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Historical sites of Sindh in a state of disrepair

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Instead of safeguarding our heritage, the focus has shifted to unchecked looting, with the Department of Archaeology in Sindh seemingly indifferent as many ancient places fall into decay

  • Lakhan Jo Daro, the fourth largest site of the Indus Valley Civilization, located near Airport Road in Sukkur district, originally covering about fifty acres, has now been almost completely destroyed.

Aizaz Pirzado

The land of Sindh, with signs of human occupation in every district and Taluka, stands as a testament to its ancient and civilized history. The monuments scattered across this land provide invaluable insights into the lives of those who once lived here. The cultural and civilizational artifacts found in these sites bring our glorious past to life, instilling pride in us. Visitors to our museums are often astonished to learn that the people of Sindh possessed advanced knowledge of material craftsmanship at a time when much of the world was unaware of even basic numeracy.

lakhan-jo-daro-10Despite its remarkable history, the historical sites of Sindh are in a state of disrepair today. Although institutions have been established to protect and research these places, their incompetence has led to a failure in fulfilling their duties. In contrast, developed nations fiercely protect their historical sites as they do their national borders. In Sindh, however, ancient sites have suffered more damage from political changes than from natural factors like climate. This neglect stems from a lack of vision for preserving our past to shape a better future. Instead of safeguarding our heritage, the focus has shifted to unchecked looting, with the Department of Archaeology in Sindh seemingly indifferent as many ancient places fall into decay.

Lakhan Jo Daro dates back approximately 9,000 years and was a fully developed city with its own laws, agriculture, and trade links with other ancient societies

A particularly concerning example is the state of Lakhan Jo Daro, the fourth largest site of the Indus Valley Civilization, located near Airport Road in Sukkur district. Originally covering about fifty acres, this site has now been almost completely destroyed. According to renowned archaeologist Professor Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Shar, who supervised excavations there in 2009-2010, Lakhan Jo Daro dates back approximately 9,000 years and was a fully developed city with its own laws, agriculture, and trade links with other ancient societies, as evidenced by a seal from the Mehergarh period discovered at the site. Meher garh is known to be the first society in this region, further highlighting the significance of Lakhan Jo Daro. Professor Qasid Hussain Mallah, who led another excavation project in 2017, also encountered resistance from local groups claiming ownership of the land. Despite this, the team uncovered antiquities such as pottery, seals, pearls, bangles, and statues representing humans, birds, and animals. These finds are contemporaneous with Mohen Jo Daro, placing Lakhan Jo Daro in the Mature Indus Period—the peak of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Around 70% of the site has been occupied by factories, and the remaining 30% has been converted into residential areas such as Shaya’s Awami Town and Bismillah Town

Both Prof. Shar and Prof. Mallah emphasize that Lakhan Jo Daro was a high-ranking city of great importance, deserving the same recognition as Mohen Jo Daro. Unfortunately, the site is now overrun by factories and commercial developments. Around 70% of the site has been occupied by factories, and the remaining 30% has been converted into residential areas such as Shaya’s Awami Town and Bismillah Town. Alarmingly, a sewer system was built over part of the excavation site in 2017, destroying valuable archaeological evidence. The silence from the responsible institutions and even the educated class in Sindh is deafening.

Despite its discovery in 1988 and various excavations between 1994 and 2010, Lakhan Jo Daro’s fate has been largely ignored. Artifacts uncovered during these excavations are displayed in several museums in Sindh, yet the site itself is being gradually erased from existence.

Read: A Call for Justice in Archaeological Appointments

As a student of archaeology, I urge the Minister of Archaeology and Antiquities, Zulfikar Ali Shah, and the Director General of Archaeology, Fateh Muhammad Sheikh, to take immediate action to protect Lakhan Jo Daro and other endangered historical sites in Sindh. If we do not act now, the remnants of this ancient city will be reduced to rubble, leading to a tragic loss of one of the key landmarks of the Indus Valley Civilization. This is not just a local or regional issue—it is a national loss.

