SHEHRI CITIZENS FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT

JANUARY - JUNE 2016

"Any person who refuses to honor the senior citizens' card ARE YOU 60 YEARS OLD? or violates any of its provision shall be punished with CONGRATULATIONS! rigorous imprisonment not less than one year but not more YOU ARE A SENIOR CITIZEN! than three years or fine that may extend to Rs. 30,000 or with both. Whoever, having the care and protection of senior citizen including family member and spouse, leaves such senior citizen in any place with the intention of wholly abandoning such senior citizen, shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for three months or fine," states Chapter 5 Article 14 and 15 of Senior Citizens Welfare Act 2014.

INSIDE

Master Trainer Workshop P-08 Million Trees P-09 Balochistan Police Training P-12 Sustainable Development P-13 Khatib Ahmed, member Shehri-CBE, smiles when he talks Eduljee Dinshaw Road P-14 about his advocacy campaign that contributed to passing Consultation Between P-18 of this Bill through the Provincial Assembly of Sindh on April 29, 2016. Citizen Empowerment P-19 Encroachment Issues P-22 "It is an extraordinary success. The government has finally The Curious Case P-23 acknowledged the Rights of Senior Citizens who spent their Advocacy and Awareness P-27 sweat and blood for this country. (Continued on Page 3) SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2016

SHEHRI - CBE 88-R, Block 2, P.E.C.H.S, Editorial Karachi 75400 – . Tel/Fax: +92-21-34 53 06 46 E-mail: [email protected] URL: www.shehri.org EDITORIAL Pakistan ranks eight among Shehri-CBE Team MANAGING COMMITTEE countries most affected by Chairperson: Noor uddin Ahmed Climate Change Vice Chairperson: Sameer Hamid Dodhy General Secretary: Pakistan has been marked as one of the worst hit countries by Amber Ali Bhai Treasurer: Climate Change according to the Long Term Climate Risk Index Amra Javed 2016 prepared by GermanWatch. Within a span of 20 years (1995- Members: 2014) 143 deadly climactic events were recorded claiming lives of Derrick Dean Mohammad Ali Rasheed 487 people. In the following year 2000 people died of dehydration Roland de’Souza and heatstroke inflating the figures for worse. SHEHRI STAFF Coordinator: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has pointed Sarwar Khalid out that rise in temperature in Pakistan is higher than the average Assistant Coordinator: Mohammad Rehan Ashraf global temperature increase. Adding to the misery, Karachi bears Manager Communications: even more warmth due to heat island effect. S. Humna Mehwish Al-Quadri Accounts Consultant: Irfan Shah The US Environmental protection agency defines heat island effect Office Assistant: as, "The annual mean air temperature of a city with 1 million people Mohammad Tahir or more can be 1.8-5.4°F (1-3°C) warmer than its surroundings. In Office Boy: Khursheed Ahmed the evening, the difference can be as high as 22°F (12°C)." Now Security Guard: imagine the impact of heat island effect in a city of 20 million Muhammad Mujahid people. SHEHRI Founding Members 1.Mr. Kalid Nadvi (Economist) 2.Barrister Qazi Faez Isa Coupled with water shortage and electricity shortfall, it is a recipe 3.Ms. Humaira Rehman (Architect) for disaster. No wonder 1500 people lost their lives in last year's 4.Mr. Danish Azar Zuby (Architect) heatwave. Currently, Karachi water supply faces deficiency of 2 5.Mr. Navaid Husain (Architect) 6.Barrister Zain Sheikh Billion Liters per day particularly because of obsolete and leaking 7.Dr. Kaiser Bengali (Economist) supply network. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE WELCOME Please contact the SHEHRI office Extensive Tree Plantation can be the quick fix to all these issues. for writers guidelines. Research has found that Evapotranspiration, alone or in combination Views expressed herein do not with shading, can help reduce peak summer temperatures by 2- necessarily express the views of the Editor/Editorial Board. 9°F (1-5°C) resulting in reduced energy needs. Moreover, fresh PRODUCTION: water is replenished in the system through rainfall drawn by trees. Saudagar Enterprises Group Web: www.graphitework.com Realizing the climate change emergency faced by Karachi, Shehri www.thegridart.com has initiated a "Million Trees Campaign" to overcome the Ph: 021-34152970, 0333-2276331 environmental crisis engulfing the mega city. SHEHRI-CBE Acknowledges the support of the Friedrich-Nauman Foundation Join us in our campaign to avert the impending disaster. for the printing of this newsletter

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication. The author or the organization does not accept any responsibility of any omission as it is not deliberate. Nevertheless, we will 02 appreciate provision of accurate information to improve our work. JANUARY - JUNE 2016 SHEHRI-CBE

I am thankful to all those who collaborated to make this possible. The Speaker, the Government, all parties of the Opposition, Standing Committee on Social Welfare, Secretariat of Sindh Assembly, and all honorable Members of Provincial Assembly of Sindh," expressed the seasoned Human Rights Activist.

"The Bill was passed unanimously by the Sindh Assembly," he adds beamingly, "Now we just need to implement the legislation in its true letter and spirit."

Pakistan is blessed with 12.5 million Seniors who add value to our society in every field, yet only approximately 2% of the population receives old age benefits under the pension policy of the government. Unfortunately 98% of the seniors (60+ years) were ignored for over 60 years in our national policies.

To our luck the devolution of power to the Provinces has led to strong Senior Citizen's Rights movement in Provinces. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the first to pass a Senior Citizens Welfare Act 2014 to encourage help to Seniors by the Government. However the legislation has several shortcomings. Comparatively, the legislation passed by Sindh Assembly is more administratively friendly and far-reaching.

Several concessions will be offered by the Sindh Government to its senior residents through "Azadi card". This card would be effective for both public and private entities mentioned in the legislation.

