayers were offered after Zuhrain at around 2.30pm which were led by Maulan Taqi Shah. Buses had been arranged to take the mourners to the graveyard. The bodies were taken to their final destination in the form of a procession, comprising a large number of people on motorbikes, private cars and buses.
Karachi tragedy: funeral prayers of 6 martyrs offered
Updated at: 1450 PST, Tuesday, December 29, 2009
KARACHI: The funeral prayers for six martyrs of Yaum-e-Ashur suicide blast in the main mourning procession yesterday, have been offered in Mehfil Shah Khurasan at Numaish, Geo News reported Tuesday.
The Shiite ulema from across the country attended the funeral prayers amid massive security arrangements on the occasion. Maulan Taqi Shah led the prayers.
The participants were urged to stay peaceful on this occasion.
Also, the volunteers of Pasban-e-Aza and scouts besides police and the Rangers were deployed to guard off any untoward incident. The prayers participants were allowed entry only after the through physical search.
The people in large number arrived at Mehfil Shah Khurasan on foot, as there was no transportation available in the city.
According to reports, the most of the deceased would be laid to rest in Vadi-e-Hussain cemetery situated at Super Highway.
Geo reporter Fahim’s son, niece laid to rest
Updated at: 1445 PST, Tuesday, December 29, 2009
KARACHI: Geo News Senior Reporter Fahim Siddiqui’s son and niece have been laid to rest amid grief-filled sobs and sighs, Geo News reported Tuesday.
The funeral prayers for Siddiqui’s son Bazil Siddiqui and niece Anzalna were offered at Masjid Faiz of New Karachi sector 5-1. People in large number including the family, relatives, provincial ministers, friends attended the prayers.
It should be mentioned that both the children were martyred in a suicide blast in main Ashura procession on MA Jinnah Road. Fahim himself is under treatment at a private hospital.
Karachi market fire still raging
Updated at: 1230 PST, Tuesday, December 29, 2009
KARACHI: The fire on Bolton Market buildings lighted by the enraged people after the suicide blast in central mourning procession, could not be extinguished thus far, Geo News reported Tuesday.
The intense fire caused a potion of the affected building to fall down.
Following the suicide blast yesterday on tenth of Muharramul Haram in the central mourning procession, the over 1100 shops, godowns and offices were gutted.
Also, three banks and over 70 vehicles around MA Jinnah Road were torched.
The inferno at Bolton Market was brought under control after continuous efforts lasting for four hours; however, the blaze soon raged again after some moments. The clouds of smoke are still seen hovering over the markets including Bolton Market.
Meanwhile, a part of two-storey building caved in due to the intense fire. The low-intensity explosions are being heard even today owing to the chemicals housed at some shops.
The security personnel stationed there are trying to keep people off the affected sites.
Meantime, two more vehicles have been set ablaze in Korangi and Pehalwan Goth today’s morning.
KARACHI: Karachi shut down Tuesday to mourn at least 43 people killed in a suicide bombing at a Shia procession on their holiest day.
Monday's blast sparked riots in Pakistan's largest city where angry mourners went on the rampage, throwing stones at ambulances, torching cars and shops and firing bullets into the air, sparking appeals for calm.
“The death toll has risen to 43 and there are more than 60 people who were wounded,” said Saghir Ahmed, health minister of the southern Sindh province of which Karachi is capital.
Investigators said the upper part of the bomber had been retrieved from the blast site, the busy Mohammad Ali Jinnah road where several wholesale markets of plastic goods and other merchandise are situated.
“The explosion ripped his legs off but the upper part of his body remained intact with his head. The bomber used 16 kilograms of highly explosive material in his attack,” said bomb disposal official Munir Shaikh.
Firefighters struggled throughout the night to extinguish a fire at the nearby markets that was set ablaze by angry mourners, as stunned vendors waited helplessly for an opportunity to salvage anything left.
An AFP reporter said the area was littered with abandoned sandals, water bottles, lunch boxes and charred wreckage of cars and buses. Traffic was thin because the government announced a day of mourning.
The bomber blew himself up alongside Pakistan's main parade for Ashura when Shias mourn the death of Imam Hussein.
Mohammad Hanif, a plastic toys vendor, told AFP outside his ruined shop that the bombing had robbed him of his livelihood.
“Terrorists have not only killed people attending the procession, but they killed us and our families who depended on this shop,” Hanif said, tears in his eyes.
Karachi Mayor Mustafa Kamal said losses could run into millions of rupees and said the government would do everything to compensate traders.
“The losses are huge. We will try to compensate people as much as we can with the help of federal and provincial governments,” Kamal told AFP.
Sindh police chief Salahuddin Babar Khattak said a special investigation team had been set up to probe the bombing.
Preparations to bury the dead were in progress with funeral prayers scheduled later Tuesday.
Karachi tragedy toll rises to 43
Updated at: 1335 PST, Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Karachi tragedy toll rises to 43 KARACHI: The death toll in the suicide blast yesterday at the mourning procession taken out in connection with Yaum-e-Ashur rose to 43, Geo News reported Tuesday.
According to Secretary Health Syed Hashim Raza Zaidi, there are at least 40 bodies at Civil Hospital, two in Jinnah Hospital and a body is present at Agha Khan Hospital.
Meantime, day of mourning is being observed today across the province in connection with the MA Jinnah Road tragedy that occurred yesterday in the central mourning procession taken out to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A.)
All the commercial hubs of the city are closed today. However, the stock market is open. Transport is absolutely absent from the roads. A mini-bus has been torched in Gulistan-e-Jauhar today’s morning.
The schools are closed owing to the winter vacations. Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, after visiting the injured at Jinnah Hospital last night, announced public holiday for today. Therefore, the education institutions, offices and the roads are presenting a deserted look.
The fire on Bolton Market buildings lighted by the enraged people after the suicide blast in central mourning procession, could not be extinguished thus far. While, more vehicles were called from Hyderabad to assist the firefighters here.
Saddar Alliance President Faheem Noori said the loss worth at least Rs20 to 30 billion has hitherto been estimated; while, 1500 to 3000 shops have been gutted.
Karachi violence: loss worth Rs30b estimated
Updated at: 1028 PST, Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Karachi violence: loss worth Rs30b estimated KARACHI: The loss in the incidents of blazes and violence following the suicide blast in Yaum-e-Ashur procession yesterday has been estimated at Rs30 billion, Geo News reported Tuesday.
Talking to Geo News, Alliance Market Chairman Attique Mir said at least 80 percent shops were torched due to the unavailability of the fire brigade staff and negligence on the part of government.
He said at least 2000 shops were set ablaze, adding the ruination of these shops is hugely detrimental to the country’s economy.
All Pakistan Memon Federation Association President Ahmed Chinnai demanded the government to pay damages for the losses suffered in the wake of yesterday’s blast.
He said the meeting of traders’ brethren has been called at 3pm today at Chamber of Commerce and Industry to put together the estimates of the losses.
The funeral prayers for Rangers personnel Abdur Razzaq, who laid down his life while intercepting the suicide bomber, have been offered at Polo Ground in Karachi. Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad and other high-ups attended the funeral.
Several laid to rest as Karachi blast toll rises to 43
Tuesday, 29 Dec, 2009
A security official arrives at the scene after a suicide bomb attack on a procession of Shias commemorating Ashura in Karachi, December 28, 2009. — Reuters
Provinces
Sindh shuts down, mourns Karachi catastrophe
KARACHI: Many of the victims from yesterday’s suicide attack in Karachi were laid to rest after highly emotional scenes were witnessed at their funeral prayers in Karachi.
Thousands of mourners gathered at the Shah-i-Khurasan where prayers were offered for six among the victims on Tuesday, a day after a suicide bomber killed 40 people and triggered a city-centre riot.
Prominent scholars on the occasion called on the people to remain united and not allow what they called a handful of trouble-makers to divide their ranks.
The scholars said there was an American and Jewish conspiracy to trigger a confrontation between Shia and Sunni Muslims and both communities must stand united.
After the funeral prayers, the bodies were taken away to various graveyards for burial.
Meanwhile, the provincial Home Department said security was beefed-up across Sindh to avert any incidents of violence.
Shop owners were surveying gutted premises and security forces were patrolling the nearly empty streets in Karachi.
The bombing of the Shia procession underscored multiple security challenges facing Pakistan at a volatile time for embattled President Asif Ali Zardari.
The government launched a security crackdown last October against al-Qaeda-linked Taliban militants in their tribal strongholds in northwest Pakistan and retaliatory bombings since have killed hundreds of people across Pakistan.
Karachi Mayor Syed Mustafa Kamal told Reuters the death toll had risen to at least 42, with dozens of injured still in hospitals.
“We have arrested some people and are investigating,” Karachi police chief Waseem Ahmed told Reuters.
“According to our initial investigation, the suicide bomber was aged between 18 and 20, and he used 8-9 kilograms of explosives.”
He said at least 500 shops and nine buildings had been set ablaze in the aftermath of the attack.
The attack may have just been part of a series of bombings designed to spread panic or an attempt to ignite sectarian violence to pile more pressure on security forces.
“It is clear that the terrorists are very well organised. They want to destabilise the country,” said Anjum Naqvi, who was part of the bombed procession.
Transport idle, shops closed
The provincial government of Sindh, of which Karachi is the capital, declared a public holiday, though banks and the stock market remained open. Public transport was out of service and most shops and petrol pumps were shut after religious and political parties called for a day of mourning.
“Our office and the whole building is completely burnt. Everything has been destroyed,” said Saleem Khan, who runs a car rental business along what is normally a busy road.
A spokesman for the paramilitary rangers, Major Aurangzeb, said his forces were “on 100 per cent deployment and will take every possible step to maintain peace”.
Some grieved before attending funerals, which can be risky — militants have bombed funerals for their victims, usually in the northwest. Others said their lives had been shattered.
“I know it's a huge loss for the families of those who were killed. But what about our families? We are alive and have lost everything,” said Muhammad Shams, owner a shop which makes plastic.
A teeming city of 18 million, Karachi has a long history of ethnic and factional violence, although it has been spared the brunt of Taliban attacks over the past couple of years.
Investors have factored in the violence. But sustained troubles could hurt financial markets in an economy in virtual recession. The stock market opened over one per cent lower.
In Monday's bloodshed, the assailant blew himself up at a march by thousands of people marking the climax of Ashura, the Shia calendar's biggest event, despite heavy security.
The attack was the third in as many days in Karachi.
