KARACHI, April 21: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan on Wednesday paid a five-hour whirlwind visit to the city and directed the authorities concerned to take immediate steps for solving the basic problems of people.

The governor took strict notice of the occupation of land for cottage industry in Baldia Town. Showing his indignation over the relevant police officers, he called for immediate operation against the land mafia occupying government land, including that of the cottage industry.

He said it should be ensured that no one, however influential he might be, should have the courage to occupy government lands illegally. He added that no leniency in this regard on the part of police and other departments would be tolerated.

He was talking to newsmen on his visit to Mohammadi Colony, Gulbai, SITE, Northern Bypass, Baldia Town, Naval Colony, Baldia Cottage Industry, Karimabad, Apwa Collage, Children Hospital, North Nazimabad, Surjani Town and other areas of the city.

At Baldia Town, he was told that two men - Rehmat Jan Afridi and Mohammad Khan - had occupied the 200 acres of the cottage industry. At Jam Nagar he was told about water and electricity shortages.

The governor sought a report from the TPO on the land grabbing and ordered stern action against the land grabbers. He also directed the authorities to solve the water and electricity problems of the area immediately.

Talking to newsmen, he said he would warn the civic departments to improve their performance, adding that the city government should keep a watch on these departments. Regarding traffic issue, he directed the traffic police and other authorities to ensure that heavy traffic did not enter the city during the peak rush hours and a time schedule be set for the movement of heavy traffic in the city.

He said several projects, including mega-project, were under way in the city and after the completion of these projects traffic problems would be solved. Earlier, when the governor arrived at the Apwa college in Karimabad and the Children Hospital in North Nazimabad, he was warmly welcomed. Both institutions inform the governor of their problems.

The governor issued directives for the renovation and beautification of the Apwa College auditorium, the conference room and the playground. He also directed the authorities to establish a children's park at the Children Hospital and the evening OPD be finalized by the first week of May.

The governor was accompanied by Karachi DCO Mir Hussain Ali, CCPO Asad Ashraf Malik, DIG (operations) Tariq Jamil and officers of the SSGC, KESC, KWSB and other departments. - APP/PPI