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These Senior Citizen Cards will enable the government to register the number of Seniors our province houses and thereby, allowing effective policies and measures to ensure welfare of these valued Citizens. "Free Services for funeral and burial Currently, the province relies on rough estimates. The on the death of concessions offered by the card will encourage registration of the Seniors consequently improving databases along with senior citizen by essential services. the local council" – Chapter 2.5 (j) A Senior Citizens Council has been legislated, under chapter 2 of the aforementioned Act, to ensure formulation of policies for the wellbeing of Senior Citizens, issuance of Azadi Cards,

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provision of outlined essential services, liaison with International Agencies and Non- Governmental Organizations, support pension claims and procedures, as well as provision of discounts and concessions under the ambit of said law.

According to Global Age Watch Index Pakistan ranks low on the Global Age Watch Index, at 92 overall. It ranks low in all domains.

The country ranks lowly in the health domain (78), due to low life expectancy at 60 (17) and healthy life expectancy at 60 (13.8) compared with regional averages (19.3 and 14.8 respectively). It ranks low in the enabling environment domain (81) due to lesser satisfaction of older people with social connectedness (60%), civic freedom (46%) and public transport (55%), compared with regional averages (69%, 67%, and 65% respectively).

It ranks second lowest overall (95) in the income security domain. It has the lowest pension coverage (2.3%) in the region, and lower than regional average GNI per capita (US$4,557).

The only laudable statistics is with regard to poverty in Senior Citizens. Pakistan flaunts the lowest old age poverty rate (1.8%) in the Mediterranean East.

100 KEY 80 $ Country Regional domain value average 60 Enabling environments 40 Income security 20

100 80 60 40 20 0 20 40 60 80 100 Health status

20 Capability

40

60 PAKISTAN SENIOR CITIZENS 80 + Global Age Watch 100 Index 2015

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ADVOCACY TIMELINE OF SINDH SENIOR CITIZENS WELFARE ACT 2014

The Bill was drafted by MPA Syed Sardar Ahmed, MPA Khalid Ahmed and Mrs. Shireen Rehmatullah (Senior Citizens Welfare Trust) rendering the draft Senior Citizen friendly. Mr. Khatib Ahmed got involved with the draft legislation as a coordinator between civil society and legislators.

• The Bill was first introduced in the Sindh Assembly as a private member Bill in 2012 by MPA Syed Khalid Ahmed. Due to the completion of tenure of the Provincial Assembly the Bill was stalled for discussion.

• After the 2013 elections, the Sindh Senior Citizens Welfare Bill was introduced as Private Member Bill again to the newly elected Sindh Assembly Members by the same MPA.

• Member Shehri-CBE Khatib Ahmed and Vice President Senior Citizens Care Giver Organization Samina Vertejee along with a dedicated team lobbied for adoption of the new Bill by the Sindh Assembly.

TIMELINE

o The introduced "Government Bill No. 27 of 2014 - The Sindh Senior Citizens Welfare Bill 2014" on October 27, 2014.

o On December 10, 2014 the Provincial Assembly of Sindh referred the aforementioned Bill to the Standing Committee on Social Welfare for consideration.

o The Standing Committee on Social Welfare conducted its two meetings on May 21, 2015 and January 18, 2016 finally approving amendments to the Bill by MPA Syed Khalid Ahmed.

o The final draft of Sindh Senior Citizens Welfare Bill 2014 was presented before the Provincial Assembly of Sindh by Senior Minister Nisar Khuhro on April 29, 2016.

o The Bill was adopted by the Sindh Assembly by all members unanimously on the very same day

o The Bill was assented to on June 22, 2016 by the Governor of Sindh to become an Act.

o Now the rules shall be formulated for the implementation of the law.

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This marks the golden era of senior citizens welfare in our society. We hope that the seniors will continue to guide us along the way to a prosperous and caring country.

For more details and copy of law log on to: www.shehri.org

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MASTER TRAINER WORKSHOP: CAPACITY BUILDING OF POLICE Islamabad Hotel, Islamabad (June 1-2, 2016) Cell, Human Rights "Police Officers should Cell Hyderabad), PC organize consultations with Azhar Malik (DIG students in the universities Office Hyderabad), so that young generation is ASI Abdul Jaleel encouraged to join the Khattak (Police department and Station SITE-A West understand the difficulties Zone Karachi) and associated with policing," Lady PC Rani Khan suggested Mr. Khatib (PS Soldier Bazar East Ahmed, Assistant Trainer Zone Karachi) were Shehri-CBE. Police Master Trainers with Shehri-CBE trainers and organizers selected on the basis "Human Rights and of their performance in the Ms. Gulmina Bilal, Lead Advocacy for Police Reforms" previous training modules Trainer Shehri-CBE, workshop was conducted for conducted by Shehri-CBE. appreciated the efforts put the selected master trainers in by police despite tough from previous trainings of The evaluation criteria working hours and Sindh and Balochistan Police which led to the selection conditions. "Shehri-CBE has Personnel on June 1-2, 2016 of the participants provided you with this at Islamabad Hotel, evaluated them on the platform to motivate you to Islamabad. following indicators: conduct Human Rights training in your respective This training was funded by a. Clarity acquired on districts so that the Human National Endowment for Human Rights issues Rights knowledge and Democracy (N.E.D.), United positive attitude is inspired States of America and b. Comparitively better through you in the police," supported by Sindh and communication skills expressed Ms. Bilal during Balochistan Police which can be further the award cermony. Departments. enhanced during the master ASI Abdul Haleem trainers' workshop (Commandant Police Training College ), PC c. Demonstrated Shahzad Malik (Reader to willingness to Additional IG Balochistan), learn and share ASI Zaheer Solangi (Human Rights Cell SSP Office d. Demonstrated Jamshoro), ASI Fayaz leadership Hussain Memon (SSP Office qualities during Hyderabad), ASI Moazzam the four training Ms. Gulmina Bilal and Khatib Ahmed conducting Human Rights Ali Siddiqui (Investigation workshops Training 08 JANUARY - JUNE 2016 SHEHRI-CBE

RESTORING OUR ECOSYSTEM: KARACHI MILLION TREES CAMPAIGN

Karachi Million Trees Campaign is an initiative by Shehri-CBE to restore greenery in the city. Native trees such as Neem, Gul Mohar, Amaltus, Coconut, Guava, Indian Almond and others have been planted across the metropolis to restore its lost natural beauty and ecosystem. Side by side, environmental degradation and callous callings of the government and mafias are stalling our efforts.

