The scrutiny was ordered by the Education Minister during her recent visit to Karachi, following some complaints that a number of these institutions were still using objectionable books.

These English-medium schools have been using their own books. The Government has not prescribed these books.

Begum Mahmooda Salim is understood to have ordered the Director of Education that those institutions which do not pay salaries to their staff regularly should not be given Government grants in future.—Staff Correspondent

An ‘explosive’ encroachment KARACHI: Certain encroachments have been made on the high-pressure (150 lbs per square inch) gas pipeline in the city in recent years, posing a threat to life and property.

Besides huts and kucha houses, “tundoors” (ovens) have been built on the pipeline in the Landhi industrial area, Lalukhet, Nazimabad, SITE and Shershah Colony.

Erosion and even explosion can be caused by the presence of ovens on the pipeline. Moreover, the encroachments have rendered the pipeline inaccessible for repairs.—Staff Correspondent