“Karachi is the heart of the country and any incident here does have a negative impact on investor sentiment,” said Mohammed Sohail, chief executive of brokerage Topline Securities.
Aside from al-Qaeda linked militants bent on toppling his government, the president is also under political pressure.
Some of Zardari's closest aides and thousands of members of his party could face renewed corruption charges which could weaken him further at a time when the United States is pushing his government for tougher action against militants. — ReutersDawnNews
Rs 30-35bn go up in smoke as riots erupt after blast
By Moonis Ahmed
KARACHI: Violence erupted after the blast targeting a Muharram procession and resulted in an estimated loss of “Rs 30-35 billion”, with more than 3,000 shops gutted in flames that were brought under control 24 hours after the rampage.
The attack on Monday sparked riots as furious mourners went on a rampage – throwing stones at ambulances, torching cars and buildings and reducing shops to charred wreckage. Police and paramilitary troops had to resort to aerial firing to disperse angry mobs.
Representatives of businessmen told Daily Times that losses suffered as a result of violence and a fire – which was started by rioters at nearby markets – had been estimated at “Rs 30-Rs 35 billion ... they may be more but not less”.
“At least 80 percent shops [in nearby markets] were completely burnt because of a lack of firefighters and the government’s negligence,” Attique Mir – chairman of the Alliance Market Association – told Daily Times, and put the number of shops set ablaze in his market at 2,000. He demanded the government pay damages for losses suffered in the wake of blast.
Jameel Paracha – chairman of the Old City Area Traders’ Association – said at least 3,000 shops in Bolton Market – Asia’s largest wholesale market – were set ablaze during the riots in city.
However, the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) said the total number of shops affected by the fire was 2,000.
Meanwhile, the Sindh government has decided to undertake a survey to assess the actual loss of life and property in the blast and the subsequent violence. The provincial government is also considering compensating families of those killed or injured. Special directives have already been given to the Sindh Home Department.
KCCI President Abdul Majid Haji Muhammad said the chamber was conducing a survey on the losses suffered by businessmen – findings of which would be conveyed to the government for compensation.
He said Interior Minister Rehman Malik had assured the KCCI that losses would be compensated. He said the prime minister would visit Karachi and announce a compensation package for businessmen soon.
Muhammad Mansha Churra – acting president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry – said enraged citizens in various parts of the provincial capital set scores of shops and vehicles on fire. “These people want to disrupt the peaceful environment of Karachi and do not want to see trading prosper,” he said, adding that the government must immediately compensate traders for their losses.
Razzak Hashim Paracha, chairman of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, also called on the government to compensate businessmen, and said the government should form a committee of business representatives to evaluate the losses in Karachi. He lamented that previous commitments for compensation had not been fulfilled by the government.
In addition, transportation of goods from industrial units to ports was also affected in the wake of the attack, as transporters suspended operations for fear of arson and looting.
16-kg C4 explosives used in Ashura attack
KARACHI – Khursheed Abbasi: The death tally, in suicide blast at the mourning procession in connection with Ashura – 10th Muharram, has mounted to 40 people while as many as another 95 unfortunate persons sustained wounds here at MA Jinnah Road in Karachi on Monday, Geo news reported.
According to MLO Civil Hospital Dr. Karrar Hussain, a total number of 38 dead bodies have been deposited at hospital so far.
The blast struck the city’s main Ashura procession when the suicide bomber blew himself up near Light House at MA Jinnah Road, killing initially at least 32 people and wounding 80 more.
More than 400 shops and over 50 vehicles were set on fire by the enraged mob in different parts of the metropolis.
KARACHI: At least 40 people were killed and scores of people wounded on Monday after a powerful blast ripped through Karachi’s main Ashura procession at MA Jinnah Road.
Sindh Health Minister Dr. Saghir Ahmed confirmed Geo that 20 people were martyred in the blast.
The blast triggered stampede and panic among the mourners, who pelted stones at the police vehicles. Some eyewitnesses said they have heard some gunshots on the occasion.
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Light House building on fire
Updated at: 1735 PST, Monday, December 28, 2009
KARACHI: A building in Light House area of Karachi caught fire in the wake of blast in the front part of the Central mourning procession that just arrived in front of Denso Hall, Geo News reported Monday.
According to Rescue sources, there are reports that some people are still trapped in the building.
However, the Law enforcement agencies and fire-tenders arrived on the spot and cordoned off the buildings. The fire-fighters started the operation.
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Bomb at Shi'ite procession in Pakistan kills 15
28 Dec 2009 12:27:14 GMT
Source: Reuters
(For full coverage of Pakistan, click on [ID:nAFPAK])
* Attacks in commercial capital over 3 days
* Struggle against al Qaeda-linked militants
* History of sectarian attacks (Recasts with death toll)
By Faisal Aziz
KARACHI, Dec 28 (Reuters) - A suicide bomber attacked a Shi'ite Muslim procession in Pakistan's commercial capital Karachi on Monday, killing at least 15 people, police said.
The attack on a Shi'ite march, the third in Pakistan's biggest city in as many days, underscored the multiple security challenges facing the country.
The nuclear-armed U.S. ally is struggling against al Qaeda-linked militants and is under pressure from Washington to help stabilise neighbouring Afghanistan, where a Taliban insurgency is raging.
The bomb exploded at the end of a procession for Ashura, the Shi'ite calendar's biggest event.
Television pictures showed a big cloud of smoke over the scene and reporters said angry worshippers attacked journalists.
Provincial interior secretary, Arif Ali Khan, told Reuters:
"It was a suicide attack and took place at one of the camps set up along the roadside to help the mourners."
Karachi police chief Waseem Ahmed said 15 people had been killed. The severed head of the suicide bomber had been found, he said. He appealed for calm.
Ashura falls on the 10th day of a 40-day mourning period during the Islamic calendar's first month, Moharram, which commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, who was killed in battle in A.D. 680 in the Iraqi city of Kerbala.
Processions by minority Shi'ite Muslims are often attacked by majority Sunni Muslim militants. (Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Alex Richardson)
26 Dec 2009 16:25:08 GMT
Source: Reuters
KARACHI, Dec 26 (Reuters) - A suspected car bomb in Pakistan's commercial capital Karachi on Saturday wounded at least five people, police said.
The explosion took place as a procession of Shi'ite Muslims passed by before a religious ritual. Militants have carried out bombings that have killed hundreds of people since a military offensive was launched in one of their strongholds in October.
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KARACHI: A bomb attack ripped through a procession of Shias on Karachi's M A Jinnah road on Monday, killing 20 people and wounding at least 40 others, police and hospital officials said.
The worshippers were commemorating Ashura, the holiest event on the Shia Muslim calendar, and the parade in Karachi was the biggest in Pakistan.
Pakistan had deployed tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces, fearing sectarian clashes or militant bombings would target Shia processions.
“It was a suicide attack,” Karachi city police chief Waseem Ahmed told DawnNews.
“Twenty people have been killed and around 40 were injured,” Ahmed said.
Saghir Ahmad, health minister in the government of southern province Sindh, said at least 15 people were killed, but said more than 60 were wounded.
Witnesses said pandemonium broke out after the explosion, with angry mourners throwing stones and firing bullets into the air, restricting the movement of ambulances and sparking calls from the authorities for calm.
Fire broke out after the blast, fanning thick smoke into the sky, and people were running in all directions, an AFP reporter said.
“I appeal on people to vacate the area. This will help us rescue the injured,” said the Karachi police chief.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani swiftly condemned the blast and also appealed on the masses to remain peaceful, his office said.
In Karachi, more than 50,000 Shias had poured into the streets to commemorate Ashura.
“It was a huge explosion. We have reports that a lot of people have been injured. I am on site and I appeal to the people to be calm,” Raza Haroon, a cabinet minister in the provincial government of Sindh, told a private television channel.
It was the second bomb attack to mar Ashura commemorations in Pakistan after a suicide bomber blew himself up outside a main Shia mosque in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, killing seven people late Sunday.
Sectarian violence periodically flares in Pakistan between Shias and Sunnis.
Explosives planted in a gutter ripped through an Ashura procession in Karachi on Sunday wounding 17 people, officials said.
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"We have reports of 22 dead and there are dozens of wounded in the blast but we are still in the process of counting," said Javed Hanif, a top city administration official.
Television pictures showed a big cloud of smoke over the scene and reporters said angry worshippers attacked journalists and police and set fire to shops and vehicles.
Karachi has a long history of ethnic and factional violence, although it has been spared the brunt of Taliban attacks over the past couple of years.
Karachi police chief Waseem Ahmed appealed for calm. He said the severed head of the suicide bomber had been found.
"I was walking in front rows when the blast went off about 50 metres away and thick cloud of smoke immediately engulfed the entire spot," said witness Moin Rizvi.
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KARACHI: Senior reporter of Geo News Faheem Siddiqui’s son and niece have been killed in Karachi suicide blast while the reporter is also injured.
He was present at the Muharram procession when the blast occurred.
Faheem’s 6-year old son, Bazal Siddiqui, and 13-year old niece, Anzalna Hanif were among the deceased while Faheem got injuries on his legs.
He was taken to Jinnah Hospital and later shifted to Aga Khan Hospital, where his legs were operated.
Doctors said his condition is under control now.
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Altaf condemns Karachi blast
Updated at: 2150 PST, Saturday, December 26, 2009
LONDON: Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain has strongly condemned the car blast, which left at least 19 people injured at Paposh Nagar in Karachi.
In a statement issued from London today, Hussain urged the people to remain alert and peaceful. He also appealed to people that they should donate blood to the injured of the blast.
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KARACHI: Several people have been wounded in a car blast at Khilafat Chowk in Paposh Nagar Karachi, SSP Javed Baloch confirmed Saturday.
According to Geo TV correspondent, the blast took place at a time when Muharram procession was passing through Paposh Nagar.
The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals.
Police and rangers have reached the blast site where rescue services have been kick started.
MS Abbasi Shaheed Hospital said that 13 injured, including rangers personnel and children, have been brought to the facility.
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KARACHI: Thirty-one people, including police and rangers personnel, have been injured in a blast near Orangi Town’s Kasba Morr area in Karachi.
According to the Police, the blast occurred due to gas-blockage in a manhole.
It may be mention here that blast had taken place when a Muharram procession was crossing the blast site.
Tension erupted the area after the blast while three vehicles were set on fire by the enraged mob.
Police and rescue workers had reached the scene and initiated the rescue work.
