CITIZENS FOR

A BETTER
ENVIRONMENT

“Never doubt that a small group of

thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world. Indeed, it’s the
only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead JANUARY - JUNE 2020

Hill Park is situated on a hilltop corner of 39-

on the North of Shaheed-e- H, thence
Millat Road, on the South foot along the
hill along the 40'-0" wide road Southern
of the Pakistan Employees boundary of
Cooperative Housing Society 40'-0" wide
and the rear of Plot Nos.34-H/1- road of the
H/1, 36-J, 37-K, 38-F, 39-G, and P.E.C.H.S. up
4 0 - L / 1 o f t h e Pa k i s t a n to the South-
Employees Cooperative eastern
Housing Society, on the East corner of Plot
Boundary of the land in Block No.37-L,
7 and 8 of the Karachi t h e n c e
Cooperative Housing Society tur ning
Union Limited which runs the towards
Western edge the 50'-0" wide North along
road and the foot of the said 40'-0" wide
hill. On the west along 20'-0" road of Plot
wide land of the Pakistan Nos.37-L, 37-
Employees Cooperative L/1, 37-M
Housing Society parallel to the and 37-N
foot of the hill proceeding north- upto the
wards along the rear N o r t h -
boundaries of the Plot No.41- Eastern
M/1, 41-M/2, 41-M/3 upto the corner of Plot
North-eastern corner of Plot No.37-N, thence tur ning INSIDE
No.41-M/3 thence turning towards East along the
Covid 19 and Learning... P-09
towards east and proceeding Southern Boundary of 36-K,
east-ward along the Southern thence turning towards North Kidney Hill ... P-11
boundaries of the plot Nos.40- along the eastern Boundaries Karachi and the Sindh ... P-15
M/1 and 39-G/2, thence turning of Plot Nos.36-K, 36-L, 36-M Creating Space For ... P-19
north-wards along the eastern upto North-Eastern corner of
FNF Partners ... P-23
boundaries of Plot Nos.39-G/1 Plot No.36-M thence turning
Corona a Wake ... P-25
and 39-H upto Northern East towards East along the
SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

SHEHRI - CBE Southern boundary of 40'-0" was the capital of Pakistan the
88-R, Block 2, P.E.C.H.S, wide road of Plot No.35-J, Hill Park land, had also been
Karachi 75400 – Pakistan. thence turning towards North taken over by the central
Tel/Fax: +92-21-34 53 06 46
E-mail: info@shehri.org along 20'-0" wide lane of Plot government; which is adjacent
URL: www.shehri.org No.35/K, 35/L and 35-M thence to Pakistan Employees Co-
EDITORIAL along the 40'-0" wide road of operative Housing Society
Shehri-CBE Team P.E.C.H.S. Block No.3 to the [hereinafter called PECHS].
MANAGING COMMITTEE starting point of Shaheed-e- However, in the early 1960s
Chairperson: Millat Road. when the capital was shifted
Sameer Hamid Dodhy from Karachi to Islamabad, the
Vice Chairperson:
Saleka Enver P.E.C.H.S. is the only society un-utilized land (including Hill
General Secretary: which touches hill park Pa r k l a n d ) w a s r e -
Amber Ali Bhai physically. transferred/reverted to the
Treasurer:
Amra Javed Government of Sindh as per
Members: Hill park is spread over of 56 Notification No.SRO-716 (K) /
Danish Azar Zuby acres. It has many amusement 62 dated 7.7.1962. Thereafter,
Mohammad Ali Rasheed
Engr. Parvez Sadiq spots, fast food centers, a Scheme designated as the
SHEHRI STAFF restaurants, an artificial lake
Coordinator:
and other facilities. Hill Park Scheme No.13A land
Sarwar Khalid was created by the Karachi
Assistant Coordinator: The Kohsar-Hill Park land Development Authority by virtue
Mohammad Rehan Ashraf
Accounts Consultant:
originally belonged to the of the Gazette Notification dated
Irfan Shah Government of Sindh, but in 5.7.1968 published in the Gazette
Office Assistant: 1948 at the time when Karachi of West Pakistan.
Mohammad Tahir
Office Boy:
Khursheed Ahmed
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
SHEHRI Founding Members DATE EVENTS
1. Mr. Kalid Nadvi (Economist)
2. Barrister Qazi Faez Isa 1948 Kohsar-Hill Park land originally belonged to the
3. Ms. Humaira Rehman (Architect) Government of Sindh, but in 1948 at the time
4. Mr. Danish Azar Zuby (Architect) when Karachi was the capital of Pakistan the Hill
5. Mr. Navaid Husain (Architect)
6. Barrister Zain Sheikh Park land, had also been taken over by the Federal
7. Dr. Kaiser Bengali (Economist) government;
CONTRIBUTIONS ARE WELCOME
07-06-1962 Federal government re-transferred/reverted the
Please contact the SHEHRI office
for writers guidelines. Hill park land to the Government of Sindh (No
Notification No.SRO-716 (K) / 62 dated 07.06.1962
Views expressed herein do not
necessarily express the views
of the Editor/Editorial Board. 05-07-1968 KDA creates a Scheme designates as "Hill Park
by virtue of the Gazette Notification dated
PRODUCTION:
5.7.1968 publishes in the Gazette of West
Saudagar Enterprises
Web: www.saudagar.com.pk Pakistan.
Ph: 021-34152970, 0333-2276331
01-07-1972 KDA hands over Hill Park to KMC
SHEHRI-CBE
Acknowledges the support of the
Friedrich-Nauman Foundation For Freedom 17-01-1974 Hill Park Scheme re-designs as Kohsar Park
for the printing of this newsletter Scheme.
02
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

I988 P.E.C.H.S. illegally carves out two plots measuring 222.32 sqyds and 308.32 sqyds
in Kohsar Hill park which were amalgamated with plot No.36-M. Both plots (222.32
sqyds and 308.32 sqyds) are situated within Kohsar Hill Park.

That the impugned plot No.1 (measuring 222.32 sq. yards) was originally allotted
and leased to one Col. Saeed Qadir who sold it to one Prince Mansoor Bin Saud
through his Attorney Mohammed Aboual Fetouh Mohammed Al Shami vide lease
deed executed before PECHS and the above named attorney on 5.6.1988 before
the Sub-Registrar 'T' Division vide Sr. No. 2541 and thereafter transferred (without
giving separate plot number) to Mr. Ghulam Rasool vide transfer order No.
PECHS/677/5845/97, dated 20.5.1997 on the basis of registered sale deed, whereby
the impugned plot was created.

PECHS after all the plots within the PECHS boundaries had been allotted adopted
a strategy of encroaching upon the Kohsar Park land by pretending and/or
misrepresenting that it was PECHS wasteland/area. This land was pared out as
plots and then allotted to influential people

10-07-1994 Administrator KMC presides over a meeting regarding illegal allotment of land by
PECHS in Hill Park scheme. DG KDA also attends the said meeting. Administrator
Directed the KMC and KDA to take action against illegal allotment of plots by
P.E.C.H.S. in Kohsar Hill Park.

26/06/1995 CPLC-Neighborhood Care project requests KMC to allot land in Hill Park portion
on the slope of the Kohsar Park which is part of notified amenity plot but was not
being used for any useful purpose for development of a "Ladies and Children's
Park" under its adoption scheme.

15-08-1995 KMC approves CPLC Neighborhood Care request and allots land measuring 1579.18
sq. yards inside the Kohsar Park (which include plots No.1 measuring 222.32 sq.
yards and No.2 308.32 sq. yards), and possession of the same handed over to CPLC
Neighbourhood Care. 1 to be used as a "Ladies & Children's Park".

1997 When the CPLC-Neighborhood Care started development in the amenity space,
two parties laid claim to two residential plots (222 sqyds and 308 sqyds) within
the Children's Park.

12-07-1997 Senior Minister Local Government writes to the Local Minister Sindh to withdraw
NOCs issued by KDA for the plots allotted by Cooperative Societies at Hill Park
and Kidney Hill Park.

24-06-1998 DG Parks KMC writes DG-KDA to cancel the allotment of plots within the Hill Park.

12-01-1998 The alleged dispute of allotment of two plots within the Hill Park brought before
DC East Mohammad Hussain Syed, who adjudicates the dispute and finds that
the two residential plots were unlawfully allotted by PECHS in the amenity park.