In 1960, Karachi had boasted 61% cultivable land which Germany has restored its thoroughfares, suffers land has been reduced to a ecosystem after its erosion and acute water despicable 0.42% in recent annihilation during World crisis. All phenomena times. Concrete floors have War II. Urban Forests that directly linked with tree replaced the porous nutrient had ceased to exist have cover in the city. Deep roots rich soil of Karachi inhibiting been replanted and looked not only prevent land erosion replenishment of the earthly after. This restoration of but also add important resources. Vegetables and geographical landscape has elements like fixated- fruits native to the largest protected the territory from Nitrogen to the soil. city of Pakistan have been sink holes, erosion and Moreover leaves take up denied growing landscapes. declining water tables. The pollutants and redeem fresh The future of urban and rural country boasts clean water water to the atmosphere. greenery faces a tough availability to the masses The bare soil absorbs challenge. and the mineral water rainwater. Greenery is the industry has been unable to lifeline of the living beings. WHAT YOU CAN DONATE? 1. YOUR TIME compete with its standards. Its degradation spares no 2. YOUR EFFORTS The secret lies with citizen. 3. 4 FEET TALL TREE PLANTS preservation of the LAWS OF TREE CUTTING 4. BAG OF MANURE ecosystem. 5. BAG OF RICH SOIL The Gazette of Pakistan (1992) 6. PLANTATION SITE ACCESS Forest Act (Sindh Amendment) Act (1994) 7. EMPTY 1.5 LITRE BOTTLES On the other hand, Karachi Park Adoption Terms & Conditions (1998) 8. DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM constantly witnesses tree Sindh Trees and Parks Ordinance (2002) Contrastingly in West, cutting, sink holes on its Sindh Local Government Act (2015)

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Hence, the idea of planting "Million Trees in Karachi" along 2016: HOTTEST YEAR SO FAR with saving the existing ones Land and Ocean Temperature Percentiles Jan-Apr 2016 came into being. Shehri-CBE engaged the Sindh Parks and Horticulture Department and citizens to make this campaign a success. Six Plantation Activities have been conducted in various public spaces of the city including the Quaid's Mazar, Hill Park, and Ladies Park. The campaign will continue till the target of One Million Trees is achieved.

Record Much Cooler than Near Warmer than Much Record Coldest Cooler than Average Average Average Warmer than Warmest Simultaneously, Shehri-CBE Average Average remains vigilant of the illegal tree cutting happening in the city. Protest letters are sent out to the relevant departments to ensure strict action against the culprits and their allies in the government.

Here are some important maps and figures to understand the ecological emergency we face today: Water Stress by Country: 2040

ratio of withdrawals to supply Low (< 10%) Low to medium (10-20%) Medium to High (20-40%) High (40-80%) Extremely high (> 80%)

NOTE: Projections are based on a business-as-usual scenario using SSP2 and RCP8.5. WORLD RESOURCES INSTITUTE

10 JANUARY - JUNE 2016 SHEHRI-CBE Thinking Ahead So what is Shehri-CBE's strategy to mitigate this deteriorating environmental crisis? The task is no wonder daunting however with the support of the citizens this crisis can be reversed. People have to understand that planting trees is no more a choice it is a survival tactic to live alongside Global Warming. To create this much needed ownership, Shehri-CBE engages local communities to participate in the plantation drive. They cantonment boards to the Prime Minister has are encouraged to keep track remove these recently launched the "Green of the planted trees and billboards/hoardings across Pakistan Programme" to add ensure that these are looked the city by June 30, 2016. a billion trees to the habitat after by the municipal The order came about after of Pakistan alongside the gardeners. hundreds of mature trees "Billion Trees Tsunami were cut down in the city Campaign" spearheaded by Moreover, children are to create space for Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf in encouraged to plant trees billboards and hoardings. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. with adult supervision. They are our successors and their Supreme Court defines A legislation to protect the future rests with this ailing public property as: ecological value of Goths 1. Roads and Roundabouts world which should be should be passed to 2. Sidewalks and Pedestrian quickly cured before it dies discourage urbanization lanes of the areas. These are the along with us. Government 3. Islands in the centre of a collaboration is also a part frontline targets of Land road or service lane Mafia. of our campaign. We 4. Overhead bridges and encourage related personnel underpasses Pakistan Navy is also to take interest in these crisis 5. Overhead Pedestrian supporting the mangroves mitigation measures. walkways or bridges plantation campaign in 6. Green belts or dividers Sindh and Balochistan. All On May 5, 2016, the Apex between a road in all, these programs have Court (CMA No.209-K of 7. Nullahs (storm water to be successful to protect 2014 in C.P.No.152-K of 2011 drains) and the banks of us from INSANITY and CMAs No.657 to 660-K nullahs heatwaves, floods, of 2015 and CMA No.869-K Heatwave had claimed lives landslides and water runoffs. of 2015 in CMA No.209-K of of more than 1500 people To be a part of our Karachi 2014) ordered the Karachi during last year. There was Million Trees Campaign, Metropolitan Corporation, no green cover to protect the email us your contact the Defence Housing fasting people from the number and full name on Authority and all the deadly heat stroke. Luckily, [email protected].

