BOL, Pakistan’s mew media group, has welcomed on-board globally acclaimed journalist Kamran Khan as the group’s President and Editor-in-Chief. This is a major milestone for BOL which has meticulously acquired a dream-team of highly experienced professionals with decades of experience to their credit.

Mr. Kamran Khan is one of the most respected, experienced and celebrated professionals of Pakistani journalism with unparalleled fan following in Pakistan and abroad. His experience with more than 3000 fantastic investigative news stories and around 3000 daily news and current affairs shows make Mr. Kamran Khan, in many ways, Pakistan’s most distinguished journalist with global recognition.

His legendary daily news and current affairs show “Aaj Kamran Khan Kay Saath (AKKKS)” gained incomparable heights in viewer ship, ratings and above all, in credibility. From The New York Times to Gallup surveys in Pakistan, viewers found AKKKS as most watched and most credible news and current affairs show in Pakistan. Before that, his 25 years in print journalism had earned Mr. Kamran Khan a celebrity status as Pakistan’s most famous investigative journalist.

Mr. Kamran Khan’s decision to join BOL is a momentous honor and privilege for BOL. His candid journalistic style and high professional standards symbolize the ideals of modern journalism and have brought him well-deserved international acclaim. He has been known to leave a trail of leaders in his wake and BOLwalas stand to benefit immensely from his diverse expertise.

“We are at the brink of revolutionizing the country’s media industry,” said Mr. Kamran Khan, while commenting on his decision to join BOL. “This will herald the beginning of not just a better and stronger media industry but also a new Pakistan.”

BOL has been launched by Axact, world’s leading IT company, with the objective of revolutionizing the country’s media industry. The industry has been incredibly supportive and welcoming with a number of leading media professionals joining BOL to help realize the channel’s long-term vision and to spread the message of SEDAxact.

BOL senior leadership, including Chairman and CEO Shoaib Ahmed Shaikh, are immensely delighted to welcome Mr. Kamran Khan to the fold. “We have promised Pakistan a revolution and we do not default on our promises,” said Mr. Shoaib Shaikh, adding that Mr. Kamran Khan’s decision to join BOL represents the beginning of the revolution. (PR)

Anti Encroachments squad of KMC took action in Shanti Nagar and removed many encroachments including jhuggi hotels, patharas, sugarcane juice machine and push carts during an operation in the presence of police and rangers. The operation was supervised by the Director Anti Encroachments Mazhar Khan along with the Assistant Commissioner East Mushtaq Shaikh and other officers. On this occasion he said Pak Navy offices were also located in this area and the maintenance of traffic flow on surrounding roads was affected due to the presence of encroachments and illegally expanded pavement alongside the main road.

These encroachments were creating hurdles and other problems for citizens and it was necessary to take action against these encroachments. He said the ongoing campaign against encroachments was going on successfully in the city under the directive of Administrator Karachi Rauf Akhtar Farooqui in which the district administration and citizens have also cooperated.

Trade and business groups within and outside Pakistan can make their investment in Sindh, blessed with untapped natural resources and having lucrative potential of investment. Addressing inauguration ceremony of 3-day ‘My Karachi Oasis of Harmony’ exhibition organised by Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) at Expo Centre he said Sindh has great potential of investment and we have signed many accords with the national and international companies most of them belonging to China and Turkey. We have started the digging of coalmines and would generate 660 megawatts (MW) power at Thar Coal within three to four years.Many other projects are following to this project though today we were facing acute shortage of energy but in near future the Thar Coal field would be proved as strong power generating corridor of the county.

He said in addition there were lot of opportunities of investment, trade and commerce in Sindh and its capital Karachi.Law and order was not the issue of today but it was the problem since many years and current government was giving top priority to maintain law and order and has launched targeted operation against terrorists, target killers, kidnappers and extortionists in Karachi from September 2013. There was no terrorism in Karachi while other criminal activities have been declined up to considerable level. He said after Zarb-e-Azb operation launched by Pakistan Army against the terrorist, the Sindh government has not only endorsed it but devised a foolproof security plan to meet with possible realisation by militants.

