KARACHI, Aug 4: City Council here on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution against the denationalization of St Patrick's and St Joseph's colleges and termed the move part of the government's anti-education policy.

The council, in its session chaired by Presiding Officer Muslim Pervez, demanded withdrawal of the government's decision, observing that it would result in further promoting the double standard in the country's educational system.

The resolution was tabled by a member, Shamim Mumtaz Wasi, who maintained that transferring public sector educational institutions to private sector would have adverse consequences.

"The government is shifting itself gradually from its responsibilities, which would be a great tragedy," the resolution said, and demanded that the nationalized status of such institutions be retained.

Taking part in the debate on the issue, another member Mahfoozun Nabi said that commercialization of educational institutions in the name of denationalization could not be allowed and the government must refrain from such a move.

During the deliberations, the council held a detailed discussion on the non-development of the city's backward areas. A great deal of time was devoted to the debate during which members representing the neglected areas criticized the CDGK for meting out step-motherly treatment to the localities dominated by the lower class.

While Mr Abdul Razzaq, an Al-Khidmat Group member, was recounting efforts and achievements by the city government in the context of development activities in the city, Dilawar Shah, representing Keamari area, rose from his seat and asked what sort of development work the CDGK had carried out in Keamari and Lyari towns.

"The city government must tell the people of the two towns that where and when it had carried out the development work in these areas." He told the house that all commitments made by the City Nazim at the time of the approval of budget were yet to be fulfilled.

Rahim Dad Baloch, a member from Lyari Town, expressing similar views, said that people of these areas were compelled to consume contaminated water. The areas, he added, had completely been ruined due to non-development.

He criticized the city government for its resorting to 'compromise' at the time of the approval of budget. Promises were made at that time but never fulfilled and no positive outcome had emerged so far, he added.

Some of the members were also critical of insufficient allocation of funds for development work to be carried out by union councils. They also deplored the city government for carrying out such activities in selected areas.

When Mr Siddique Rathore was not allowed by the chair to speak on point of order, the members belonging to Al-Khadim and Haq Parast groups staged a walkout. -PPI