KARACHI, June 11: The City Council, while deploring the tragic incident at Keenjhar Lake where 27 persons drowned recently, has demanded of the provincial government to hand over the administrative control of the lake to Thatta district government so that safety arrangements could be improved there.

A resolution, moved by Jafarul Hasan and adopted by the House, criticized improper safety measures at the lake despite occurrence of such tragedies at regular intervals.

The council also deplored the killing of the former deputy mayor of the defunct KMC, Abdul Raziq Khan, on Wednesday.

The House adopted two separate resolutions criticizing attitude of police with Nazims and councillors, saying that police remained a silent spectator while Raees Kazmi, Nazim of UC-5 Orangi Town, was attacked.

Through another resolution, the Council requested the city Nazim to take action against police officials in accordance with the Article-35 of Police Order 2002 for escorting the UC Nazim from Site Town, Babu Amir Khan, in handcuffs into the House to attend the session. The resolution expressed its displeasure over a policeman’s act of occupying a member’s seat to stay with Babu Amir Khan during the session. The resolution demanded an inquiry into the affair saying that the police move had undermined the respect of House.

In his speech, Raees Kazmi narrated the events while apprising the House of the difficulties he faced in controlling enraged protesters seeking normal water supply in Orangi Town amid the persisting shortage. He said that the concerned SHO and Col Pasha of the rangers posted in Water Board had been informed of the violent public reaction. However, he added, no measures were taken to ensure protection to his life, family and property. As a result, he deplored, anti-social elements carried out attack on him as well as his house and UC office.

After his speech, Engineer Abdul Aziz informed the House of Raziq Khan’s killing. Siddique Rathore urged the convener of the House, Ghulam Abbas Baluch, to suspend the proceedings of the House. However, Al-Khidmat group opposed the request. This led to a pandemonium-like situation and Qazi Saddrudin had to intervene by asking the rival groups to keep their seats.

Later, Abdul Razzaq, Nazir Sajid, Qazi Saddrudin and Ghulam Abbas Talpur spoke against police and interference by the provincial government in the affairs of the city government.

Razzaq Siddique called for resignation of federal interior minister and advisor to the CM on home affairs.

PICNIC SPOTS: Talking to newsmen after the council session, Jafarul Hasan said that it was important to note that majority of holidaymakers and picnickers used to visit Keenjhar Lake or Gadani beach on an upcountry excursion. Therefore, he said, their safety and security must be ensured.

Meanwhile, provincial Minister for Tourism Shabbir Kaimkhani has turned down the idea of handing over Keenjhar Lake to the district government Thatta. He contended that they could not manage all the affairs of the lake.

Expressing sorrow and grief over the heavy loss of life in the tragedy, he pointed out that the district and provincial governments were all working for the safety and security of people but what was important was the issue of the availability of such facilities at picnic spots which were being ignored for long.

Mr Kaimkhani mentioned his department’s plans saying they included registration of all boats to be hired by visitors, induction of life guards, purchase of life-saving equipment like life jackets, etc. and establishment of watch towers.

He also stressed the need for improving medical facilities near Keenjhar Lake and elsewhere in Thatta so that medical aid could be provided to the victims promptly.—PPI