Latest news with #AltafShakoor
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Poor connectivity, security issues hinder Gwadar Port usage: PDP
KARACHI: Though the lack of road and rail connectivity and suboptimal security are amongst the main issues hindering proper usage of Gwadar Port, but to make this key port fully functional it needs to develop an industrial and manufacturing near it on top priority, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday. He said Gwadar Port could really be made a game-changer for regional trade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), if the government is serious about working in this direction instead of lip service. He said despite being operational since 2007, Gwadar handles very little cargo compared to other ports like Karachi and Port Qasim. He said the lack of industrial and commercial infrastructure around Gwadar has hindered its growth as a trade hub. He said foreign-backed terrorists and insurgents have plagued Gwadar, with frequent attacks on workers and infrastructure projects. Security threats have discouraged foreign investors and shipping companies from using the port. He said many CPEC-linked projects like roads, railways, power plants meant to support Gwadar's development have been delayed or stalled. The promised Gwadar Free Zone has not attracted significant investment yet. The poor road network had limited logistics growth. Altaf Shakoor regretted that Chinese companies have been reluctant to invest heavily in industries around Gwadar. The government's inability to provide reliable electricity, water, and security has also deterred investors. He said while Gwadar has potential due to its deep-sea port and strategic location, it has so far failed to deliver on its economic promises. Unless Pakistan and China address security, infrastructure, and investment challenges, Gwadar may remain an underperforming asset rather than the 'next Dubai' it was hyped to be. He said that to make Gwadar Port the next Dubai, the government must speed construction of the ML-1 Railway (Peshawar-Karachi) and link it to Gwadar for seamless cargo movement. It should expand the Eastbay Expressway and connect it to the national highway network for better inland freight transport. It should develop a dedicated freight corridor from Gwadar to China (via Khunjerab Pass) to boost trade. It should build power plants (solar, wind, or coal-based) to ensure uninterrupted electricity for industries, besides setting up desalination plants to solve Gwadar's chronic water shortage. He said that unlike Karachi, Gwadar has no major industrial or urban center nearby to drive demand. He said no port succeeds without economic activity. Ports like Dubai (Jebel Ali) and Singapore thrive because they have industries, warehouses, and exports feeding them. Gwadar needs factories, refineries, and logistics hubs to generate cargo demand. He said ships will only dock at Gwadar if there's enough cargo and industries guarantee that. Negotiations with China to use this port for their supply chain will not only make this port fully operational but will also boost industrial development. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt urged to bring Gorakh Hill under renewed focus
KARACHI: Expressing concern over very poor infrastructure and facilities at Gorakh Hill, Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday demanded of the government to give it a serious focus to make it a key tourist destination. He said reaching Gorakh Hill is a really uphill task due to a single lane road that too is not in a good condition. He said ideally this hill station needs an expressway like the Murree Expressway, but at least the government could convert this single track road into a double-track highway. He said better road connectivity would boost local tourism and help the growing economy of Sindh. He said that installing solar-powered lights on this road would ensure night travel safety. He said a cable car system from a base station (e.g., Wahi Pandi) could be a cheaper, eco-friendly alternative, in the pattern of Patriata (New Murree) Cable Car. It could also boost tourism without heavy road construction. He suggested a comprehensive development of Gorakh Hill through CPEC funding under Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) for infrastructure. He said that developing Gorakh Hill into a modern hill station requires a well-planned strategy that balances tourism, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and local community development. He said that besides an all weather double-track road, Gorakh Hill needs electricity & water supply. The government should install solar/ wind energy solutions and sustainable water storage systems. It should also ensure high-speed internet and mobile network coverage for tourists and businesses. He said there is also a need to develop eco-friendly hotels, resorts, and lodges with modern amenities while preserving natural beauty. He said Gorakh Hill is an ideal place for adventure tourism. The government could promote trekking, paragliding, camping, and stargazing (due to clear skies). It should also develop nature trails, botanical gardens, and wildlife observation points. It may also showcase local Sindhi culture through festivals, handicrafts, and traditional cuisine. He said Gorakh Hill as the only place in Sindh with occasional snowfall, and this an ideal site for winter tourism. Altaf Shakoor said Gorakh hill needs a lot of trees. The Sindh forest department should plant native trees to prevent soil erosion and enhance greenery. He said the Sindh government should also encourage private investors to develop hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities. He said the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) must play a key role to promote Gorakh Hill as a key destination, through government funding and grants or loans from environmental and tourism development organisations. It could offer tour packages in collaboration with travel agencies. He said the Sindh culture department could organise annual events like music festivals, winter carnivals, or adventure sports competitions at Gorakh hill. The government should encourage local entrepreneurs to set up cafes, souvenir shops, and transport services. It should also set up tourist police and emergency response units, as well as medical facilities like a basic health center or mobile medical units. Altaf Shakoor said that with proper planning, investment, and sustainable practices, Gorakh Hill can become a premier hill station in Pakistan, attracting domestic and international tourists while preserving its natural beauty. The key is balanced development —modernizing without overexploiting the environment. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PDP for converting Karachi into modern efficient liveable city
