Author: Imran Elahi

Karachi, 25 July 2017: Lt Gen Moeen Ud Din Haider (Retd), ex Governor Sindh called on Administrator DHA Brig Shahid Hassan Ali in his Office. They discussed matters of mutual, general and professional interest.

Ex Governor appreciated DHA’s progressive initiatives/vision that has given it the status of a most prestigious, well managed and leading housing enterprise of the country. He said that it was reassuring that DHA is upholding its good name, reputation and unblemished trust which manifests its credibility as a strong organization in the field of housing and land development in the country.

Administrator thanked the General Officer for his kind and encouraging remarks about DHA. He said that the Housing Authority is continuously making relentlessly efforts to maintain highest standards of excellence in the field of development and community living.

Karachi, 23 July 2017: DHA as a progressive and enlightening organization provides aesthetically vibrant green, healthy and beautiful natural environment to its residents. DHA Horticulture Directorate is engaged in promoting greenery, plantation and maintaining natural beauty in the Housing Authority. Horticulture Directorate recently undertook tree plantation, trimming and hedge cutting activities at different places / sectors of the Housing Authority.

These activities were meant to promote greenery, tree plantation and beautification spots in DHA. Tree plantation was carried out at Nisar Shaheed Park, Gizri Hill Beautification Spot, Momin Rockery, Zamzama Park and Tooba Masjid. Trimming of trees was carried out at Kh-e-Hafiz, Kh-e-Qasim and Abdul Sattar Edhi Avenue (Coastal Area).

The relentless efforts of Horticulture Directorate is evident from presence of abundance of trees, lush green lawns and beautification spots spread over the entire residential estate giving a beautiful natural view to the locality which is spectacular in its form.

Karachi, 19 July 2017: Commander Anti Narcotics Force Brig Noor-ul-Hassan called on Administrator DHA Brig Shahid Hassan Ali in his Office. He remained with the Administrator for sometimes and discussed matters of mutual interest.Commander ANF appreciated the visionary zeal and versatile development strategy of DHA Karachi which substantiate its credibility and reputation as a leading Housing Authority of the country. He said that DHA through a well managed and regulated administration is providing secure, safe and dynamic living environment to its residents which is commendable.

Karachi, 18 July 2017: DHA Vigilance Force imbued with a spirit of devotion and dedication is always ready to serve the residents with utmost commitment, zeal and efficiency. Vigilance ensures safe, secure and peaceful living environment in the Housing Authority. DHA mobiles keep patrolling the area and on getting information/tip of any untoward incidence happening in the area responds swiftly to deal with the situation. DHA Vigilance in the last one month did some daring actions to comprehend thieves, muggers and anti social elements who were creating disturbance/hindrance in the locality.Administrator DHA Brig Shahid Hassan Ali appreciated the efficient and dutiful role of those daring vigilance personnel who showed extra ordinary courage, devotion and commitment in discharge of their duties. He met those individuals at DHA Head Office and inquired from them the details of the courageous deeds and brave acts performed by them during different encounters. Administrator said that it was reassuring that DHA Vigilance teams were putting up unabated efforts to transform the residential estate into a secure haven so that residents could move freely and fearlessly in the area.

He asked Director Vigilance to ensure that Vigilance Force in DHA continues to serve the residents with the same zeal and commitment. He commended Vigilance team for their remarkable work and as a token of appreciation gave an award of Rs. 5000/- to each individual. Administrator said that DHA Vigilance is the pride of DHA which through its wonderful actions is upholding DHA’s progressive vision of providing safe and comfortable living to its residents.

Karachi, 6 July 2017: The polythene shopping bags these days are being used with impunity in society with dangerous consequences. This is a social issue of grave nature and a great menace which causes constant environmental degradation and is serious health hazard as well. There is a dire need to initiate action for mitigating the use of polythene bags for shopping and other purposes.

