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Landhi cottage industry project
Approximately 31 years ago, in April 1993, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) announced the Landhi Cottage Industry project at the Wool Washing Area near Buffalo Colony in Landhi. The project was advertised in newspapers, offering 200-square-yard plots to the educated and skilled youth in Karachi. Applicants were required to pay a non-refundable fee of 100 rupees. KMC earned millions of rupees from application fee alone.
The project was awarded three months later, in July 1993, with 2,334 applicants declared successful. I was fortunate to be among them. The allottees made all payments for the plots on time as per KMC’s schedule, generating over 50 million rupees in profit for KMC. However, KMC has failed to allocate the plots to the allottees to this day. Despite numerous visits to KMC offices, the allottees have received no adequate response. This issue has been highlighted in leading newspapers by those affected by KMC’s negligence.
Around three or four years ago, NAB invited complaints from victims of various housing schemes, including the Landhi Cottage Industry project, through advertisements in newspapers. I submitted an application with documentary evidence, but no practical steps have been taken to resolve the issue. Reports in newspapers indicate that the project land has been illegally encroached upon, with buffalo enclosures and other structures established there. The affected allottees have also filed a petition in SHC seeking justice.
I humbly request all relevant institutions, including KMC, the Board of Revenue Land Utilization Department, the Deputy Commissioner of Malir, the Chief Minister of Sindh, and NAB Karachi—especially Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab—to take this matter seriously. Immediate action is needed to resolve the Landhi Cottage Industry land issue by ending the illegal occupation and providing the plots to the allottees without any further delay.
SHEIKH M ISHAQ
Karachi
Unity celebrated
Everything aside, I would like to address this emerging moment in our lives, where we put differences aside and unite during blissful occasions. I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of unity and togetherness. Receiving a cake for Christmas is a reminder to encourage peaceful coexistence and a symbol of love and respect.
Remembering each other in times of joy adds sparkle to our own celebrations. We should foster a spirit of unity and inclusivity. I would like to express my heartfelt prayers to the Christian community for their prosperity and happiness. May the years ahead be full of blessings for everyone. Thank you for remembering us during your occasion of love and happiness.
AREEBA ALTAF
Sindh
Climate finance
Climate change is a global concern that poses social, economic and environmental threats. It presents significant risks to the development and prosperity of any country, and Pakistan faces an extreme challenge in tackling climate change issues.
Despite its low carbon footprint, Pakistan remains one of the most vulnerable and adversely affected countries. This hazard directly impacts its economic well-being. To meet climate goals, the energy sector must transition swiftly from fossil fuels to zero-carbon, clean and green energy solutions, which are crucial for developing efficient and sustainable energy systems.
Pakistan developed its first National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) in 2012. Following the Paris Climate Accord in 2015, it committed to playing an active role in global emissions reduction efforts. Key government initiatives include the Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Program, the Prime Minister’s Urban Forest Project, the Clean Green Pakistan Movement and the Protected Areas and National Parks Initiatives. These policies aim to support the Ecosystem Restoration Initiative (ESRI) and strengthen Pakistan’s environmental resilience.
The Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Program was implemented nationwide by the Ministry of Climate Change, in collaboration with provincial forest and wildlife departments. Its primary objective was to restore forest and wildlife resources, promote eco-tourism, and create jobs through community engagement.
GHAZALA ANBREEN
Islamabad