1998 Mr. Ghulam Rasool the alleged allottee files Suit No.1215/1998 in High Court of Sindh
against the DC East and PECHS to set aside the order of DC dated 12-01-1998.

03
SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

09-08-1999 The Hon'ble High Court of Sindh in Suit No.1215/1998 sets aside the order dated
12-01-1998 passed by the DC east and upheld the claim of Mr. Ghulam Rosool.

21-10-1999 CPLC-Neighborhood Care through its legal counsel sends the notices to the KDA,
SBCA, PECH Society against for causing/permitting encroachment of Kohsar Hill
Park. Notice was also sent to Registrar and Deputy Registrar of Cooperative
Societies.

23-10-1999 CPLC-Neighborhood Care, Shehri and area residents file Suit No.1501/1999 in the
High Court of Sindh against illegal allotments of plots in the amenity Kohsar Hill
Park.

07-04-2000 In Suit No.1501/1999 Sindh High Court appoints Official Assignee SHC to inspect
the site (park) to determine whether the alleged residential plots falls within the
area of Hill Park or the said plots falls within the area of PECHS. The Court also
directed the owners of the plots to avoid any construction on these plots till the
disposal of the petition.

27-05-2000 The Official Assignee SHC conducts the inspection of Kohsar Hill Park in the
presence of all parties i.e. KMC, KDA/MPEC, PECHS, CPLC-NC and the alleged
residential plot owners.

03-06-2000 The Official Assignee submits the Inspection Report and found that the two
residential plots were within the notified boundaries of Kohsar Hill Park.

06-06-2000 The Star news item "PECHS encroachment on 'Kohsar' Hill Park: Mohalla Committee
tries to save 'Children's Park'

2000 to 2019 Illegal Encroachments all over in Hill Park. Bungalows and Farmhouse built on
Park land. KMC and District Administration fail to take action against the encroachers.

2019 Suit No.1501/1999 pending in the High Court of Sindh since 1999. The case is at
Argument Stage. Last time the case was fixed on 07/05/2019 but Board was
Discharged.

19-01- 2019 Tribune News-item: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation's (KMC) Anti-
Encroachment Department demolished over 50 restaurants, shops and other illegal
structures at Hill Park spanning an area of more than 20 acres of the park's land
worth around Rs50 billion.

19-01-2020 Dawn news-item: Hill Park cleared of encroachments

09-05-2019 The Hon'ble Supreme Court of Pakistan in Constitutional Petition No.09/2010

"Conversion of public land into residential or Commercial purpose at Karachi"
headed by Hon'ble Justice Gulzar Ahmed direct the Commissioner KMC to ensure
that the whole land of the Hill Park is restored for Park purposes and no part of it
is allowed to be occupied by any person and if any illegal fraudulent allotment
and lease is found, KMC shall immediately take action against such allottee/lessee
and ensure its removal from such occupation including the construction that may
have been made.
04
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

22-06-2019 The News newsitem: KMC demolishes illegal bungalows on Hill Park land

06-08-2019 In CP No.09/2010, Supreme Court ordered Sindh Government to submit the report
about removal of encroachment from parks, amenity plots and others places in
two months

06 & 07 Feb During the hearing of CP 10/2009, it was brought to the notice of Supreme Court
2020 of Pakistan that the park land (Hill Park) has been encroached and constructions
thereon have been made.

The Commissioner Karachi undertakes that all illegal constructions from the park
land shall be immediately removed and not an inch of hill park land will be allowed
to be encroached upon.

The Hon'bel Supreme Court further ordered that if any order has been passed in
this regard by any of the courts below shall have no effect on this court.

21-02-2020 The News Item: KMC on the directives of the Supreme Court of Pakistan issues
notices to the owners of four bungalows constructed on the land of the Hill Park.

04 & 05 First Survey of Hill Park was conducted on 4th and 5th March 2020 by the Consultant
March 2020 Nadeem Baig and KMC Land Department. This survey was done at Commissioner
Karachi instructions to make sure there were no other encroachments in Hill Park
by any other persons.

06-03-2020 Constitution Petition No.09 of 2010, CMA Nos. 145-K and 147-K of 2020 come up
for hearing at Supreme Court Karachi Registry before Hon'ble Chief Justice Gulzar
Ahmed. During the hearing, Mrs. Amber Alibhai of SHEHRI states that they are
conducting an investigation and survey of the land of Hill Park with all available
technical and modern support, along with the original documents of the park to
see whether the houses which are the subject matter of the CMAs have been
raised on the land of Hill Park or whether they are outside of the land of Hill Park.
She also informed the Court that Commissioner Karachi and District Administration
are also cooperating in this exercise. Mr. Salahuddin Ahmed learned counsel for
the interveners was also asked to participate in survey and investigation

07-03-2020 Tribune News-item: SC orders officers to put fences around Hill Park land

11-03-2020 Meeting held at DC East office to put together the findings of the survey of Hill
Park.

12-03-2020 Certified Copy of Supreme Court Order dated 6th March 2020 receives.

Court appointed Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed as Amicus Curie to assist the court
in the matter.

12-03-2020 • Mrs. Amber Alibhai (Shehri) upon receiving the Certified copy of Supreme
Court order, contacted Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed and informed him that
the survey was done on 4th & 5th March 2020 by the Consultant Mr. Nadeem
Baig in the presence of District Administration East, KMC Land department
and Shehri representatives.

05
SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

• Mrs. Alibhai further informed Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed that in light of

Supreme Court order dated 06-03-2020, we would redo the same for
compliance.
13-03-2020 Meeting held at the DC (East) office which was attended by Barrister Salahuddin
Ahmed, Mr. Ahmed Ali Siddiqui (DC East), Ms. Sajida Qazi (AC East), Mr. Kamal
Sheikh (Director Land KMC), Mrs. Amber Alibhai (Shehri). Maps and other details
of the survey were shown to Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed.
14-03-2020 Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed, his client, Assistant Commissioner (Ferozabad) East,
Amber Alibhai with team Shehri, Director and Deputy Director Land KMC and
Consultant Nadeem Baig conducted the survey of Hill Park.

CASES FILED IN HILL PARK

# Case No. Plaintiffs Defendants
1. Suit No.1215/1998 Mr. Ghulam Rasool (alleged allottee of DC East, KMC and PECHS
plot in Hill Park)
2. Suit No.1501/1999 CPLC Neighborhood Care, Shehri and KMC, PECHS and alleged
area residents against illegal allotment allottees of land in Hill Park
of plots in Hill Park
Survey of Hill Park were able to calculate Topographic Survey Area came
The technology and documents the area of Hill Park to 51.42 Acres, after joining all
used for survey were; which came to approx boundary points and creating
95% accuracy of 55.82 a poly line, Blue in Annex.
1. 1959 Map of P.E.C.H.S. acres.
which was digitized. • 1959 Map Digitized Findings of Survey
• Since the map is of 1959, After completing the survey,
2. The Sindh Government we were able to superimposed 1959 map and
Gazette dated January 17, authenticate the area as topographic survey on latest
1974 per the Sindh available Satellite Image and
Government Gazette the following facts have
3. P h y s i c a l To p o g r a p h i c dated January 17, 1974. emerged;
survey of Hill Park, Using Upto approx 95%
Total Station Instruments accuracy which came to Hill Park is approx 56 Acres
55.82 Acres. 1. Built Survey 51.42 Acres
4. Overlay on latest satellite • We also established 2. Road Widening 2.16 Acres
image that parts of Hill Park 3. Encroachments
were taken away in Plot Nos.39-G has extended
5. ARC - GIS (Geo Physical road-widening by into the Park 0.38 Acres
Information System) Shaheed-e-Millat, 4. Bungalows (38/G/1, 38/G/1-
Rohilkhand Society and A, 38/G/1-B, 38/G/1-C)
How did the survey perform Karachi Cooperative 0.41 Acres
• As Built Boundar y Housing Society. [These 4 bungalows have
Survey • The 1974 Gazette been carved into the hill
• After digitization of Notification gives the park and numbers given are
1959 P.E.C.H.S. Map, we area as approx 56 acres. not in the original master
06
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

plan of P.E.C.H.S. The map) Area to be reclaimed

survey has established this • Buffer along Plot No.35-H/1 • Plot No.39-G 0.38 Acres
beyond doubt] & 34-H/1 0.80 Acres • Bungalows 0.41 Acres
5. Raval Masjid 0.10 Acre • Buffer Along plot No.38-F (38/G/1, 38/G/1-A, 38/G/1-
6. Irregular shape which cannot and 37-K 0.5 Acres B, 38/G/1-C)
be measured Physically Total Area (Approx) • Raval Masjid 0.10 Acres
(shown as hatching in the 55.77 Acres (Total 0.89 Acres)

Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed and his client Mr. Akhtar Saeed, Mr. Kamal Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed, Mr. Kamal Sheikh Director Land,
Sheikh Director Land, KMC, Ms. Sajida Qazi AC (Ferozabad), KMC and Mr. Bilal Khan Deputy Director Land, KMC visiting Hill Park.
Mrs. Amber Alibhai, General Secretary Shehri, Mr. Bilal Khan, (14-03-2020)
Deputy Director Land KMC, visiting Hill Park (14-03-2020)

07
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

COVID 19 AND LEARNING FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT

IN KARACHI

Pandemics historically have Joseph Bazalgette's densification and slums

had not just short term but remarkabl e fe at o f civil settlements are also
long term impacts on how we engineering, designed to carry contributing to the spread of
manage our urban spaces. The waste water safely downriver Covid-19. While there is no
yellow fever outbreak of 1793 and away from drinking definitive evidence as yet on
in Philadelphia resulted in the supplies, would never have this, there is a definite
city's administrators materialized.1 correlation that has historically
organizing systematic cleaning existed that unplanned
of streets, clearing gutters and In the midst of a global densification coupled with
collecting rubbish. This pandemic, COVID-19's spread inadequate or at times non
practice then became part of is bringing to light the many existing civic services, have
the civic services function in inadequacies within our urban contributed in facilitating the
the US over the next few systems, in fact, these spread of diseases, not just
decades. The misconception inadequacies may have during pandemics but in
that the odor emanating from contributed to conditions normal conditions also.
wastewater was responsible which have allowed for greater
for diseases such as cholera spread of the disease. Even before the development
resulted in the setting up of Currently, urban planners of germ theory, people have
the world's first moder n globally are envisioning distrusted the benefits of living
underground sewer system in innovations in public space in close quarters. The
London, U.K. In addition, roads design, urban mobility and Victorians' widespread belief
were paved and made wider urban housing that can help that miasma (or "bad air")
and straighter to prevent water make cities safer and more helped spread disease partly
from stagnating. environmentally friendly not justified the clearance of
just within the pandemic London's 19th-century slums.
The Victoria Embankment, phase but even beyond that in During the 2003 SARS
now hardwired into our urban the long run. This includes outbreak, the perils of density
consciousness, is entirely the coming up with policies and were seemingly laid bare
p ro d u c t o f a p a n d e m i c . infrastructure that promotes when faulty plumbing saw the
Without a series of devastating walking and cycling as well as deadly virus sweep through
global cholera outbreaks in the using greater information Hong Kong's Amoy Gardens
19th century, (including one in technology and integrating housing estate.2
London in the early 1850s that smart data in innovation in
claimed more than 10,000 lives) public space design. In the case of Karachi: more
the need for a new, modern than half the population lives
sewerage system may never There is ongoing debate on in squatter settlements that
have been identified and whether or not increased are mostly unserved in terms

1 Cities after the coronavirus - How Covid 19 could radically alter urban life, Jack Shenker, The Guardian, 26 May 2020
2 Our cities may never look the same again after the pandemic,Oscar Holland, CNN, 10th May 2020

09
SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

of critical sanitation facilities. managed in an shared courtyards. Buildings

Additionally, the city has environmentally and socially with well-designed courtyards
grown in the absence of responsible manner. have been a real benefit for
sanctioned Master Plans and people during this pandemic,
most of the development has Brent Toderian, an Urbanist but we have allowed them to
been driven by a nexus created and former Chief Planner for become rare'.
between private and political Vancouver, British Columbia,
interests. This has resulted in contextualized this debate For a city like Karachi, critical
land being considered as a well when he stated that lessons need to be learnt from
financial commodity rather 'density done well builds in this pandemic that can lead to
than as a means of providing more breathing space. You can making the city safer, more
social good to the have dense neighborhoods and environmentally friendly and
communities. Rising housing still have space, nature, and closer to the ideals of urban
and commercial needs have respite. We have models of how equity. We need to enact and
been met with ill planned to do it successfully, we just implement policy on an urgent
densification and vertical need to ramp it up. We need to basis and implement
growth that has materialized rethink details like sidewalk procedures and processes to
in the absence of the required widths on key streets, more enable 'affordable housing'
social and environmental useable balconies, and better development in the city which
safeguards. The policy to multi-purpose delivery space meet the needs of the urban
commercialize major traffic for buildings. We need to poor while at the same time
corridors in 2004 and the remember how to design are built in an environmentally
declaration of High Density higher-density housing better. sound manner. Various models
Zones and the Densification I say "remember" because we o f s u c h a f f o rd a b l e a n d
Act have significantly have historic buildings done in sustainable housing exist
increased the vulnerability of the context of previous within the region that may be
the city to greater social, pandemics that illustrate a lot examined for inspiration and
environmental and economic about how we should be adapted to suit our specific
stresses. designing new buildings. The needs. In addition, we need a
good news is that many of the rethink on how vertical growth
However, what needs to be building design improvements can be enabled in the city
realized is that dense and that will help with greener under sound planning
vertical growth in and of itself performance will also help principles so that there are no
is not the problem. Globally make buildings safer from harmful impacts on the urban
w e a re n o w p ro m o t i n g viruses. It can include things environment of the city. To
compact cities and like more space in hallways, achieve this we would have to
discouraging urban sprawl as which are essentially the rethink our present policies of
compact cities are far more sidewalks of buildings; better isolated planning and look
energy efficient, easier to plan and wider staircases; more instead towards a more
for sustainable modes of space and opportunities for inclusive and holistic strategic
mobility, and can lead to more natural elements inside and planning model that takes into
cohesive and bonded even on the skin of buildings; account and balances the
communities. The problem natural ventilation for better needs of the population, the
however, arises when such airflow; more usable amenities environment and the capacity
urban densification is not like personal balconies and of our civic infrastructure.
10
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

KIDNEY HILL (MEASURING 62.225 ACRES)

Constitution Petition No.09/2010
"Conversion of public land into residential or Commercial purpose at Karachi"
Update News

Mrs. Amber Alibhai (General FIG-1

Secretary Shehri) and Mrs. Amra
Javed (Executive Member
Shehri) during the hearing of
Constitution Petition No.09 of
2010 on 6th and 7th February
2020 at Supreme Court of
Pakistan, Karachi registry have
stated-on-record and drawn
kind attention towards various
Public Parks and Amenity
spaces being unlawfully
encroached, leased, licensed, Mr. Iftikhar Shallwani - Commissioner Karachi, Dr. Syed Saifur Rehman - Municipal
Commissioner KMC, Mr. Ahmed Ali Siddiqui - Deputy Commissioner, Karachi East, Ms. Sajda Qazi
sub-leased and sold to general - Assistant Commissioner Ferozabad, Mrs. Amber Alibhai -General Secretary, Mrs. Amra Javed and
Public during the last approx . Engr. Pervez Sadiq, Executive Members, SHEHRI-CBE visiting Kidney Hill Park (22-02-2020)