Rather than focusing on the excavation of new sites, it is crucial to prioritize the preservation of those that have already been discovered. Without proper protection from environmental degradation and illegal occupation, our priceless historical sites will continue to vanish, taking with them the stories of our past.

Read: The Dark Era of Sindh Archaeology

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Aizaz Peerzado is resident of Village Balhreji near Mohen Jo Daro, District Larkano Sindh. He has graduated in Archaeology and currently is doing M.Phil on fast vanishing heritage sites in the province

May God reward your efforts!

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Does God teach us to strive? In the Arabic language, the word “striving” means hastening to walk. The word “striving” and its sources appear in the Holy Quran about 30 times.

Abeer Arbab

When God’s command came to His Prophet Abraham to migrate his wife Hagar and their infant son Ishmael to Mecca, leaving them in the desert where there was neither vegetation nor water, our master Abraham took the means and executed his Lord’s command. He prayed to his Lord to care for them: “Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near your sacred House. Our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.”

The Lady Hagar‘s only response was to submit to God’s will. She and her son consumed the food and drink her husband had left for them, until they ran out of water and the thirst became intense. She started to run back and forth, seeking water or someone to seek refuge with. She climbed Mount Safa, looked over the valley, but found nothing. She descended and hurried to Mount Marwa, climbed up and down again and still found nothing. She repeated this seven times, under the blazing sun and over the scorching sand until God Almighty sent an angel to create a spring of water under Ishmael’s feet, for him and his mother to drink.

God’s favor then came as a result of her efforts. It honored her and her son and later commanded her son to build the sacred House of God with his father. Mecca became a destination that attracts people’s hearts.

But if all this was predetermined by God Almighty, why didn’t the angel descend directly after our master Abraham left her and her son?!

Why wasn’t our master Abraham’s prayer answered immediately?!

Why did God allow her to struggle and hurry back and forth until her efforts became a rite of the pilgrimage?!

Does God teach us to strive?!

In the Arabic language, the word “striving” means hastening to walk.

The word “striving” and its sources appear in the Holy Quran about 30 times.

The intended meaning was not just the literal meaning of the word, but also taking the means and working on something sincerely and diligently.

Striving can be praiseworthy or reprehensible.

Praiseworthy striving is striving for what God has commanded us to do, such as striving for the hereafter by doing acts of obedience, avoiding all that God has forbidden, doing good for oneself and others, advocating righteousness and avoiding sins. Seeking knowledge is also a form of praiseworthy striving because of the good it brings to the individual and his nation. As is the striving to build oneself, the family, and the whole society, striving to keep family ties, love people, and spread the concepts of justice and equality.

Read: Al-Lat, Al-Uzza, and Manat – The Pre-Islam Deities

On the other hand, reprehensible striving is the opposite of all that has been said, such as striving after this world and its lusts and neglecting work for the hereafter. Striving to mislead others and block God’s way. Striving to ruin oneself and destroy it, and avoiding everything beneficial. Striving for corruption on earth, hating good for others, and fighting success.

Since humans have free will, one must choose between the two types, determine their path and destination, and based on that, the reward from God Almighty will come. For God is just.

Whoever strives for good will receive good in this world and good in the hereafter. “And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it with the necessary effort being a believer; then such are the ones whose striving shall be appreciated, acknowledged and rewarded (by Allah).”

And whoever strives for evil will encounter evil in this world and the hereafter. “Say: Shall we tell you who the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds!”

So let everyone choose for their life and work for what they love and are pleased with.

“And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives.”

Published under the International Cooperation Protocol with Middle East Business | Life Magazine, Abu Dhabi

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Read: Reading for all; what about writing?

