KARACHI: Altaf calls for award of tenders on merit
KARACHI, Nov 1: MQM chief Altaf Hussain has directed the newly elected city, town, and union council nazims to avoid awarding tenders to favourites, and deal with issues purely on merit and transparency.
Reminding ministers, advisers, parliamentarians and nazims in his address at MQM’s headquarters in Karachi on Tuesday, Mr Hussain said “the MQM believes in a corruption-free society, and those violating its directive would be severely dealt with.”
Those facing financial problems should seek help from party, but refrain doing anything that might cause problems for them and the MQM, he said.
It would be better, he felt, if nazims disassociate themselves from tenders. However, they could keep a watch on corruption or misuse of money as it was their duty. Tenders should be awarded to those bidding according to rules and regulations. He asked members of the Rabita committee, sectors, units, MPAs, or ministers and advisers not to interfere with the working of city government.
Parliamentarians, ministers and advisers should also hold open kutcheries in their areas to attend to public problems, and perform duties assigned to them in public secretariat of rabita committee head office, or to sector offices regularly.
Turning to relief and rehabilitation efforts in earthquake affected areas, he said that the MQM and its workers, or volunteers were doing a yeomen service, not for any reward, but for earning blessings of the Almighty Allah, Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and the Holy Quran which ordained them to help the suffering humanity.
This was the time of distress. MQM had tried to do whatever it can to help the affectees of natural calamity. Provincial ministers, advisers, and MPAs too should visit affected areas to help those in dire need now, he said.
He appealed to public, and asked party members to donate money reserved for Eid shopping for help and succour to thousands of people, looking for food, shelter, and medical aid in NWFP, Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas.
The MQM chief further stated that the MQM had not launched its relief operations in quake-hit areas on account of any political interest.
He said since Oct 8, MQM’s relief workers and medical teams, along with party leaders, have been working in quake-hit areas and relief operations still continue.
He reiterated his appeal to the countrymen to celebrate Eid in simple manner.
Altaf called upon the party leaders and workers to strive for the resolution of problems being faced by the people and to eradicate corruption from the city.
