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Zulfikarabad Development Authority

QUOTATIONS OF QUID-E-AZAM MUHAMMAD ALI JINNAH

INTRODUCTION 

Zulfikarabad Development Authority (ZDA) created on 23rd Nov, 2010 through an Act passed by the Provincial Assembly, Sindh titled “The ZDA Act, 2010” (Amended 2016). The Honourable Ex-President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari envisioned the development of Zulfikarabad City in the memory of the late Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

A BRIEF ABOUT SINDH

Briefly stating, population wise Sindh is the second largest province of Pakistan. To its North-West lies the Province of Baluchistan, Province of Punjab to its North and India on the South-East and East. On the South the soil of Sindh touches the Arabian Sea. Being situated in a subtropical region, Sindh is hot in summers and cold in winters with a temperate climate in the coastal areas. The annual rainfall averages about six to seven inches with down pours, mainly during July and August.

Historically, the Indus Valley Civilization paralleled the contemporary ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt both in size and stature. The globally recognized Archaeological site of Mohan-Jo-Daro is a speaking example and the venue is an international arena depicting a rich ancient civilization.  

CULTURE

Sindh’s culture is a blending of different eras starting from ancient times to this day. Broadly, speaking with the passage of time different people and races settled in Sindh contributing to its glory, history and culture. Besides archaeological sites, monuments and literature, Sindh has a rich heritage of traditional handicrafts that has evolved over centuries. The cumulative effect evolved the traditions of present day Sindhi craftwork reflecting various modes of art, elegant floral & geometrical designs and objects made of clay, metal, wood, stone, fabric etc. Prehistoric findings from archaeological sites like Moen-Jo-Daro, engravings in various graveyards and the architectural designs of Makli in Thatta and other tombs have provided ample evidence about the evolution of distinct arts, literature, architecture and musical traditions exhibiting poetic verses of Sufi Saints like Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and Sachal Sarmast etc.

Sindh has reputation for Ajraks, textiles, carpets, pottery, leatherwork, silk clothes, blankets, coarse cotton cloth (Susi), camel fittings, metalwork, paintings, blue pottery, enamel, gold and silver embroidery etc. Thatta is famous for cotton Lungees and Khes etc.

Ajrak is presented to honoured guests as a mark of respect and stands deeply routed in the culture. Sindh was traditionally a large producer of indigo and cotton cloth and used to be exported to Middle East in ancient times also.

ABOUT ZDA OPERATIONAL AREAS

ZDA’s jurisdictional areas come under District Thatta and Sujjawal. Thatta locally called Larr, is historically and traditionally an important area of Sindh. It has served as a centre of literature, religious ideologies and socio-political epochs. Thatta or the region has the distinction of being Babul Islam. It has witnessed the advent of Muslims, mainly, under the command of Mohammad Bin Qasim, who reached the area through the ports of the times denoted as Debal in 712 A.D. (There are ever changing innumerable creeks in the area providing inland marine excess and forming a fertile delta). The Muslim Governor of Makran assisted Muhammad Bin Qasim with men and material. He dispatched the artillery of the time called “Manganiks” (Catapult) against Raja Dahir. Precisely stating there were other incurious by Muslims right from the days of Khulfa-e-Rashidin. The Chachnama tells us that during the reign of Caliph Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), Mughera surnamed Abul Aas, then stationed at Bahrain, led the first assault, a naval expedition, on Debal. He died fighting outside the city’s walls. In the caliphate of Hazrat Usman Ghani (RA) one Hakim bin Hailah Abdi, poet and orator, was sent out to reconnoitre possible approaches to Sindh. From him came this report about Sindh that: “a small army will soon be annihilated (by defenders) and a large army will soon die of hunger etc”[4]. It may be that with the knowledgeability of such a scenario, a large quantity of leather water bags (Mashkiza) and long sustaining Date fruits, mainly, arrived in Sindh during the invasion of Muhammad Bin Qasim. Traditionally many Dates growing areas are known as old Arab settlements.

Makli is a gigantic artistic graveyard and its monuments depicting different eras with Tombs of Sahba-e-Rasool (P.B.U.H) adding to its magnificent Islamic glory. (Traditionally the name of Makli appears in history as Mai Makli (Lady) who facilitated departing Hajjis for Mecca[5]).