3 plus x decades by the of land, after due verification of East, Ms. Sajida Qazi visited the
respective "Public Functionaries" site and record. Kidney Hill Park. Shehri
of the Government of Pakistan representatives Mrs. Amber
and Government of Sindh, The General Secretary Shehri- Alibhai, Mrs. Amra Javed and
including KDA, MDA, SBCA, Citizens for a Better Environment Engr. Pervez Sadiq were also
KMC, Local Government also submitted a written present at the Kidney Hill.
Depar tment, Cantonment statement in the Supreme Court During their meeting at the site,
Boards in bad faith against the Karachi Registry to allow Shehri it was decided that a new
larger Public Interest of the City to be made as necessary party survey be conducted.
of Karachi and Karachities. into the Const. P 09/2010 for the
assistance of this Hon'ble Court To finalize the survey, a meeting
Mrs. Amber Alibhai also following the Principles of was also held at the office of
pointed out that the whole of Natural Justice, equity, prudence, Asst. Commissioner (East) with
62 Acres of land of Kidney Hill fair play and for the larger Public Director Land, KMC, the
has not been vacated as there Interest of the citizen of Assistant Commissioner East,
still remains seven and half Karachities accordingly. and Shehri representatives and
acres of land under a TOR of the Survey was agreed
encroachment and on such land On 22nd February 2020, The upon.
there exist houses and a school, Commissioner Karachi Division,
by the name of Foundation Mr. Iftekhar Shalwani along On 24th & 25th February 2020,
Public School. The Hon'ble with Municipal Commissioner a physical survey of the plateau
Supreme Court of Pakistan KMC, Dr. Syed Saif-ur-Rahman, and slopes of Kidney Hill was
directed the Commissioner Deputy Commissioner Karachi conducted by Mr. Nadeem
Karachi to ensure removal of all East, Mr. Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Baig, the consultant in presence
illegal encroachments from the Director Land KMC, Mr. Kamal of District Administration
remaining seven and half acres Sheikh, Assistant Commissioner (East), Land Department (KMC)
11
SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

and Shehri representatives from CAD. This was done by Mr. Faran CHS, designated for
9:00 am to 6:00 pm, on 'As Built' Nadeem Baig, representing a Mosque, KMC was
basis. M/s. Mushtaq & Bilal, Mr. showing it to be within the
Bilal Deputy Director Land, boundary of Kidney Hill. It
On 26th and 27th February KMC and team Shehri. has been proved in Suit
2020, the team met in the office • Arc GIS sof tware for No.1582/97 by order dated
of the DC East and put together satellite image was used 20/04/2018 and Nazir
the coordinates of Kidney Hill. by Noraiz Ahmed (Cell: Report dated 14/10/1998
The following facts were placed 0333-7592245), a private and in our survey as well,
on record; consultant representing that it is not part of Kidney
KMC Hill land and is in fact Plot
1) A Gazette Notification of No.137, Faran CHS (see
7th November 1966 was 3) The physical survey and FIG-7).
discovered but no authentic mapping, established that
map of Kidney Hill was there are approximately Taking advantage of the
given by the Master Plan 6.34 Acres encroachment at Covid 19 situation, KMC has
Department and the only Kidney Hill. These have began construction of the
bench mark for our work been done mainly by Faran mosque on 1438.88 sqyds
was the 1973 map given by CHS and Overseas CHS. of original Faran Society Plot
Nazir High Court of Sindh No.137. KMC is showing the
in Suit No.1582/97, which 4) Foundation Public School plot to be 20 Kidney Hill
Shehri brought on the table. has encroached 1.3 acres, (KMC Challan dated
The 1973 map given to the which is inclusive of the total 16/03/2016, see FIG-2) The
Director Land, KMC by the 6.34 Acres encroachment. SBCA Certificate dated
Master Plan Department Foundation Public School 03/10/2016, see FIG-3.
was not authenticated and has been issued a notice
the Director Land, KMC dated 16/03/2020 to vacate The original Faran Society
agreed upon using the 1973 t h e l a n d b y t h e AC Plot 137 is amenity status,
Map given by Nazir High Ferozabad (see FIG -4). measuring 1.22 acres
Court. Furthermore para 10 Foundation Public School (5,904.80 sqyds). The
and 11 in a judgment given began to remove their mosque is being built on
by the present Chief Justice furniture, but have now 1438.88 sqyds. 4,466.00
Supreme Cour t dated stopped. KMC has refused sqyds of the original plot
06/08/2019, expressly to demolish the structure as 137 are missing. They have
states that no society has they have been complicit in been illegally allotted to
any claim on the land of the illegal occupation of private housing in collusion
Kidney Hill. Therefore all Kidney Hill. of Faran Society and KMC.
encroachments have to go.
5) It was also discovered This exchange by Faran
2) The survey was conducted during the survey that the Society and KMC was done
using the following plot that is behind the to facilitate Foundation
technology. temporar y mosque in Public School who was
Kidney Hill, which KMC has given 1.3 acres of land in
• SOKKIA (Japan) Total stated the temporar y Kidney Hill.
Station, use SDR Design mosque will be shifted to,
and mapping for survey is in fact part of Amenity This intricate game to
d a t a p ro c e s s i n g a n d Plot # 137 (measuring 1.22 divide plots, carve out plots
drawing finalized in Auto acres) which belongs to in Kidney Hill was possible
12
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

as there is no openness and lawyers, KMC and the to Faran CHS, which have
proactive disclosure of park beneficiaries are still able encroached Kidney Hill
land, proper available to convolute the facts. and houses have been
notification, gazettes in the built upon them. There
public domain. This scam 6) Encroachment in Faran CHS size and ownership is not
is still unfolding, as The following plots belong known.
# Plot Nos. # Plot Nos. # Plot Nos.
1 81, Faran CHS 9 90, Faran CHS 17 104, Faran CHS
2 82, Faran CHS 10 91, Faran CHS 18 105, Faran CHS
3 83, Faran CHS 11 98, Faran CHS 19 106, Faran CHS
4 84-B, Faran CHS 12 99, Faran CHS 20 107, Faran CHS
5 86, Faran CHS 13 100, Faran CHS 21 108, Faran CHS
6 87, Faran CHS 14 101, Faran CHS 22 109, Faran CHS
7 88 Faran CHS 15 102, Faran CHS 23 110, Faran CHS
8 89 Faran CHS 16 103, Faran CHS 24 111, Faran CHS

7) Encroachment by Overseas stated that approximately 20'- have asked KMC to identify
CHS ft of slope of Kidney Hill has them. To date no report.
The following plots belong been cut to increase plot size. The final measurement of
to Overseas CHS, which 2. Plot No.35 Overseas CHS. Kidney Hill 'As Built' and
have encroached Kidney 3. Plot No. 41, OCHS encroachment is as follows;
H i l l ; a n d a re i n o u r These new under
knowledge. Rest KMC Land construction, excavations a) As Built 56.26
Department has the list, still and encroachments were b) Total Encroachment 6.34
awaited reported on 20/02/2020. Acres, which includes
There are many plots of Foundation Public School
1. Plot No.44-45 Overseas CHS: Overseas CHS, Al Riaz CHS, 1.31 Acres
A commercial flat site has Rohilkhand CHS, which have As Built--------------56.26 Acres
been built on the above cut away in the slopes of Total Encroachment--6.34 Acres
mentioned plots. The Kidney Hill and extended
Inspection report by Nazir their plot size. All done in 62.60 Acres - This is the final
High Court in Suit collaboration of the societies, measurement of Kidney Hill, as
No.366/2006 has clearly KDA, SBCA and KMC. We par gazette.

FIG-2 FIG-4

FIG-3

13
SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

FIG-5 FIG-8

Mr. Nadeem Baig (Consultant) and Mr. Bilal Khan Deputy Director
Land KMC conducing survey of Kidney Hill Park (24-02-2020)

FIG-6

Mr. Nadeem Baig (Consultant) and Mr. Bilal Khan Deputy Director
Land KMC conducing survey of Kidney Hill Park (24-02-2020)
FIG-7 KIDNEY HILL PARK
AS_BUILT SURVEY JOINTLY CONDUCTED WITH
KMC LAND, SHEHRI AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION (EAST) KIDNEY HILL JOINT SURVEY AND DEMARCATION UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE DISTRICT
DATE: FEB. 26, 2020 ADMINISTRATION (EAST)+KMC LAND DEPARTMENT AND SHEHRI.CBE
FROM DATED. 24.02.2020 TO DATED. 27.02.2020

LEGEND
Legend

BOTTOM WITH SLOPE AREA = 58.06 ACRES Kidney Hill (As Built 56.26 Acre &
6.34 Acre Encroachment Area)

