Latest news with #Monem
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
JI holds ‘bike rally' against new number plates
KARACHI: In a dramatic display of public discontent, thousands of motorcyclists rallied through Karachi on Sunday to protest what they described as a 'corrupt and illogical' government drive to enforce new number plates. The Sindh government's move, part of a broader vehicle documentation campaign, has drawn sharp criticism for allegedly enabling 'harassment and extortion on the city's roads'. The rally, organised by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chapter, was led by party chief Monem Zafar Khan and began at Five-Star roundabout in North Nazimabad, culminating at Fresco roundabout in Saddar. Participants, many holding placards and chanting slogans, criticised the provincial administration for focusing on number plates while the megacity continues to suffer from chronic shortages of water, electricity, public transport, and functional roads. 'There are nearly 4.5 million motorcyclists in Karachi alone, and they, along with other motorists, are being targeted in the name of new number plates,' Monem said in his address. 'All the PPP government has to offer Karachiites is number plates.' The protest comes in the wake of widespread reports of harassment on city roads, with vehicles impounded and drivers allegedly forced to pay bribes for non-compliance with the government's order. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
JI slams govt, police over rise in street crimes
KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Chief, Monem Zafar Khan on Friday strongly criticised the Sindh government and police over the alarming surge in street crimes across the city, calling for immediate reforms and action. Expressing deep sorrow over the recent killing of 25-year-old Jibran — who had returned from overseas to attend his father's funeral but was shot dead while resisting robbers — Monem said no one in the city is safe due to the worsening law and order situation. Citing June's crime statistics, he revealed that over 5,000 incidents were officially reported last month, including the snatching of 3,883 motorcycles, 1,436 mobile phones, and 183 cars at gunpoint. He noted that actual figures could be much higher, as many victims don't report crimes due to lack of faith in the police. 'The root cause of this crisis is corruption within the government and the police force,' Monem said, urging authorities to purge the Police department of 'black sheep' and restore public confidence. He also demanded the revival of the Safe City project and a citywide crackdown on street criminals. 'JI will not allow the government to leave Karachiites at the mercy of armed criminals,' he vowed. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
JI will launch citywide ‘Karachi Rights Convention Campaign'
KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Chief, Monem Zafar Khan has sharply criticized the Sindh government's ongoing crackdown on vehicle number plates, calling it a 'money-making' scheme disguised as regulation while Karachiites continue to suffer from deep-rooted civic failures. 'The entire city is being stopped at every corner—not for safety, but to extort money under the guise of number plate enforcement,' Monem said during a packed press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq on Wednesday. 'Instead of fixing roads, cleaning garbage, or providing water, the government is chasing motorcyclists and car owners to meet revenue targets and fuel corruption within the traffic police.' He said this misplaced priority has become a symbol of the PPP government's failure, reflecting a broader governance crisis in the city. 'In a city of 35 million people with only 400 buses, broken roads, and daily load shedding, they're focused on number plates. That tells you everything.' The JI leader further slammed the government's inaction in the wake of the July 4 Lyari building collapse that claimed 27 lives, blaming systemic corruption and failed oversight. Referring to official figures, he said that 588 buildings in Karachi are classified as dangerous with 51 on the brink of collapse, yet the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) remains passive. 'In the last five years alone, over 100,000 buildings have been erected; 85 percent of them are unauthorized. SBCA is deeply entangled in this web of corruption.' Monem alleged that land grabbers and the so-called 'portion mafia' operate with the full support of corrupt SBCA officials. He also condemned PPP minister Sharjeel Inam Memon's statement that the government is not liable to provide housing alternatives to those living in unsafe buildings. 'No government can deny responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of its citizens,' he said. Regarding the compensation announced for Lyari victims, the JI leader noted that while Rs1 million per victim may ease suffering, it cannot replace lost lives. He held the PPP government responsible for allowing such tragedies to occur through negligence and a lack of enforcement. He concluded by announcing that JI will launch a citywide Karachi Rights Convention campaign across all union councils to mobilize the public against the prevailing governance failures. 'This city has been robbed of its dignity. Bribery is now the cost of every public service. Enough is enough,' Monem declared. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
JI decries ‘aggressive' drive of Karachi traffic police
KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Chief Monem Zafar Khan has called on the citizens of Karachi to stand up for their rights and resist what he described as systematic exploitation of rulers. He particularly condemned the traffic police's 'aggressive' fining practices and the government's neglect of essential civic services, despite the megacity's massive tax contributions. Speaking at a press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq, the party's city headquarters on Thursday, he cited official figures to reveal that over 52,000 traffic challans were issued in Karachi in just two months, raising serious questions about the police's approach and the government's priorities. He accused the authorities of excessive use of force, corruption, and the arbitrary impounding of motorcycles, many of which are the sole means of transport for low-income citizens. He further criticized IGP Sindh for threatening to double the fines, suspending driving licenses, and blocking national identity cards (CNICs) of those unable to pay penalties on time. 'What would you do if citizens cannot pay the fine in 200 days,' Monem asked pointedly. 'Do you strip them of citizenship or expel them from the country?' He questioned why such harsh rules apply only to Karachiites while essential services continue to be ignored. 'All the rules are for the people of this megacity— but where are the basic facilities,' he asked. Monem lambasted the government for failing to address the megacity's infrastructure needs. 