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BALOCHISTAN POLICE TRAINING WORKSHOP (MODULE 1 & 2) Lourdes Hotel, Quetta (Jan 25th-28th, 2016) "We strive to increase Legislations understanding and Operative in knowledge of Balochistan Pakistan" while Police Trainees about Module 2 existing policies/ legislation highlighted pertaining to human rights "Advocacy and violations in Pakistan. This Awareness is important because our law Raising for Police enforcement is responsible Reforms". to protect the rights of all citizens including the alleged Inspector Abdul criminals and victims of Hafeez (Mehkran crime," said Ms. Gulmina Range), Inspector Bilal while explaining Riaz Ahmed (Zhob context of the training Range), Inspector Photo of Police Trainees and Participants with AIG Training conducted by Shehri-CBE. Altaf Hussain Balochistan Dr. Suleman Rana (Zhob Range) SIP Shabir Branch Quetta), ASI Khalil In response to the lead Ahmed (CTD Quetta), SIP Ahmed (Crimes Branch trainer, AIG Training Mehmood Mohammad (CTD Quetta), ASI Abdul Haleem Balochistan Dr. Suleman Quetta), SIP Sher Wazir, (PTC Quetta), HC Rana said, "Shehri-CBE is (Special Branch Quetta), ASI Naqeebullah (Quetta Range), truly assisting the police in Zainullah (Special Branch PC Shahzad Malik (Quetta reviewing its working Quetta), SIP Mohammad Range), HC Abdul Ghaffar environment. In Colonial Umer (Naseerabad Range), (Khuzdar Range) and HC times and later, the Police SIP Khamisa Khan Syed Abdul Majeed would organize 'Darbar' to (Naseerabad Region), ASI (Mehkran Range) attended ask the officials about the Mohammad Ibrahim (Crimes this training. inhibitions and practice of policing. This practice was stopped due to bad law and order situation in the province. It is great that this organization provides our personnel the platform to discuss effective and humane policing practice."

Module 1 of the training was related to "Understanding of Human Rights and Relevant Policies/ Rules and Shehri-CBE Master Trainer SP Umar Khosa (Balochistan Police) 12 JANUARY - JUNE 2016 SHEHRI-CBE

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS - A ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTATION NED University, Karachi (May 28, 2016) Planner and Member Shehri- CBE, explained the evolution of these development goals overtime and their importance to the attendees of the workshop.

Ms. Sana Hameed gave a presentation to disclose the methods of participatory development to achieve the targets set by UN, while Professor Noman Ahmed "Through research and This was the theme for explained the means to development they can Shehri-CBE's seminar overcome challenges faced create and incubate new supported by Friedrich by the academia to promote technologies, they can Naumann Foundation quality education (Goal 4) in identify strategic priorities Pakistan on May 28, 2016. the absence of adequate and best practices in facilities. strategy and innovation," 47 participants including reads Getting started with academia, students and The students were the Sustainable youth professionals attended encouraged to share their Development Goals - A the seminar. ideas to ensure fulfillment of Guide for stakeholders Sustainable Development (2015) Farhan Anwar, Urban Goals in the near future.

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EDULJEE DINSHAW ROAD PROJECT By Danish Azar Zuby lanes in the city, ban diesel cars, and limit certain high- traffic streets to electric cars and other ultra-low-emission vehicles. The smoggy city of Milan is testing a new way to keep cars out of the city center: If commuters leave their vehicles at home, they'll get free public transit vouchers. Copenhagen started introducing pedestrian zones in the 1960s in the city center and car-free zones slowly spread over the next few decades. One common streak that is apparent in all urban interventions is to reclaim Urban planners throughout cars aren't even a convenient and open up urban spaces the world are finally way to get around. Traffic in for people. Urban managers recognizing that streets London today moves slower are finally looking at the should be designed for than an average cyclist (or a human cost and shifting people, not automobiles horse-drawn carriage). their focus from 'cars' to which many a writers have Commuters in L.A. spend 90 'people'. equated with metallic coffin hours a year stuck in traffic. on wheels. It's a fact that this A U.K. study found that Why must Karachi, one of deadly metal box has drivers spend 106 days of the largest and most consumed millions of lives their lives looking for parking populous metropolitan since its invention but the spots. cities in the world, be left irony is that we all allow it behind? Recently a humble to do so because we think it A recent mail shared by a attempt to reclaim and is a convenience we cannot friend informed us of a new open up one of the most give up. After over a hundred global trend of banning the neglected roads of Karachi years of living with cars, car from city streets. Madrid was made by a group of some cities are slowly has already banned most concerned citizens, and it starting to realize that the traffic from certain city turned out to be a God sent automobile doesn't make a streets, the car-free zone will blessing for the inhabitants lot of sense in the urban expand even more by 2020, and visitors alike. Eduljee context. It isn't just the smog the mayor of Paris plans to Dinshaw road got a new or the traffic deaths; in a city, double the number of bike lease of life.