AS PER 1973 AGREED UPON BY ALL PARTIES

Kidney Hill Park
Encroachment
KWSB Water Reservior
Masjid

FIG-9 Mazar, Masjid & Alam

14
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

KARACHI AND THE SINDH URBAN AND REGIONAL

MASTER PLAN AUTHORITY ACT-2019 (SURMPA 2019)
Danish Azar Zuby

Those who have witnessed the local level but unfortunately nothing works? It's a common
turbulent and heart wrenching that also failed. A plan for knowledge that one of the
history of Karachi since the last Karachi 2020 was prepared biggest hurdles in the way is
5 decades know that Karachi which remained on the papers political divisions and
has been treated like the as the new provincial fragmentation of the city. There
proverbial goose that lays the government had yet 'new' plans are dozens of independent,
golden eggs by various political for Karachi. autonomous, Federal-Military-
regimes who routinely try to Pro v i n c i a l l a n d o w n i n g
butcher it and then leave it high Needless to say Karachi, the agencies, societies, which
and dry for the next incumbent commercial capital, gateway to operate within the jurisdiction
rulers to have a go. Karachi the world, and an engine of of the city with their own
somehow survives despite the growth has continuously fed unique regulations and bye
unsympathetic polity of the the Federal and Provincial laws in total disregard and
'rulers'. Ours is still a very exchequers with its largest many a times in conflict with
colonial mentality. Perhaps it is contributions. It is the biggest each other. There is absolutely
not in our DNA to delegate provider to the Federal and no coordination between the
authority or devolve, especially Provincial tax bases yet it does agencies. We are also aware
when it is related to enormous not have enough funds for its that a city cannot function
financial gains. It has become upkeep. Karachi absorbs without the vital third tier of
difficult for the Federal and millions of people who migrate the system - the 'Local
Provincial guardians to let go to it for livelihood every year. Government' which has almost
the 'power and control' of this In an ideal political been non-existent or many a
godforsaken metropolis. dispensation it would have times missing. The provincial
turned into an economic government found it expedient
The Sindh Urban and Regional wonderland but unfortunately to take away almost all the
Master Plan (SURMPA 2019) for it has remained a political utilities and municipal
Karachi making the rounds for wasteland and hotbed of strife. responsibilities of this 'local' tier
approval sounds familiar, like The 'colonial' nature of a by creating several
many previous such centralized establishment, independent organizations
instruments that have only demoralizing provincial set-ups, answerable to the province
helped to disenfranchise the corrupt administration and a only.
people of Karachi because it is total absence of local
not a grass root document. government has turned the Local Government
There have been several Master once known 'City of lights' into Over the decades many a sane
plans and related bills out of one of the most unlivable cities v o i c e s h a v e re p e a t e d l y
which only one was created by of the world. proposed a restructuring of the
the erstwhile Municipal City governance machinery for
Government in 2006 (now Why nothing works Karachi- based on a single,
defunct). A serious attempt The irony is that we are all grassroots 'Municipal
was made then to devolve aware why Karachi does not Government' MODEL with
power and governance to a function like a normal city, why multiple independent
15
SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

municipal units, even if it notified the creation of six local planning processes can be
constitutes 30 Mayors with 30 councils instead. The six educating but it remained a
units for greater Karachi, headed councils being the KMC, and common practice in planning
by a single (Lord) Mayor, five district municipal to start afresh. Each time the
covering all the utilities and corporations for districts East, previous plan was merely
responsibilities of taxation, Central, South and Malir. These consulted for a passing
Education, Hospitals, Roads, councils came into being under reference. Evaluation was never
Ports, Water and Sewerage, the provisions of the Sindh conducted to review the
Police, Judiciary (local level), Local Government performance of any plan made
Transport, Electricity, Gas, (Amendment) Act, 1996. Also in the past. All the plans for
Environment, Planning etc. The the government nominated Karachi had been made under
idea is to bring ALL 'administrators' for the six the auspices of KDA (Karachi
independent land owning councils. Yet again the 2001 development Authority, now
bodies and public utilities under SLGO dismantled the six defunct) who did not posses
one roof, a single authority, councils and we had 18 Town any legal or administrative
including the Port Trust and the Municipal Offices and 178 control on the nineteen or so
Cantonments. This Union Councils. Every new other land developing agencies
reorganization of Karachi into regime finds it obligatory to in the city. Thus the capacity
smaller, manageable municipal propose new plan to fix of KDA to execute the plans
units with proper empowerment Karachi's troubles, and it never was grossly constrained. The
and effective grassroots works. planning process was reduced
government headed by a single to a mere residual type exercise
LOCAL AUTHORITY is perhaps The history of 'Master Plans' for which was only conducted
the only answer to Karachi Karachi is even more under the direction of the
woes. Does Surmpa2019 aim for complicated going back 60 donors or the UN agencies."
such an arrangement? It years. The following is a list of ('Karachi without a Master
remains doubtful. various plans that could not be Plan'- Dawn, December 2002 by
realized: Noman Ahmed).
Previous Karachi Master Plans 1. The Greater Karachi Plan
All the political manifestos (GKP) 1951 Therefore Surmpa2019
state that socio-economic 2. T h e G re a t e r K a r a c h i necessitates detailed study in
progress of the country is Resettlement Plan (GKRP) light of previous such efforts to
dependent on political stability 1958 introduce a Master plan for
and good governance -which 3. Karachi Development Plan Karachi. In fact it would be
cannot be achieved if the third (KDP) 1969 prudent for the government to
tier of the system - the local 4. Karachi Development Plan constitute a separate task force
government is missing. The (KDP) 1973-85 of LOCAL urban planners and
PPP in its 1993 electoral 5. Karachi Development Plan technocrats to first study all the
manifesto had solemnly (KDP) 1986-2000 previous Master plans before
pledged to establish effective 6. K a r a c h i Strategic giving a final shape to this
and democratic local Development Plan 2020 article. Although this is a bill
government institutions, which (KSDP-2020) 2006-2020 to obtain legal status but it
never happened. In 1996 the "No institutional arrangement does lay out general direction
provincial government existed to guide the overall of how the future planning for
dissolved the Karachi implementation of the plans. the city of Karachi should be
Metropolitan Corporation and Review of previous urban conducted.
16
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

Some obser vations and KARCHI CITY PLAN 2047 as history of amenity plots being
concerns envisaged in the clause-will arbitrarily changed to make
A brief look at Surmpa2019 Surmpa resuscitate KDA, KBCA mega bucks. Hundreds of acres
reveals that although 'planning' or SBCA or create a new of public amenities and green
within the Cantonments of the Planning department under its areas have been eaten up by
city limits will be governed wing for such a mega task or greedy politicians and
under this act yet at the same hire foreign consultants? agencies. Will there be any
time it also excludes the 13 (d) initiate an urban and mechanism to arrest this
Cantonments from its fold. This regional master planning dangerous trend?
requires further elaboration. process whereby the present 13 (s) Recommend and decide
Are the autonomous elite and future needs of the cities,.. the change of land use
enclaves of DHA societies also provisions of any area; 50.
excluded from its fold as they 13 (j) although 'low carbon Combination of improvement
are also part of the military construction' and pollution free scheme:-
establishment? This may defeat environment has a passing (2) The Authority or the Housing
the whole purpose of mention here but it is definitely Society may at any time prior
coordinated planning across a step in the right direction. to utilization of any plot
the board. Today mega cities throughout reserved for the purpose
Part 1 (4) the areas of the world base their entire mentioned in sub-section (1),
Cantonment Boards essentially planning strategy on eco- apply to the Commissioner for
required for the defense friendly policies making their conversion of such plot to any
purposes shall be excluded from cities environment friendly by other purpose.(?)
the operation of this act. The utilizing low carbon
macro and micro development technologies, introducing urban
plans of all land owning forests and creating pollution Chapter 3, Finance (2) and (3)
agencies including the free pedestrianised 'Car Free' addresses KMC as if it still
Cantonments shall be zones etc. exists- but as a subservient arm
incorporated in the master 13 (j) ensure implementation of of the Authority and a revenue
planning process of such area… methodologies that promotes base or a property tax collecting
low carbon constructive agency. What is the distribution
Chapter2, 7 (1) Lists control of minimize waste and event of property ownership and its
land use and every possible pollution that the exploitative taxation in Karachi between
urban service and utilities in use of natural resources for KMC and Provincial/Federal
the metropolis. The list is agriculture, mining, industry agencies is unclear. What is
comprehensive but how does and other related activities do known is that all previous
the services get merged or not adversely impact on human regimes have stripped KMC of
amalgamated with Surmpa? settlements; all its functions except for the
Sounds good but it does not roads. Even the Motor vehicle
delineate on the unification 13 (s) clause and 50 (2) are the tax was also taken away from
methodology, or how it will be most bizarre clauses in Surmpa KMC. It is ironic that it also
achieved considering that some which are about entitlement of defines punitive action against
of the utilities have been sold change of 'land use'. Politicians KMC if she fails to pay?
off e.g. KE. Will this public of all shades have exploited this (2) The Municipal Corporations
utility be purchased back? 'change of land use' as an shall contribute to the Authority
instrument for personal every year by such date as may
13 (d) In order to create a enrichment. Karachi has a long be prescribed such percentage
17
SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