Outstanding women in Bahrain to be awarded for exceptional talent

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The Woman of the Year Awards, by Woman This Month magazine, honor the achievements and contributions of women in Bahrain

  • The public will vote throughout October and the awards will be presented on December 2 when Bahrain celebrates its annual Bahraini Women’s Day.

By Habib Toumi

Manama

A new tribute will made to outstanding women in Bahrain as people in the Gulf country, both nationals and foreigners, will be able to vote for the 2024 Woman of the Year Awards.

The Woman of the Year Awards, by Woman This Month magazine, honor the achievements and contributions of women in Bahrain in five main categories with four sub-categories under each.

The honorees will be prominent achievers, from industry leaders to rising stars in business, art, science, healthcare, social good and many more.

The five categories are Engineering and Technical, Business and Financial, Artistic and Creative, Health, Hospitality, Education & Social, and Lifestyle and Media.

During a special ceremony, organizers unveiled the 59 finalists who have made it to the short list prepared by five judges (four women and one man) for the top prizes in 18 award segments across the five categories.

The finalists are a mixture of local Bahrainis and foreigners living in Bahrain who fulfilled criteria that included a degree of innovation and broader impact on industry, technology, society, or culture, technical skills and expertise, a mastery of skills and expertise in their respective field, leadership, collaboration, and mentoring efforts, as well as professional recognition, awards, and contributions to industry or society.

The public will vote throughout October and the awards will be presented on December 2 when Bahrain celebrates its annual Bahraini Women’s Day.

In 2008, Bahrain’s First Lady and Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman Princess Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa said that December 1 would be celebrated annually as Bahraini Women’s Day.

The day commemorates the achievements and creative contribution made by women to development and progress and highlights the important role of women in public life.

The laureates in Engineering and Technical will be Women in architecture, construction & real estate, women in aviation (pilots, administrators, engineers …), women in industry (manufacturing, production, oil & gas, alternative energy), and women in science, technology, engineering & mathematics.

Read: Miss Universe Bahrain Evlin Abdullah Dreams Freedom for Arab Women

The Business and Financial category covers women in banking & finance (including Fintech), women in business, women in innovation (trend-setters, entrepreneurs, trail-blazers, startups), and women in national service (military, fire service, police).

In the Artistic and Creative, the winners are women in art & design (fine artists and designers), women in fashion (models, designers & retail), women in jewelry (boutique owners & designers), and women in entertainment (dancers, singers, musicians & DJs).

Awards in Health, Hospitality, Education & Social include women in health (doctors, dentists, nurses & admins), women in hospitality (hotel GMs, chefs, HRs, housekeeping, …), women in education (primary/early education; secondary & university/vocational), and women in philanthropy (charity & welfare).

The Lifestyle and Media awards cover women in beauty (cosmetic models, makeup artists & aestheticians), women in media (tv hosts, writers, broadcasters, influencers, bloggers), women in motoring (drivers, managers, mechanics), and women in sport (athletes, gymnasts, sports management personnel).

Read: Bahrain abolishes rape-marriage law

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Courtesy: The AsiaN, Seoul, South Korea

Sharjah International Book Fair to be held in November

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Under the theme ‘It starts with a Book’, Sharjah International Book Fair will be held from Nov. 6 to 17. Agenda includes workshops, book signings, and artistic performances

Abu Dhabi

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has unveiled the dates for the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024), scheduled to run from 6th – 17th November under the theme ‘It Starts with a Book’.

The event will gather a diverse assembly of local, Arab, and international publishers alongside distinguished authors, intellectuals, and creatives from various disciplines, who will deliberate critical literary, cultural, and intellectual topics, sharing their expertise and insights with a global audience.

This year’s fair will pay tribute to the Kingdom of Morocco as the Guest of Honor, celebrating its vibrant cultural heritage through a specially curated program.

The agenda will include workshops, book signings, and artistic performances that connect audiences with Moroccan literature and creativity.

Attendees can also look forward to roaming shows that showcase the rich cultural diversity of Morocco alongside cultural forums designed for insightful discussions and the exchange of knowledge.

