KARACHI, Dec 1: Sindh Chief Secretary Dr Mutawakkal Kazi has sought immediate details regarding the reported outbreak of certain ailments in areas including Surjani Town, where contaminated sand following Tasman Spirit incident had been disposed of.

The chief secretary taking serious notice of the news report about the misery of the residents belonging to Surjani Town and surrounding areas asked the provincial secretary for environment and alternate sources of energy to undertake an appropriate probe and inform him about the actual situation besides measures required to tackle the same.

Dr Kazi registering his serious concern that some 613 vehicles were snatched in November from across Karachi has urged the local authorities to beef up security arrangements and prevent such incidents in future. He also asked for details about the scenario.

Responding to another news report related to encroachments and unhygienic conditions at the new Sabzimandi, the chief secretary asked the provincial secretary for agriculture as well as DCO Karachi to present a detailed report within a week.

Following the five-day closure of all government departments on account of Eidul Fitr, Dr Kazi while chairing a meeting in his office on Monday also ordered resumption of drug supplies to the Civil Hospital Hyderabad within three

days. In this context, he registered his serious concern over non-availability of drugs to the hospital for the last five months, as reported by some newspapers.

The situation was attributed to the inability of import and inspection depot, failing to realize its responsibilities towards ailing humanity.

Provincial secretary for mineral resources and development was also directed by the chief secretary to investigate the reported instances of illegal sale of sand and granules in Karachi by 25 private contractors in connivance with local police. —APP