of the proceeds of the property items mentioned in this section group of experts who specialize
taxes realized by the are a good addition to the bill, in Karachi headed by an urban
Corporations during the only if it can become a law and planner. The first name that
previous financial year as the can be implemented. comes to mind is Arif Hasan,
Government may determine. 38. Ensuring protection of who is an undisputed
(Previous?) heritage assets and adopting champion of Karachi's history
(3) If the Corporation fails to adaptive re-use methodologies. and has an encyclopedic
make the contribution referred Pr o v i d i n g g u i d a n c e a n d knowledge of Karachi, before
to in clause... exploring funding sources for giving any final shape to
heritage restoration. Promoting Surmpa.
pedestrian enclaves and
26. (c) Setting guidelines and increased plantation to ensure Karachi has been called a 'Mini
maintaining design standards environmental improvement… Pakistan', it is bigger than 65
in the built environment as countries (areas) of the world,
indicated in this clause clearly Section 53 highlights the its population is larger than the
means that either KBCA/SBCA specific issues that have continent of Australia, yet the
or a planning department will troubled Karachi forever i.e. Karachiites have no
be an integral part of SURMPA coordination between various representation in the
and not an independent body. autonomous bodies like governance of Karachi or the
26 (c) the design of houses, flats Cantonment and Port Trust etc. Sindh province or the
and other kinds of residential How does Surmpa and KMC fit Fe d e r a t i o n . T h e ' r u l e r s '
premises and of industrial, into this puzzle needs legislating for Karachi do not
commercial and other buildings elaboration? even belong to the masses of
for community-facilities… Sindh but are from a handful of
56. Why should the authority feudal lords who hardly pay any
32 (2) a, Sounds like a draconian close off any street or Public taxes and the utilities provided
law as it implies that the place? This clause again gives by central or provincial
Authority can arbitrarily license to the Surmpa to governments. Karachi is the
impound or acquire any private arbitrarily modify land use at seat of provincial government
property its own discretion without and ruled by parliamentarians
32 (2) (a) the acquisition of any examining public opinion. who have never lived in
land necessary in the opinion of 56. Powers of Authority to turn Karachi.
the Authority for its execution… or close public street or open
space vested in it:- The weightage and legitimacy
36 and 37. Refers to the zoning (b) Discontinue the public use for Karachi and its unification
and future expansion of the city of, or permanently close, any under one city government is
which again is a clear open space vested in it or any a necessity otherwise Karachi
indication towards an in-house part thereof. will remain strangulated to a
full-fledged planning position of being a perpetual
department or the merger of In-depth study colony of rural Sindh. This is an
KBCA into the fold of Surmpa. T h e s e a re s o m e o f t h e unjust dispensation in terms of
observations that this scribe social justice when Karachi
38. It is good to note that has noted in a brief look at provides substantial funds to
historical Heritage structures Surmpa. Again, it is highly the central and provincial
in Karachi will finally have a recommended that an in-depth exchequers and its population
proper stewardship as the study should be conducted by continues to suffer.
18
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

C REATING SPACE FOR T RANSIT O RIENTED

DEVELOPMENT (TOD) IN KARACHI BREEZE
BRT PROJECT
An issue of major concern is design intervention potential compatibility in design,
that Karachi BRT project is such as TOD is missing. There operational and financial
being planned in isolation of should have been a visioning models and the linking of a
the larger consideration of process involving all relevant wider city-based, social,
embedding it within the stakeholders on board to both environmental and economic
objective of city wide livability structure and own the vision. agenda with the project are
improvement . The focus is on Till date, the Trans Karachi missing. Given all this, it comes
getting people from point A to Breeze project has neither as no surprise that
Z, while in the case of all the succeeded in mobilizing public considerations for TOD are not
lines (with the exception of the opinion around a shared vision a part of the Karachi BRT
R e d a n d Ye l l o w L i n e ) of the project nor has emerged initiative. However, even at this
considerations for rolling out a a centralized leadership having late stage, it is felt that if the
wider public space agenda, the required public legitimacy. government makes a move and
land use implications and focus decides to interface this BRT
on related social, economic and So it is a matter of concern that project with TOD Station Area
environmental improvements important key considerations designs along some key priority
on a city-wide scale are of mobilizing of a broad base of stations, then the project can
missing. Even within the Red stakeholders around a shared have a much wider and
and Yellow line details, a major vision and process, optimized beneficial footprint.

Karachi Breeze https://www.karachibreeze.pk/smta/

Karachi Breeze is a high-quality bus-based mass transit system able to move large numbers of people from their starting point to their
destination, reliably, efficiently and affordably.
19
SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

GREEN LINE - POTENTIAL Lasbella Chowk the route known as the Common
TOD STATION AREAS turns South eastwards onto Corridor and buses will run at
Business Recorder Road and ground level. This decision is
The Green Line start point runs upto Guru Mandar. On based on the consideration
area is at Karachi Electric crossing Guru Mandar the that a number of heritage and
(KE) Power House leading to Green Line route turns south protected sites are located
Surjani area from where it westward onto M. A. Jinnah along the M.A. Jinnah road
runs southwards through Road. The route westwards and an elevated route would
Khwaja Shamsudin Azeemi crosses Numaish and reaches have impacted on the
Road toward Nagan to the Municipal Park (also aesthetics, visibility of the
Chowrangi along Shareh-e- known as Aurangzeb Park). sites.
U s m a n . Fr o m N a g a n
Chowrangi it r uns along The Green Line from its In the Green Line two stations
Sharah-e-Sher Shah Suri starting point at Surjani till are being identified for
(South westerly) onto Nawab Numaish Square (the possible development as TOD
Siddiq Ali Khan Road through convergence point of all BRT Station Areas:
N a z i m a b a d Pe t ro l Pu m p routes) is elevated. From
intersection proceeding Numaish till Municipal Park • Municipal Park Station
towards Lasbella Chowk. At and then beyond the route is • Hyderi Market Station
Corridor Length 17.8 km
Elevated 3.45 km At grade 14.35 km
No. of Stations: 21

20
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

Municipal Park Station promoted globally as vibrant The Project is located along an
and healthy public spaces. In east-west trending alignment,
This station is suited in an Karachi, as in many other overall length of 23+ km,
ideal position to support a cities globally, markets and running contiguous with New
TOD Station Area Design that bazzars having a historic M.A. Jinnah Rd., University Rd.,
can e n c o m p a s s o l d K a importance and being places University Rd.2 ( Malir
r a c h i D o w n t o w n of great community gathering Cantonment Link Rd.) and M.A.
attractions such as Karachi are being threatened with the Jinnah Ave, in the north-
Metropolitan Corporation Mall culture. Then there are eastern sector of Karachi. It
(KMC) Head Office, City issues of cleanliness and crosses the administrative
Courts, Hindu Temple, Urdu pollution, access and districts of Central and East
Bazzar, Jamia Cloth Market, walkability and safety and Karachi and Malir Cantonment,
Bur ns Road Food Street, security. All such concerns specifically: East District:
Pa k i s t a n C h o w k , N E D can be electively catered by Jamshed and Gulshan Towns,
University City Campus etc. a well thought out TOD and District Central:
Critical design elements can Station Area Design. With the Liaquatabadad and Gulberg
include improving walkability, Station providing improved Towns. Towards the east, the
transit, connectivity, shift access to the market, where alignment turns south following
(transport demand a wonderful opportunity of the eastern and southern
management and parking reviving and rejuvenating the segment at Gulistan-e-Jauhar
footprint reduction) and place Hyderi Market as a viable Block 6 and a plot near the
design. Such an intervention public space is being provided intersection of M.A. Jinnah Ave
can have economic, social and that can be and should be and Shahra-e -Faisal Rd.
environmental improvements. leveraged.
Improved access, aesthetics In the Red Line two stations
and cleaner environment Again incurring benefits would are being identified for possible
would lead to economic be economic, social and development as TOD Station
g ro w t h a n d c re a t i o n o f environmental. Areas:
innovative public spaces ? • Gulshan-e-Iqbal Station
such as transforming streets RED LINE - POTENTIAL TOD (Bait-ul-Mukkaram)
into public spaces would STATION AREAS • Karachi University
facilitate building of greater Station
social capital and community The route is located along an
bonding. Added benefits east-west alignment, overall Gulshan-e-Iqbal Station
would include improved length of 23+ km, running
safety and security generation contiguous with M.A. Jinnah This station can be considered
of new businesses and Rd., University Rd. (Malir as having the potential of being
employment. Heritage spaces Cantonment Link Rd.) and M.A. designed as Neighborhood
threatened with extinction Jinnah avenue in the north- Station Area. This opportunity
can be protected and eastern sector of Karachi. It being provided can be utilized
rejuvenated. crosses the administrative to have a smart neighborhood
districts of Central and East design implemented in
Hyderi Market Station Karachi and Malir Cantonment, Gulshan-e-Iqbal. All the critical
specifically East District: considerations of smar t
Here the potential exists for a Jamshed and Gulshan Town, neighborhood design can be
TOD Station Area having a and District Central: worked with that may include
commercial context. Market Liaquatabad and Gulberg improved walkability and
spaces are now being Towns. bicycling options, transport in
21
SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