Police said the blast had taken place due to the gas-blockage, however, eyewitnesses said blast occurred with the help of remote control device.
24 out of total 31 injured were shifted to Qatar Hospital while remaining seven were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for treatment.
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Qasba Colony explosion
‘It felt like a nightmare’
By Fawad Ali Shah
KARACHI: All that the 34-year-old Fatima Baqir remembers is a thunder-like sound and smoke everywhere as if all the lights had gone out; and when the dust settled, there was blood all around.
“There was turmoil everywhere, and no one knew what to do. Brains seized to work,” is all that the young mourner could recall, when asked what she went through right after the blast occurred.
Fatima was one of the hundreds of participants of the Muharram 9 mourning procession that was struck by a mysterious blast at Qasba Morr, around five kilometres from Banaras, an area inhabited mostly by Pukhtoons.
“I tried searching for my family members, but couldn’t, it felt like a nightmare.”
After almost ten minutes of the blast, Fatima realised that her head and left arm were bleeding and her ribs were hurting. She could not move and was lying haplessly when sounds of sirens started resonating in her mind, “I think they were ambulances.”
The rescue workers of some non-governmental organisations and police vans arrived at the spot and took the injured people to the hospital. She was shifted to the Qatar Hospital.
“It’s the extreme of brutality. We were not committing any sin and instead attending a religious ceremony,” Fatima said and started wailing, as her brother and doctors took her to the X-ray room.
On the spot: The site of the blast was beside a manhole on a road, a few metres away from the Qasba Morr. A procession of mourners was passing through the road when the blast occurred. The blast partially damaged the nearby buildings most of which host shops.
Rescue workers had taken the injured people to the nearby Qatar and Abbasi Shaheed hospitals. At the scene of the incident, youngsters were pelting stones on passing vehicles and setting some of them on fire.
Some of the passersby became victims of the rioters’ wrath and had to be rushed to the hospital by the police personnel on duty.
The protesters did not spare the media personnel as well as they thrashed three cameras belonging to different TV channels. Police later on stopped the media personnel and vehicles from reaching the spot.
Qatar Hospital: Around 27 people injured in the explosion were brought to the Qatar Hospital for first aid. A state of emergency was declared at the hospital and scouts and police personnel were deputed to avoid any untoward incident. No one was allowed to enter the hall where the patients were under treatment. Even family members of the injured were requested to wait outside.
Havoc engulfed the hospital as a procession of youngsters arrived at the main gate at around 8:15 pm and started pelting stones at bystanders.
They were not allowing anybody to enter or leave the hospital, including the media, who had to escape through the hospital backdoor. According to the Qatar Hospital management, four out of the 27 injured were children aged below 14.
Abbasi Shaheed Hospital: Six injured people were taken to the Abassi Shaheed Hospital, including a child named Kashaan. There was no turmoil there and the patients were treated peacefully. Families were allowed to be with their injured family members.
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Karbala Gamay Shah prepares to receive another Zuljinah
* Main procession to culminate today
* Residents along procession route directed to stay indoors
By Afnan Khan
LAHORE: Thousands of mourners took out the main Zuljinah procession from Nisar Haveli in Mochi Gate on Sunday night amid unprecedented security measures.
The government has deployed thousands of security personnel, including Rangers, policemen and volunteers to guard and facilitate the mourners.
This main procession is an age-old ritual in the city. It starts from Nisar Haveli and moves through Mubarak Haveli, Mohalla Chehl Bibian, Imambargah Syed Wajid Ali Shah, Chowk Nawab Sahib, Koocha Qazi Khana, Imambargah Molvi Feroz Ali, Koocha Miskeenan, Mohalla Peer Gillanian, Imambargah Syed Rajab Ali Shah, Chau-Hatta Mufti Baqir, Chowk Kotwali, Kashmiri Bazaar, Sonehri Masjid, Dabbi Bazaar, Gumtti Bazaar (Rang Mahal Chowk), Syed Mittha Bazaar, Tehsil Bazaar, Bazaar Hakimaan, Ucchi Masjid and Bhaati Chowk, concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah. Smaller processions in different parts of the city, including one that started from Islampura and ended at Jain Mandir after passing through the Civil Secretariat and Old Anarkali, were also part of the rituals held to mark the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and other members of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) family in the battle of Karbala.
Ending today: However, the main procession will end at Main Imambargah of Karbala Gamay Shah at Maghrib today (Monday). Around 1,000 participants, including the members of Imamia Student Organisation and locals, facilitated mourners on Sunday by organising sabeels and providing them milk with tea, meals and other drinks. City police and law enforcement agencies had set up around a dozen control rooms and several medical camps to ensure the security and safety of mourners. The installation of close circuit cameras, searchlights and other monitoring equipment was part of the security measures taken by the government, while intelligence officials and bomb disposal squads, equipped with scanners and metal detectors remained on high alert throughout the city.
Indoors: Citizens who live along the procession route are directed to keep their doors closed until the rituals conclude.
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eys of Katri Bawa echo with nohas
* Locality known for producing great noha khawans
* Resident says new nohas recited only on 4th, 24th of Muharram
* Another noha khawan says they recite to get blessings, not money
By Ali Usman
LAHORE: Walking down the alleys of Kashmiri Gate, one would find a mohalla (locality) that holds great significance when one speaks of nohas (elegies) and noha khawans.
Katri Bawa, an isolated small area near Chuna Mandi, is a mohalla believed to be built more than two centuries ago, and is known for producing some of the country’s most famous noha khawans. This characteristic of Katri Bawa in the ancient Walled City has given it a unique identity. Katri has produced many renowned noha khawans over the years, including Sain Akhtar Hussain, Miraj Din Akhter, Hamid Ali Bela, Soz Khan and Syed Qamarul Hasan.
The fame of the mohalla kept increasing, as certain traditions started developing here – like the origin of new nohas every Muharram.
Only a single blind alley leads to Katri Bawa that has an iron gate outside it, which when locked makes access to the mohalla impossible. Some 500 people, a majority of them Shias, reside inside Katri Bawa and most of them have been noha khawans for generations.
With the beginning of every Muharram, the air of Katri is filled with nohas recited by professional noha khawans.
Ancestors of noha khawans living in Katri migrated to this locality in 1947 and the first noha was recited there in 1948, said Khadam Hussain, a resident of the locality who migrated to Pakistan with his family when he was young.
“We were some 20 families at that time that had shifted to this place from Amritsar in 1948,”he said.
Talking about the preparations for Muharram, Babar Ali Bela, an active member of the Anjuman-e-Al Abbass, a noha sangat (community), said that new nohas were composed every year. “We recite nohas to mourn Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his loyal companions, who laid down their lives to save Islam at the battle of Karbala. Not a single year has passed since 1947 when new nohas weren’t composed by the noha khawans of Katri,” he said.
Specific days: Another unique thing about the noha khawans of Katri is that they never recite a new noha before the 4th of Muharram.
“A new noha is recited either on the 4th or the 24th of Muharram. These two days are reserved for reciting new nohas. I don’t know the reason for this practice but years ago, our ancestors reserved these two days for reciting nohas. From three generations, I have a record of all the people in my family reciting nohas, which goes some 150 years back,”he added.
He said it usually takes 10 days for a noha to be completed. “First, the noha is written and a tune is composed. The sangat then rehearses it in chorus. The chorus consists of five to 15 people, but there voices should be in harmony,” he said, adding, “Attaining harmony is a difficult task, therefore the chorus mostly has five members.” He said a noha khawan could never influence the audience if he lacked the required expression.
Noha is recited when the majlis ends. History narrates that in the year 680AD, Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) was martyred on the bank of the River Euphrates in Karbala along with his 71 companions. This event became a major theme for the nohas. As history indicates, the first noha was recited by Imam Hussain’s (RA) sister, Hazrat Zainab (RA), and son, Imam Zainul Abideen (RA) in the aftermath of Imam Hussain’s (RA) martyrdom.
Akbar Abbas, another noha khawan of Katri, said noha khawani is an art that passes on to one generation to the next. “My father was a noha khawan, so am I, and so will my son be,” he said, adding that noha reciting begins with the start of Muharram and continues until the chehlum (40th day of martyrdom) of Imam Hussain (RA). He said Katri was a blessed place in a way that people visit the area from far off localities in search of noha khawans. “The loss of Imam Hussain is so huge that all other losses seem to be inferior to it,” he said.
Gains: Qaiser Abbas, another noha khawan, said, “People give nazrana (offerings) to us, and we don’t charge for reciting nohas. We recite nohas to get the blessings of the blessed family, not money.”
He said CDs had affected the art of noha khawani but the atmosphere at live nohas was still matchless. “Noha khawani is an art, which should be acknowledged, and the people should give their respect to the noha khawans,” he said.
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A member of Actor Sajid Hasan's family is seen here wailing for her loved ones at the scene of the tragedy.-Photo by Faysal Mujeeb/WhiteStar
Home
CAFÉ BLACK
The return of Yazid
A deadly blast in the middle of the Muharram procession on M.A. Jinnah road has caused chaos and mayhem. Unbearable scenes of death and blood are everywhere. Dawn.com attempts to describe what people present at the scene tried to reconstruct. If you were there and know of any one injured or dead, help us find their families. Write to us at http://forum.dawn.com/2009/12/28/terrorists-target-shia-procession-in-karachi/
“I was only 50 feet away from the site of the blast which took place just after Jama Cloth market,” said a completely shaken 45-year-old Muzaffar Hussain. “God saved me somehow. I saw many bodies strewn all over the place immediately after the explosion.”
Hussain, whose clothes were dripping with blood, explained to his own horror that the stains were from the blood of other people around him which went flying all over the place. “If I hadn’t sat on the footpath just a moment before the explosion took place, I don’t think I would have been here telling you this story.”
Actor Sajid Hasan was coming out of the smoke billowed site. “My whole family comprising my three brothers, sister and nephews were with me when the blast took place. I still can’t find my elder brother and some of my other family members,” he said sounding desperate. “I myself have been hit by shrapnel,” he informed as he lifted his shirt; he was wounded, but hardly realized. “My nephew has been badly hurt and I hope someone has managed to shift him to the hospital.”
Describing the scene moments before the blast took place, Sajid said: “The procession was moving ahead smoothly. We passed by a camp set up by a Memon merchant and I stopped to have a word with an old man sitting at the roadside. When the blast took place, I felt something sharp hit me. I instinctively fell on the ground immediately. When I got up, I saw the old man lying dead in front of me.”