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Eduljee Dinshaw Road (EDR) named after the great Parsi philanthropist of Karachi - EDR which was somehow renamed as Muhabbat Khan Road for some reason got its original name back after the restoration works. Main EDR is a single kilometers stretch on the edge of the downtown near the sea starting up with two of the most prestigious architectural landmarks of out for drug peddlers and senior government officer, Karachi, the majestic curved garbage dumping ground. surprised, well yes we were stone structure of the The municipal authorities all. Tariq Huda Custom Karachi Port Trust and the were looking the other way Collector Preventive decided imposing Imperial Custom while the people visiting to initiate a process to restore House, both exactly a 100 this neighborhood because the area and hence laid the years old. These great of their business with Port foundation of a project, colonial beauties though trust, Customs etc. had no which is a first of its kind of protected by heritage laws, choice but to go through the neighborhood development had lost their grace because muck. The nearby and urban rejuvenation. of vehicular pollution, saline apartment's owners were Although the reclamation of air and general neglect. The just adding to the mess. The urban spaces is not a novel new building of busy situation was so pathetic idea but considering the Custom house sits next to that one could not imagine Karachi city's urban the Old Custom House fixing it. management devoid of local which houses the training government system and the directorate of Customs and Here was one of the toughest prevailing law and order at the end of EDR there was urban management situation it was hard to a Hindu Temple - Jhulay Lal challenges and one man who imagine that a change was Mandir which was shut thought of fixing it was a possible. down because of criminal neglect of the entire neighborhood. This end of the road was extremely congested and smelly mess because of a few apartment buildings, dirty go-downs, warehouses, truck stands, fork lifters and related truck drivers culture. The road had become used to unruly traffic and become a hide

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Well, luck was on Karachi's the design consultant and was of sustainability, of side and Shahid Abdulla, a the project manager of EDR doing something that lasts renowned architect with a the story is not so charming. for the benefit of the huge portfolio of social work It reads like a series of neighborhood, something was called in for help. unending trials and that was clean and pleasing, tribulations. Shahid Abdulla therefore the over flowing Looking at the photos of the had called in his old friend sewerage lines had to be finished EDR project the and associate Danish Zuby fixed first. Not only slopes onlooker can be over- and asked to steer the were required on the entire whelmed by the unexpected project as a design stretch of EDR so that there change and the consultant, and appointed was no puddles of water beautification of the street Haider Raza, an old after the rain but new and but a careful observer can lieutenant well versed in site bigger storm-water drain also estimate the nature of management on a day to day had to be installed. Then work involved. The most basis. The renowned there were several services apparent are the things that electrical consultant Roland buried underground since are visually obvious i.e. the De Souza who happens to be decades like water supply, tough paving mixed with a great social worker along telephones, gas etc. feeding cobble stone instead of with Yunus Sheikh were the apartments and office tarmac, the new stone look engaged as specialist for buildings. The service of the Imperial custom house electrical and plumbing providers and the municipal building, installation of the works respectively, the agencies were not interested Victorian era Lamp posts, services which they in any clean-ups but had the trees, planters and provided pro-bono. The actually created a planter benches, major part of the story of EDR complicated mess. Every introduction of classical is much beneath the surface. shovel dig created a new features like fountains, street problem to be fixed. To top furniture etc. but if you ask The first and foremost idea it all this was a busy thoroughfare that could not be shut down because of important offices in the neighborhood like the Karachi Customs and it's spilled out trade subsidiaries. Work had to be carried out with the busy vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Then there were local touts who would appear at odd hours and disrupt the work in progress and at times even vandalize and steal construction material. For these were some of the bizarre site conditions the team was facing.

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Despite all odds the team work paid off in the end with major help coming from the Customs Collector himself who was instrumental in cleansing of unruly truck culture, old electrical poles and jungles of cables. The success story of EDR also lies in the fact that some crucial decisions were taken up front like EDR should be steered on a 'Self-help' basis and should be self financed but taking board all the municipal stake holders and agencies. The idea was that it should not become a burden on the state yet a 'Public-private' formula should be applied. This Zuberi the Finance wizard. urban breathing space, a concept eased out many a The proposed design space for interaction and hurdles and the scheme was finalized in a relaxation for inhabitants of Commissioner Karachi, the few meetings and ground its neighborhood and visitors Governor Sindh appreciated breaking done immediately. alike. The trust has now the efforts and all concerned A successful fund raising employed full time staff for agencies were on board at campaign asking the the maintenance and upkeep once. Each one was eager to business community to help of EDR. The trees and plants help. Public works can rejuvenate the are watered regularly and become a nightmare if the neighborhood raised almost waste bins have been municipal agencies are 70 million rupees. The provided for litter. uncooperative therefore with slogan was to 'give back to the help of top offices in the the city' and reap the One evening when this Karachi it became a relatively benefits of a comfortable writer visited EDR late at smooth sailing. environment. night he was pleasantly surprised. It was such a A trust of concerned citizens Today EDR stands a blissful experience looking was formed and registered testament to the fact that at the carefree families which included the 'unthinkable' can done just strolling down EDR with Commissioner Karachi by thinking about it. All one little children playing around. Mr.Shoaib Siddique, The needs is will to do it and a Did not feel like Karachi at Customs Collector Mr.Tariq clear direction. EDR has been all. The EDR experience was Huda, eminent architect transformed from a so enormous that the trust Mr.Shahid Abdulla, Mr. congested, hazardous and of EDR has already put a few Jameel Yusuf ex CPLC co- filthy neighborhood into an urban spaces of Karachi on Chairman and Mr. Meraj open promenade, a beautiful their list of reclamation.

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CONSULTATION BETWEEN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY AND POLICE St. Philip Catholic Church, Karachi (January 22, 2016) A consultative session on "Police reforms: A session with Citizens" was arranged by Shehri CBE at St. Philip Catholic Church, Karachi, to encourage inclusion of the views and reservations of the Christian community in Pakistan.