demand management and Karachi University Station number of students using

parking management, public public transit modes have to
space design, improvement of Normally, with any primary walk long distances in
existing public spaces and mobility mode ? BRT, LRT or extreme heat to reach their
exploring opportunities for new Metro, it is common practice re s p e c t i v e d e p a r t m e n t s .
ones etc. Walkability and that routes of such modes are While the Karachi University
bicycling routes can be designed in a way that they management itself does not
designed (introduction of public p a s s t h ro u g h i m p o r t a n t seem to consider this a matter
bicycle stands can make academic institutions of of concern, for Shehri-CBE it
bicycling a mode of higher learning as a larger is. An opportunity now is
intermodality connecting with majority of transit users are being ordered with the BRT
the BRT Station). Such design students of such institutions. Green Line route connecting
innovations can lead to making In our case, while the Red to the campus main gate. A
the neighborhood a more Line route does not cater to feeder/shuttle bus service can
inclusive, environment friendly, mobility within the Karachi be initiated where students
lively and safe space and University campus but it does dropping of at the BRT Station
provide a working model that provide and lead route to by then can board on the shuttle
could be replicated with it. In Karachi University there s e r v i c e a n d re a c h t h e i r
suitable adaptations in other are no feeder neither shuttle destinations in comfort and in
neighborhoods in the city. services available and large a timely manner.

22
JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

FNF PARTNERS SUMMIT: 2020 STRATEGIC

PLANNING
Fr i e d r i c h - N a u m a n n - Education: FNF trains partners 6. P o l i c y R e s e a r c h
Foundation, Pakitan organized to conduct seminars, Institute of Market
a three day FNF Partners workshops and other Economy (PRIME) (FNF
Summit: 2020 Strategic educational activities. Partner since 2013)
Planning, on 6th - 8th 7. D i g i t a l Rights
December 2019, at Hotel Elites Dialogue: FNF facilitates Foundation (DRF) (FNF
Nathiagali. dialogues and mediation in Partner since 2016)
politics, society and between
FNF Partners Summit was i n d i v i d u a l s a n d g ro u p s Each partner organization was
a r r a n g e d t o e n s u re t h e applying modern participatory asked to give a short
strategic planning for 2020 methodologies. presentation about their work,
caters to both the FNF objectives and achievements
Objectives and Government Consultation: FNF also consults and share ideas for the year
identified thematic areas. its partners on strategic and 2020.
operational issues.
FNF Pakistan partners came Shehri was represented by Mr.
together and discussed how Mr. Yasir Masood Afaq was the Sameer Hamid Dodhy, Vice
they can collectively Lead Moderator of the Partners Chairperson along with Mr.
Summit. Sarwar Khalid and Mr. Rehan
develop a comprehensive and Ashraf.
impact oriented activity plan Seven partner organizations
not only for 2020 but also set a attended the summit. Mr. Sameer Hamid Dodhy in his
strategic direction for the next presentation said that "Shehri
five years. This was an 1. H u m a n Rights saves parks (among other
excellent oppor tunity to Commission of Pakistan things)", "People from other
understand the thematic areas, (FNF Par tner since cities also come up to us and
mission and vision of all the 1990) we advise them how to use
partner organizations and gave 2. Shehri-Citizens for a laws to save public spaces"
all partners an opportunity to Better Environment
develop extensive synergies. (FNF Par tner since Mr. Amer Ejaz Executive
1990) Director, CPDI, Dr. Manzoor
Mrs. Birgit Lamm, Resident 3. Centre for Peace and Ahmed, Executive Member of
D i r e c t o r, F N F Pa k i s t a n Development Initiatives PRIME Institute, Ms. Jannat
inaugurated the FNF Partners (CPDI) (FNF Partner Fazal of Digital Rights Pakistan,
Summit and delivered the since 2010) Tahir Habib of HRCP, Ms.
welcome note. 4. Individualland (FNF Mariyam Irfan of School of
Partner since 2010) Leadership, Mr. Farhan Khalid
FNF Pakistan pursues its 5. School of Leadership of Individualland also gave
objectives through education, (FNF Par tner since presentations on behalf of their
dialogue and consultation. 2011) organizations.
23
SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

FNF PARTNERS SUMMIT: 2020 STRATEGIC PLANNING

6TH - 8TH DECEMBER 2019, HOTEL ELITES NATHIAGALI

Dr. Manzoor Ahmed (PRIME), Mr. Amer Ejaz (CPDI), Mr. Ahmed Mr. Yasir Masood Afaq(Moderator), Ms. Birgit Lamm (Country Head
Muktar Ali (CPDI), Ms. Beenish Javed & Arooj Kamran (PRIME) FNF Pakistan), Mr. Mohammad Anwar & Aamir Amjad (FNF Pakistan)

Ms. Mariyam Irfan (SOL), Mr. Sameer H.Dodhy (Chairperson Shehri- Ms. Huma Umer, Ms. Tahira Habib (HRCP),
CBE) & Zehra Tehreem (SOL) Ms. Saadia Mumtaz (FNF) & Ms. Jannat Fazal (DRF)

Group Photo Group Photo

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JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

CORONA: A WAKEUP CALL

Danish Azar Zuby

Some of us are terrified withthe where hundreds dieevery day, that we have created for
prevailing Corona Virus (CV) and these are avoidable deaths. ourselves, especially for the
pandemic, there is mass The automobile kills more than western societies where reports
hysteria looking at the cases a million people every year but are getting worse by the day.
multiplying on a daily basis and we are not scared - we love our
mountingdeath count. It has cars. Look at millions of vehicles The CV lockdown has provided
engulfed the entire world off the road and production plenty of time to allof us, to find
irrespective of age, cast, creed, industries coming to a grinding new ways to keep ourselves
colour or wealth. But there are halt with the result pollution busy. Get involved in hobbies,
some who see the CV as an odd levels have drastically come remove back logs, cook, and re-
type of blessing. Suddenly the down. We had never imagined earnhousehold chores but
world has become a quiet place, a break from our over stressed mostly we engage ourselves
a peaceful place. Some say we urban life. Had never visualized online drifting through the
are underestimating the the empty urban streets. The air virtual world. In the process
pandemic and narrating'end of quality has improved we apprise ourselves but also
the world'stories with hundreds dramatically, the birds are churn out and forward the
of thousands who are going to happy and singing. Nature is forwarded, anything thatwe
die, while some say we are over smiling. Family has become see on the screen regarding CV
reacting, the recovery is more important. Yes, lockdown is bit and its cure. Mostly, I tried to
than fatality. Just check out the of a problem in this artificial, duck this flood of information
emergency wards of hospitals, fast track, over scheduled life overload but then I selected
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SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

two pieces of my choice to read

and form an opinion.

