SUKKUR ()– The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sindh Rural Support Orgnization (SRSO) Muhammad Hanif Channa has said SRSO grown into a fully integrated organization working for the poor and marginalized communities to uplift them from the vicious circle of poverty.

While talking to APP on Thursday, he said SRSO works to liberate the latent abilities, skills and knowledge of rural men and women, to enable them to articulate the aspirations to assemble their resources effectively as they can meet their identified needs.

He said his organization traveled a long way from an outreach of 3 Union Councils to 314 Union Councils blooming development organization for the Northern Sindh. It works in 9 districts with 2,729,415 populations out of 10,008,889 populations as per BISP Survey report, he added.

According to CEO, Such Programme has organized more than 419,910 households with an average 6.5 household size in 11,117  villages.

To a question, he said the major achievement has been through transforming the mind set of community through social mobilization adding that the communities have adopted a culture to confer for the development of their villages; improvement of livelihoods, and adopting habit of saving.

Mr Channa further said that woman has been the focus of attention, which led to the women micro entrepreneurship interventions during reporting year.

CEO Muhammad Hanif said SRSO must remain responsive to the changing needs of community, in order to promote our sustainable growth at the grassroots level, as we continue to grow, each new day offers a chance for us to work more effectively and efficiently, pursue new opportunities and improve upon the past.

SRSO establish in-depth relationships with our donors and partner organizations by learning their environments, challenges and goals firsthand, so that we can offer tangible solutions with a candid perspective, he maintained.

To another question we continue to manage our mission around the evolving needs of our partners, so that we can be at the forefront of change and deliver value — because value is what

the investors and constituents demand.It is mention over here that SRSO- a premier non government organization (NGO) has achieved incredible results

SUKKUR– Representatives of World Wide Fund-Pakistan (WWF-P) and Doctors of Civil Hospital Sukkur, planted trees in Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Mediacal College as part of a nationwide environment drive to plant 50,000 trees in the country.

A Site Coordinator at WWF-P, Ali Hassan Mahar, explained that the plantation drive represents a step forward for the organisation, which previously used to run environmental campaigns on International Earth Day. “We cannot stop the government from chopping down trees but we can compensate for it to some extent by planting new ones,” he added.

It is essential to educate the masses about the significance of planting trees not only for ourselves but also for our country.

Dr Altaf Shaikh said that the people of Pakistan needed campaigns such as these to give hope to others.

Surgeon Dr Zuilfqar Siyal stated that it was “Sawaab-e-Jariya” to plant trees. Pakistan is an agricultural country with a high rate of deforestation, which needs to stop.

“We will plant 50,000 trees in Medical Universities, Colleges and hospitals and give back to this beautiful country,” he added.

Environmental head of the Engro Foods Qaisar said Pakistan is one of the most threatened countries in the South Asian regions when it comes to depleting forest cover, which is essential for livelihoods, human and animal habitat, for sourcing many plants and herbs for medicinal purposes and for providing us with a balanced and healthy environment to live in. The Earth Day tree plantation drive is our way of creating awareness about this critical issue.”

He said that they will remind us of the importance of protecting the environment and that this is an obligation the Engro Foods and WWF undertakes together”.

Jamil Soomro from APP said one needed to sensitise this generation with regards to saving the earth.

Dr Rozina Bhanbhro said that more than planting trees, one needed to make sure that one took care of the trees all year round.

She stated: “It is vital to inculcate among students a positive attitude towards nature.”

Dr Aftab Soomro said that with environment degradation the quality of life goes down.

The campaign originally aimed at planting 50,000 trees this Earth Day but with the help of various philanthropists, the number of trees has surpassed 100,000.

The WWF- Pakistan’s senior manager corporate relations endorsed the expansion of this campaign beyond plantation to education in schools, universities, and public and private sector organizations.

A number of medical consultants, students of medical collages planted trees in the hospitals’ park here. WWF-P, which plans to plant 45 more trees at the hospital, also presented a poster titled, ‘Let’s pledge together to plant 50,000 trees in Pakistan.

SUKKUR — In Sukkur, transgender people typically find work as performers at birth celebrations or weddings. Otherwise, work is scarce. Many transgender people can be seen begging for money on the street.

In a historic election, transgender people are running for office. “It is not our destiny to merely dance for others and hold begging bowls. We have a life to live, said Sanam Fakir, 34 years of aged.

She said People don’t believe we can be corrupt because we don’t have children and families,” says independent candidate Sanam Faqeer in Sukkur. “We don’t need to collect wealth and build villas for our next generations by stealing people’s money as other politicians do,” she added.