“There was a complete pandemonium and chaos thereafter. A dark cloud of smoke had engulfed the place and the first thing that came to my mind was to find out where was my family.” Sajid added that he heard sounds of gunfire and screams almost immediately after the blast.
It was reported later that his brother and sister-in-law both had expired in the tragedy.
Taveer Faruqi, 50, says he was sitting inside a camp just 50 yards from the place where the blast took place. “It happened all of a sudden. For the first few minutes I couldn’t make sense of what had happened. My ear drums had been shattered. All I could see then was smoke and fire.”
Despite the blast, the Muharram procession continued to carry on towards its destination. Meters away from the explosion, a number of vehicles had been set ablaze. Cars belonging to the police were also among these. A paramedic at the scene reported that his ambulance had been attacked. “I had made around eight rounds of picking up the dead and injured from the site to take them to the nearby civil hospital, when suddenly we came across a mob in a narrow street.” The paramedic requesting anonymity said that after much pleading they were allowed to leave.
Near the site of the blast, the Lunda market, was blazing. People gathered nearby said it’s been around half an hour since the fire had been raging but no fire brigades arrived. Families living in apartments near the market were standing helplessly in their balconies. Elderly men standing outside feared the fire might engulf their homes.
Inside the Civil hospital, another chaos was unfolding. Around 17 dead bodies were kept in a room where crowds had pushed themselves inside and started beating their chests in mourning. More than 40 injured were brought to the hospital, most of whom were later shifted to better facilities at Liaquat National and Aga Khan by their families.
Policeman Abrar was among the injured. he too had suffered a shrapnel wound on his back. “We had formed a line right in front of the procession. Everything was going well. We had cleared the area an hour before. When we reached the Light House, an explosion took place somewhere in the middle. Even though I was way ahead, I was hit by a shrapnel and fell down.”
A 12-year-old boy Izmatullah, who told his father’s name with difficulty, was writhing in pain at a ward in Civil. Son of Mohammad Sarwar, he lives in Macchar Colony and had come to witness the Muharram procession along with a friend. With blood still not dry on his wounds on the head, neck and leg, he screamed now and then “I want to be with my mother.” A nurse pierced a drip into his tiny arm.
A woman outside the ward was wailing for her son, Yawar Abbas, 12, who she said had gone missing immediately after the blast.
Aamir, 18, was being operated upon at the hospital for a gunshot wound in the stomach. His brother told me that Aamir was hit in the firing that took place after the blast. Mehbood, another 18 year old, had his leg crushed in the stampede, which ensued after the blast. Such was the reported aftermath.
Safdar Shah, introduced himself as one of the organisers, among the volunteers leading the Muharram procession in Karachi. His was the most harrowing account. “I saw a human heart fall in front of me when the blast took place,” said Safdar crying inconsolably.
“I had promised the families of participants that nothing would happen to their loved ones. I assured them that I would be the first one to die if anything happened, but here I am, still alive,” he said.
“People have been blown to bits. Even animals aren’t killed the way people, including women and children, die here.”
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Whether its Tehran, Baghdad, Karbala, Kashmir or Karachi our fate is the same, our enemy is the same.
Down to USraelie Administration and their local installed client regimes followers of Yazid and Bin La`deeni Islam especially Lanat on the fitnah of Taleban.
PLEASE NOTE: This graphic is Not for Weak Hearts, I have never seen such a moment in my life.
"Safdar
Shah, introduced himself as one of the organisers, among the volunteers
leading the Muharram procession in Karachi. His was the most harrowing
account. “I saw a human heart fall in front of me when the blast took
place,” said Safdar crying inconsolably."
لبيك ياحسين - لبيك ياحسين - لبيك ياحسين ع
اللھم لعن قتل الامام الحسین و اولاد الحسین و اصحاب الحسین ع
... See Moreالله
اکبر ... الله اکبر ... الله اکبر ... الله اکبر ... الله اکبر ... الله
اکبر ... الله اکبر ... الله اکبر... الله اکبر...الله اکبر...الله
اکبر...الله اکبر...الله اکبر...الله اکبر...الله اکبر...الله
اکبر....الله اکبر...الله اکبر...الله اکبر...الله اکبر...الله اکبر
imagine the moment when mola hussain (AS) raised his voice 1 last time
before his shadat a few minuts before time of azan e asar and a blast
went off at that same moment n dosens n dosens of momineen vanish on
the spot . we all would call them shaheeds but i wouyld call ...them
ansar il hussain (AS) who vanished in that blast rite at the same
moment as mola hussain (AS) said ****** HAL MIN NASIRAY
YANSURNAAAAAA****** and these shohda answered at the same moment after
1400 years ago AJROKUM AL ALAH IL HUSSAIN (as)
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=105904409426229
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=105904596092877
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More Clips, Pictures and Detail Analysis:
http://baghdadtobasra.blogspot.com/2009/12/blast-in-pakistans-karachi-wounds-five.html
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Wednesday, December 30, 2009 E-Mail this article to a friend Printer Friendly Version
Mr CCPO was this a manhole gas explosion too?
KARACHI: Capital City Police Officer of Karachi Waseem Ahmed had claimed that an explosion at Qasba Morr in Orangi Town on Sunday was the result of a buildup of gas in a manhole in the area. There are surely no two sides to the deadly suicide attack on the main Muharram procession at MA Jinnah Road on Monday. However many questions remain unanswered.
Thousands of law enforcers, who were deployed at the spot, suddenly disappeared from the scene following the explosion and some who were there were unable to control the situation, suggesting lack of planning. Miscreants freely torched vehicles, markets, police mobiles, ambulances and banks. Talking to the media, Sindh DG Rangers Major General Liaquat Ali said that Rangers personnel Abdul Razzak tried to stop the suicide bomber. “The bomber could not enter the main procession due to Razzak and therefore blew himself up at the side, otherwise many more people would have been killed,” he said.
In view of the Rangers personnel’s sacrifice, Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik awarded the martyred with ‘Sitar-e-Jurrat.’ The suicide bomber used 16-kg of C-4 explosives including 6-kg of nuts and bolts that he tied on his legs with the plastic material. Bomb disposal squad official Munir Ahmed Sheikh told Daily Times that nuts and bolts can hit any person within a 1-km radius.
Talking to media at the funeral of traffic police personnel Musharraf Baig, Sindh IG Babar Khattak said CCTV video recordings are being used to probe into incidents of arson and two teams have been constituted under the command of SSP Raja Umar Khattab and DIG south Ghulam Nabi Memon for this purpose. The material that was used to set the shops ablaze is being examined and it would be premature to ascertain anything yet, he added.
As per the retrieved CCTV footage of the City government’s Command and Control system, the bomber was aged about 18 and officials claimed they were also trying to identify the miscreants who rioted and resorted to arson attacks with the help of the footage. At first, police had claimed they found the bomber’s head but later the remains of the body were identified as a young boys scout member Muzammil Hussain Shah whose father, cousin and two nephews were also killed in the blast. Therefore, the investigators are now clueless about the identity of the actual bomber as the place was littered with several mutilated bodies. People identified their loved ones by their clothes, shoes and other recognisable material.
Religious outfits or political agenda?: A senior police official on condition of anonymity told Daily Times that none of the banned religious or militant organisations including Taliban were behind the attacks on Muharram 8 and 9 processions in Paposhnagar and Orangi Town, and apparently, there was a political factor behind them. However, he claimed that in the suicide attack on the Muharram 10, the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangvi might be involved. faraz khan
It wasn’t the mourners but masked miscreants involved in arson, says eyewitness
By Andaleeb Rizvi
KARACHI: According to eyewitness accounts, it wasn’t the enraged mourners, but masked miscreants who suddenly appeared on the scene and started setting shops on fire following the bomb attack on the Ashura procession at the Light House signal on Monday.
Mourner Ali Hussain, 25, who was mere paces away from the blast site, said, “We ran forward to help our brothers as we heard the blast. However, about 15 minutes later some men with their faces covered appeared from nowhere and threw phosphorus at nearby vehicles, setting them ablaze.” He also revealed some masked men were seen breaking locks of the shops before the fire erupted in the surrounding markets.
Nazar Rizvi, who attends the procession every year, said, “The suicide bomber leapt over the metal fence of the park and tried to enter through the Rangers and scouts cordon.” A Rangers personnel stopped the bomber and that is why the damage was not as bad as it could have been if the suicide bomber would have entered the procession, he added.
Mourner Iftikhar Abid, a teacher at Beaconhouse School System, revealed that while he was helping with rescue workers, he heard several gunshots and saw policemen resorting to aerial firing as well as teargas shelling to disperse the crowd.
Nabeel, who was just behind the Rangers, scouts, and volunteers in the procession, was splattered with human remains and his glasses were broken. He said while crying,
“I wish the government would take a stern action against the actual hands involved.” He requested the people to remain calm and let the law enforcement agencies do their job. “People whocreate law and order situations are extremely irresponsible,” he added.
Zainab, another mourner at the procession, said,
“We were hoping Karachi would remain safe from the Taliban, but it seems that all our hopes were in vain. These people have no humanity and when they cannot respect their own life, how can they respect others.”
Heritage goes up in flames
By Amar Guriro
KARACHI: Not only were shops set ablaze by miscreants following the suicide attack on the Muharram 10 procession on MA Jinnah Road on Monday, but historical and protected heritage buildings of the city dating back to the colonial era including a portion of old Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) were set on fire.
A number of government officials were contacted, but none of them knew what happened to the historical buildings or the maps stored in the KMC building.
According to prominent conservation architect Yasmeen Lari, these maps dated back to the year 1874. They were the earliest city survey maps that were made on the basis of the Great Indian Trigonometric Survey conducted at that time.
Like the great fire of Rome that destroyed the greatest city in the Roman era and known as the darkest chapters of Roman history, the historians of Karachi would also term the incidents of arson on Monday as the worst incident in history of Karachi in terms of heritage damage. Most of the historical buildings are burnt to such an extent that their restoration might be impossible.
The MA Jinnah Road (formerly Bunder Road) is home to hundreds of historical buildings that belong to the colonial era and owing to their presence, historians call this area as an open museum of heritage.
The road also has the distinction of having some of the finest historical buildings built during the British rule, and according to Lari, the one-and-a-half kilometres distance between the KMC building and Merewether Tower, there are about 60 historical buildings, majority of them protected under the Sindh Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Under the act, 600 such buildings were declared protected in the city in 1996. The Theosophical Hall, Denso Hall, Mama Parsi School, Khaliqdina Hall, Sugan Mansion, Radio Pakistan Building, NJV High School and Richmand Crawford Veterinary Hospital are some of these historical treasures. Besides the KMC building, other historical buildings set ablaze on Monday included the Mohsin Ali Building, Akbar building and a portion of the Denso Hall.