He offered all facilities, attractive incentives and full protection and asked national and international business community to avail these opportunities under the investment friendly policy of his government. We cannot afford unchecked influx specially from Northern areas in Karachi to avoid any possible entry of the militant in disguise of the displaced persons. He said strict checking was being carried out at all entry and exist points at the border of Sindh and even in the trains as well. He praised the efforts of KCCI for promoting business activities and this exhibition was instrumental source to promote the trade and business but it was very important for image building of Pakistan and whole nation.

He assured the business community for providing full support and protection to them and their business. Chairman Business group Siraj Qasim Teli endorsed the government action against the terrorists and said inspite of the problems of law and order and energy Karachi was being expended and promoted in business point of view. President KCCI Abdullah Zaki welcomed all participants and said it was 11th show of his organisation being attended by national and international companies. Vice Chairman Business group Zubair Motiwala lauded the efforts of Sindh government for eradication of criminals factor from Karachi. He said progress in taxation reflected Karachi was being growing and expending. He lauded the government efforts for utilising indigenous resources for generating electricity. He said due to the efforts of the government, Karachi and Sindh was getting momentum for investment.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Tuesday hinted that the police were responsible for the disappearance of thousands of prize bonds on May 8 while being transported from Lahore to this metropolis.

Quoting the Federal Treasury Rules, the SBP said the Lahore remitting office was to hand over the treasure to the police escort.

“It moves in their custody till it is received at the Karachi destination office,” said the bank in a statement issued Tuesday.

The bank clarified that some 20,000 missing pieces of prize bond forms of Rs 1,500 bearing serial numbers AW070001 to AW090000 were missing.

A consignment of un-stamped prize bond forms was dispatched by SBP Lahore Office for receipt at the State Bank’s office here via 16 Down Karachi Express, it said.

“The train departure from Lahore was delayed by approximately 12 hours and reached Karachi Cantt behind the schedule,” added the bank.

It said that the brake railway car carrying the treasure was unlocked at Karachi in the presence of all concerned including police escort and to their dismay they found one box out of the 10 was missing.

On further investigation, it transpired that one of the panels of the brake railway car was found to be tampered and broken into.

The SBP has issued ‘Stop Payment’ instruction to all SBP BSC Offices, commercial banks and Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS), in respect of the missing un-stamped prize bond forms.

Moreover, CDNS has been requested to notify withdrawal of above serial numbers from circulation with immediate effect through the Finance Division, Ministry of Finance, by issuing gazette notification in exercise of the powers conferred by Rule 4(1&2) of the Prize Bond Rules 1999, the bank said.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif chaired a high level meeting regarding Law & Order at Karachi today. The meeting was also attended by Former President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, Governor Sind Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Sind Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, ANP Senator Shahi Syed, Ex-MNA MQM Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi, Secretary General Jamat-e-Islami Mr. Liaqat Baloch, DG ISI Lt. General Zaheer-ul-Islam, Corps Commander Karachi Lt. General Sajjad Ghani, Secretary to PM Mr. Javaid Aslam, Chief Secretary Sind Mr. Sajjad Saleem Hotiana, Federal Secretary Interior Mr. Shahid Khan, Federal Secreatary Law Mr. Zafar Ullah Khan, Director General Intelligence Bureau Mr. Aftab Sultan, DG Rangers Sind Maj. General Rizwan Akhtar, DG ISPR Maj. General Asim Saleem Bajwa, Acting IG Police Sind Mr. Ghulam Haider Jamali, CCPO Karachi Mr. Shahid Hayat, Commissioner Karachi Mr. Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui and senior officers.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif apprised the participants about Federal Government’s efforts towards restoring peace in Karachi and reiterated that improvement in law and order should be above politics. PM further said that terrorists and criminals should be brought to justice without any  political prejudice. “We started operation in Karachi with the agreement of all political parties and stakeholders”, said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister said that Karachi holds special significance for him, being the economic hub of Pakistan. “We want cooperation of all stakeholders in Karachi and I see no one who will not want to improve the law & order situation of Karachi, therefore, a joint solution is the only option”, said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister emphasized upon capacity building of Sindh Police and appreciated acquisition of services of retired army personnel for maintaining law and order in Karachi.

