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Tag: Sindh

  • 90% Sindh-Balochistan industries shut down | The Express Tribune

    90% Sindh-Balochistan industries shut down | The Express Tribune



    KARACHI:

    Industrialists have claimed that almost 90% of industries in Karachi and other industrial zones of Sindh and Balochistan remained closed on Monday to protest against higher gas tariffs.

    “Almost 90% of industries in all seven industrial zones of Karachi, along with other trade bodies and industrial zones of Sindh and Balochistan, including Lasbela Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Nooriabad, Kotri, and Hyderabad, have shut down in solidarity with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI),” Businessmen Group (BMG) Vice Chairman Jawed Bilwani said while addressing journalists at a press conference in the conference hall of the SITE Association of Industry (SAI).

    He reiterated that business leaders in Karachi demand the government scale down gas tariffs to Rs1,350 per mmBtu, as already determined by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), including a 22% profit for Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC).

    He expressed that if industries are burdened with all expenses and cross-subsidy, it would be extremely challenging for industrialists to run factories and generate jobs. Bilwani lamented the focus of every government on borrowing instead of working to boost exports and industries. He criticised the caretaker government for struggling to attract foreign investments while neglecting initiatives to enhance industries and exports for job creation.

    The new gas tariffs are deemed unaffordable, and industrialists find it challenging to run units properly at the newly-imposed rates. Bilwani emphasised the unfairness of supporting fertiliser, power, and domestic sectors while neglecting industries, which drive the economy, despite several appeals. He expressed disappointment that no policy maker or cabinet member has approached them for a meeting to address this burning issue. The new gas tariffs, ranging from Rs2,100 to Rs2,600 per mmBtu, are unbearable and unacceptable. Bilwani stated that if industries run, they will have to suffer, and if industries are closed, the government has to suffer. Plans for a comprehensive strategy will be developed after consulting all members in the coming days. However, starting tomorrow, industries will resume operations as usual.

    In response to a question about setting a new record in the local stock market following improvements in the national economy, Bilwani noted that the vast majority of buyers are sponsors in the market, contributing to its rise.

    Read: FPCCI urges govt to halt gas tariff hike

    Seconding the demands and views of other industrialists, SAI President Muhammad Kamran Arbi emphasised that government officials must approach industry leadership to confer with them for the amicable and immediate resolution of issues. He called for the promised winter package to support incremental electricity consumption during the winter season.

    OGRA chairman at FPCCI

    Meanwhile, in response to queries at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), OGRA Chairman Masroor Khan briefed the media on the mechanism of gas tariffs.

    “OGRA reviews revenue requirements of both Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and SSGC twice a year to make decisions based on the requirements. OGRA determines the gas tariff at Rs1,350 per mmBtu based on the revenue requirement. If we admit Rs1,350 is the gas tariff, Roti Tandoors in Karachi and the entire country are charged at Rs122 per mmBtu. If the rate for Roti Tandoors is increased to Rs1,350 per mmBtu, it would be unfair.

    OGRA establishes one rate for 17-category-wise consumers. We have to write a letter to the government to guide OGRA on how to charge consumers of various categories. The government has divided the domestic sector into two categories: protected and unprotected consumers. Therefore, the government has to charge the industry in terms of cross-subsidy to provide relief to those consumers who pay a lower tariff. High tariffs do not mean the government or OGRA pocket anything [the rate difference] at all.”

    Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2023.

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  • Pulmonary disease risk soars as air quality worsens, say experts | The Express Tribune

    Pulmonary disease risk soars as air quality worsens, say experts | The Express Tribune



    KARACHI:

    Issuing a stark warning on Friday, health experts in Pakistan highlighted the escalating air pollution evident from the worsening Air Quality Index of major cities in Sindh and Punjab.

    This surge in particulate matter in the air poses an increased risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which can cause airflow blockage as well as respiratory issues.

    These cities are now categorised among the most polluted globally, forcing authorities to enforce lockdowns. The caution was raised during an awareness seminar organised by the Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases (OICD) Dow International Medical College on World COPD Day.