“The losses of the burnt historical buildings must be evaluated,” said Lari. The Sindh Cultural Department, custodian of these buildings, seemed least bothered about the destruction of the city’s heritage.
When this scribe contacted the department’s secretary Shams Jaffrani to inquire about the number of buildings declared protected are located on MA Jinnah Road, he had no clue. “It’s off today and I don’t remember the number of projected heritage buildings on the road...let the offices open and I will answer your questions then,” he said. On another question, Jaffrani said his department has not initiated any survey of the historical buildings damaged by fire. Sindh Culture Minister Sassui Palijo said since she is out of city, she has no idea about the number of buildings damaged in the arson attacks.
Karachi’s heritage goes up in smoke
Thursday, December 31, 2009
By Shahid Husain
Karachi
The carnage on the historical M.A. Jinnah Road (former Bunder Road) after a peaceful Ashura procession was hit by a suicide bomber on Monday afternoon has not only devoured several dozen precious lives, but also badly damaged the Wadhumal Odharam area of Serai Quarters that has historical significance.
“Prior to partition, Hindu families lived in Wadhumal area of Serai Quarters. Its beautiful buildings degraded considerably after partition because each apartment in the area was then inhibited by several families,” noted architect and town planner Arif Hasan told The News. “The Denso Hall area that has beautiful buildings of 19th century has also been affected by fire,”he said.
“Since independence, Wadhumal Odharam and Ranchore Quarters, the British civic and recreational centres, have been under severe market pressures. The pressures are that of infiltration of markets from the Old Town Quarters, accompanied with the intrinsic physical qualities of the quarters, of wider roads, spacious ground floors of larger buildings than those of the Old Town Quarters. Their proximity to the port is an additional asset. These factors have also encouraged the establishment of new markets,” writes noted architect and town planner Yasmin Cheema in her remarkable study: The Historical Quarters of Karachi. see a review below.
The markets that were reduced to ashes on Monday include Iqbal Market, wholesale market, Chhani Market, plastic market and Light House market. As many as 80 markets have been damaged, including 12 that were completely gutted.
Ironically, these buildings, shops and markets have not been put on fire by mourners but by unknown persons. Apparently their objective was not only to destabilise the city but to pave way for the mighty land mafia that is adamant to demolish all old, historical buildings and replace them with skyscrapers.
“I was there in the procession when the blast took place although I was not close enough to see the dead bodies. But I can say with confidence that people who put shops and markets on fire were not mourners. The mourners were empty-handed and had no petrol or other inflammable materials with them,”Syed Zain Haider, 18, told The News.
Arif Hasan said. Hasan pointed out that after the World Trade Organisation (WTO) started dictating with a big bang, underground economy has taken refuge in real estate, especially the one related to foreign currency and gold and is asserting across the world. As a result of WTO policies, underground economy is no longer underground and had gone into real estate; it is pressuring local government and exerting pressure to change the building by-laws, Hasan said.
“The land mafia can have a role in carnage. In fact, somebody told me that even the gun battle in Lyari has the backing of land mafia because it wants to evacuate that area from its centuries-old inhabitants and build skyscrapers there,”
Hasan said that in the model which was operative in Karachi, the most dangerous aspect was that land has become a commodity, he regretted.
The Serai Quarters that has been badly hit by Monday’s carnage include both hazardous and non-hazardous markets. The hazardous markets include the Kaghazi Bazaar, the chemical market and the grain market (Dhaan Mandi) while the non-hazardous markets include the electrical appliances market, the vegetable, fruit and meat markets, the betel leaf market, footwear and sports goods market and the second-hand goods market.
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The Historical Quarters of Karachi
Description
This book addresses a much neglected area of study: the protection and conservation of the historic architecture and architectural monuments in Karachi. ^l
Karachi's old historic fort still exists in the form of streets and mohallas embellished with a number of dharamshalas , temples, mosques, shrines, as well as its traditional bazaars. The older suburbs of Karachi survive; some even retain their winding streets and open squares. The nineteenth and twentieth century British Quarters which flourished with commercial and port activities are largely intact. These boulevards, streets, quarters and richly embellished stone buildings from that period are comparable to the nineteenth century historic areas of other major cities around the world, such as Cairo, Istanbul, Delhi, etc.
Since Independence, the historical core of Karachi has been subjected to functional pressures which it is inherently incapable of confronting. This area is in acute danger, and if the present policies and practices of safeguarding only its monuments persist, only a fraction of old Karachi will remain as a measure of its cultural heritage.
The book presents a meticulously developed research methodology and has a valuable resource of original information. This includes photographic documentation, area maps, sketches and corresponding activity profiles. It is a significant contribution to the field of urban area conservation with particular reference to Karachi. It is intended for students of conservation and to initiate a process for the preservation of Karachi city's historic tangible and intangible cultural assets, by revalorization, and revitalizing its physical and socio-cultural characteristics as a distinct urban district of national cultural significance.
Features
* A meticulously researched book, which examines Karachi's historic core
* This book presents a research methodology, seldom appliedin Pakistan, for documentation and analysis of historic locations
* Nicely illustrated with detailed area maps and photographs
Product Details
204 pages; numerous halftones, plans & maps; ISBN13: 978-0-19-597976-3ISBN10: 0-19-597976-1
About the Author(s)
Yasmin Cheema holds a Diploma in Architecture from the National College of Arts, Lahore, and an MS in Restoration of Monuments and Historical Sites from the Middle Eastern University, Ankara. She has taught at National College of Arts, Lahore, and at Dawood College of Engineering and Technology, Karachi. She is a former Director, Heritage Support Cell, Dept. of Architecture and Planning, Dawood College of Engineering and Technology, Karachi.
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Over 10,000 jobs, Rs30bn lost to arson in Karachi
By Aamir Shafaat Khan & Shamim-ur-Rahman
Wednesday, 30 Dec, 2009
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Traders were still updating figures in the hope of getting compensation after Interior Minister Rahman Malik set up a Boulton Market Victims’ Fund on Tuesday with the help of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. – Photo by Reuters.
Business
Holiday, absence of transport cause huge export losses
Holiday, absence of transport cause huge export losses
KARACHI: Over 10,000 people have lost their jobs because of a blaze that gutted between 2,000 and 3,000 shops located between Light House and Boulton Market in the old city area on Monday, causing an estimated loss of Rs30 billion.
“Thousands will have nothing to do on Wednesday when they return to markets. They were employed in shops destroyed when certain elements reacted violently after the suicide attack on the Ashura procession,” a shop-owner in the affected locality told Dawn on Tuesday.
About an equal number of people, indirectly associated with the shops, would also be either out of work or face difficulty in finding new work for some time.
Most shops in the area were on ‘pagri’ system, instead of full-fledged ownership. They were also not insured.
Initial estimates of losses were about Rs30 billion, but traders were still updating figures in the hope of getting compensation after Interior Minister Rahman Malik set up a Boulton Market Victims’ Fund on Tuesday with the help of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
The affected shopkeepers cried at a meeting held at the KCCI with Mr Malik. Senior MQM leader Farooq Sattar was also present.
KCCI President Abdul Majid Haji Mohammad said that survey forms had been given to the affected shopkeepers to file details of losses, nature of business, ownership, rent and pagri, CNIC and income tax details.
“These details will be provided to Nadra to ascertain whether the claims are genuine before payment of compensation,” he said.
He said the interior minister did not mention the amount of the fund as he was waiting for the prime minister’s approval.
The KCCI president said that more than 10,000 people working in the shops had lost their jobs.
He, however, recalled that the government had not compensated the traders who had suffered heavy losses on Dec 27, 2007, after the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and destruction of the plastic market by a fire a few years ago.
“Only those companies or units were compensated which were insured,” he added. It is difficult to predict the impact on the supply of various items, including medicines, plastic, paper and artificial jewellry, to the retail market after the devastation. Traders said that supply would definitely be hit, especially of plastic and medicines.
Mohammad Ilyas, owner of Chandna Opticals at Light House which was burnt to ashes, said his shop was not insured but the setting up of the fund gave him some hope of getting compensation for his loss.
The chairman of the Old City Traders’ Alliance, Mohammad Jamil Paracha, said the government should rebuild the shops or provide a sufficient amount to the owners for reconstruction.
He said that although most of the shops were on a pagri basis, the shopkeepers were paying taxes and, therefore, there was no question of coming into the tax net after seeking compensation.
Law enforcers were silent spectators against rioters, claim traders
By Fawad Ali Shah
KARACHI: Despite the presence of heavy contingent of police and Rangers personnel, no law enforcer took any action against the violent rioters who vandalised shops, vehicles and buildings and set them on fire, lamented the bewildered traders.
According to eyewitnesses, traders and a Daily Times team present on the spot at the time of the blast, the protesters started wrecking properties at Bolton Market and Denso Hall around 4:19 pm.
Memon Traders Association President Ahmad Chinoy held the security forces responsible for the havoc and mayhem in Bolton Market and said,
“Rangers and police personnel were deployed in the market and some of them were even positioned on the roofs of the buildings, but the miscreants still managed to set the shops ablaze and stop fire brigades from entering the area for around three hours.”
According to the officials of the association, around 0.2 million workers and up to 30,000 families were dependent on the markets.
Another eyewitness Zubair, who owns a shop in the market, said he was standing near his shop while some people were setting it on fire. He requested the police and Rangers to stop the rioters, but “they said we are not allowed to take any action against the rioters,” he added. Zubair lost his life savings of around Rs 10 million when his shop burnt to the ground.
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik visited the area and assured the leaders of the traders that the government would compensate their loses and announce a package in this regard by Thursday.
He also announced that a committee would be formed to investigate the burning of the markets and the conspiracy theories behind it.
As per the law enforcers, at least 1,300 shops were completely destroyed whereas up to 3,000 were partially damaged in the attacks on the markets following the suicide attack.
Damages worth around Rs 40 billion were suffered by the traders who claimed that the attacks were pre-planned. The fire also burnt a major part of the cottage industry of the country that would take years to recover. Akbar Market, Marvi Market, Madina Market and Quetta Market were also burnt by unknown malefactors.