The objective of this event was to understand the grievances of the minority groups in the country. Sindh Police personnel were Fr. Saleem offering prayers before the start of consultation with Police Officials invited to hear out the something which is common good will and believed that grievances of the in Pakistan," said Fr. Saleem if the police officials pose a community and to suggest while giving introduction of positive behavior towards measures to pacify the the event. citizens, crime rate will fall negativity related to law as the people will act as a enforcement officials. ASI Nisar-ul-Haq uplifted proxy to prevent crime the morale of the Christian through active reporting. He "This is a wonderful community by saying, also asked the citizens to opportunity for our "People should consider the respect the law enforcement community to discuss our police as their friends and agencies who put their lives concerns with the police, not report any hate crime or at stake to protect the bribery people. incident witnessed by Recommendations for police them. We will reforms were collected from surely take the participants and shared measures to with Shehri-CBE. overcome any menace The meeting was concluded disturbing the with a vote of thanks given Christian by Fr. Bernard, who thanked community." Shehri-CBE for promoting dialog between the police Fr. Bernard and citizens, and furthering Younus Bhatti the drive to introduce police reflected similar reforms.

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CITIZEN EMPOWERMENT PROJECT

Citizens Voice Project (CVP) 3. To create engagement Some of the participants that USAID intends to raise between civil society and attended the sessions awareness about the present Sindh Provincial requested us to conduct Sindh FOI law, 2006 among Assembly to devise a further sessions in their the citizens from different way forward for a more respective areas or spheres of life, so that not effective Right to institutes.This shows the only do they become aware Information (RTI) level of interest common of it but at the same time to legislation in Sindh. citizens are taking in the motivate them to use the law effective enactment of FOI to achieve transparency and Citizen Capacity Building law. accountability of their Sessions: To achieve this government. Secondly, to purpose six citizen capacity Consultative Session with interact with the political building sessions were Political Parties: A step parties to educate them conducted successfully with forward in this regard was about the inherent the citizens related to firstly to raise citizens' weaknesses of the present different fields. demand, and secondly to put law and to impress upon pressure on the political them the need to enact a 1. Citizens and parties and legislators for better law in Sindh, as was Professionals (11th July the approval from Sindh done in KP and Punjab. 2015, Hotel Movenpick) assembly of the drafted bill on Right to Information (RTI). The main objectives are: 2. Government officials ( 8th Different consultative 1. To create awareness and August 2015, Hotel sessionswere held with C- enhance citizen Movenpick) TAI partners,resulting in the knowledge about the finalization of the RTI draft access to information 3. Citizens Interior Sindh and the framing of the laws and improve (5th September 2015, citizens' Charter of Demand. departmental Asia Hotel Larkana) governance Consultative sessions with 4. Students (12th October prominent political parties 2. To enhance capacity of 2015 Federal and legislators of Sindh were government officials University) held for the promotion of the about their role and draft bill on Right to responsibilities, and 5. Low income (17th Information (RTI). importance of FOI Act, October 2015 (Jesus and 2006 which enable them Mary Institute of Nursing, RTI Conference: to increase and broaden Essa Nagri, Karachi) Right to Information their data base, and to Conference was held by tabulate and computerize 6. Women Activists (22nd Shehri-CBE under the banner their data for easy December 2015, Hotel of Citizens Voice Project - recovery. Movenpick) CVP USAID, on 24th March

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2016 at a local hotel in representatives for Karachi. the enactment of a Dr. Gardezi opened the floor better and effective for the honorable speakers The main purpose of RTI RTI law in Sindh. to share their views and conference was: invited Maj(r) Sahibzada M. • To sum up the events Prominent speakers invited Khalid, Chief Information and achievements of in the conference from Commissioner, KP to share the project, how the different provinces were: his experiences with the awareness level was 1. Maj(r) Sahibzada M. participants. raised among citizens Khalid, Chief Information regarding 19-A. Commissioner, KP "The passing of law is the preliminary step, what really • To show the efficacy 2. Mr. Ahmed Mukhtar Ali, matters is the of the project Information implementation," said Maj(r) activities in raising Commissioner, Punjab Sahibzada M. Khalid, while awareness among the sharing his experience when citizens, youth, 3. Dr. Muhammad Ali he was appointed as Chief professionals, Shaikh, VC, Sindh Information Commissioner government officials Madressatul Islam KP, he didn't even know what and parliamentarians. University RTI stands for, but now he admired the efforts of KPK • To take assurance 4. Barrister Murtaza Wahab government as the impact of from the legislature/ Siddiqui, Advisor to CM this law on the governance Sindh government on Law (Law Minister) of KP is great.

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The next speaker Mr. Ahmed America and Pakistan on Shehri's draft would be taken Mukhtar Ali, Information Freedom of Information." He into consideration. Commissioner, Punjab also shared his experience admired the efforts of Shehri- when he was appointed as To conclude, Mr. Noor-ud- CBE in preparing an effective Director General din Ahmed (Chairperson draft as he reviewed both Ombudsman Sindh. He Shehri-CBE) came on stage the drafts the one prepared added that the collaborative for Vote of Thanks and to by Sindh government and efforts of the coalition present shields to the the C-TAI draft and find the partners can bring change if honorable speakers. Mr. C-TAI draft far much they work effectively and Noor-ud-Din Ahmed progressive. He concluded pressurize the government thanked all the speakers by saying that "the Sindh for the enactment of the new and participants and said government must adopt the and effective RTI law. He that "Right to Information is C-TAI draft, as enactment of concluded by saying that the the only platform that can a better Right to Information human progress depends on bring transparency as it is law is the key tool to the power of question and the tool that can empower transparency and good only effective RTI law gives a common man as citizens governance." the power of question to a are not only the ultimate

Dr. Muhammad Ali Sheikh, common citizen. beneficiaries of VC, Sindh Madressatul Islam development, but also the University and a proponent Barrister Murtaza Wahab agents of development." of RTI law enactment shared committed the participants his experience when he that the government The efficacy of C-TAI draft started working on FOI in prepared draft would not be was endorsed by everyone the very beginning and tabled, and only a draft present at the conference selected FOI as a topic for acceptable to all stake- and felt the importance of an his post doctoral research holders would be effective Right to Information "Comparative Study of considered. In this regard law in Sindh.

