Call to make planning to save Karachi from untoward calamities

KARACHI:Natural resources and productive agriculture lands are a necessity for any growing economy. Our country is among the richest countries having a large amount of natural resources including coal, gas, gemstones, copper, minerals and gold reserves, oil, iron, titanium and aluminum.

“The country will start progressing well when all stakeholders work together with positive energy. The country does not lag behind in terms of ability and if, all of us, use our skills, then no one will stop us from becoming a developed country,” said University of Karachi’s Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Ajmal Khan while speaking at a conference organized by the Department of Political Science and the Young Social Reformers at the varsity’s Arts Auditorium. The conference entitled as “Role of youth in relief and rehabilitation work for a constructive and prosperous Pakistan” was aimed to motivate the youngsters to discover and apply their abilities for the development of the society.

He said: “All stakeholders must utilize their abilities and skills to eradicate problems being faced by the country. The society cannot prosper without education and only those countries which have realized the importance of education are on the top of the world.”

He asked the students to learn from that those countries which do not give importance to education sector are far away from any kind of development and progress.

Senator Imamuddin Shouqeen shared: “Being a student we look at things differently but once we enter into our professional lives, it changes the whole scenario. Not a single doctor or teacher like to go in rural and under developed areas to perform duties.”

“Recently, as per court’s directives, the government transferred over 100 doctors to perform duties in Thar and other affected areas, but they objected that their household affairs are being effected due to the transfer.”

Another speaker, the former member National Assembly Ali Raza Abidi, expressed that their beloved country needed immediate economic rehabilitation to overcome its financial crisis. Since last three months, inflation has increased at rapid rate, a family, which was managing its day to day affairs within Rs30,000 now needs at least Rs36,000 to bear same expenses though the bread earner of the family has not receive any salary increment.

He said: “This city provides up to 70 percent revenue to the country, but no serious efforts have been carried out for its own development. Karachi also needs development, as people living in this mega city are submitting more taxes than anyone else.”

“The salaried person, industrialists, and others paid more tax than agriculture land owners.” He advised the youngsters that they should focus on social and rehabilitation work in their respective localities.

Ali Raza Abidi urged that every single individual should play its role in rehabilitation process. In this modern era, he mentioned youngsters could completely discontinue the role of middle-man through social media, they have to spread details about craftsmen product to buyers so the actual person more money easily.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, District Municipal Corporation Central, Rehan Hashmi, expressed that wars would be fought on water related issues in future. He informed the audience that in recent past, most of the casualties occurred due to shortage of food not due to lack of medical facilities.

According to him, many districts in Sindh do not have access to clean drinking water. He asked the students to get benefited from alternate platform and do not depend upon governments for every matter.

Meanwhile, noted lawyer Zia Awan Advocate told the participants that the country is ranked second after United States of America in charity work around the globe. The Pakistani people have never hesitated in donating cash, in-kind support and volunteer work during any kind of emergency including natural disasters,

He informed the audience that almost whole Balakot town was destroyed during the earthquake back in 2005, and Karachiites were at the top in collecting and distributing charity for those people, who were helpless and needed immediate support.

Zia Awan said that mismanagement in donation and charity work is a separate issue but it never let down the hopes of masses, who always like to come forward and provide the helping hand, at time of need.

“Unfortunately, Karachi falls under danger zone of natural calamities, as the city could face Tsunami or earthquake anytime in future. The concerned metropolitan departments and provincial and federal governments should design and implement laws keeping this scenario in mind as they all are responsible for protection the lives of public.”

Meanwhile, a famous motivational speaker, Athar Sajid Khan, asked the audience to welcome people with greeting and smile and similarly smile back at people as it is very healthy sign and help in reducing the anxiety.

“Every individual in the world faces stress but if one handle them with positive mindset, then it would help them in reducing the problem, if not completely uprooting them.” Athar Khan said that your face’s reaction is actually mirror of your thoughts and if you have positive thinking approach, you will be calm and peaceful in your life.

He advised participants that on average eight people died per second around the world so they should be thankful for the lives they have.