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Post-bombing arson poses fundamental questions
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
By Qadeer Tanoli
Karachi
The riots and the ensuing arson and destruction in the aftermath of the suicide blast on Monday in the main Ashura procession on M.A Jinnah Road have raised several fundamental questions that need to be answered by the authorities.
Was there a delay in the firefighting? At least 2,500 shops were burnt to ashes by rioters, and shopkeepers are questioning the delay in the arrival of fire tenders. A City District Government Karachi (CDGK)-run fire station is situated near the spot of the incident, and shopkeepers believe that “timely action” could have reduced losses, which, according to Alliance of Market Association Karachi (AMAK) Chairman Attique Mir, currently stand at more than Rs30 billion.
The affected shopkeepers from Boulton Market told The News that rescue teams managed, at best, to merely salvage “burnt materials,” which cannot possibly be put to any use at all.
Who ‘stopped’ the fire tenders? Eyewitnesses said that ‘rioters’ first put set fire to hundreds of shops, and then some people made concerted efforts to stop fire tenders from the rescue operation. The first fire tenders managed to reach the spot after a considerable delay, a number of people alleged. By that time, the worst had already been done and the fire had begun to engulf other shops.
AMAK Chairman Attique Mir was of the opinion that the participants of the Ashura procession obviously did not walk around carrying petrol, which was used to set shops ablaze.
“It seems that the attack on Boulton Market was preplanned; even the police failed to stop the destruction,”he said.
Who then, was carrying out the arson? There have been reports that specific chemicals were used to ignite the fires, which are not easily available to be used in impromptu protestors
Where was the police support? Misbahudin Farid, an official of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) who supervised the rescue operation unofficially in the absence of Executive District Officer (EDO) Municipal Services Masood Alam, said that while the fire department had reacted immediately, rioters created hurdles for it, delaying the arrival of fire tenders at the site.
During all of this, he said, the police was not available to support the fire department’s rescue operation.
District Coordination Officer (DCO) Karachi Javed Haneef Khan told The News that the standard practice is to deploy eight fire tenders and a few ambulances with Ashura processions, to tackle any untoward event. He added, however, that the fire department officials, who had been deployed with the procession on Monday, had to run for their lives after they and their vehicles were attacked by mobs. The DCO said that even his own vehicle was set ablaze by rioters.
Did the fire tenders have water, chemical spray? Moreover, Mir said that the first fleet of the fire tenders which arrived on the scene did not have enough water to extinguish the blaze. Water had to be brought from the nearby sea, and the rescue operation began in earnest around 2:00am. Mir further said that the fire department did not have proper chemical sprays either which are needed to extinguish the sort of plastic-related fires that had erupted in a number of shops in Boulton Market. This was a straightforward equation given that a huge number of shops that were in flames historically dealt in plastic goods.
Farid, however, refuted Mir’s claims. “There was no issue regarding the availability of water for the fire tenders,” Farid told The News. He said that hydrants are situated near the site of the incident; around 40 fire tenders used water from this hydrant to extinguish the fire.
Moreover, early Tuesday morning, some fire tenders and a snorkel also came from Hyderabad to assist in the rescue operations.
However, the fires continued to rage well over 24 hours.
How pivotal will the C&CC’s footage be? A couple of days ago, the CDGK had claimed that every inch of the procession route will be monitored through cameras which are being controlled from the Command and Control Centre (C&CC) at the Civic Centre.
Will the footage be able to establish who was carrying out the arson?
The EDO Information Technology (IT) told The News that 23 cameras were installed along the route of the procession; each camera covers a range of two to three kilometres. DCO Khan added that footage of the riots does exist, and will be offered to whichever investigation agency demands it. “Cameras were monitoring activities from Nishtar Park to Merewether Tower. The C&CC should have footage of the rioters, although I have not seen it personally,” he said, adding that looking into these details and forming conclusions was the “job of experts”.
He, however, offered complete support to investigators, and said that the police have already collected some of the relevant records.
Why were important authorities not around? While EDO Municipal Services Masood Alam is currently on leave, Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza has reportedly not been in the city for the past three days, despite the fact that Karachi hosts one of the largest Ashura processions in the country every year, and there had already been security concerns voiced before the attack.
Shouldn’t Mirza, the security chief of the province, have been in the city to oversee the arrangements and coordination of an event that is a huge security risk?
Will the enquiry see the light of day? Will the report of the enquiry team constituted by the Interior Minister see the light of day unlike those of May 12 and April 9, which are still awaited?
When will investigations be completed, and when will evidence from the C&CC be made public? The city government had made a massive investment in the C&CC – a system which has now been put the test.
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A group of mourners present in the procession on Monday have claimed that masked men, who were not part of the procession, appeared on the site and started destroying public property.
Syed Imam, a banker who witnessed the blast, said that he was standing very close to the spot where the blast occurred.
“There was dark, thick layer of smoke soon after the blast. I saw several people enter into the road from side lanes and they started hammering the shutters of the shops with hammers.”
Mossa Ali, another mourner present on the spot, alleged that a group of masked-men also came on the road and started firing on people.
“None of these men were present in the procession and all of a sudden they took control of the streets and damaged public and private property,”he said.
Jafery, another participant, said that the firing incidents started within five to 10 minutes of the blast. The mourners caught some people who were involved in the arson and ransacking but there were no law enforcement agency personnel present at that time, he added.
Later on, the mourners decided to carry on the procession till its final destination and released the miscreants as there was no official present to handover them.
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Aftermath of suicide attack on Ashura procession
‘Rioters’ unleash hell
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
By Salis bin Perwaiz
Karachi
The ‘riots’ which followed the suicide attack on the Ashura procession on Monday floored the economic hub of the city, after shops in the Lighthouse Market, Boulton Market, Paper Market and the adjoining areas were robbed and torched by miscreants.
The police and eyewitnesses said a massive explosion rocked Lighthouse Chowrangi around 4.13pm. The intensity of the blast was such that scattered bodies and body parts were all that one could see in the entire lane; some bodies were also found from the rooftops of nearby buildings.
Within five to 10 minutes of the blast, nearby wholesale were attacked by unidentified people. The police said that more than 500 shops were robbed and torched in the Lighthouse Market alone. Within the span of an hour, public and private property at the Kharadar and Mithadar traffic sections, Boulton Market, Feroze Market, Akber Market, Paper Market, and warehouses in the plastic market and at 27 other places were robbed and set ablaze. Madina Ice Cream, Denso Hall, and the Kachi Gali Medicine Market were not spared either, nor was any mercy shown towards more than 30 other shops selling electronic items.
When fire tenders reached the spot to douse the blaze, armed miscreants fired directly at them, the police claimed. They said that as a result of this firing, the CNG kits of some vehicles also exploded, and fire engulfed these cars as well.
Armed men also attacked the Old KMC Building ñ the venue of the City Council ñ and torched 17 City District Government Karachi (CDGK) fumigation pick-ups which had been parked inside. Mobiles vans of city wardens were also damaged.
The police said that more than 50 vehicles were torched, including one police car, one police pick-up, one Rangers jeep, one Rangers pick-up, four Rangers motorcycles, buses, trucks, rickshaws, ambulances, and more than 15 privately-owned motorcycles.
The areas affected during the violence included Kharadar, Mithadar, Preedy, Risala, City Court, Saudabad and Sharea Faisal. The miscreants also attacked two banks, and damaged three ATM machines ñ one each of the Allied Bank Limited, Habib Bank Limited and the National Bank of Pakistan.
Eyewitness accounts said meanwhile that unidentified miscreants torched five arms depots, after robbing the stock. The police said that the attackers carried chemicals, which they threw upon shops to set them on fire. Fire office officials maintained that they tried to douse the flames with water, but that did not work, and thus, they had to use foam to extinguish the blaze.
Investigators believe that certain elements took advantage of the suicide attack, claiming that a mob unleashed its fury within 10 minutes of the blast, robbing and torching businesses in Boulton Market, Lighthouse, Paper Market as well as shops which sell arms and ammunition.
One of the angles being probed by investigators is the involvement of “foreign hands”, sources claimed, adding that CCTV footage has been obtained from the CDGK’s Command and Control system, and sketches of the suspects are now being prepared by the officials with the aid of the acquired footage.
Sources said that during initial investigations, the police have discovered that the markets were torched with the aid of a chemical that does not require igniting. Once this chemical is thrown upon an object, it catches fire in a matter of seconds, sources said, adding that this kind of chemical was also used in the aftermath of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination on December 27, 2007.
Meanwhile, in Liaquatabad, an ambulance taking an injured person to the hospital adopted the wrong track, and collided with an oncoming motorcycle. The motorcyclist, Sarfaraz, his son Shehbaz, and daughter Tahira were killed, while his wife Mehnaz was injured. The family lived in Liaquatabad, C-1.
Unidentified people also launched a protest on the National Highway, but they were attacked by another group ñ also unidentified ñ which torched two buses, and damaged a traffic signal and an ATM machine. A case has been reported at the Saudabad police station.
The police did not report any law-and-order situation on Tuesday.
inquiry team constituted: Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has constituted an inquiry team to probe the fire incidents.
The five-member probe team belongs to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and is led by FIA Sindh Director Mir Zubair Mehmood. Malik has directed the probe team to submit an inquiry report as soon as possible.
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Karachi market fire still raging
Updated at: 1230 PST, Wednesday, December 30, 2009
KARACHI: The fire-tenders struggling to douse the blaze in Bolton Market here on Wednesday, 40 hours after the arson incidents triggered by a suicide attack at a procession of Youm-e-Ashur on Monday.
After the suicide attack at central procession of Youm-e-Ashur on Monday in which 43 persons were martyred, the miscreants’ set thousands shops on fire from Light House to Bolton Market. The arson attacks inflicted billions of rupees losses and left thousands jobless.
The fire tenders and snorkels are trying to extinguish the fire using chemicals and foam, which is still raging. Three markets have been completely destroyed, as fire is still raging in adjacent markets of Bolton Market. MA Jinnah Road has been closed for traffic from Jama cloth market to Tower. The fire brigade sources said rescue efforts to douse the fire will continues throughout Wednesday. The affected traders have demanded the government speedy rehabilitation process and financial assistance.
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Chemical used in ‘well-planned’ arson attacks
By Imran Ayub
Wednesday, 30 Dec, 2009
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A bulldozer work at a market which was burned by angry mob in Karachi. — Photo by AP
National
Imran sees foreign elements behind Karachi blast
KARACHI: As firefighters succeeded in dousing the flames engulfing more than 6,000 shops on M.A. Jinnah Road following over 40 hours of effort on Tuesday, they found ‘obvious’ signs of chemicals used in the arson, lending credence to the suspicions of traders and investigators who see the arson as a premeditated and well-planned strike after a deadly attack on the Muharram procession that killed about 43 people on Monday.