Now Sanam Faqeer has given up dancing to focus on campaigning for the May 11 polls, telling media men that the world of politics is more serious. “My aim is to give justice to the poor, welfare to the old, promote meritocracy and the lives of cleaners and remove unemployment. Once elected, I will make my city cleaner and end the traffic chaos,” she said in her office.She became popular and earned good money, but her ambitions spread wider.

She invested in a textiles business and started supplying bed sheets and ladies clothes door to door, allowing her to make new contacts in the city. Then she branched out into welfare, providing care to elderly eunuchs and registered her own charity in 2009.              Today, her two-room apartment serves as a home, an institute offering transgender people computer training and therefore the prospect of more respectable work, the headquarters of her charity and as a campaign hub.

“I decided to live for others, because everybody lives for themselves but nobody sacrifices their life for others,” she said. Having won the hearts of Sukkur’s transgender community and hundreds of poor people, she says her community asked her to stand for election. All the transgender candidates are running as independents, limiting their chances of success.

SUKKUR: Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (Rtd) Zahid Qurban Alvi presided over a high level meeting at circuit house Sukkur in connection to review the arrangements about holding of upcoming general elections in free, fair and transparent and peaceful manner besides improving law and order situation.

Commissioner Sukkur division, Deputy Inspector General of Police Sukkur, Senior Superintendents of Police and officers of the administration attended the meeting.

While giving briefing to the Sindh Chief Minister, the Commissioner Sukkur Division Dr. Niaz Abbasi told that there would be total 276 polling stations for National Assembly while 732 polling stations for Provincial Assembly. The Commissioner Sukkur also briefed about strategies chalked out for holding election in peaceful manner while DIG Sukkur  briefed about steps being taking by the police for the occasion of elections and told at very sensitive polling stations the ranger personnel would also be deployed in addition to the police adding  police as well as Eagle Squad would be deployed and patrol around the polling stations while heavy contingents would remain in alerted position to tackle any untoward situation.

On the occasion, the officers of administration was strictly directed by Sindh Chief Minister that full attention be given for holding free, fair and peaceful elections. He said that he was collecting all information and presents it to the Election Commissioner Sindh during meeting with him while complete information about his visits would also be given to the caretaker Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso during his visit of Karachi.

The Sindh Chief Minister on the occasion assured the DIG police as well as Commissioner Sukkur Division that he would try his best to fulfill their demands promptly.

Caretaker provincial minister for Information Noor-Ul-Huda Shah, caretaker minister for special education Muhammad Zikria Gondal, caretaker minister for social welfare Khalid Latif and other higher officers were also present on the occasion.

KHAIRPUR: The Inaugural Ceremony of three-day third International Conference on Computer & Emerging Technologies (ICCET-2013) was held on Tuesday at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, organized by Department of Computer Science. Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani Ex-MNA was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Prof Dr. Parveen Shah Vice Chancellor SALU, Khairpur presided over the inaugural session. On this occasion, Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani said that it is indeed a privilege and an honor to be with you today to witness the 3rd International Conference on Computers and Emerging Technologies here at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. I warmly congratulate the Vice Chancellor, the Dean, the Head of Computer Science Department and the organizing committee of the Conference for their unwavering commitment to promote research particularly, Information and Communication Technology in the masses. Mr. Shah said that we are confronted with multiple challenges in human development. Despite heavy investment by public and private sectors, there are serious issues of unemployment and with rising inflation due to which the purchasing power of even the middle income group is eroding. He said that we clearly understand that given the current international scenario, especially the rising oil prices, spiraling commodity prices, it is all the more imperative for us to remove impediments that impede growth.

There is no alternative as we have to face competition in the global knowledge economy. We need to learn from the experiences of world’s fastest economies like China, Korea and Japan.

The basic pillar of China’s strategy is massive human resource development. In our case, youth are our real wealth and Pakistan has been blessed with a huge pool of creativity as Pakistan has 100 million of population below the age of 25. He added that I fully appreciate the idea that there is a lot which IT and the emerging technologies can do for the Governance, Rural development and Educational Sector reforms. In the papers to be presented, grand ideas shall be discussed today and tomorrow. I would appreciate that concrete R&D proposals are briefed to me so that we convert Khairpur region into the IT enabled Khairpur and establish at SALU a Research Centre promoting R&D in IT enabled services for Governance, Rural and Educational Development. For that to happen, the university has to actively engage on continuous basis to update its curriculum, and must plan to add new academic programs in emerging fields. He suggested to Vice Chancellor for establishing a Center for E-Governance and ICT enabled Rural Development here at this University. It is the need of an hour. Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani announced to donate 30 computers for the Department of Computer Science.