The theme, ‘It starts with a Book’, embodies Sharjah’s unwavering belief in the pivotal role of reading and knowledge as the cornerstones of societal progress. It underscores that every learning journey begins with a book as a gateway to boundless knowledge. It asserts that books are essential tools for shaping the future, extending an open invitation to engage in the 43rd edition and embracing reading as a fundamental, lifelong pursuit.

Read: Sharjah Emerges as Champion of Arab Culture

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, said, “In an increasingly interconnected world, the role of books in bridging cultures and fostering understanding is more vital than ever. SIBF stands as a testament to this mission, uniting thousands of writers, intellectuals, and artists from around the globe in Sharjah. It serves as a powerful reminder that the foundations of every great civilization are laid with books, and the values that shape nations are deeply rooted in literature.”

She added, “Over the past four decades, SIBF has emerged as a significant force in the global knowledge and creative industries. Our emphasis extends beyond the sheer number of participating publishers and creatives to the profound impact of their collective presence, resulting in far-reaching effects and influencing both local and global economies. We encourage all participants in this year’s fair, and those in the future, to harness this platform to build partnerships, explore collaborative opportunities, and engage with the knowledge institutions at the fair.”

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said, “Guided by the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the fair has become a comprehensive platform for a knowledge-based society—bringing together readers, authors, translators, and illustrators to explore the latest trends in the sector and exchange innovative ideas.

Read: Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone unveils its vision for cultivating the business

“This aligns perfectly with SBA’s mission to showcase the richness of Emirati culture under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi.”

The celebration of Morocco as the Guest of Honor at the 43rd SIBF offers a unique opportunity to spotlight the country’s rich cultural heritage and its contributions to the Arab and global cultural landscapes.

The Moroccan program will feature publications and historical documents reflecting its cultural legacy’s depth. Prominent Moroccan figures in the literary and intellectual spheres will lead panel discussions to foster cultural and knowledge exchange.

Additionally, artistic and musical performances will illuminate Morocco’s diverse cultural expressions.

Published under the International Cooperation Protocol with Middle East Business | Life Magazine, Abu Dhabi

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Whom to account for the burden imposed?

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I don’t know whom to hold accountable for the immense burden that people like me face. But one thing is clear: luxury should not be provided to public servants using taxpayer money

Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo

In a nation plagued by inflation and economic hardship, the burden of massive taxes imposed by the government in the 2024-25 budget weighs heavily on the shoulders of the ordinary citizen. While the salaried class continues to bear the brunt of these taxes, Pakistan’s elite enjoy the benefits extracted from the hard-working middle class. This inequality is stark and frustrating, especially as the government seems to prioritize luxury expenditures for its officials, even in the midst of a financial crisis. As a regular tax filer, I feel this injustice acutely. Year after year, the media is flooded with stories about the penalties and consequences for those who fail to file their taxes. Yet, there is a deafening silence when it comes to discussing what is being done for those of us who faithfully comply with the law. We never escape taxation, and yet we see no return on our contributions. In fact, this year alone, I paid nearly 30% of my income in taxes, with almost nothing to show for it in terms of public services or benefits I received in return.

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Image courtesy: Jinnah Institute | Ali Khizar

Instead of seeing my tax money contribute to a more functional society, it feels like I’m funding the lavish lifestyles of public servants and those in power. I am responsible for their rude attitude. The luxuries that these individuals enjoy, paid for by the hard-earned money of law-abiding citizens like me, are a slap in the face. The government continues to spend on high-end vehicles, extravagant residences, and other perks for its officials while leaving the ordinary taxpayer with virtually nothing. Take education, none of my children found the public education system to be satisfactory, at least up to the college level. I ended up paying substantial fees to enroll them in private schools, which I believe should have been the responsibility of the state. Isn’t it the government’s duty to provide quality education to its citizens? Yet, in Pakistan, this has become more of a luxury than a right. When my children applied to universities, the concept of merit seemed irrelevant. The admissions process often seemed rigged in favor of those with wealth and connections, those who have amassed large sums of money outside the formal economy, escaping the tax net that people like me are firmly caught in.