    Professor Iftikhar Ahmed emphasised the dangers posed by smog and airborne particles, attributing them to factors such as vehicular emissions, waste burning, and industrial pollution.

    Drawing parallels to the challenges posed by environmental pollution akin to the current COVID-19 situation, he stressed the dire need for more information on this matter which would help prevent the aforementioned issues. 

    Read Smart lockdown proves fruitless

    During the seminar, Professor Faisal Fayaz Zubairi highlighted the dual causes of COPD: the smoke of cigarettes and air pollution. He advocated minimising ecological pollution by regulating fuel-powered vehicles and promoting the electric vehicle industry.

    Other experts revealed that approximately 4.5 million adults in the country suffer from COPD. They revealed that smoking and exposure to smoke from woods and animal dung are primary causes.

    The experts underlined the importance of timely diagnosis, treatment as well as other preventive measures like wearing masks in highly polluted areas.

    Urging collective efforts to address the growing rates of COPD which are exacerbated by winter conditions and environmental factors, the professionals dwelled on the need for public awareness and government interventions.





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  • CM points out imbalanced ratio of healthcare professionals | The Express Tribune

    CM points out imbalanced ratio of healthcare professionals | The Express Tribune



    KARACHI:

    Sindh Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar has underlined the need to address the imbalanced ratio of healthcare professionals in Pakistan, noting an overemphasis on producing doctors rather than nurses, midwives, LHVs, and medical technicians.

    While speaking at the launch of the Skill Lab for Paediatric & Neonatal Care Technician Course at the College of Nursing, Kohi Goth, Malir, he expressed optimism about overcoming this challenge. “I am glad that today, at least, we have taken a step to overcome this challenge by launching the Skill Lab,” he stated.

    The event was attended by prominent figures including Prof Tipu Sultan, Chairman of Atia & Zafar Foundation and Charitable Trust, Dr Shershah Syed, Chief of the Field Office of UNICEF, Sindh, Prem Bahadur Chand, Deputy Mayor Salman Murad, and others.

    The CM acknowledged the significant contributions of Kohi Goth Women’s Hospital, highlighting its role in providing essential services to the most deserving people, both nationally and globally. He expressed satisfaction in witnessing the remarkable work done by the hospital’s staff, from doctors to essential personnel.

    Highlighting the healthcare challenges in Pakistan, the interim CM expressed concern over the country’s high child mortality rate, particularly in newborns. “One in every 14 children in the country does not survive to his fifth birthday,” he deplored, emphasising the need for appropriate and timely preventive and curative measures.

    Read Reconduct of MDCAT exam recommended

    The establishment of the College of Nursing and the introduction of the Skill Lab for Paediatric & Neonatal Care Technician Course mark a significant step towards addressing the shortfall of nurses, LHVs and other necessary medical staff. “This institution will produce quality paediatrics and neonatal technicians, contributing to the reduction of child and newborn mortality,” he stated.

    He extended his gratitude to UNICEF for supporting the Department of Health in improving the quality of health facilities. He affirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges.

    Speaking at the event, Prof Tipu Sultan highlighted that Kohi Goth Women’s Hospital provides free-of-cost treatment to women and children, conducting an average of 600 deliveries every month. He added that nursing and other technical courses are being imparted free of cost.

    During his visit, CM Baqar interacted with under-training nurses and technicians, emphasising the importance of their role in the healthcare system.

     

    Published in The Express Tribune, November 15th, 2023.





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  • Sindh issues advisory on Nipah virus, urges caution – SUCH TV

    Sindh issues advisory on Nipah virus, urges caution – SUCH TV



    The Sindh Health Department has issued an advisory regarding the potential spread of the dangerous “Nipah” virus, which has affected numerous individuals in India.

    In the advisory, the medical superintendents, directors, and livestock departments have been advised to exercise caution in a letter sent by Sindh’s director of health to hospitals around the province.

    The Nipah virus is known to transmit quickly between and among people and from animals.

    The warning also lists the virus’s symptoms, which can include fever, headaches, body pains, and, in severe cases, coma.