Prof Dr. Parveen Shah Vice Chancellor SALU, Khairpur said in her presidential address that It is a matter of great honor and profound pleasure for me and the faculty and staff of the University to extend to you a warm welcome to the 3rd International Conference on Computer and Emerging Technologies here at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. Dr. Shah said that this is the second International conference being held in the short span of my tenure, which I just took over hardly 5 months back. This is also the first International conference of my tenure on applied science theme related to Information and Communication Technology. This conference is in sequel to the previous two International conferences organized by the devoted and talented faculty of the Computer Science department. I am glad that Dr. Noor Shaikh and his colleagues have proven their mantle to bring SALU and the CS department on the Research forefronts of Pakistan. Dr. Shah added that with you the researchers while you are here, I want to pose some fundamental questions here. Why can’t we solve the problems of poverty eradication, gender biasness, rural sector development, grass root education, basic health, governance, culture, energy crisis and other social issues through IT?

Research and Learning is a lifelong process, and some of the most important ideas, habits of mind and traits of personality, which ensure good and abundant life, are acquired only through a never ending process of research and education. Dr. Shah said that at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, we are engaged in a ceaseless endeavor to set new standards and seek new horizons in higher education and to produce graduates with new orientations who can stimulate and lead the economic, social and industrial transformation of the country. She emphasis that we have to accelerate the transformation of our educational system to one of higher skills, higher value, and higher international recognition. The digital age has made it all this within our reach. An effective strategy in this regard demands an effective relationship between Government, Universities, Business, Training providers and all our partners. Vice Chancellor said It is my considered opinion, that in the ultimate analysis, our most urgent need is scientists, managers, sociologists and technologists, with creativity, self-reliance, spirit of enterprise, and professional integrity. It is my prayer that you prove to be the answer to this national need. Vice Chancellor announced to upgrade the Department of Computer Science as an Institute of Information Technology & Computational Sciences.

Dr. Zubair A Shaikh from Fast National University, Karachi presented his keynote speech on Human Engineering. His focus was on Combining Social Science & Computer Science – A new perspective to solve complex problems. He presented a case study on Sindh Public School Education System. He said that our education indicators are going down, despite all the efforts. He linked the E-Education Governance, Social Sciences & Technology for the improvement of Education System in Sindh. Prof.

Andrei Zvelindovsky from UK delivered h+is keynote speech on Applications of Computer Technology and Dr. Thuay from Vietnam presented keynote speech on ICT Application on Research. Dr. Thuay said that ICT could play a pivotal role in boosting economy. She given the example of Japan and other technology advance countries. Prof Dr. Noor Ahmed Shaikh Chairman Department of Computer Science delivered his welcome address. He cordillay welcomed the guests from foreign countries and local level. Dr. Noor also highlighted that aims and objectives of the conference. Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah Conference Secretary extended his vote of thanks to Chief Guest, Foreign Delegates and sponsors i.e Higher Education Commission, Islamabad, National ICT R&D Fund, HBL, Nestle, Pakistan Science Foundation, Mr. Mohammad Abbas Balouch Commissioner Sukkur and other dignitaries who contributed. Vice Chancellor Dr. Parveen Shah presented the traditional gifts Ajrak and Sindhi Cap to guests. Dr. Shah presented souvenir to Syed Javed Ali Shah Jillani. Scholars from UK, UAE, Vietnam, USA, China, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Serbia are attending the conference. The inaugural session was attended by Prof Dr. Mohammad Yousuf Khushk Pro-Vice Chancellor Main Campus, Prof Dr. Yasmeen Faiz Kazi Dean Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof Dr. Syed Ahmed Hussain Shah Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Dr. Lutuf Ali Phulpoto Dean Faculty of Commerce & Business Administration, Faculty Members, Researchers, Officers, Sectional Heads, Students and Media Persons attended the inaugural session of the conference.

SUKKUR: One person was killed another injured as result of collision between trailer and motorcycle at locality of bypass Rohri near Sukkur.

According to the reports, two youths Ameer Ali and Abdul Ghaffar Bhayo residents of near Rohri Cement Works were coming to their homes from Tando Thatti on the motorcycle when reached at locality of bypass Rohri their motorcycle collided head on with trailer coming from Karachi as result Abdul Ghaffar Bhayo was killed on the spot and his companion Ameer Ali was seriously injured and shifted to Taluka hospital Rohri.

The body of deceased was shifted to his home while police have taken driver and trailer in custody, however no case was registered.