DHA has accordingly launched a vigorous campaign to discourage / ban the use of polythene bags by its staff and DHA residents in their localities. Polythene bags are made of imperishable and non-biodegradable material which chokes the sewerage and drainage system causing overflow of gutters, inundation of area during rains, spoiling of sanitation and pollution of environment.

Moreover the practice of burning plastic bags on streets and on dump sites produces fumes which are extremely dangerous for human health. DHA aware of its social responsibilities is taking all measures to discourage and ban the use of plastic bags while promoting alternate means of carrying consumable items in the Housing Authority.

Administrator DHA Brig Shahid Hassan Ali has called upon the residents to extend their active support in DHA’s drive to discourage use of polythene bags. He said the wholehearted support of residents would help to preserve clean, healthy and fresh environment in DHA. He specially appealed to the business community to realize their moral obligation and to voluntarily discard use of polythene bags and instead use paper bags/ for the purpose.

DHA’s campaign has different facets which envisages posting multifarious posters on social media as well as displaying of colourful banners and placing of flex boards at various commercial centres, educational institutions, clubs, petrol pumps and other important venues in DHA.

Karachi, 6 July 2017: DHA Suffa University of Engineering and Management Sciences is the fastest growing university of the country which has signed different MOUs with German and Malaysian universities to foster academic and research collaboration with a view to facilitate its students to get international exposure through participation in various foreign mobility programs.

A group of 5 students of DHA Suffa University (DSU) selected to attend a Summer Camp in Berlin, Germany hosted by Eurasia Institute for International Education (EIIE) alongwith a group of 6 DSU students selected to undergo a four week Summer Internship at AIMST University, Penang, Malaysia called on Administrator DHA Brig Shahid Hassan Ali at DHA Head Office. The delegation apprised the Administrator about the schedule and various details of the stipulated academic activities of DSU’s foreign mobility programs. Administrator congratulated the students and asked them to act as ambassador of DSU and Pakistan abroad.

Administrator impressed upon the students to display a dignified and exemplary conduct during their visit abroad, keeping in mind that they were representing not only their institution but also DHA and Pakistan as well. He advised the students to remain focused and to academically cum professionally benefit from the visit in all manners. He said that selection of students for the visit to renowned universities was a unique honour for them and that they should fully benefit from the foreign experience and exposure in an optimum manner for further advancement and progression in their profession.

Administrator wished the DSU students all the best for successful participation in the foreign mobility programs. He hoped that their participation will not only be beneficial for them but will also be a source of encouragement and motivation for other fellow students. He termed the students as the shining stars of the University.

Karachi, 5 July 2017: A meeting chaired by Administrator DHA Brig Shahid Hassan Ali was held at DHA’s Main Conference Room in which Maj Atteq-ur-Rehman (Retd), Deputy Director MIS gave a presentation on the modern Project Management Methodology encompassing efficient and effective utilization of all resources in a holistic manner for successful completion of a project. It was an informative, interesting and enlightening discourse in which the officer highlighted the significance of application of the latest knowledge, modern skills, scientific tools and contemporary techniques employed in project management to meet the specified project goals.

The speaker defined project management as the discipline of initiating, planning, executing and controlling the work to achive specific goals. He highlighted the importance of integration, scope, time, cost, quality, HR, communication and risk management processes in an optimum manner to ensure successful execution of a project.

The speaker described the terms project, programme and portfolio as the key elements which alongwith application of quality control, modern IT techniques and human ingenuity leads towards meaningful and successful conclusion of the overall project. A lively and enterprising discussion on the subject by the participants followed which made the session truly useful and productive in its essence.

Administrator impressed upon the officers to keep themselves abreast of the latest developments, evolving knowledge and emerging techniques in the discipline of project management for timely and efficient completion of development projects/works in DHA with professional excellence and a sense of accomplishment. He said that DHA as a dynamic and forward looking organization must keep endeavouring to set benchmark standards in the field of development and town planning. The presentation was attended by DHA directors and senior officers in a large number.

