March, 15 2005	Tuesday	04 Safar 1426

KARACHI, March 14: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has described the criticism of Karachi Circular Railway revival as ‘undue’ and ‘based on lack of knowledge’.

Speaking as chief guest at a reception hosted by Prof Faiz Mohammed Khan, President of the Adam Education Foundation at a local hotel on Sunday night, the governor said the first phase was an important progress towards complete rehabilitation of the KCR and streamlining the operation on modern lines.

The governor said that in order to revive the KCR fully and win the investors full confidence, it was imperative to make visible progress.

At present, the service is being managed by a private operator. On the first day, 630 passengers travelled in the newly-launched trains whereas over the next two days, their number rose to 1,300. “We will have to promote positive attitudes for the development of the city,” the governor said.

Provincial Minister for Transport Adil Siddiqi, AAG Qazi Khalid Ali, SITE Association Chairman Dr Ikhtiar Baig, Faiz Mohammed Khan, Dr Mohammed Ali Shah and others spoke at the reception which was largely attended by senior doctors, lawyers, engineers, industrialists, businessmen and elite of the city.

The speakers eulogized Dr Ibad’s services Ibad over the last two years, observing that he had demonstrated best performance in all the fields, including law and order.

Adil Siddiqi called for collective efforts for the progress of the province. ”We have the courage and capacity to undertake any mega project,” he said.

He pointed out that full attention was being paid to the establishment of small- and medium-sized units whereas all required facilities for cottage industries were being made available to people. A lot of work had been done in this regard, he said.

The minister also made mention of the special measures being taken for the establishment of an industrial estate stretched over and area of 100 acres. It would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, he said.

Dr Ikhtiar Baig, highlighting Dr Ibad’s cooperation with the industry and trade sectors, spoke of the governor’s significant achievements, and said that restoration of law and order and holding of international events were reflective of the same.

Qazi Khalid Ali recalled the days when Karachi had become a ‘no-go area’. Karachiites had been forced to migrate and others were avoiding to visit this city, he said, adding that Dr Ibad, by putting in day and night efforts, improved the city’s image and contained the under-world and mafias.

Replying to questions raised by the participants, the governor said that the government was paying special attention to health and education sectors and restoration of law and order. As a result of this, he said, investment had grown over the recent years.

He also pointed out that terrorists’ network had been demolished through the strength