    The Nipah virus was first identified in 1998 during an outbreak of illness among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore.

    It is able to infect humans directly through contact with the bodily fluids of infected bats and pigs, with some documented cases of transmission among humans.

    Scientists suspect Nipah has existed among flying foxes for millennia and fear a mutated, highly transmissible strain will emerge from bats.

    There are no vaccines to prevent or cure the infection, which has a mortality rate of between about 70%. The usual treatment is to provide supportive care.

     



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  • Long-awaited rail track to ferry Thar coal okayed | The Express Tribune

    Long-awaited rail track to ferry Thar coal okayed | The Express Tribune



    KARACHI:

    Against the backdrop of nationwide protests regarding soaring power bills and mounting tensions with a Chinese coal extraction partner in Thar, the federal government has delivered long-awaited approval for a critical infrastructure project.

    The project entails the construction of a 105-kilometer railway line, linking Thar to Bin Qasim, with the aim to seamlessly connect the coal mines in Sindh to the national and global energy markets.

    The strategic railway track will serve as a lifeline for Thar’s abundant coal reserves, ensuring their efficient transportation to power projects across the country.

    The primary objectives are to augment the contribution of cost-effective coal-based energy in Pakistan’s energy mix and to alleviate the financial burden on end-consumers by lowering overall power bills.

    Furthermore, this railway network will facilitate the supply of Thar coal to fertilizer and cement manufacturers, offering the potential for coal-to-gas conversion.

    Currently, coal transportation relies heavily on trucks, which proves to be an expensive and time-consuming method, unsuitable for large-scale bulk supply increases.

    Read ‘Liquified fuel from Thar coal can replace imported petrol’

    In a recent conversation with The Express Tribune, Abu Bakar Ahmed, secretary of the Sindh Energy Department, revealed that he had obtained federal approval for the construction of a 105-kilometer railway line, spanning from Chorr to Islamkot, ultimately connecting to Port Qasim, a deep-sea port in Karachi.

    This ambitious project is slated for completion by December 2024 and is estimated to cost Rs58 billion, with equal financial participation from both the federal and Sindh governments.

    The overarching vision behind this endeavor is to transition 4-5 thermal power projects currently reliant on imported coal to Thar coal, thereby reducing the nation’s import bills.

    Pakistan currently spends approximately $2 billion annually on coal imports.

    Thar coal ranks among the top two most economical energy sources in Pakistan’s diverse energy landscape, with power projects using Thar coal consistently offering some of the most cost-effective energy solutions among the country’s 74 power projects.

    While Pakistan currently receives around 3,500 megawatts of power from coal-fired projects, the country’s peak power demand reached 25,500 megawatts in August 2023.

    Notably, coal-fired power projects were virtually nonexistent in Pakistan a few years ago. Secretary Ahmed emphasized that sustained power production in Pakistan necessitates reliance on fossil fuels, and Thar coal stands out as one of the most cost-effective fuel options available.

    He highlighted the challenges faced in establishing power projects near the coal mines, including water scarcity and inadequate power transmission infrastructure in the Thar region.

    Thus, the strategic shift to rail transport for coal distribution across the country is imperative. This transition also opens up the possibility of coal exports if necessary.

    Also read ‘Project to convert Thar coal into liquid fuel begins’

    Thar coal, classified as lignite, shares similar combustion and moisture characteristics with the coal Germany has extensively utilized for decades. India has almost fully depleted its coal reserves in the Rajasthan region.

    Pakistan, in contrast, possesses a staggering 175 billion tons of coal reserves in Tharparkar alone, equivalent to 50 billion tons of oil equivalent (TOE)—surpassing the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia and Iran combined, according to the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC).

    While these coal reserves could potentially meet Pakistan’s electricity demand for centuries, their application extends beyond power generation, opening avenues for diverse utilization.

    Ahmed said the escalating use of expensive fuels such as imported furnace oil has driven the cost of power production to a record high of Rs72 per unit, compared to Rs28 per unit just two years ago.

