Karachi, The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has announced that a crucial council meeting, led by Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, will convene on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the Jamshed Nasrwanji Building on MA Jinnah Road. The agenda is set to cover significant initiatives, including the introduction of the “Karachi Medal” to honor individuals for their outstanding contributions to the city, alongside resolutions aimed at enhancing municipal services through public-private partnerships, park renovations, and the adoption of solar energy systems.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the meeting will serve as a platform for council members to deliberate on various resolutions designed to improve the quality of life in Karachi. Among the key topics is the proposal to award the “Karachi Medal,” an initiative recognizing the exceptional services provided by citizens and organizations to the metropolitan area. This acknowledgment aims to celebrate and promote civic engagement and contributions that have positively impacted the city.
Additionally, the council will examine proposals to improve municipal hospitals by leveraging public-private partnerships, a move that seeks to elevate the standard of healthcare services available to Karachi’s residents. The meeting will also address the refurbishment of parks, a step towards enhancing green spaces and recreational facilities for the community.
The incorporation of solar energy systems into the city’s infrastructure is another critical agenda item, reflecting Karachi’s commitment to sustainable development and the adoption of renewable energy sources to meet its power needs.
The upcoming council meeting underscores the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s dedication to fostering a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable urban environment through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts. By recognizing outstanding contributions with the “Karachi Medal” and pushing forward with significant service improvements, the municipality aims to set a precedent for civic excellence and environmental stewardship in Pakistan’s largest city.
Geneva, The United Nations Human Rights Office, through spokesperson Jeremy Laurence, has called on the Government of Papua New Guinea to take decisive action in response to the rising tribal violence in the Highlands region. This appeal comes in the wake of a deadly outbreak of violence in Enga Province, where at least 26 people were killed this past Sunday.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, conflicts among 17 tribal groups in the region have intensified since the 2022 elections, fueled by disputes over land and clan rivalries. The situation has been further exacerbated by the widespread availability of firearms and ammunition, contributing to the increasing lethality of the clashes.
The UN Human Rights Office urges the Papua New Guinea Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with provincial and local leaders to forge a path towards lasting peace and respect for human rights. This includes taking immediate steps to disarm the population, particularly by ensuring the surrender of mass-produced firearms, which pose a significant threat to the safety and security of the region.
Moreover, the government is called upon to address the underlying causes of the violence directly and to work towards tribal reconciliation. Special attention is required to protect vulnerable communities, especially women and girls, from further harm and to ensure their safety amidst ongoing hostilities.
This plea highlights the urgent need for a concerted effort to restore peace and stability in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands, emphasizing the critical role of the government in spearheading initiatives that prioritize human rights and the well-being of its citizens.