KARACHI: Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has expressed his deep concern over the increasing number of dog-bite cases in the province and said that controlling dog breeding is the need of the hour. He called upon the Sindh government to take effective steps to check such incidents.

The governor, who was talking to the media after visiting dog-bite victim child Hasnain at the NICH hospital here on Monday, said anti-dog breeding measures not only had to be taken in the province but in the whole country.

He said in the past dog-killing campaigns were launched, but now killing dogs had become a sensitive issue. The governor said the prime minister was quite concerned about the people of Sindh and he had visited Hasnain on his directive. The prime minister had told MNA Aftab Siddiqui to provide all possible assistance in extending treatment to Hasnain, who is from Larkana. He also said that financial assistance would be provided to the affected family.

Visits child struggling for life in hospital after attack by dogs in Larkana

He said the doctors in the NICH were trying their level best for early recovery of Hasnain, but the face and head of the child had been very badly affected. He also said the federal government would extend full cooperation to the parents for the treatment of the child.

Gov Ismail said that at present to control breeding of dogs was the need of the hour and the federal government was also prepared to extend full cooperation to the province.

Earlier, NICH director Dr Jamal Raza, briefing the governor, said that the condition of Hasnain had comparatively improved and he was being provided best available treatment at the hospital and a panel of specialist doctors had also been constituted and necessary treatment was being provided to the patient as per advice of the panel doctors.

Italian diplomat

On Monday Italian Consul General Anna Ruffino called on Gov Imran Ismail at Governor House and discussed in detail the issues related to investment in the tourism sector.

Italian chef Vittorio Castellani, who was also present on the occasion, praised Pakistani cuisine. The chef said that a documentary was being made to highlight Pakistan’s soft image in which food, culture, rituals and other positive activities would be presented.

The governor said that Pakistan was of unique importance in terms of tourism: four seasons, the highest mountainous places, deserts, beautiful plains, especially the mountain ranges, all were very attractive. He added that there were plenty of opportunities for investment in other sectors, too. In this regard, facilities, including visas for international investors, were being issued with easy process by Pakistan. He also pointed out that Italian cuisine was very popular in Pakistan.

The consul general visited the rooms and saw things used by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the Governor House while he received information about the Quaid.

KPT chief

Karachi Port Trust Chairman Rear Admiral Jamil Akhtar also met Gov Ismail at Governor House on Monday.

During the meeting, the chairman gave a detailed briefing to the governor about the KPT, saying that due to a better policy for investment, foreign investments were increasing. He said that steps were being taken to make the KPT among the world’s most modern ports.

The governor said that the KPT was one of the most important institutions of the country.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2019