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ENCROACHMENT ISSUES IN KARACHI Movenpick Hotel, Karachi (May 16, 2016) consultation along with However Shehri argued that Executive Members of the under Section 23, 31 and 34 Managing Committee Mr. of Police Act 1861, Police is Nooruddin Ahmed, Mrs. empowered to take action Amber Alibhai, and Mrs. against encroachers for Amra Javed. Member blocking commuters, Shehri-CBE Dr. Raza Ali roadside sales, and throwing Gardezi was also one of trash. Therefore, the police the panelists for cannot excuse itself for discussion. failing to remove "Get up, stand up: stand up encroachment all over the for your rights," Vice "Only 31% of Karachi is under city. The participants were Chairman Sameer Hamid KMC's jurisdiction and only urged to report violations to Dodhy drew inspiration from 15 policemen are assigned the Administrator, Bob Merley's song during a to guard the recently cleared Commissioner, Chief consultative workshop encroached space. We are Minister, and Governor as 'Encroachment Issues in short of manpower and well as send reminders till Karachi' organized by Shehri- funds to deal with such a the issue is solved. CBE with support of massive issue," expressed Friedrich Naumann KMC Anti-encroachment Cell FNF Regional Director South Foundation. Director Mazhar Khan when Asia Ronald Meinardus and drilled about widespread FNF Country Representative 97 citizens from all walks encroachment in the Rudiger Graikhen also of life including police metropolis of 18 million graced the event with their officials participated in the people. presence.

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THE CURIOUS CASE OF ENCROACHMENT IN KARACHI Oonib Azam In most of megacities around the world, sidewalks are meant to provide a safe path to pedestrians' but not in Karachi.

In Karachi footpath/ sidewalks are the monarchy of street hawkers, beggars, encroachers, food stalls, parking and seating areas for roadside establishments and advertisement of billboards. The most irksome are these huge billboards manipulate the laws in their liable to remove such allowed by the very own interest. advertisement. One could authorities that are supposed laugh out loud for this one. to safeguard the interests of According to the Clifton Our streets adorned with the citizens. Cantonment Board's bylaws huge bill boards featuring - that are the only easily physical intimacies of our The city is comprised of available bylaws for the stars are allowed by these eight different cantonments public - no person can place very boards. and one metropolitan any advertisement without corporation, Karachi the board's approval. These authorities decide Metropolitan Corporation Advertisements of mega size where to place the billboard, (KMC) each follows its own will generally be that can in no way impair bylaws making it easy to discouraged in urban areas the visibility of any road manipulate them when but the board is allowed to traffic sign, states the authorizing signboards that give permission depending bylaw. The maintenance of are huge and hinder traffic. on individual cases, it states. the billboard and its It is usually this provision surrounding area has to be All hoardings in the city are that allows huge signboards taken care of by the put up on the behest of the to go up. advertiser, who must ensure KMC's directors and the the signboard does not pose CEOs of the cantonment The bylaws condemn the any danger. The bylaws boards. By digging deeper display of obscene and restrict the placement of into what these bylaws say indecent material. In case if more than one sign at a about the placement of the displayed material is particular site. If two hoardings one could easily objectionable from the billboards are joined decipher, how cleverly they government or boards point together, the advertisement have been drafted to of view, the advertiser is shall be displayed with the

23 SHEHRI-CBE JANUARY - JUNE 2016 axis of symmetry rooftops of building. But they designated for hoardings, perpendicular with the may be allowed only after the board can exercise its direction of the oncoming obtaining a no-objection powers to issue the NOCs. traffic. certificate (NOC) from the These NOCs may administratively be valid but it definitely bypasses the technical approval process.

Recently in a surprising move, the Supreme Court (SC) mentioned that there was no law that permits installing outdoor advertising billboards and signboards on 'public property' and ordered KMC, including all the cantonment boards to remove these billboards/hoardings across the city by June 30.

The 'public property' was explained as roads, sidewalks, islands in the centre of a road or service Billboards cannot be placed owner of the building or the lane, overhead bridges and within a radius of 150 meters relevant traders' association. underpasses, overhead from the centre of an pedestrian walkways or intersection on an arterial The board officials takes bridges, roundabouts, green road and within 150m from every decision keeping in belts or dividers between a the centre of an intersection mind public interest. If the road, pedestrian lanes and of any lower-order road. board thinks something is in nullahs (storm water drains) External illumination is favour of the public, they and the banks of nullahs. permitted provided such have the right to pass that This means Karachi is illumination does not decision. supposed to become a city constitute a road safety free from bill boards or hazard or cause undue Such grey areas in the hoardings. disturbance. bylaws is left to overwrite them. For example, the God knows if the day would Similarly, for placement of advertisers try to identify the come. The parking mafia and billboards on rooftops, the most attractive locations to street hawkers are in no way bylaws state that sky-vision fulfill their purpose of placing to leave the public property or other illuminated an advertisement. However, empty, in the space-craving advertisement materials if those locations, according metropolis, where huge shall be discouraged on to the bylaws, are not malls and hospitals are

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springing up and taking surrounding those islands, every 10 beds and per large chunk of service roads which chokes the traffic to a consulting room of a clinical and footpaths under their complete halt during rush or medical service building, ownership - some of which hours. every six bedroom for a hotel are even leased by the of three-star category and municipalities. Again, the several above - in addition to a per cantonment boards and the room requirement, parking Several islands in the center KMC have got their separate space shall be provided for of the road or a service land bylaws for parking. Even the all other facilities for have been literally leased by metropolis has got a building example, restaurants, municipalities to earn control authority, which is conference room etc. revenues, which results in also powerless in irregular parking cantonment areas.