'Instead of focusing on zebra crossings, footpaths, pavements, and traffic signals, the administration is obsessed with issuing challans,' he said, adding that the resulting frustration is particularly high among the youth. To support citizens targeted by what he called 'traffic police excesses,' the JI leader announced that help desks will be set up at all district party offices to assist those facing unjust fines. He also highlighted the widespread use of motorcycles in Karachi— used by over 4.5 million people— and urged young riders to wear helmets, carry valid licenses, and follow traffic laws while firmly resisting corruption. The JI leader pointed to figures from the tax department to argue that Karachi contributed Rs3,256 billion in taxes, an increase of 29.46 percent over the previous year. Despite this, he said, the city remains deprived of its rightful share of development and services. As an example, he cited the K-IV water supply project, saying it requires Rs40 billion for completion, yet only Rs3.2 billion was allocated in the current budget— effectively stalling a project already lingered for 22 years and ballooned from Rs26 billion to nearly Rs200 billion in cost. He also took aim at City Mayor Murtaza Wahab, who chairs the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation under the Sindh government. Monem questioned the purpose of the corporation, especially after recent rains exposed the fragility of the megacity's drainage infrastructure. 'If the corporation is not responsible for drainage issues, then who is; what is its job description,' he asked. He noted that the Sindh government has received $1.6 billion in funding specifically for upgrading water and sanitation services, yet little improvement has been seen on the ground. Addressing the city's traffic congestion, the JI leader emphasised the dire need for a comprehensive mass transit system, including 10,000 new buses, a light rail network, and the revival of the Karachi Circular Railway (KCR). He lamented that only 300 buses had been introduced over the past 17 years, which is grossly insufficient for a city of Karachi's size. In response to a question, Monem outlined the party's key priorities for the year, stating that education, healthcare, and development would remain its top concerns. He noted that the budgets for these sectors have been increased in the nine towns currently administered by JI in Karachi. 'We are committed to building a just, functioning city where citizens are respected, not punished.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
28-06-2025
- Climate
- Business Recorder
Monsoon spell cripples Karachi
KARACHI: The first spell of monsoon rain has turned Karachi into a scene of urban chaos, once again exposing the city's fragile civic infrastructure, Business Recorder learnt on Saturday. Widespread chaos was reported in the old city areas, where inundated streets, overflowing sewage systems, and crumbling road infrastructure brought severe disruption to daily life across multiple neighbourhoods. Even the stretch near the Karachi Municipal Corporation's head office on MA Jinnah Road was inundated, with rainwater and sewage pooling on the streets outside the city's administrative hub. Commercial areas saw partial closures public transport was delayed, and clogged drains caused rainwater to accumulate for hours in low-lying areas. Manholes overflowed, broken sewerage lines spewed muck, and the city's already damaged roads buckled further under the pressure. From Nazimabad to Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Saadi Town to Shahrah-e-Faisal, and even parts of the M-9 Motorway access routes affected by the rain with traffic halt and forced many to remain indoors. Amid growing public anger, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Chief Monem Zafar strongly criticized the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led Sindh government and the mayor's office for their failure to clean storm water drains before the rains began. He said, 'The people of Karachi are paying the price for the utter incompetence and criminal negligence of the Sindh government and the mayor's office.' Monem pointed out that major drainage channels — including New Karachi Nullah, Gujjar Nullah, Shadman Nullah, and Mahmoodabad Nullah — had started overflowing with the very first spell of rain. 'This was a visible and preventable disaster. Even after warnings by opposition members, no action was taken,' he said. NDMA issues impact-based weather alerts as monsoon rains lash Pakistan He added that Rs410 million were allocated last year for drain cleaning, and the mayor had promised that all nullahs would be cleaned every three months. 'These were hollow promises. Not a single drain was cleared properly. Karachi is now drowning in their incompetence,' he said. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed substantial rainfall across Karachi in the past two days. Rainfall amounts recorded include: Surjani Town 38mm, Gulshan-e-Maymar 28mm, Saadi Town 20mm, University Road 13mm, Nazimabad and Jinnah Terminal 09mm, Korangi Town and North Karachi 07mm, and Kemari and Orangi Town 06mm. Light rain was also reported from Saddar, DHA Phase II, and Gulshan-e-Hadeed. In addition to water logging, residents also faced long power outages — some lasting up to 18 hours — especially in areas like Lyari and Khadda Market. Markets shut down early in many areas, and delivery services were suspended in flood-affected zones. The PMD has issued a fresh warning, forecasting more rainfall and thunderstorms for Karachi and much of Sindh. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, along with an approaching westerly wave, are expected to intensify over the weekend. Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in several areas of Karachi on Sunday, with maximum temperatures ranging between 30 to 32 degrees Celsius and humidity around 80 percent. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has placed all district administrations and emergency services on high alert. Departments responsible for law enforcement, health, utility services, and welfare organizations have been asked to coordinate and take all necessary precautions. Other cities in Sindh are also expected to receive rain in the coming days. Moderate to heavy showers are likely in Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Dadu, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushahro Feroze, and Badin, while lighter rainfall may occur in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Khairpur, Jacobabad, and Larkana. Meanwhile, widespread rain is also forecast for the upper parts of the country, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The ongoing monsoon activity continues to bring significant rainfall to various regions. On Saturday, Attock received the highest recorded rainfall at 102mm, followed by 65mm at Lahore Airport and 32mm in Chakwal. Other areas also reported notable precipitation. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Kotli received 25mm of rain, while Muzaffarabad recorded 4mm. Kakul in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw 24mm, Malam Jabba 9mm, and Balakot 8mm. In Balochistan, Kalat recorded 21mm of rain and Lasbella 3mm, indicating the spread of the monsoon system into southwestern parts of the country as well. The weather office warned of flash floods in nullahs and hill torrents in Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Swat, and adjoining areas. Landslides could also affect roads in hilly terrain. Additionally, strong winds and lightning may damage solar panels, rooftops, vehicles, and billboards across several vulnerable districts. As Karachi residents brace for the next round of showers, they are left wondering whether the city's administration will respond or continue to let the rain wash away promises, again. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