    This surge in production costs is a major contributor to the recent surge in electricity bills, which has prompted public protests. Thar coal emerges as a viable and sustainable solution to the ongoing power crisis, with its increased utilization expected to alleviate the financial burden on consumers.

    Meanwhile, the China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), the operator of a Chinese coal mine in Thar Block-II, has issued a warning, stating that it will halt coal extraction activities unless outstanding receivables of $50 million are settled by September 10.

    CMEC conveyed its concerns to the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) through a letter, revealing that it did not receive any payments in August, resulting in overdue receivables of $50 million as of July 2023.





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  • Pakistan: Sindh Province Reports First Case Of Congo Virus

    Pakistan: Sindh Province Reports First Case Of Congo Virus


    The Health Department in Pakistan’s Sindh province has confirmed this year’s first case of the life-threatening Congo virus in Karachi, media reports said on Sunday. According to health officials, Muhammad Adil, a 28-year-old resident of Nazimabad, visited the Ziauddin Hospital as an outpatient on Thursday this week. Qasim Siraj Soomro, the parliamentary secretary on health said that the health facility took samples from the patient and sent them to the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), where the laboratory results confirmed that he had contracted the Congo virus, Express Tribune reported.

    Soomro said the Health Department received the results on Sunday evening and immediately sent a team to Adil`s residence to bring him to the Infectious Disease Hospital. This is the first case of Congo virus in the country this year, and medical experts have warned that the virus is very dangerous as it can cause bleeding at very early stages, Express Tribune reported.

    While the symptoms of the Congo virus are similar to those of dengue fever, they can quickly become life-threatening. The Health Department has urged citizens to take precautions to avoid contracting the virus, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents when in contact with cattle or other livestock.

    Also read: One Lakh Saplings To Be Planted In Ladakh On May 17

    The Congo virus, or the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), is primarily transmitted to humans by ticks on cattle and other livestock, and can cause severe fever, muscle pain, vomiting, and internal bleeding.

    It has a high fatality rate, and there is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus, Express Tribune reported.





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  • Court orders Dania Shah’s release from prison | The Express Tribune

    Court orders Dania Shah’s release from prison | The Express Tribune



    KARACHI:

    A court on Tuesday ordered the release of Daniya Shah, wife of TV host Aamir Liaquat, after she was arrested on charges of leaking an objectionable video of her late husband. 

    A single-member bench consisting of Justice Omar Sial gave its decision on Dania’s plea, granting her bail and ordering her release from prison.

    Dania’s lawyer Liaqat Gabol had argued that the phone numbers from which the videos were spread do not belong to Dania.

    He added that the case against Dania is weak and she should be granted bail.

    Dania was arrested after Liaquat’s daughter from his first marriage had lodged a complaint against her. The court ordered the accused to deposit a surety bond of Rs200,000.

    Read Court reserves verdict on Dania Shah’s bail plea

    Dania Shah was picked up from her home in Lodhran on December 16, 2022, by the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) cybercrime wing on charges of posting Liaquat’s objectionable videos on social media.

    The video featured the late politician in a state of complete undress in his home, allegedly after the consumption of an illegal substance. This video was leaked a few days after news broke of the dissolution of his third marriage.

    On December 17, the Judicial Magistrate East sent Dania to jail on judicial remand while rejecting an FIA plea for her physical remand. A few days later, the court rejected Dania’s bail plea, keeping her in judicial remand.

    Last week, Dania’s bail application was rejected once again by the Sindh High Court.





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  • Keamari deaths: medical board formed | The Express Tribune

    Keamari deaths: medical board formed | The Express Tribune



    KARACHI:

    The provincial health department has submitted its compliance report to West district magistrate regarding a medical board for autopsy of the remains of victims who allegedly died of poisonous gas emission from factories in Goth Ali Muhammad of Keamari district.

    Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) vice chancellor, will head the board with members comprising DUHS assistant professor of pathology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre police surgeon and a lady medico legal officer.

     

    Published in The Express Tribune, February 12th, 2023.





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