The first one that caught my

attention was an article by
Arundhati Roy, a beautiful and
a sane voice from across the
border. She thinks that this CV
pandemic is a 'Portal', a gateway
between one world and the next,
we can choose to walk through
it dragging the carcasses of our
prejudice and hatred, our
avarice, our data banks and dead
ideas, our dead rivers and smoky
skies behind us. Or we can walk drugs and vaccines to curethis 'scientific' achievements, the
through lightly, with little pandemic. But wasn't it atomic bombs. It's not
luggage, ready to imagine BualiCena (Avicena), a religious conspiracy theories any more,
another world. And ready to fight scholar and a traditionalist, who we are all aware about the
for it. It's an opportunity to create had proposed 'Arba'eenya' a Corporate cartels, Big tech,
a better world rather than this forty days isolation in case of Pharma and Arms industry
'doomsday machine' that we plague like situation, later institutions who control the
have created. Wow. Couldn't adopted by the Europeans as world economy and think that
agree more. 'Quarantena' or 'the forty' in human species is expendable
Italian. This century's old and their 'dying' is fantastic
The other article was by our 'traditional' method is still used business. Yes indeed, it's an old
great educationist, thinker and in this so called 'modern' age story that only the select few,
a maestro of Physics, Pervez with great effectiveness. Should the powerful and the 'fittest'
Hoodbhoy. In his article he we put him in the scientist who survive while the masses
makes Darwin a hero with his category or backward cleric? At are doomed to perish. Darwin
natural selection evolution times I sense a queer degrading may have never thought how
which ushered the world into whiff inthe articles of Mr. the word 'fittest' could actually
scientific enquiry and then a Hoodbhoy. There appearsto be have a better application.
typical narrative of ultra- a clash between 'Us' the East,
conservative world leaders- the traditional and the It is not that this miniscule,
now begging scientists to speed backward and 'Them' the invisible to the human eye,
up the rescue work (as if there 'Modern, developed scientific' organism or protein, which it
is a great divide, a caste system world of the West. is said, is not even a life form
between the 'educated' and the that threatens this huge,
illiterate masses). He is also I shudder to think that it was arrogant to the core - Homo
known to have occasionally a select few 'learned' scientists sapiens species - but how petty
trashed all that is traditional, of the west who spent years to and monstrous the sapiens can
religious or eastern. Makes a create and develop Viruses for become. The same sapiens
jest on Ajwa and Kalonji, the biological warfare and it is no attached with the war industry
herb of the east which it issaid secret that the beneficiaries of have been developing weapons
to be miraculous in treating 'modern medicine' is not the of mass destruction since the
many a maladies. He glorifies masses but the Big Pharma. last century and these
the 'modern' 'progressive' part Those who have held power in biological weapons is one of
of world (read western) and the West have previously the many in death arsenal of
scientific scholars who are the shown no shame is destroying super powers that can destroy
'only' ones who can develop entire cities with their mega the world many times over.
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JANUARY - JUNE 2020 SHEHRI-CBE

CV turns out to be the latest star planets resources. We are lured pandemic as a wakeup call,
of theshow, in the lime light, which into this age of 'modernity' perhaps a last call for human
allegedly as the news is unfolding, of'progress and development', are kind to wake up and design an
ended up from an American lab to brainwashed andbecome operation cleanup, create a new
Wuhun lab in China. They have compliant with the help of world strategy. Let's put our
special labs for genetically controlled media. The masses are house in order first and stop this
modifying these viruses to make nothing but assembly line nonsensical race for colonizing
them moredeadly. The scientists consumers- guinea pigs who are moon and mars. Stop this mass
work hard and sometimes they are stuck in the rat race while it's the exodus from the soft farmlands
bound to folly. 1% (or a fraction of 1%)who to the metaled roads of the cities
stockpile all thebenefits. The which are turning into killing
Now coming back to Nature and remaining are designed to fields. Mother earth suffocates
its relationship with its tenant suffer.The tragedy is that the in the cities while it breathes in
species. Pre-Industrial age, man weapons that we have been the country side. Let usrevisit
and nature were at piece with each manufacturing to kill each other this consumer oriented infinite
other, there was ecological balance can also back fire. As someone put growth paradigm. Let us walk
and all the living species were it aptly 'humans are a plague on through this portal as suggested
living in harmony. Come Industrial this earth'. We have endangered by Roy, let usslow down, and go
revolution, the steam engine, our own survival with this notion back to nature. Let us pray that
internal combustion engine after of 'infinite growth' on a finite planet. the new leadership on the other
the Newton's apple, Darwin's side of the portal does not put
evolution and the scientific enquiry Nature has been sending regular 'profit' over people and is planet
etc., world changed beyond climatic warnings since the last friendly. A lot of damage has
recognition. The frenzy of mass few years and has asked us in been done, but a lot can be fixed
production, mass employment, a polite way to mend our ways. if we care and try. Let us learn
mass consumption, the I think it's time to make peace the ways of the nature and
densification of cities. The fossil with nature once again, this is celebrate life with Mother
fuel age and the destruction of an opportunity, so I see this CV Nature.

THREE STRATEGIES TO TRANSFORM THE GLOBAL PLASTIC PACKAGING MARKET

FUNDAMENTAL REDESIGN & INNOVATION REUSE

RECYCLING WITH RADICALLY

IMPROVED ECONOMICS & QUALITY

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SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2020

SHEHRI - CITIZENS FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT

INTRODUCTION
Shehri- CBE is a Karachi-based Public Information Counter. OBJECTIVES
voluntar y advocacy group Establishment of an aware and
Halting commercialization and
established by concerned pro-active civil society, good
sale of 11 KTC and 15 SRTC bus-
citizens in 1988 to project their governance, transparency and
depot plots in Karachi and Sindh.
apprehensions about the rule of law.
Today these plots are to be used
deterioration of the built and
by the CDGK for intercity bus Promotion of research,
natural environment.
terminals and other related documentation, dialogue with
There is a special emphasis on transportation activity. and influence of public policies.
tackling illegal construction and
Saving (Makro) webb Ground Setting up an effective and
zoning violations, and their
playfield in Lines Area, Karachi. representative local government
related symptoms, e.g., drainage,
system.
encroachments, parking and Demolition of apartment
infrastructure. Shehri monitors structure Costa Linina in amenity Preparation of a representative
the regulator y bodies and Bagh-e-Ibne-Qasim, Clifton. Master Plan / Zoning plan for
government agencies and CDGK has now developed it as Karachi city and effective
encourages civil society to do the a park. implementation of the same.
same.
Preventing commercialization of Observance of basic human
SUCCESSES Doongi Ground park / playfield rights in society.
Passing of Sindh Senior Citizens in Lahore.
HOW IS SHEHRI RUN?
Welfare Bill 2014 Demolition of
Reducing, as part of Lahore A volunteer Managing
G l a s s To w e r s i l l e g a l
Bachhao Tehrik, the amount of Committee, duly elected by the
encroachment on the notified
damage from Canal Bank General Body for a term of two
road-widening of Clifton Road.
Widening Project. years, thereby functioning in an
open and democratic manner.
Saving of 480-acre Gutter Reaffirmation of seismic building
Membership is open to all who
Baghicha Park on Manghopir code in Quetta.
subscribe to its objectives and
Road. This is the largest open
Training 1600 (Approx) police memorandum.
recreational space in a low
officers all over Pakistan on
income congested area of Lyari- SHEHRI
participatory citizen-police
inhabited by approximately one needs
interaction, human rights
million people. Volunteers
violations and police reforms.
Saving of 62-acre Kidney hill Park to work in the following areas:
Over the years, Shehri’s expertise • Legal Affair
in Karachi Cooperative Housing
has been recognized by superior • Media and Outreach
Society Union inclusive of 18-acre
courts and it has been called as • Million Trees Campaign
notified KWSB installations.
amicus curiae (friend of the court) • Conservation and Heritage
Establishment of the Oversee in cases dealing with built • Fund Raising
Committee of the KBCA and a environment violations. • Gun Free Society

Name: JOIN SHEHRI SHEHRI MEMBERSHIP

Occupation: To Create a Better Don’t forget to renew your
Environment membership for 2020 (Rs. 2000/=)
Address: Submit A Cross Cheque of
Join Shehri and play
PKR 2000/= in favor of
Shehri-CBE Along with 2 your role as a good citizen to make
passport size photos to
become a member this city a clean, healthy and
Contact No.: Address: 88-R, Block-2, environmentally
P.E.C.H.S., Karachi-75400.
E-mail: Tel / Fax : 021-3453-0646 friendly place to live in!

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