Makli, located at a few kilometres from the centre of Thatta town, is a colossal archaeological site of Pakistan covering over 15 square kilometres. It is one of the largest necropolises of the world. In its vicinity there is a unique mosque called Shah Jahni Mosque built by Shah Jahan-the great Mughal Emperor of India in 1647 – 59 A.D[6]. It is lined with glazed carved tiles. The edifice of the mosque has 101 domes and is designed in such a way that Imam’s voice could reach every corner of the building. Elaborating further, at a well calculated spot in Mosque’s courtyard, a Jai Nanmaz space has also been carved from where sound waves could reach the namazies. There are other several monumental sites that define the historical importance. Region is also known for the famous love story of Sassui and Punhun and Noori Jam Tamachi with Noori’s grave in Keenjhar Lake witnessing the past and present. Thatta and Sujjawal regions touching coastal areas and situated between two big cities, Karachi and Hyderabad with newly upgraded National Highway stands ideally suited for the envisioned Zulfikarabad City and its allied projects.

During British era, Thatta region administratively operated under the Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad. After the creation of Pakistan District Thatta was created in 1948.

COAST LINE

Our Country enjoys a beautiful 1000 kms long scenic coast line, approximately[7]. It ensues from Sir Creek in Sindh Province ending at Jiwani, Baluchistan Province. It engulfs Kimari Port, Port Qasim Karachi & newly developed Gawadar Port in Baluchistan. Sindh coast line is about 350 kms out of which about 94 kms coast line on the fringes of ZDA areas. 

BLUE ECONOMY

The countries blessed with required coastal areas and managing the acquisition of maritime economic advantages can attain required stature of substantial socio-economic prosperity. Therefore, we should strive to exploit the God gifted maritime advantages at our door step while attempting to become one of the most prosperous economies as factors of production, i.e. land, labour, capital and entrepreneurship and other capabilities already present in our case.

Pakistan’s Continental Shelf stretches up to 350 Nautical Miles (N.M) into the Arabia Sea. Pakistan has secured additional resources for future generations specially with reference to petro-mineral sector. In nut shell, the future is bright for the further growth of Blue Economy as required.

ZDA AT A GLANCE

As mentioned earlier, ZDA created on 23rd Nov, 2010 through an Act passed by the Provincial Assembly, Sindh titled “The ZDA Act, 2010” (Amended 2016). 

GOVERNING BODY

There is a Governing Body of ZDA, (as per the ZDA Act, 2010 Amended 2016). The Honourable Chief Minister, Sindh is the Chairman of the Governing Body, ZDA with Chief Secretary Sindh, Chairman Planning & Development, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Secretary Finance, Secretary Local Government, Secretary Land Utilization, Board of Revenue, etc being the Members of Governing Body. Managing Director, ZDA is Member / Vice Chairman of the Governing Body.

ZDA’S STRATEGY / INITIATIVES

Precisely stating in the given scenario ZDA has worked out Conceptual Planning in consonance with the potentials of its jurisdictional area. Besides other initiatives, the manoeuvres included a series of visits upto the Eastern and Western banks of River Indus commuting through inhospitable terrains of Katcha areas. It is on the basis of site observations that planning have been evolved keeping in view the ground realities. 

ZDA Designated Special Economic Zones

There are four Designated Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in ZDA. One SEZ namely Keti Bunder (Node-I) lies on the West of River Indus and three SEZs are on the East of River Indus namely Shah Bunder (Node-II) (Once upon a time Shah Bunder was a Harbour during the era of the Qachars of Persia), Jati (Node-III) and Kharochhan (Node-IV). All Nodes are connected to Arabian Sea through beautiful creeks. Major creeks amongst these are: Wari Creek in Shah Bunder. Wari Creek’s width becomes about 14 km when it joins Arabian Sea. Khajar Creek in Taluka Jati is the deepest. Other major creeks are Sir Creek, Khahir Creek, Khobar Creek, Hajamro Creek. Off the many Creeks in the area, Chhan creek has the distinction of maintaining the watery equilibrium of various creeks.