Meanwhile, Mithal Mahar and Haleem Mahar were injured as result of road accident at Shikarpur road near village Farash. The injured were shifted to civil hospital Sukkur.

ISLAMABAD: Government of Pakistan is giving priority to the well-being of the people of Baluchistan hence Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is working on the same lines for the socio-economic uplift of the province as per the directives of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf. This was said by Chairperson BISP Madame Farzana Raja while talking to a delegation of PPP General Secretaries from Baluchistan and who called on her here in BISP Secretariat.

BISP’s role in Baluchistan was the topic under discussion during which the delegation raised certain issues that need to be addressed. Madame Farzana Raja said that under the Baluchistan Package launched by current government, BISP initiated nationwide poverty survey in the province on priority basis whereas all the projects under the programme are being introduced in Baluchistan for the welfare of the masses. She said that the government is committed to bring masses of Baluchistan in national mainstream of progress and prosperity and BISP will leave no stone unturned in this regard. Chairperson issued directives to proactively resolve issues faced by the people of Baluchistan related to BISP.

Later, recently elected office bearers of Peoples Youth Organization (PYO) called on Madame Farzana Raja. She congratulated the youth members on their achievements and said that she salutes President Asif Ali Zardari and Mohtarma Faryal Talpur for steering the party according to the mission and aspirations of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. The delegation of newly elected PYO members was consisting of President Peoples Youth Organization Rwp Raja Inayet ur Rehman, General Secretary PPP Isb City Shabbir Babar and President PYO Isb City Raja Imran Janjua.

SUKKUR: With Eid approaching fast, a large number of seasonal butchers have also thronged to sukkur city from rural and small cities to mint the money on the occasion. Seasonal butchers are witnessed roaming around on bicycles in streets, offering services of slaughtering animals at low costs comparing to professional butchers as they have not good experience of slaughtering the animals.

A professional butcher, Raees Kasai, told The Explorer that they have fixed Rs 2,000 for slaughtering small animals, including sheep and goat, and Rs 8,000 for slaughtering cows, bulls, camels, etc, adding professional butchers have set advance contracts with their permanent costumers. He said a professional butcher in sukkur city has 15 to 25 slaughtering contracts on first day of Eidul Azha. He said seasonal butchers who were offering slaughtering services at low cost have no slaughtering experience.

A inhabitant of Hamdard Society, Syed Majid Shah, said that after buying an expensive animal, finding a butcher was another problem on first day of Eid, adding butchers demanding high for slaughtering animals as compare to last year. He said that butchers’s demands are different on Eid days, high on first day than other two days. Due to the attitude of butchers most of the people prefer to slaughter their animals by themselves.

SUKKUR– Sindh civil society and affected community of northern Sindh have demanded the Government should readable their relief efforts and urgently launch an appeal to international community for technical and financial assistance in the flood affected districts of Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore- Kandhkot.

During the stakeholder’s dialogue on issues, gaps, and challenges of Northern Sindh Flood Disaster 2012 at local hotel here on Wednesday, the event recommended Ghotki and Kamber- Shahdadkot district should be declared as calamity hit area and people should be provided relief immediately.

They said that there are dire need to an affective coordination among PDMA, DDMAs, and UN agencies regarding need assessment, as well as relief provided to the affected people, adding that thousands of children are without school since IDPs are occupying in buildings of the schools. The government should arrange alternative camps for IDPs and should reopen the schools.

There is huge gap in actual need and current relief provided so for in food, Shelter and health, these gaps should be filled, they said.

The workshop observed that government should plan rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructure in the flood affected districts as well winterization items should be provided to affected communities in an urgent basis, adding that there are also an urgent need of separate latrines for women and children due to gender privacy.

IG Sindh police should be instructed for special protection to humanitarian workers in flood affected districts, they demanded.

The workshop was attended by representative of Sindh government, NDMA, PDMA, UNOCHA, WFP, IOM, UNHCR, INGOs, NGOs, Media, and community members from affected districts of the Sindh.

In the day long dialogue the participants discussed in detailed humanitarian crises of affected districts. The community pointed out that still hundreds of thousands of people are in need of relief including, food, safe drinking water, health, and shelter.

Notables of the community  pointed out that the most critical problem is stagnant water in areas since all historical natural flows have been blocked, They demanded immediate measures as well as long term planning for dewatering and restoration.

Since the flood accrued at the confluence of Sindh, Punjab, and Baluchistan there is need inter provincial coordination at technical and political level for managing the outflow of flood water urgently.

They also urged tents cities with all facilities for those communities who are sounded water immediately.