It is time for the government to step up and take responsibility for the injustices in our society. It must start by curbing corruption, implementing reforms, and ensuring that every rupee paid in taxes is used for the benefit of the people

Healthcare is another area where the discrepancy between what we pay in taxes and what we receive in return is glaring. My family has never set foot in a government hospital, and for good reason. The poor quality of services, rude staff, and substandard medications in these facilities make them unviable for anyone who values their health. The conditions in these hospitals reflect a complete disregard for the citizens who fund these services. It’s a bitter reality that while the government allocates money for healthcare, the actual benefits never seem to reach the people. As if this weren’t enough, the daily interactions with state institutions further erode any remaining faith in the system. Take traffic enforcement, for instance. Instead of being treated with the respect that should come with being a law-abiding taxpayer, I am routinely stopped by traffic wardens. Most of the time, they expect a bribe to let me pass. On the rare occasion that I don’t pay, I am fined for minor infractions, like not having insurance on my 18-year-old car or for having a broken indicator while rickshaws that evade taxes roam the streets freely without consequences. The unfairness is staggering.

Read: Will Pakistan’s new budget help the country’s poorest?

I also have to maintain my bank accounts and legal documents at my own expense, services that should be accessible to all citizens. But here’s the catch: these benefits are equally available to those who’ve never paid a single rupee in taxes. How can this be fair? How is it possible that someone who has never contributed to the national treasury enjoys the same rights and privileges as those of us who shoulder the tax burden year after year? Then there are the so-called labor and worker protection institutions. These entities are supposed to safeguard the public, ensure worker rights, and promote well-being. Yet, in reality, they rarely advocate for the people they are meant to protect. Their existence seems more symbolic than practical, offering little more than a façade of concern for the common worker.

The solution to this deep-seated problem lies in accepting and implementing citizens’ rights, digitization, and transparency in the services system

I don’t know whom to hold accountable for the immense burden that people like me face. But one thing is clear: luxury should not be provided to public servants using taxpayer money. These officials are meant to serve the nation, not exploit its resources for their own comfort. The system as it stands is disenfranchised, polarized, and rife with corruption at every level. Bureaucracy and greed have taken over, leaving little room for the honest taxpayer to breathe.

pak-povertyThe solution to this deep-seated problem lies in accepting and implementing citizens’ rights, digitization, and transparency in the services system. The digital revolution has the potential to bring much-needed change by reducing human involvement in processes that are prone to corruption. Automated systems can help remove the grip of greedy bureaucrats, ensuring that taxes are collected and spent fairly. With digitization, there could be real accountability, something that has been missing from our system for far too long. Imagine a country where taxes are actually spent on improving public services, where merit truly matters, and where law-abiding citizens are treated with the respect they deserve. Ultimately, what is needed is a transformation of the relationship between the government and its citizens. The government must start seeing taxpayers as the backbone of the nation, rather than as cash cows to fund their luxuries. It must recognize that people are not just paying taxes for the sake of it, they expect quality education, healthcare, and public services in return. These basic rights should not be compromised, and the government must be held accountable for failing to deliver them.

Read: Taxing the poor, favouring the rich

It is time for the government to step up and take responsibility for the injustices in our society. It must start by curbing corruption, implementing reforms, and ensuring that every rupee paid in taxes is used for the benefit of the people. Until then, the burden will continue to fall on the ordinary citizen, while the elites reap the rewards of a broken system. It is a system that must be fixed before it’s too late.

Read: Taxpayers’ money is not to waste

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Zaheeruddin Babar Junejo-Sindh CourierZaheer Udin Babar Junejo is Community Driven Development Specialist based in Hyderabad.