Though the traders of more than a dozen wholesale markets found themselves clueless to the reason behind the violent reaction of the bomb attack, investigators, perhaps for the first time in the violent history of Karachi, enjoy immense technological edge provided by the city government’s command and control system.
“Our system has recorded each and every movement,” claimed City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal. “We offered the facility to the police for the procession’s surveillance despite the fact that it’s not our responsibility to make security arrangements. But we will do the same if they need help in investigations.”
The city nazim, who monitored the firefighting operation in the nearly 18 different wholesale markets housed in various buildings on M.A. Jinnah Road, said the firemen performed 36-hour duty before and after the tragic events despite the fact that they faced stiff resistance from arsonists who attacked the fire tenders and firefighters.
A few firefighters Dawn spoke to termed the blaze the worst in decades which went wild due to arson coupled with flammable products in different shops and stores.
“There are visible signs of phosphorus used in the fires,” said an official at the city government’s fire department. “Further description of the particular chemical used in the arson can only be established through proper chemical examination, which has not been ordered from any side, including the investigation agencies.”
He said the markets were set on fire one by one in a matter of minutes on M.A. Jinnah Road and the blaze raged from shop to shop and floor to floor.
Though the city police still look for more clues to the number of and links to the suspected suicide bomber, the investigators said they had acquired all the footage recorded by the city government’s surveillance cameras, which could help spot the arsonists.
“We have been analysing and further enhancing the footage to make them more effective,” said Capital City Police Officer Waseem Ahmed. “A sabotage attempt behind the fires can’t be ruled out but there is a question mark over the capability and performance of our fire department.”
He referred to the fact that delays in the arrival of fire tenders to the scene finally forced the police to call a recently-acquired anti-riot vehicle carrying 2,000 gallons of water for firefighting.
Ateeq Meer, the chairman of the Alliance of Market Associations, a common platform for nearly 300 markets and traders’ associations, echoed the same sentiments. But he also blamed the police for not rising to the occasion.
“They left the arsonists free to do what they willed,” he said. “Iqbal Market, Light House market of cloth, Kapra Market with wholesales markets of imported FMCGs (fast moving consumers goods), perfumes, glasses, chemical and medicine have been burnt to ashes. It has already made some 12,500 people unemployed as they were directly associated with the business in these markets, and turned about 2,500 traders into paupers.”
He cited the initial assessment, which estimated that more than Rs30 billion worth of losses were suffered by the traders, but was not ready to believe the government’s announcement for compensation.
“It has been more than two years when the government had come up with the same lollypops following violence in the wake of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination,” Mr Meer said. “They would again set up a committee to assess the damages, claims and then recommend just peanuts. That didn’t work in the past, neither it will work in the future.”
Karachi blast: Several people still missing
Updated at: 1710 PST, Wednesday, December 30, 2009
KARACHI: Several people are still missing following the suicide blast at the main Ashura procession in Karachi.
It may be noted that more than 44 people were killed while as many as 100 others sustained injures in the incident which left Karachi in grief.
It is learnt that some families are still searching for their loved ones.
Meanwhile, Shia Ulema Council has established a cell for missing persons. Until now, families of 10 missing persons have contacted the cell.
These include a woman from Rawalpindi, who was present at the procession with her husband, Irfan Hussain, and five children. Irfan had left his family just before the blast and he is missing since then.
Irfan’s family has taken shelter at Ulema Council’s office but several missing people are still being searched by their families.
It is estimated that several people from different parts of the country are missing.
Strike call after bomb rattles Pakistan's Karachi
30 Dec 2009 09:52:39 GMT
Source: Reuters
(For full coverage of Pakistan, click on [ID:nAFPAK])
* Fingers pointed at the government
* Traders count losses
* Powerful political party backs strike call
By Faisal Aziz
KARACHI, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Pakistani religious and political leaders called for a strike for Friday to condemn a bombing that killed 43 people, triggered riots and prompted some people to blame their government for violence gripping the country.
Monday's attack, one of the worst in the commercial capital Karachi in two years, illustrated how the Taliban, whose strongholds are in the lawless northwest, have extended their reach to major cities in their drive to topple the government.
The suicide bombing of a Shi'ite procession triggered a rampage by mobs who set fire to shops, destroying hundreds. Trade groups estimate losses of 30 billion rupees ($356 million).
"The bombing itself was bad enough, but the violence that immediately erupted was also very well planned," said Sunni scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, who blamed Pakistani authorities for the chaos. [ID:nSGE5BR07S]
"We want the government not only to compensate those killed in the attacks, but also those who lost their livelihoods, and so we are calling for a complete strike on Friday," he said.
The pro-American government of President Asif Ali Zardari, who already faces political pressure because corruption charges against some of his aides may be revived, blamed the Taliban.
The Taliban campaign and their hardline brand of Islam -- which involves public hangings and whippings of anyone who disobeys them - angered many Pakistanis.
But the Karachi bomb suggested growing violence has raised suspicions of Pakistan's government.
"The government is using the Taliban as an excuse for everything that is happening anywhere in the country," said Noman Ahmed, who works for a Karachi clearing agency.
"The organised way that all this is being done clearly shows that the terrorists are being sponsored either by the government itself or some other state that wants to destabilise Pakistan."
SECURITY POLICY
Pakistan's all-powerful military sets security policy. So the key gauge of public confidence may be how the army's performance is viewed. In the 1980s, Pakistan's army nurtured militant groups who fought Soviet occupation troops in Afghanistan. The Taliban emerged in the 1990's after a civil war in Afghanistan.
Now Pakistan's army faces homegrown militants.
"I don't buy that foreign hands are involved (in the Karachi attack). They're domestic elements. They're those who were nurtured, trained and protected in late 1990s," said Sajid Ali Naqvi, head of the influential Shi'ites' Islami Tehrik movement.
The bombing was one of the bloodiest in Karachi since an October 2007 attack on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on her return to the country that killed at least 139 people.
Shi'ite leaders, as well as Karachi's dominant Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) political party, backed the strike call, which could bring the teeming city of 18 million to a standstill.
The high-profile bloodshed had all the hallmarks of the Taliban, who often bomb crowded areas to inflict maximum casualties. The blast lead some Pakistanis to conclude that several hands must have been involved.
"The Taliban, or whoever is behind this, cannot do it without the support of a government," said Shahid Mahmood, whose perfume and watch shops were torched in the riots.
"They know that Karachi is the heart of Pakistan and if it goes down, the country will go down." (For more Reuters coverage of Afghanistan and Pakistan, see: http://www.reuters.com/news/globalcoverage/afghanistanpakistan (Additional reporting by Kamran Haider; Editing by Michael Georgy and Alex Richardson)
Jafferia Alliance seeks judicial inquiry into Ashura blast
Thursday, December 31, 2009
By Shamim Bano
Karachi
Clear lines of division have been drawn between those who supports suicide bombing and those who are against it, said Allama Abbas Kumaili, leader of the Jafferia Alliance (JA), at a crowded press conference on Wednesday evening that was held at his residence.
Moulana Hasan Masoodi, Moulana Ali Mohammed Naqvi, Baradr Ali Raza, Shamsul- Hasan, Salman Mujtaba, Ali Ausat, Moulana Mirza Yousuf, Alama Jaffer Raza Naqvi, Waheed-ul-Hasan, Raja Naseer Asad and Shabbar Raza were also present at the press conference to represent the 12 Shiite organizations which are part of the alliance.
Kumaili said that the ball is now in the court of the government, and it was up to them to take action against the enemies of Islam. He demanded of the government to issue an edict declaring suicide bombing as Haram (unlawful).
Endorsing the strike call given by the Sunni Rahbar Council, Kumaili also demanded an independent inquiry into the incident under a senior judge of the Supreme Court.
Kumaili said that apart from the parties who did not have a clear stance over this issue and were reluctant to announce their policy, clerics of different sects had clearly given their verdict.
He appealed to all political and religious parties to play their role in combating this menace, claiming that silence on this issue is tantamount to criminal negligence and encouraging terrorists.
The JA leader said that those who endorsed the suicide bombing for one reason or the other were out of the fold of Islam, adding that the enemies of Islam have now been identified and it is the government’s responsibility to take a line of action and award stringent punishment to them.
Kumaili said that it was the duty of the government to chalk out a strategy regarding terrorism, but maintained that it should stop issuing statements which were based on compromises.
While paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives on Ashura, the JA leader also demanded compensation from the government for the heirs of the martyred, as well as those whose businesses were burnt to ashes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab90-QpIAGg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKV_WvAr1rA
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Bibi Ka Alam procession is the biggest Shia event that captures the soul of Hyderabad , without reservations , beyond caste color or creed, Hindu Muslim all communities pay tribute to the Mother of Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain , beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet Princess Fatima wife of Hazrat Ali Ibn Abu Talib the first Shia Imam and the Fourth Caliph .
The Bibi ka Alam according to the Hindu newspapers , starts on Ashura Day, Yom E Ashoora day from the Bibi ka Alawa in Dabeerpura.Everbody the rich the poor offer Dhatti..Behind the Alam are the mourners who cut their heads with curved swords daggers do zanjeer and blade matam, seated on the Alam are the Mutawalli of Bibi Ka Alam Arif Saab , Abid Bhai of Bright Ads my very dear friend..my family stayed at his house when we were here for the Chehlum 2003.
The mahout is Khwajah Saab, also seated on top of the elephant is Qamar Ali Alambrdar .
The Alam has pouches of rare gemstones and is heavily guarded , you cant breach the security ring, and here I must pay tribute to the Andhra security forces who do a fabulously commendable job..
I knew the Senior Inspector of Mangalpura who seeing me at Hussaini Koti allowed me a better position to shoot this , I carry a Press Card too of the Bandra Samachar.
The procession traverses Yakoutpura Darwaza, Etebar Chowk,Alijah Kotla, Charminar,GulzarHouz,Panjeshah,Darul Shifa and Chaerghat...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/firozeshakir/4234982491/in/set-72157623117418590/
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Ashura blast was not suicide attack; bomb was planted: investigators
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
By Salis bin Perwaiz
Karachi
The mystery behind the Ashura blast was finally unearthed after the investigation team stated in its report that the bomb was planted inside a box which had the portrait of a killed leader of a banned religious outfit. On Monday afternoon, Interior Minister Rehman Malik also confirmed the fact that the Ashura blast was not a suicide attack. He said that a complete report will be submitted within two to three days.