Karachi, 2 July 2017: Defence Authority Clubs provide exquisite recreational and entertainment facilities to its members and occasionally hold functions which are truly remarkable and enjoyable in its essence. An enthralling and lively Eid Millan Party was held in the serene and beautiful environment of Defence Authority Sunset Club in which the members and their families got a chance to interact, exchange greetings and to spend some wooping good time together. The party was followed by a fantastic Melody Night in which renowned signer Sara Hassan in her melodious voice performed in a superb manner and mesmerized the crowd. She made the evening memorable and enjoyable in its real sense.

The gentle sea breezes blowing across the Club’s lawn alongwith scintillating colourful lights and creatively decorated stage set the tone for a very attractive and glorious musical performance. The meticulous arrangements made by Sunset Club and their exceptional hospitality made the evening memorable.

The melody night was truly exceptional which not only refreshed and rejuvenated the gathering but also left indelible marks of pleasure and joy on their minds to rejoice and recreate for a long time.

Karachi, 29 June 2017: DHA is a dynamic and forward looking Housing Authority which is always planning and taking versatile measures including planning of efficient traffic management regime to ensure ease and convenience of residents. Accordingly change of ‘One Way Regime’ flow of traffic direction on main Kh-e-Shujaat and Kh-e-Shaheen leading into and out of DHA Phase-VIII has been made.

As per the new plan the traffic will enter DHA Phase-VIII from Kh-e-Shujaat and the traffic from Phase-VIII will exit from Kh-e-Shaheen. The proposed change of entrance / exit directions will ensure smooth and uninterrupted flow of traffic in DHA Phase-VIII and help in mitigating traffic congestion during the school hours.

The proposed change of one way traffic regime direction will only be implemented after making the residents/public aware of the same through a comprehensive social, electronic and print media campaign. This will help in smooth transition of traffic regime and ensure avoidance of any untoward traffic incidence or any inconvenience to public.

New traffic sign boards, direction signs, road markings and speed breakers are being made on priority before implementing the new traffic plan. The change in traffic regime will only be made after the complete installation of new road signs/markings.

Karachi, 29 June 2017: DHA in collaboration with CBC is fully geared up and alert to meet any possible contingency arising out of monsoon rains whose intensity is likely to increase in the coming days. The Housing Authority has established Rain Emergency Cells at DHA Head Office in Defence Phase-I and at Development Directorate Phase-VIII. A Rain Emergency Setup has also been established at DHA Medical Centre in Phase-VI which will provide medical services in rain emergency. Rain Emergency Cells have started working round the clock to facilitate the residents in getting their complaints/problems promptly redressed during the impending rain emergency.

Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) will be undertaking dewatering and relief operations of rain affected areas of DHA Phase-I to Phase-VII while DHA will undertake the responsibility of the same for Phase-VII Extn and Phase-VIII. A dedicated fully equipped Rain Emergency Centre is accordingly working under DHA Phase-VIII Development Directorate to cater for the rain emergencies in the area.

DHA, in case of need, will also fully support and augment CBC dewatering and rain emergency relief operations in its area of responsibility for which requisite dewatering resources including suction pumps and cesspool vehicles etc have been earmarked and kept as reserved. For management operations, DHA has earmarked DA Public School Phase-VIII where relief camp will be established in case of dire rain emergency while enhanced security/traffic management arrangements and provision of medical cover has also been planned to cater for any eventuality.

Mr Mujahid Zaman is the Incharge of DHA Main Rain Emergency Cell who can be contacted on mobile no. 0300-8269157. The residents can also register their rain emergency complaints at Main DHA Head Office Rain Emergency Cell on tel nos. 99266877, 99266888, 99266844 and 111-589-589 (Extn 2073, 2197). The complaints at DHA Phase-VIII Rain emergency Cell can be lodged at tel no. 35345464. For Medical Emergencies DHA Medical Centre can be contacted at tel nos. 35340281 and 35340863.