Read: Democracy is Breathing Its Last!

Why Come To Swords When We Have Words? – A Poem from India

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O Lovers great!

Mankind deserves a fair deal

Of Love and Peace

Let your sons and daughters,

Have a happy sleep

Hatred is an unsafe game, turn a new leaf.

Jernail S Anand - Sindh CourierDr. Jernail S Aanand, a renowned poet and writer makes an appeal for return to peace, to our brethren at war  

Dr. Jernail Singh Anand, based in Chandigarh, is an Indian poet and scholar credited with 170 plus books of English literature, philosophy and spirituality. He won great Serbian Award Charter of Morava and his name adorns the Poets’ Rock in Serbia. He was honored with Seneca Award LAUDIS CHARTA by Academy of Arts & Philosophical Sciences, Bari, Italy 2024. He is Founder President of the International Academy of Ethics and conferred Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) by University of Engineering & Management, (UEM) Jaipur. Email anandjs55@yahoo.com

Biblio-link: https://sites.google.com/view/bibliography-dr-jernal-singh/home

Peace_Dove_1200x700
Image courtesy: UNESCO

Why Come To Swords When We Have Words?

As the biggest Exporters of

Peace and Good will,

We are the buffer

Between the two worlds at war

Which threaten the peace

And tranquility of the cosmos.

We represent the Victims

In both Ukraine and Russia

Who fall to bullets

Who are full of fear

Who have never seen a happy

And normal day

Iran and Israel

Israel and Hamas

And burning of Lebanon,

If your eyes have vision

And your hearts,

A feeling of belonging to gods

The blood that flows in streets

Craves for peace

Many a childing mother

Across the borders

Needs a hospital

Which thee have bombed 

No urgency, no insult

No assault can justify

The death of humanity

And men

Losing sanity

And catering to lower logic

O Lovers great!

Mankind deserves a fair deal

Of Love and Peace

Let your sons and daughters,

Have a happy sleep

Hatred is an unsafe game, turn a new leaf.

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Read: DISINTEGRATION – MYSTIC POETRY FROM INDIA

Critical issues of Combating Trafficking in Persons and Bonded Labor in Sindh discussed

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Sindh has 22 labor laws and each district has a District Vigilance Committee. Sindh Human Rights Commission highlights gaps in Sindh’s legislation

Karachi, Sindh  

The critical issues of Trafficking in Persons and Bonded Labor in Sindh were discussed at a session organized by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), in collaboration with the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) here on Wednesday October 2, 2024.

A preliminary coordination meeting and orientation of the Working Group members on combatting trafficking in persons was held at a local hotel in Karachi. The meeting brought some members of Sindh Assembly to lay the foundation for a collaborative approach in addressing these pressing human rights challenges.

SHRC-Sindh Courier-4Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of SSDO explained that trafficking in persons involves the buying and selling of human beings, treating them as commodities and subjecting them to exploitation and modern-day slavery. This includes forced beggary, child labor, commercial sexual exploitation, prostitution, and organ harvesting.

He added that addressing these issues is the international, legal and moral obligation for combating the menace of trafficking in persons and bonded labor in Pakistan.

Emphasizing the implementation of Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018 to address the menace of Trafficking in Persons and Bonded Labor in Pakistan, he said that the role of parliamentarians is crucial to ensure the legislative oversight and awareness at the constituency level on the issue. “The working group will be effectively playing its part in developing rules of the province and file questions, adjournment motions and resolutions in the Sindh Assembly,” he said.

SHRC-Sindh Courier-2Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), discussed the International Parliamentary Union and various legislative matters, including Article 142.B, criminal law, criminal procedure, and evidence. He highlighted the Sindh Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act, 2015 and stressed the important role of parliamentarians in influencing areas such as inviting technical experts to standing committees, enabling legislation.