According to the Sindh Building Control Authority's (SBCA) parking bylaws; one motor vehicle parking shall be provided; for

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Also one motor vehicle parking space should be there for every 800 square feet of floor area of retail shopping, for every 2000 square feet of floor area of office space in an industrial building unit, 50 visitors who can be accommodated by an area or structure for sports activities, every eight seat occupancy of restaurants or banquet halls, continue to take place. Our encroachment operations every 4000 square feet floor soft corner for hospitals and take place during the month area of all educational religious places breaking of Ramadan, which turns up institutions situated on a such bylaws need to end and to be nothing but a short plot of measuring 2000 actions needs to be taken term remedy. It takes square yards and above, across the board. encroachers not more than a every 60 square yard of a day to reclaim their occupied marriage lawn/ hall of Where, most of the anti- territories. minimum plot area of 1000 square yards.

However, when it comes to the cantonment boards, their bylaws of parking are ineffective. The cantonment bylaws in most of the cases never come out for public scrutiny.

The nonchalant behavior of the directors of the KMC, SBCA and the CEOs of the cantonments boards has added salt to the wounds. Where most of these encroachments take place under their umbrellas, they also refrain taking actions against hospitals arguing they work for a good cause.

Until, the vested interest in drafting the bylaws is put to an end, encroachment will

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ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS RAISING FOR POLICE REFORMS Lourdes Hotel, Quetta (May 5th-8th, 2016) Police Training Workshop Encouraging youth and Module 3 "Human Rights qualified professionals to within the context of the join police > Promoting Vulnerable Sectors of Law abiding Culture > Society" and Module 4 "Human Rights within the This consultation was Global Context" were moderated by Ms. Gulmina conducted by Shehri-CBE Bilal, Lead Trainer Shehri- during May 5-8, 2016 in CBE, while the other trainers Quetta, Balochistan. of the workshop included Mr. "We are thankful to Shehri for Khatib Ahmed, Mr. Wasim assisting both police and The objective of the 4-day Kamran, Mr. Nasurallah citizens in understanding workshop was to instill Khan, and Advocate Tahir human rights," commented awareness about the Federal Hussain. ASI Khalil Ahmed when and Provincial laws that asked to evaluate the protect citizen rights and to The workshop also included workshop by Shehri. understand the implications case studies and of being a signatory to documentaries on child While HC Abdul Ghaffar various Human Rights rights, early marriage, child said, "Khuzdar will surely Conventions. trafficking, violence against benefit from all that I learnt. women, women's rights, I will implement it in my 16 Police Trainees were etc. district." capacitated during the workshop to deal with Human Rights Violations in the society as well as within the police stations.

On the first day a session with Activists, Civil Society Organizations, Media and Police was conducted to amplify effective policing in Balochistan. Police reforms were suggested by all the stake holders including:

> Proper Pay scales > Enhanced Medical Facilities > Provision of Advance Investigation tools >

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SHEHRI - CITIZENS FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT INTRODUCTION

Shehri- CBE is a Karachi-based Public Information Counter. OBJECTIVES voluntary advocacy group Establishment of an aware and Halting commercialization and established by concerned pro-active civil society, good sale of 11 KTC and 15 SRTC bus- citizens in 1988 to project their governance, transparency and depot plots in Karachi and Sindh. apprehensions about the rule of law. Today these plots are to be used deterioration of the built and by the CDGK for intercity bus Promotion of research, natural environment. terminals and other related documentation, dialogue with There is a special emphasis on transportation activity. and influence of public policies. tackling illegal construction and Saving (Makro) webb Ground Setting up an effective and zoning violations, and their playfield in Lines Area, Karachi. representative local government related symptoms, e.g., drainage, system. encroachments, parking and Demolition of apartment infrastructure. Shehri monitors structure Costa Linina in amenity Preparation of a representative the regulatory bodies and Bagh-e-Ibne-Qasim, Clifton. Master Plan / Zoning plan for government agencies and CDGK has now developed it as Karachi city and effective encourages civil society to do the a park. implementation of the same. same. Preventing commercialization of Observance of basic human SUCCESSES Doongi Ground park / playfield rights in society. Passing of Sindh Senior Citizens in Lahore. HOW IS SHEHRI RUN? Welfare Bill 2014 Demolition of Reducing, as part of Lahore A volunteer Managing Glass Towers illegal Bachhao Tehrik, the amount of Committee, duly elected by the encroachment on the notified damage from Canal Bank General Body for a term of two road-widening of Clifton Road. Widening Project. years, thereby functioning in an open and democratic manner. Saving of 480-acre Gutter Reaffirmation of seismic building Membership is open to all who Baghicha Park on Manghopir code in Quetta. subscribe to its objectives and Road. This is the largest open Training 1600 (Approx) police memorandum. recreational space in a low officers all over Pakistan on income congested area of Lyari- participatory citizen-police SHEHRI inhabited by approximately one interaction, human rights needs million people. violations and police reforms. Volunteers Saving of 62-acre Kidney hill Park to work in the following areas: Over the years, Shehri’s expertise in Karachi Cooperative Housing • Legal Affair has been recognized by superior Society Union inclusive of 18-acre • Media and Outreach courts and it has been called as notified KWSB installations. • Million Trees Campaign amicus curiae (friend of the court) • Conservation and Heritage Establishment of the Oversee in cases dealing with built • Fund Raising Committee of the KBCA and a environment violations. • Gun Free Society

Name: JOIN SHEHRI SHEHRI MEMBERSHIP Occupation: To Create a Better Don’t forget to renew your Environment membership for 2016 (Rs. 1000/=) Address: Submit A Cross Cheque of PKR 1000/= in favor of Join Shehri and play Shehri-CBE Along with 2 your role as a good citizen to make passport size photos to this city a clean, healthy and Contact No.: become a member Address: 88-R, Block-2, environmentally P.E.C.H.S., Karachi-75400. E-mail: Tel / Fax : 021-3453-0646 friendly place to live in!

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