Prime Minister said that it is very natural that there will be retaliation from extremists and terrorists, but the government is prepared for that and all possible support will be provided to law enforcement agencies to counter the retaliation.

Prime Minister directed to constitute special committees to address any kind of hurdles or grievance being faced in the Karachi operation.

Prime Minister reiterated that the present government implemented Pakistan Protection Ordinance with a view to deal with the menace of terrorism and bring criminals to justice.

Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan briefed the meeting that state-of-the art equipment is being provided to law enforcement agencies and about Seven Hundred Thousand illegal mobile SIMS have been cancelled. He further elaborated that once 3G mobile technology is in place, we will further carry out crackdown against illegal SIMS.

Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif said that Pak Army is ready to provide any kind of support to the Federal and Provincial Governments with hundred percent honesty and sincerity. “We will give our honest opinion and assistance whenever sought from us”, said the Army Chief. He also suggested that posting & transfers of Police personnel should be depoliticised and also stressed upon the need to equip them with modern equipment and resources.

Former President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari said that Sind Police needs to be equipped with resources. He further said that support from all political parties is need of the hour to bring peace in Karachi.

Chief Capital Police Officer Karachi briefed the participants that closure of illegal SIM will reduce crime by 50% and also assured that police is acting against criminals without discrimination and that there was no political pressure on Police.

Pakistani and US officials said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent, who was caught yesterday carrying bullets and a knife by security officials at the Jinnah International Airport, is being held under anti-terrorism charges in Pakistan, according to a Washington Post report.

The suspect was produced in a local court on Tuesday on the charges involving violation of local anti-terrorism laws that proscribed carrying arms and ammunition on a plane.

The judge in his ruling of the case said that the suspect should remain in custody of security officials until Saturday so the issue could be further probed.

The US officials confirmed that the agent was temporarily in Pakistan to help the government investigate corruption.

The officials requested withholding of the agent’s name, as according to them the issue was sensitive in nature.

It was also contended by the US officials that the agent had forgotten a loaded gun magazine in his luggage and wasn’t ‘armed’.

Spokeswoman for the US Embassy in Islamabad, Meghan Gregonis said that the US officials were closely coordinating with the Pakistani authorities to solve the issue.

The US citizen, identified as Joel Cox Eugene, had been carrying 15 bullets of 9mm calibre along with a magazine when Airport Security Force officials checked him. He was going to Islamabad by a PIA flight (PK 308). DAWN

Dr Nadeem Rajput, Medical Superintendent of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and five other doctors were suspended on Thursday on negligence of duty, which led to the death of a patient.
According to details 35-year Shakil Ahmad was admitted to the hospital for treatment of appendix. He was not attended properly and resulted in his death. Relatives and friends of the patient while protesting broke furniture and tortured some members of the hospital staff.

“An inquiry has been initiated,” said Karachi Administrator Rauf Akhtar Farooqui. “This is the first time that a patient has died due to negligence of the doctors and the people responded by attacking the hospital.” He added that such occurences were unacceptable.

According to Farooqui, Medical Superintendent Dr Nadeem Rajput and other doctors had reached the hospital when the staff made phone calls to them. He said that a committee will submit its report about the incident while a charge-sheet will be also be issued to those who were responsible.

Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan said better results could not be achieved in public service works without making inter-coordination strong and effective between different organizations. This coordination was needed most for working on various uplift projects in Karachi. If we start working together it would not only increase the level of mutual confidence and establish fine working relations among the organizations but also make it easy to provide better services to people. He expressed these views while addressing as chief guest in the launching of cleanliness drive of Sharae-Faisal held at the Frere Hall on Sunday. Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Administrator Karachi Rauf Akhtar Farooqui and Deputy Commissioner South Mustafa Jamal Qazi also spoke on this occasion whereas the program was attended by the Metropolitan Commissioner Samiuddin Siddiqui, deputy commissioners of different districts, administrators, various departmental heads and a good number of prominent citizens. Governor Sindh said besides improving the law and order conditions, development works were also being carried out in the city. Citizens would feel refreshing change with the solution of their problems hence, all civic organizations should work in coordination. He said work on bringing gradual improvement on the major city corridors was begun now and before this I.I Chundrigar was also made better due to its importance for the city and now security arrangements on this Wall Street of the city were being made under a comprehensive plan.

Governor Ishrat-ul-Ebad said he felt pleasure on that the Commissioner of Karachi and the Administrator Karachi has already done lot of home work for the beautification of Sharae Faisal and other organizations were also fully cooperating in this connection. He said that he prayed for joint working of all city organizations for its betterment. About 10 Lac saplings were planted in past and the city’s environment will improve further with the addition of 3 Lac saplings more in Karachi.

Earlier Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui in his welcome address said the city administration was taking all civic bodies on board in the beautification of the city. We have a passion working for Governor Sindh’s vision of green and peaceful Karachi. About 3 Lac saplings will be planted in this campaign and we have this desire that this work for the cleanliness and beautification of city corridors extend to all areas of the city. He said the Administrator and Metropolitan Commissioner of Karachi have also fully supported this work and we all will continue to work with this spirit for making city clean and green.

Administrator Karachi Rauf Akhtar Farooqui said the projects which were completed in Karachi with the patronage and special attention of the Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan was not only an example but also a milestone for future. He said KMC has completed lot of development projects and work on many projects still going on which will be completed soon. Though KMC was not directly responsible for the cleanliness of whole city as the city was divided into many organizations which have their own land control and these bodies were charging for municipal tax in these areas, therefore it was their duty to provide municipal services in these areas. However the Municipal Services Department of KMC was working under mutual coordination of district municipal corporations. He said KMC was responsible for the maintenance of city’s major corridors and the big parks, therefore it has chosen Sharae Faisal for the beautification of city in the first phase. Besides carrying out cleanliness work on this central corridor of the city about 25 thousand evergreen saplings were also being planted alongside it. Deputy Commissioner South Mustafa Jamal Qazi thanked the Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan and other notables for attending this program and expressed resolve that we all will work together for the beauty and cleanliness of the city. In the end Commissioner Karachi Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui and Administrator Karachi Rauf Akhtar Farooqui presented a souvenir to the Governor of Sindh Dr.Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan.

At least four people have been killed and more several others injured in a suicide blast targeting a government vehicle in Defence area of Karachi, Dunya News reported on Friday.

The incident took place in Gizri area of Defence Phase 4.

Several nearby vehicles and buildings were damaged due to the huge blast.

The injured were shifted to Jinnah Hospital where some of them are said to be in critical condition.

Police and Rangers personnel have arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area.

Veet Miss Super Model 2014 competition will likely to be on air on a local channel in mid May 2014 and participants from across Pakistan have already been selected. Model Wiqar Ali Khan accompanying with supermodels Amna Ilyar, Cybil Chaudhry, Sabina Pasha and Nadia Hussain said, “This year many things have been changed in the competition for title.” Many news happenings will be involved in programme and the programme will be showcasing 8 themed episodes and each episode will focus on grooming the models in various aspects of modeling based on beauty, confidence and personality development.

He said programme would be hosted by him and every round would be an eliminating round on criteria level. The winner will be bestowed with the title of Miss Super Model as well as a precious modeling contract. Amna Ilyar, Cybil Chaudhry and Sabina Pasha will coach and mentor a group of contestants. The episode will showcase celebrity appearances from the fashion, TV and film industry besides they will judge the challenges by the aspiring models competing, Khan asserted. A representative of the Veet said, “We have created this platform to allow young women to turn their dreams into reality”. Veet Miss Super Model has established itself as a recognisable and renowned platform.