Read: Recruiting agencies accused of Trafficking and Smuggling of Humans

Detho noted that Sindh has 22 labor laws, and each district has a District Vigilance Committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner. He also pointed out gaps in Sindh’s legislation, such as the absence of a law governing Dar-ul-Aman and the lack of daycare centers in the Secretariat premises.

SHRC-Sindh Courier-1Additionally, Detho mentioned that less than 8% of property rights are given to women in Sindh and shared that there is only one remand home in Karachi and another in Nawabshah. He expressed SHRC’s intent to engage the Speaker of the Assembly to organize training sessions for parliamentarians on standing committees. He outlined SHRC’s role in conducting research, studying treaties and international human rights instruments, making recommendations for effective implementation, and regularly updating human rights protection policies.

Read: Life of slavery — bonded labor in Pakistan

The meeting was attended by several MPAs, including Rehana Laghari, Mahesh Kumar Hasija, Rehan Bandukda, Muhammad Farooq, Khurunisa Mughal, Rukhsana Parveen, Sikandar Khatoon, Tanzila Umme Habiba, Engineer Syed Usman, Naseer Ahmed, Abdul Waseem, Bilal Hussain Khan Jadoon, and Hillar Wassan. (PR)

Read: Special Registration Drive for Brick Kiln Workers in Sindh

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Kosovo Artist Conducts Virtual Theater Workshop in Karachi

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Virtual Theater Workshop was organized by Sindh Madressatul Islam University at its Youth Development Center  

Karachi, Sindh  

Mr. Kushtrim Mehmeti, Artistic Director of National Theater of Kosovo, conducted the ‘Virtual Theater Workshop’ at Sindh Madressatul Islam University Karachi’s Youth Development Center on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

Sindh Madressatul Islam University’s Directorate of Students’ Affairs and Counselling had organized the virtual theater workshop in collaboration with the Pakistan Arts Council Karachi.

SMU-Kosovo-Artist-Sindh Courier-2The foreign guest trainer is renowned for his expertise in performing art. The event was designed to engage students in creative exercises that emphasized teamwork, improvisation, and interaction, all through virtual simulations.

The virtual theater workshop was a dynamic experience that encouraged students to express themselves in a collaborative and creative environment. The mix of virtual simulations and imaginative activities made the event a fun learning experience, boosting participants’ confidence and communication skills.

SMU-Kosovo-Artist-Sindh Courier-3Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice Chancellor of SMIU thanked the guest Mr. Kushtrim Mehmeti and said that performing art is a reflection of life, hence its importance is accepted across the world. The Vice Chancellor said SMIU gives importance to multiple growth of its students from their academic activities to their co-curricular activities.

He said SMIU has its students’ societies including the Art Society, which is organizing different learning and training sessions for students. “We have to promote healthy culture in our higher education institutions through, literature, art, music and other such activities.”

Read: English Language Program launched for SMIU Model School Students

The workshop kicked off with participants virtually forming a circle and mimicking various physical actions as directed by the trainer. This icebreaker encouraged creative movement and helped ease participants into the workshop. The speaker organized participants into groups based on their academic departments. Each group worked together on various theatre-related tasks, fostering a sense of community and enhancing collaboration among peers.

SMU-Kosovo-Artist-Sindh Courier-6In pairs, students participated in an exercise where they conveyed emotions using only facial expressions. This helped participants to refine their non-verbal communication skills and encouraged empathy and emotional connection.

Participants were asked to virtually embody different animals, using their voices and body language to act out characteristics. This fun and imaginative activity encouraged participants to get out of their comfort zones and embrace creativity.

SMU-Kosovo-Artist-Sindh Courier-4An activity where participants were instructed to imagine passing an invisible ball between one another, focusing on coordination and teamwork. This exercise tested how well participants could maintain their focus and simulate actions without physical objects.

To conclude, participants were challenged to perform a continuous action scene without pausing. This helped students develop improvisational skills and think quickly on their feet.

