Governor Sindh Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad has expressed optimism that the tension between federal and provincial governments over extension of Rangers' special policing powers in Karachi will be resolved soon.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of EduIjee Dinshaw Road Project organised by Customs department at Customs House Karachi, he said that there was consensus for Rangers' special powers among political parties and federal and provincial governments.
"Therefore, provincial government is not reluctant to extend the special policing powers of Rangers in Karachi, but rectifying the same under article 147 of the constitution through Sindh Assembly," he said and hoped that the issue would be resolved shortly.
Sindh Governor said that several development projects including K-IV, S-III, Malir Highway, Green Line, Orange Line, etc had been initiated this year and added.
Earlier, while inaugurating the renovated Eduljee Dinshaw Road he stated that it was the beginning of reviving the old downtown area of Karachi. He appreciated the leadership provided by the Collector Customs and Commissioner Karachi and the generous contributions of donors comprising many members of civil society who encouraged the completion. He also pledged his support for phase II of the project and resolved to beautify and restore the glory of Karachi.
The ceremony was well attended by diplomats, senior government functionaries and citizens of Karachi. The Collector of Customs Preventive, Tariq Huda, who conceived the project, explained the salient features of the EduIjee Dinshaw Road which services two of the most prestigious architectural landmarks of Karachi, the Karachi Port Trust Building and the Imperial Customs House.
During the past decade, the road has been subjected to neglect and was in great despair.
Such was the state of affairs that the road was fast becoming infamous for housing the worst traffic congestion, garbage dumping and a hideout for drug peddlers. Not waiting for the situation to be improved by the local authorities, the Customs House partnered with leading architect Shahid Abdullah and designer Danish Zuby to redesign and beautify the road to its past glory.
Shahjd Abdullah said the vision of the renovation was to create a model neighbourhood in which all municipal stakeholders and agencies are taken on board to streamline traffic, ease off congestion and create pedestrian friendly pavements, add benches and turn the street into a social hub for the impoverished local residents and the city of Karachi alike.
Commissioner Karachi sought the support of the citizens of Karachi for the next phase of the project. The Phase-I, which is now completed, entailed the beautification and renovation of the road in front of the Karachi Port Trust Building, the Imperial Customs House, up to the Mandir. Jameel Yousuf, Trustee of Eduljee Dinshaw Project Trust, said that the phase which included the restoration of the Customs House and the Jhulay Lal Mandir (the only one of its kind in Pakistan) had completed and Phase II, which would be initiated after the inaugural ceremony; would include the beautification of the large space beyond the Jhulay Lal Mandir onto the Aga Khan Jamat Khana.