At least 42 people died, and more than a hundred were injured on December 28, 2009, when an explosion ripped through the main Ashura procession in Karachi. Observers claim that the blast was the result of the negligence of security personnel posted in the area.
Sub-Inspector (SI) Sajid Mehmood, an in-charge of the Aramgah Police Post, has registered a case at the Preedy Police Station on behalf of the State. He said that he was on duty at the site, along with a police team, and was patrolling the area in an official car (SP-0449). When the procession reached the Lighthouse Signal, he saw other officers present in the area, which came under the jurisdiction of the Mithadar police station. SI Mehmood then parked his vehicle on the left curb near the Lighthouse Signal, in between an Edhi Ambulance (EA-3953) and a KESC vehicle (KM-7122).
The SI and his staff got out of their car, and stood nearby, when a massive explosion shook the ground near the Edhi ambulance. SI Mehmood, however, stated in the FIR that the blast was the result of a suicide attack.
Later, inquiry teams were constituted on the directions of the federal authorities and the Sindh government. The Sindh Police Department formed three teams — two from the Karachi police units, and one from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). A fourth team was constituted by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Intelligence sources said that some senior investigators had termed the incident a suicide attack from day one. This theory was rectified, however, after three days of reviewing evidence and footage, and investigators are now convinced that the bomb was planted.
Moreover, during investigation it was found that the blast occurred at the Lighthouse Signal, near a PTCL connection box. Among the pieces of evidence found on the scene are scraps from a box in which it seems that the bomb was planted. A steel water jug, and some nuts and bolts have also been recovered.
A portrait was pasted on the box, along with a name and verse written by hand, allegedly by a banned religious outfit, investigators said, adding that the nature of the blast on Ashura was different from that of suicide attacks. C4 explosives usually result in a large blaze, with little smoke; in the Ashura blast, however, there wasn’t much in the way of a blaze, but a large plume of smoke rose immediately from the epicentre, leading investigators to believe that local explosives were used, instead of C-4. This, they said, was also proved during chemical examination of the evidence, which also showed that splinters had not been used — the terrorists had pasted nuts and bolts to the bomb for major damage.
Moreover, the Shahrah-e-Noor Jehan police had recovered a box, carrying a bomb, which seemed similar to the fragments of the box which was recovered after the Ashura blast. During examination, it was also found that the terrorists had used a cellphone as a detonator.
The investigators further stated that victims within the vicinity of the epicentre of the blast had been cut into pieces by pieces of steel from the box in which the bomb was placed. Pictures of the water jug which recovered from the blast site also showed marks of nuts and bolts, which similar to the ones which were recovered from the vicinity.
Observers and other sources said that M.A Jinnah Road had been closed on Muharram 8 and 9 due to security; each and every corner of the route was said to have been swept for bombs by the the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and the Rangers. One wonders then, how the terrorists managed to plant the bomb inside the box.
As per the security plan, digital cameras were also installed along the route. Where then, were the security officials who were supposed to review the day-to-day movement in the area? How could they have failed to see the suspects installing the bomb inside the box?
Moreover, law-enforcement personnel, including the BDS and Rangers with their sniffer dogs, were supposed to clear the way before the procession passed. How then, could they not have detected the bomb? One hopes that investigations into the incident will provide answers to these questions, sooner rather than later.
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Karachi blast: Bomb planted in sacred papers’ box
Updated at: 1705 PST, Tuesday, January 05, 2010
KARACHI: The chief of the Investigative Committee, probing the Karachi incident, Shafqat Malik has submitted the report to the IG Sindh.
According to the report, Karachi Ashura blast was not a suicide attack.
Talking to Geo News in Peshawar, AIG Bomb Disposal Squad Shafqat Malik said after examining the evidence recovered from the site of the blast, it is established that the Karachi blast was not a suicide attack but a 12 to 15 kilogram explosives was planted in a box meant for keeping sacred papers.
The bomb was exploded with the help of remote controlled device, he added.
Malik further said initial investigation revealed that the blast doest not seem to have the connection with the group carrying out blasts in the country but a new group is behind the Karachi Ashura blast, which seems to have experience of such activities.
“It is a new trend. Previously, vehicles were being used for such attacks but Karachi blast was carried out through a planted bomb, which was exploded through remote controlled device at a time when the Ashura procession was crossing the blast site,” he said.
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Arson-affected building collapses
* Some people feared trapped under the debris
By Irfan Aligi
KARACHI: Almost 80 percent of the Mashallah Building, one of the arson-affected buildings at MA Jinnah Road, collapsed on Wednesday and some people are feared trapped under the debris.
The building’s rear portion collapsed at around 6 pm and eyewitnesses claim that heavy machinery, which was being used for the reconstruction of the buildings, hit a column of the building causing the collapse.
CDGK Fire and Rescue Department chief Ehteshamuddin said the narrow passageway where the building is located is causing problems in removing the rubble.
He said no one has been heard crying or yelling for help from beneath the debris, however, it is still too early to reach a conclusion in this regard as efforts to remove the debris are still under way.
The fire dept chief also said all the buildings in the vicinity were prone to collapsing as the arson had inflicted heavy damage to their structure.
He said the rescue workers lives were also at risk in the area.
Marriot Road Traders Association President Rafique Jadoon feared that some people were trapped under the debris.
Some eyewitnesses also said shopkeepers were digging out remnants of their goods that were burnt in arson from the rubble, and probably the removal of these items that were supporting the debris caused the collapse.
City District Government Karachi’s Works and Services Department Executive District Officer Rasheed Mughal told Daily Times that the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) had already declared these building dangerous, and despite warnings some of the owners were trying to fix the damaged parts of the buildings.
Mughal said debris was initially being removed from this area, but after realising that this would be too risky for the other structures in adjacent premises, the work was stopped and the machinery removed.
Mughal claimed that the entire area was barricaded, but a few people did not stop entering the area and it is possible that scavengers and garbage-collecting children might be trapped under the debris.
Saddar Town Nazim Muhammad Dilawar also said there is a possibility of a few people being under the debris.
The role of the KBCA was also criticised by some, as there was no KBCA relief or rescue camp in the entire area, unlike the camps of the city government, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, Karachi Electric Supply Company, Sui Southern Gas Company Ltd and others.
Some people at the spot said that it was the duty of the KBCA to carry out the demolition of these dangerous-declared buildings, but it did not proceed with this step.
An engineer, on the condition of anonymity, claimed that the KBCA had file a previous report it had prepared last year in which it had declared these buildings as dangerous. He said the KBCA’s new report, which terms the buildings as dangerous after the arson, has nothing new in it.
According to sources, the owners of the damaged buildings are now reluctant to allow the traders to take possession of the shops.
The owners have told the traders that they would allocate shops with a new demarcation of the covered area. This has created panic among the traders and they are acting hastily to rebuild the destroyed shops on their own.
Some traders said that there were plans to demolish the buildings so that the new structures could be built according to the KBCA’s building bylaws under which the traders would lose 20 feet of land alongside the road. This would result an end to at least 200 shops that existed before the arson.
The traders also said that they were assured by the Sindh governor, federal interior minister, and the city nazim that they would be given a no-objection certificate to reconstruct the buildings on their own within a couple of days, but so far this has not happened.
FACTBOX-Karachi-Pakistan's biggest city and commercial hub
10 Jan 2010 10:47:38 GMT
Source: Reuters
KARACHI, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Members of a Pakistani regional party have asked their leaders to allow them leave the ruling coalition in response to what they said was violence against their workers in the country's commercial hub of Karachi.
About 35 people, most of them rival political activists, have been killed in three days of violence in the city.
The Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM), the dominant political party in Karachi, said the provincial government, dominated by President Asif Ali Zardari's party, had failed to stop the violence in the sprawling city of 18 million people.
Following are some facts about the city:
WHO LIVES IN KARACHI?
* Karachi is also the capital of Sindh province and has a population of around 18 million.
* Mohajirs, the descendants of Urdu-speakers who migrated from India after the creation of Pakistan in 1947, are the biggest community and dominate the city's administration.
* Karachi is also home to the largest concentration of ethnic Pashtuns outside North West Frontier Province. According to some estimates, more than 3.5 million Pashtuns live in the city.
* It is home to the central bank and main stock exchange and is also the country's main industrial base.
* The country's two main ports are in Karachi and most foreign companies investing in Pakistan have offices there.
HISTORY OF VIOLENCE IN KARACHI
* Karachi has a long history of ethnic, religious and sectarian violence. It was a main target of al Qaeda-linked militants after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States when Pakistan joined the U.S.-led campaign against militancy, and foreigners were attacked in the city several times.
* One of Pakistan's worst bomb attacks took place in Karachi in October 2007 during a welcome-home rally for self-exiled former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. About 140 people were killed. Bhutto was assassinated in the city of Rawalpindi just over two months later.
* Things have been relatively calm over the past two years as militants have focused attacks on cities in the north and across the northwest. But a bomb at a minority Shi'ite Muslim procession that killed 43 people on Dec. 28 fuelled concern that the militants were expanding their fight to the city.
POLITICS OF KARACHI
* The MQM, which mostly represents Mohajirs, is the dominant political force. In a 2008 general election it won 17 of 19 National Assembly seats in the city, while the other two went to President Asif Ali Zardari's Pakistan People's Party (PPP).
* The MQM controls the city government and is also part of a provincial coalition government led by the PPP as well as the federal government. The PPP dominates in rural areas of Sindh province, of which Karachi is capital.
* The MQM has been a strong and vocal critic of the Taliban, and also says that some Pashtuns are involved in crime, such as land grabbing and sheltering the militants.
WHAT IS AT STAKE?
* Karachi is a major transit point for military and other supplies to Afghanistan for the U.S.- and NATO-led anti-insurgency effort. Any trouble can directly affect those supplies.
* As the commercial hub, any trouble could disturb industrial activity, which can have serious consequences of the country's economy. According to officials, Karachi contributes 68 percent of the government's total revenue and 25 percent of the GDP.
* While stock investors are getting used to trouble in the northwest, violence in Karachi has a more immediate market impact.
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1 comment:
well Karachi is the biggest city of Pakistan as my point of view people of Karachi now a days victim of fair and feelings mentally astress just because of terrorist activities
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