It is regretted that due to a spiritual visit of Iraq last week, I was unable to write Metro Matters. I am thankful to Shabbar Naqvi who filled the gap. Now I have returned back home during the reported week and thankful to Saleem Raza Chief of Karwan-e-Janab-e-Sakina (SA) who managed all important Ziaraat at Najaf, Kazmain, Samrah, Balad, Baghdad and Karbala of Iraq for 10 days just in only 700 US dollar including air fare of Emirates airlines, Iraqi visa fee, stay at 3-star hotels at all places for 9 nights, daily 3-time Pakistani meals, and transport for the whole visit of Iraq for every important Ziarat. Saleem also cared very well for all Zaireen throughout during the 10-day visit. I and my family who visited with him pray for him for his long live, and appreciate his all sincere efforts for the convenience of Zaireen-e-Imam Hussain (AS).
Nargis Rehman, Chairperson Pakistan Women’s Foundation for Peace (PWFP) along with senior journalist Qudsia Kadri, Justice (Retd) Shaiq Usmani (former Judge of Sindh High Court), Shahab Usto Advocate Supreme Court, Dr Qaiser Sajjad Secretary General Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) addressed a press conference during the reported week at Karachi Press Club. They were deeply concerned on all issues related to Pakistan at length like political and economic situation, corruption, law and order situation, public health, education, transport, illiteracy, unemployment, electricity and water shortage etc. throughout the country, especially in Karachi.
They said Judiciary is playing vital role in this worst condition as Chief Justice of Pakistan has taken record suo moto actions but this is not a proper solution. Government is not ready to take any proper action to put the country on the path of progress; they are busy in playing dirty games instead of thinking proper solution for the country.
Chairperson PWFP said they are citizens of a sovereign state, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan residing in a given territory with an organized political polity under a single democratic government whose objective and oath under the constitution is to ensure the sovereignty and well being of people of Pakistan. She said we are deeply concerned whether these oaths are being fulfilled and that public servants are discharging their duties in the interest of the nation.
Nargis said Pakistan is confronted with grave challenges from within and outside. It is imperative that we, Government and citizens, join together, unite together to overcome these challenges.
Qudsia Kadri, a senior journalist while addressing the press conference highlighted worst economical situation of the country and emphasised upon the government to take action on priority basis to resolve this important issues in the interest of the nation instead of IMF.
The Consulate General of Japan in Karachi hosted the “Women’s Self-Defense Workshop” during the reported week at the Japan Information and Culture Centre (JICC) in cooperation with the Pakistan Marital Arts Association. The workshop is organized for women to raise their awareness for self-defense against street crimes. About 100 women from various educational institutes participated in the workshop and practiced self-defense skills.
The Marital Arts was formed in Japan with taking in techniques of various martial arts originating mainly from Japan such as Karate, Ju-Jitsu and Aikido, etc.
At the closing ceremony of the workshop, Toshikazu Isomura, Consul General of Japan in Karachi, showed his concern about street crime situations in Karachi, expressing his hope that the participants have keenly got the awareness of self-defense.
The Consulate General of Japan considers it important to promote further relationships between Japan and Pakistan in various fields. The “Women’s Self-Defense Workshop” with the Marital Arts will contribute to development of our cultural ties and enhancement of cooperation in sport sector towards the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020.
Over 500 different dynamic women professionals and SME business owners have attended a LADIESFUND Power Lunch during the reported week. This year, Power Lunches have a special theme of #HeForShe. Consul General of Germany in Karachi, Rainer Schmiedchen, was the chief guest on this occasion, he spoke passionately about trade opportunities in his country as well as ways Germany wanted to support the women of Pakistan.
Spotted at the full house gathering, among others were: Taneez Founder Zeenat S. Ahmed, beautician Angie Marshall, Scentsation owners Asma Mohsin and Nighat Shaida, L’Ecole founder Raheel Tariq Khan, Dolmen Group Director Anum Nadeem, Kiran Mian, Maha Shaikh, Omayr Saiyid, Shehla Hashmi, Owais Asif, and LADIESFUND President Tara Uzra Dawood.