VC Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai gave away souvenirs to the guest and the Director Students’ Affairs Muhammad Naeem Ahmed distributed certificate among students. (PR)

Read: Sindh Madressatul Islam University Launches Plastic Recovery Bank

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16th Issue of Odiya Literary Magazine ‘Mahuri’ unveiled

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Chief Minister of Odisha State – Sri Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the current issue of magazine ‘Mahuri’ in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Odisha

The 16th issue of ‘Mahuri’, a bi-yearly Indian Literary Magazine in Odiya language, was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Odisha State – Sri Mohan Charan Majhi in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha state on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

Odisa-Magazine-Mahuri-Sindh Courier-2‘Mahuri’ is a national literary magazine in Odiya being published since 2008. The magazine is edited by internationally acclaimed poet and Chief Editor Dr. Bhawani Shankar Nial and his team. Odisha state and its Odiya language have a 2500 years of long historical background.

The 16th issue of magazine ‘Mahuri’ contains 400 pages covering all streams of contemporary literature. Like every year, this year too, ‘Mahuri’ focuses on translation of global literature.

Unveiling the latest special issue of the magazine, Chief Minister Sri Mohan Charan Majhi said, “Mahuri plays a key role in enriching the land of Kalahandi and Odia literature.” He further stated that his government is always committed to preserving the Odia identity.

Odia literary world’s magazine ‘Mahuri’, considered to be the eternal rhythm of the Kalahandi poetry movement, was unveiled at the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhubaneswar. Editor Sukanta Sahu and others were present.

Odisa-Magazine-Mahuri-Sindh Courier-3
Translation of an English poem of Nasir Aijaz, a journalist, author and poet from Sindh province of Pakistan, published in Mahuri magazine

Since its inception in 2008, ‘Mahuri’ has created a stir in the Odia literary world. Alongside literature, it has been making significant efforts to preserve the Odia identity. Today, as ‘Mahuri’ stands as a literary movement, it is creating new opportunities and challenges for poets, writers, readers, and intellectuals from various walks of life. Over the past years of uninterrupted publication, more than 200 writers have contributed to the ‘Mahuri’ magazine.” Editor Shri Sahu expressed hope that the magazine will be well-received by its readership. (PR)

Read: Never Prayed Before – A Poem from Odisha, India

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Thar Coal Railway Network: 10 Million Tons Coal To Be Transported Annually

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Thar Coal Railway Network Project would become operational by October 2025 – Federal Secretary Railways

Karachi, Sindh

Thar Coal Railway network will have the capacity to transport 10 million tons of coal annually, facilitating the supply of affordable energy to power projects across the country, Federal Secretary Railways, Mazhar Ali Shah said on Tuesday.

This was informed in a meeting held between Federal Secretary Railways, Mazhar Ali Shah, and Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah, to discuss various railway projects, including ML-1 and the Thar Coal Railway Line.

Secretary Railways gave a briefing on the progress of the Thar Coal Railway project. He stated that the Thar Coal Railway would become operational by October 2025.

Chief-Secretary-Thar-Railway-Project-Sindh Courier-1Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, emphasized the importance of the Thar Coal Railway Line, stating that it would allow for the transportation of coal from Thar to Port Qasim, Lucky, and other power plants. He added that utilizing the full potential of Thar coal would bring economic benefits to the country and help reduce electricity prices by replacing imported coal with locally sourced Thar coal. He also mentioned that the Government of Sindh is providing land for the Thar Coal Railway Line, ensuring timely progress of the project.

Secretary Railways informed that work on the Karachi to Hyderabad package of the ML-1 Line would begin soon. The completion of the high-speed ML-1 will resolve transportation and cargo issues across the country. He emphasized the importance of ML-1 in modernizing Pakistan’s transport infrastructure. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary Energy, Senior Member Board of Revenue, DS Railways, and other officials. (PR)

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