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Karachi, May 05, 2018 (PPI-OT): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said in 1980s Karachi had experienced dark clouds on its political horizon and everywhere there was a wave of fear and insecurity among the people but “We have cleared it completely and would allow anyone to repeat it again.”
This he said while talking to media just after visiting historic NJV School on Saturday. He was accompanied by Minister Education Jam Mehtab Dahar. The chief minister was received at the NJV by Secretary Education Iqbal Durrani, Secretary Forest Sohail Akbar Shah, MD Sindh Education Foundation Naheed Shah Durrani and administration of NJV School and Akhuwat Foundation.
Replying to a question regarding MQM rally at Tanki Ground Azizabad, the chief minister said that everyone has right to do politics and organize public meetings. There is no ban on political activities, but yes, “I do mention here that in the name of politics and so-called service to the people of Karachi, a wave of fear and insecurity as was created during 1980s and that would not allowed to repeat again,” he said very clearly.
He added that the people of Karachi are educated and cultured, this is why they have rejected those who had destroyed the peace of this city, polluted politics with terrorism, jalao gherao, hatred just to establish their sway,” he said and went on saying “now we have cleared the dark clouds from the horizon of this city, now this city belongs to each and every one who lives here and works here and we have to make city ‘city of peace and tranquillity,’ he said.
The chief minister said that people had not heard of Tanky Ground Liaquatabad. Ever since, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has held a public meeting there and got unflinching support and response from the people of the area, now everyone is rushing there to hold public meetings. “We have set a tradition and now others are following it,” he said and added “let them follow us but they know very well that people are not with them,” he said.
Murad Ali Shah claimed that in the election of 2018 people of Karachi would vote for Pakistan Peoples Party which has served people of this city with heart and soul. Replying to a question about next budget, the chief minister said that funds would be allocated for all the on-going schemes but authentication to utilize them [development funds] would be only for three months. “We would make a block allocation [of funds] which the next government would be able to utilize for another 9 months (October 2018 to June 2019) but it would have to get authentication from the provincial assembly,” he said.
To a question, the chief minister said that Mayor of Karachi has ample powers and sufficient funds to serve the people of this city, otherwise he would be singing his old song of `powers and funds’.
SINDH CM VISITS NJV SCHOOL:
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah addressing the teachers and Akhuwat Foundation who have adopted the [NJV] school said that the real development of the province and the country lies in the education of poor children. “I am quite happy to see the toddlers of lowers middle class, clad in a beautiful uniform, speaking confidently English in their class room and they know how to deal with the seniors and the elders,” he said and added “this is what I want to see in every government school.”
He said that the NJV School has a tradition of creating leading politicians, engineers, doctors, musicians and various others who shone their name and name of their parent, school and the country in their respective fields. “I am sure you would keep this tradition alive and generate a new class of national leaders in every field,” he said.
The chief minister said that NJV was not simple a school but an honour to be its student but with the passage of time it lost its glories. “Believe me, today I have felt spiritual satisfaction to see the restore glories of this school and the building,” he said and added “I am with you [private management of the school] and would always be supporting you not as a chief minister but as an individual,” he said.
Earlier, the chief minister visited the class rooms, science lab, art classes, computer lab, playground and interacted with the students. He enjoyed his company with the toddlers in nursery classes. He heard them singing poems telling him stories and replying to his questions and even little girls asked him questions.
NJV SCHOOL
Minister Education Jam Mehtab Dahar and Secretary Education Iqbal Durrani and provincial Secretary Sohail Akbar Shah briefed the chief minister about the history, renovation and educational activities of the NJV School. The Narayan Jagannath Vaidya (NJV) Government Higher Secondary School stands tall, on the Main MA Jinnah Road, even after 163 years. Mr NJV worked with great zeal and self-sacrifice for the advancement of education in Sindh.
NJV School, housed in a beautiful yellow sandstone historic building, is one of the 600 buildings listed as a heritage site. It is the oldest public school in Sindh, started back in 1855 with 68 boys on its roll. It moved to its current location in 1876, with a total of 477 students. It even has the honour of housing the Sindh’s Provincial Assembly. As the first public school in Sindh, NJV School was pivotal in providing education to the people of Sindh.
In 2015, Sindh government stepped up to revive the NJV School to its original grandeur physically and academically, by entrusting and working alongside Akhuwat in maintaining quality education free of cost. Pakistan has one of the world’s largest pool of youth under the age of 16. Akhuwat is working aggressively to equip them with proper educational and vocational skills to meet the challenges of tomorrow through Akhuwat’s fee-free educational services for the marginalized community which include adoption of rural school.
They have adopted over 300 non-functional public schools to provide quality education and facilities. One such school is NJV Government Higher Secondary School. Before engaging in other substantive operations, a massive civil works project was undertaken to renovate the school and bring facilities like functional bathrooms, clean water, functioning doors, and electricity.
The barren ground and rooftop are amazingly transformed into Astroturf football field, tennis and basketball courts. There is a cricket pitch as well. Kids who attend NJV School are the ones who cannot afford the cost. Therefore, they are provided with free education, uniforms, transport, snacks and books. For now, the number of buses are not enough to facilitate all students, so transportation is only provided to the far-off residents. Currently, there are over 1000 students enrolled, and 45% are girls.
Home economics classes are given to both boys and girls here, where they learn to cook and bake. Every morning, there is a home period where students are taught basic hygiene, manner and social behaviour. Students are also engaged afterschool with classes like English, Math, Chess and Scouts.
For more information, contact:
Press Secretary,
Chief Minister House, Sindh
Tel: +92-21-99202019(Ext: 336)
Website: www.cmsindh.gov.pk