KARACHI: The City Council on Monday echoed with strong condemnation of Israeli oppression in Gaza as the members unanimously passed three identical resolutions expressing sorrow over the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasarallah and his daughter in the attacks in Lebanon and martyrdom of former Palestinian President Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.

The general meeting of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Council, held under the chairmanship of Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, also expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of former Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi in an aviation accident.

The Council condemned the mass killings of oppressed Muslims in Gaza by Israel in the strongest terms and demanded that the United Nations and other global powers take immediate action to halt the genocide of Muslims in the Middle East.

A total of 11 resolutions, including those against Israel, were approved, six of which were passed unanimously and five by majority vote. Additionally, the discussion and voting on five other proposed resolutions were postponed until the next meeting.

Members urge UN, other global powers to take immediate action to halt killing of Muslims in Gaza, Lebanon

Parliamentary leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party and Jamaat-i-Islam, Najmi Alam and Advocate Saifuddin, in their speeches said that the Israeli state had emerged with the support of the United States and other imperialist powers and posed a severe threat to global peace.

They emphasised that if the situation continues, they would be compelled to state that they did not need institutions like the United Nations.

The parliamentary leaders called for all Islamic countries to unite on a single platform, set aside sectarianism, and focus on protecting current and future generations from this barbarism, or else countries like Pakistan could also become targets.

Through a unanimously adopted resolution, the council congratulated Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on being appointed as the spokesperson for PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, expressing hope that he would carry out his responsibilities diligently.

The council through another resolution expressed gratitude to the provincial government, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the mayor and the deputy mayor for the construction of a new canal from Hub Dam, costing Rs12.5 billion, to address the city’s water shortage.

Najmi Alam said that the construction of Hub Dam was a result of the efforts of former PPP Deputy Mayor Karachi Umar Yousuf Deda.

He thanked the PPP chairman for arranging the necessary funds to bring an additional 100 million gallons of water per day to various districts of city. He also said that the PPP chairperson had directed the mayor to ensure that the project was completed within a year.

JI member Mirza Farhan Baig welcomed the water project for the city and urged for the timely completion of the K-IV project as well.

Through another resolution passed unanimously, the council expressed concern over the terrorist attacks in parts of Balochistan resulting in the killing of 54 people, including 14 security personnel.

The members strongly condemned the rising incidents of terrorism in Balochistan and offered prayers for the deceased and the injured.

The six resolutions approved with majority votes pertained to the approval for the issuance of PSO fleet/corporate cards for the KMC’s services vehicles and fuel-operated equipment, as well as an increase in the current amount of the imprest account for the offices of the deputy mayor secretariat, financial advisor, human resources management, and director of medical services. Members from both the Pakistan Peoples Party and Jamaat-i-Islami, as well as other members, including Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Jumman Darwan, Nuzhat Muqeem, Shahzia Balqis, Nusrat Sahar, Asad Zaman, and others also spoke on the resolutions.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2024