Zubair Yaqoob
A commemorative ceremony was held at the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi to mark the 37th anniversary of the passing of Imam Khomeini, the founder of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
The event also paid tribute to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and those described as martyrs of recent conflicts. The gathering brought together prominent Shia and Sunni scholars, legal experts, academics, media representatives, and leaders and members of various religious and political organizations. Participants reflected on Imam Khomeini’s legacy and discussed themes of unity, sovereignty, and resistance that continue to shape political and religious discourse in the region. Welcoming the guests, Iranian Consul General Akbar Esazadeh said Imam Khomeini’s movement was rooted in the teachings of the Holy Quran, the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the principles of Islamic leadership. He said that freedom, independence, protection of national interests, and safeguarding national sovereignty formed the foundation of the Islamic Revolution. Esazadeh noted that in the years following the revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei played a central role in preserving and advancing its ideals. He said Iran had navigated political, security, cultural, and economic challenges through national resilience, self-confidence, and economic development. According to him, the unity displayed by the Iranian people in the face of external pressures reflected the enduring influence of Imam Khomeini’s vision. Addressing the ceremony, SahibzadaAbulKhairZubair, chairman of Pakistan’s National Solidarity Council, said support for Iran among Muslims around the world represented a manifestation of Muslim unity. He attributed this sentiment to the intellectual and ideological legacy of Imam Khomeini, arguing that attempts to weaken Iran’s internal cohesion had failed due to the solidarity of its people. HaseebJamali, chairman of the Sindh Supreme Court Bar Association, praised what he described as the Iranian nation’s demonstration of unity and awareness during recent challenges. He said efforts to create divisions between the Iranian public and its leadership had not succeeded, adding that Ayatollah Khamenei’s emphasis on self-reliance had contributed to Iran’s progress across multiple sectors. Prominent Karachi-based Shia scholar Allama Syed RaziJafarNaqvi said Imam Khomeini’s path was one of resistance and steadfastness. He argued that Iran’s standing in the world had evolved because of the perseverance demonstrated by its people. Naqvi also referred to a well-known religious decree issued by Ayatollah Khamenei regarding respect for the sacred figures of different Islamic schools of thought, describing it as an important step toward strengthening Muslim unity. The ceremony was also addressed by Member of the National Assembly Syed Hafeezuddin, Karachi Council for Foreign Relations representative Lady NadraPanjwani, former Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Meraj-ul-Huda Siddiqui, and other speakers. They highlighted the principles of Imam Khomeini’s school of thought and paid tribute to Ayatollah Khamenei’s role in strengthening and sustaining the Islamic Revolution over the decades. KMC to Launch Comprehensive Cleaning Drive of Major Drains Ahead of Monsoon
Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will launch a comprehensive cleaning drive of all major storm-water drains (nallahs) across the city to ensure the smooth flow of rainwater and minimize the risk of urban flooding. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Mayor Karachi, Barrister MurtazaWahab, to review the progress of ongoing development projects and municipal services. The meeting focused on monsoon preparedness, civic infrastructure, and measures to improve drainage systems throughout Karachi.
During the briefing, Municipal Commissioner KMC, AbrarJaffar, informed the Mayor that tenders for the desilting and cleaning of major drains have already been floated, with the bid opening scheduled for Monday. Following the completion of the procurement process, work will commence immediately to ensure that all major drains are cleaned well before the arrival of monsoon rains. He further informed the meeting that KMC has allocated Rs. 600 million for the citywide drain cleaning operation, reflecting the organization’s commitment to protecting citizens and public infrastructure during the rainy season.
Mayor Karachi Barrister MurtazaWahab directed that a third-party consultant be engaged to independently monitor the cleaning process to ensure transparency, quality control, and timely completion of the work. He emphasized that strict oversight would be maintained throughout the operation to guarantee effective utilization of public funds and adherence to the highest standards.