KARACHI: Megacity Karachi is one of the least developed megacities of the world and there is a need to convert it into a modern efficient liveable city, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday. He said that the dream of having a liveable city is the old dream of Karachiites, which is yet to be materialized. He said we need Karachi as an efficient modern megacity that offers a high quality of life, sustainability, and opportunities for its residents. He said that Karachi has become a congested city dotted with hundreds of poor slums. Karachiites want affordable and quality housing, with diverse options for different income levels. It needs well-maintained buildings and neighbourhoods, efficient and reliable public transportation, with Karachi Circular Railway (KCR) as its backbone. It also requires reliable, affordable, and well-connected transit systems of buses, bike and bicycle lanes. Better public transport would reduce road congestion and air and noise pollution. Altaf Shakoor said that the megacity has very sparse parks and green spaces, gardens, and recreational areas. He said better safety standards, and lower crime rate is the need of hour. The safe city project is facing an extended delay which is worrisome. The megacity needs effective law enforcement and community policing, besides well-lit streets and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. A city can't be called liveable without better access to quality healthcare and education, well-equipped hospitals and clinics, good schools, universities, and lifelong learning opportunities. He said growing joblessness is a major concern of Karachi. It needs a strong economy & more job opportunities, for which diverse industries and employment options are necessary. He said the government should support small businesses and the fisheries and maritime sector. Shortage of potable water, electricity and gas load shedding are perpetual issues of Karachi, he said, adding clean potable water, stable electricity and gas should be ensured for the Karachiites at top priority, besides well-maintained roads and public facilities. He demanded of the federal and provincial government to allocate ample funds for Karachi in the coming budget to make it a liveable megacity. Modern megacities are self sustainable efficient cities in terms of amenities and resources. Water, electricity and gas should be available to all residents at affordable prices. Circular railways connected with road networks are essential elements of the modern transportation system of smart cities. Resource allocation should be in accordance with organic population growth and migration rate. Mega cities can only be managed effectively through elected representatives operating a transparent system. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PDP for strengthening regulatory institutions to end corruption
KARACHI: Strengthening our regulatory institutions is a must to end corruption and improve good governance in our society, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday. He said that strengthening regulatory bodies is a crucial step in combating corruption because it enhances their ability to detect, prevent, and punish corrupt practices. He said that stronger regulatory bodies have better resources like technology and personnel, finding to monitor government and private sector activities. They can conduct regular audits, inspections, and real-time tracking to reduce opportunities for corruption. He said that empowered regulators can impose harsher penalties like fines, bans, and prosecutions on corrupt individuals and organizations. He said the fear of consequences deters potential wrongdoers. It also helps in reduced discretionary powers. He said transparent procedures minimize officials' ability to exploit loopholes for bribes or favouritism. He said automation of processes like e-governance reduces human interference. He said strong regulators ensure safe channels for whistle blowing or reporting corruption without retaliation. He said this public trust increases, encouraging more people to expose wrongdoing. Altaf Shakoor said mandatory disclosures like asset declarations and open contracting make transactions traceable. He said that probe bodies should be depoliticized, as the independent anti-corruption agencies can investigate impartially. He said that robust regulators can collaborate across borders to tackle money laundering, tax evasion, and illicit financial flows. He said we should replicate the models of successful international anti-corruption bodies, like Singapore's Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB), whose strong legal powers and zero-tolerance policies have kept corruption low. He said another example is Estonia's Digital Governance, which has reduced bureaucratic corruption via transparent e-services. PDP Chairman suggested that political interference in regulatory bodies must be eliminated. He said adequate funding and training are essential for effectiveness. He said by making regulatory bodies independent, well-resourced, and transparent, our government can significantly curb corruption and promote fair governance. Altaf Shakoor demanded legal & institutional reforms to enhance independence of regulatory bodies. He asked to pass laws to insulate regulators from political interference, create autonomous oversight bodies, update anti-corruption laws, and criminalize bribery, embezzlement, and illicit enrichment explicitly. He asked to strengthen whistleblower protection laws, besides capacity building, better training and more funding for the regulatory authorities. He suggested adopting modern technology AI, block chain for audits. He asked for training of their staff in forensic accounting, cyber-investigations, and international anti-money laundering (AML) standards. He asked the ruling and opposition political parties to support these initiatives to give our society a better good governance. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PDP calls for waging war against corruption
KARACHI: After successfully defeating India, now it is high time to wage a war against corruption in our own country and defeat it also, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor here Sunday. He said corruption and bribery is eroding the foundations of our nation. He said the corruption of the elite political class is a big curse, adding Pakistani politicians are considered amongst the highest corrupt people in the whole world. He said that Pakistan is the fifth largest nation in the world but due to widespread corruption it is considered amongst the poorest countries of the world. He said corruption of successive governments in Pakistan has resulted in a huge loan burden for Pakistanis and today this country is virtually governed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and without prior approval of the IMF we cannot make our national budget. He said financial slavery is the worst form of slavery and presently we are enduring it. Altaf Shakoor said the brave Pakistani armed forces defeated aggressive India and they could also help in defeating corruption. He said corruption is an internal security threat and thus it is the mandate of the armed forces to defeat it also. He said corruption is bleeding our economy and every year trillions of rupees are being devoured by it. PDP Chairman said unfortunately the province of Sindh is considered as the most corrupt province of Pakistan with bad governance at its zenith here. He said every department and entity of the government is filthy corrupt, with the police department topping them all. He said the megacity Karachi is hardly hit by the corrupt and inefficient bureaucracy. He demanded drastic reforms in police and bureaucracy to give the poor people of Pakistan a breather. He said a paperless governance system should be introduced in government offices to reduce bribery. He said there should be a strong whistle blowing system in the government sector to expose and punish dishonest officials. He said corrupt mafias like the sugar millers mafia are looting people with both hands. These mafias are sadly run by our politicians belonging to both treasury and opposition benches. Though these people fight inside and outside the parliament but when it comes to looting the people they always join hands. Altaf Shakoor appealed to the Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to establish an entity within the internal security spectrum solely to fight corruption. He said if the widespread corruption is not checked it would soon affect every aspect of our national life including security. He said foolproof methods should be applied to tame our corrupt elements including the corrupt elite. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