 Initiatives Taken by ZDA

    1. Amendment in ZDA Act 2010 was a basic legal requirement as the original ZDA Act of 2010 only contained District Thatta whereas later on District Thatta was bifurcated after creation of District Sujjawal in 2013. Now, after amendment, District Sujjawal has also been included in the Act besides other required amendments in public interest. ZDA Act, 2010 Amended 2016 was passed by Sindh Assembly dated 7-10-2016 after approval of Sindh Cabinet in sequel to ZDA’s initiative and processing.
    2. Compilation of much awaited ZDA Human Resource Management Manual-2016 by ZDA Team headed by Managing Director, ZDA.
    3. Liaison with Hydrographic Department of Pakistan Navy in view of precious Hydroghraphic work conducted in the coastal areas.
    4. Analysis of River Indus Elevation w.r.t Arabian Sea Ground Elevation Profile of the Indus Deltaic Region.
    5. 44 kms SZAB Expressway Contract awarded to FWO.
    6. Design and Build of RCC Bridge Contract awarded to FWO.
    7. ZDA Team’s, headed by Managing Director, ZDA visited the Site for Bridge / SZAB Expressway @ Dhandhari. Ghorabari was also visited by the Team.
    8. ZDA Team headed by Managing Director, ZDA visited Irrigation Research Institute, Nandipur (Gujranwala) in presence of FWO (Contractor) and Irrigation Department, Govt. of Sindh for the demo of Hydraulic Model Study of proposed Bridge @ Dhandhari.
    9. Visit by ZDA Team and Presentation by Managing Director, ZDA at Aquaculture and Fisheries - National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad.
    10. Visit by ZDA Team and Presentation by Managing Director, ZDA at Fisheries Development Board Islamabad.
    11. Presentation by Managing Director, ZDA before the then Hon. Chief Minister, Sindh / Chairman of the Governing Body, ZDA dated 09-06-2016.
    12. Presentation by Managing Director, ZDA / Meeting dated 19/07/2016 before the Chairman of the Committee, to facilitate the working of ZDA, the then Hon. Senior Minister P&D, Finance, Energy & Irrigation Department - later Hon. Chief Minister, Sindh / Chairman of the Governing Body, ZDA.
    13. Presentation by Managing Director, ZDA before Hon. Chief Minister, Sindh / Chairman of the Governing Body, ZDA, Vice-Admiral Pakistan Navy (Commander Coast) and other Senior Naval and Sindh Govt. Officials at Naval Dockyard, Karachi.
    14. Presentation by Managing Director, ZDA before various visiting foreign delegations.
    15. Visit and Presentation by Managing Director, on ZDA and Presentation by Prof. Dr. Mahmood Khalid Qamar on Indus Delta and Rehabilitations of Mangroves at National College of Business Administration and Economics, Lahore.
    16. Conceptual Master Plan worked out by the ZDA in-house Planning Team (Planning Directorate) expected to serve as a guide line for future consultancy/s.
    17. Topographical Survey of 55,000 acres completed at Shah Bunder in 2014/15.
    18. Sea Intrusion Analysis from 1978 to 2017 (ongoing process).
    19. Face lifting and up gradation of ZDA Headquarters Karachi. 

CONCEPTUAL PLANNING OF DESIGNATED SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES

SEZ Node-I Keti Bunder

These were not only Goggle exercises but in-accessible areas of Keti Bunder both by land & sea were visited by Hovercraft, for the first time, by ZDA team under its Managing Director through the courtesy of Pakistan Navy.

Keti Bunder is a historical settlement and former port city situated in the deltaic region. Mr. Hudson, the then Commissioner Sindh, in his report of 1905, mentions Keti Bunder as a central and a commercial city of Sindh since 1848. In 1845, the population of Keti Bunder was recorded as 2542 and in 1932 the town was given status of a Municipal Committee[8]. As per the British Gazetteer (Hughes, 1876), Keti Bunder ranked the second most important city port after Karachi[9]. Thus more than half a century ago Keti Bunder was a thriving port city comprising of vast agricultural lands and rich in marine resources. It was so wealthy that its municipality once gave a loan to the Karachi municipality[10].

In sequel to its old glory even today Keti Bunder is a suitable venue for the development of Harbour / Jetty as also technically endorsed by the Hydrographic Department of Pak Navy which has conducted detailed studies for the area etc. The SEZ is also suitable for Cargo Terminal, Shipyard, Industrial Sector, Fishery Processing Units etc. There are potentials for developing Zulfikarabad Maritime Hajj City. It may be recalled that in 70’s Safina Hujjaj provided maritime low cost Hajj facilities. Even today it is expected that Ferry / Cruise service may be cheaper than Airline fares and to facilitate low income group Hajjis besides attracting expatriates of the gulf region.           

Location 

Keti Bunder, District Thatta, located in the Indus Delta, Sindh Coast, South East of Karachi.

Distance

From Star Gate (Shahrah-e-Faisal) to Gharo (گھارو) it’s about 51 kms. From Gharo (گھارو) via Mirpur Sakro to Ghahrho (ڳاڙھو) the metalled road is 56 km, approximately. From Ghahrho (ڳاڙھو) towards Keti Bunder the road is stony (katcha patches) for about 19 kms. However, last 10 km up to Keti Bunder is good conditioned metalled road. Thus distance from Gharo to Keti Bunder is 85 km approximately (66 km metalled and 19 km un-metalled road) or distance from Star Gate to Keti Bunder is about 136 kms.

CONCEPTUAL PROPOSALS FOR KETI BUNDER NODE-I

NATURAL CATCH AT KETI BUNDER

ELABORATION OF ACQUA POTENTIALS

PROPOSALS FOR SEZS NODE-II SHAH BUNDER, NODE-III JATI & NODE-IV KHAROCHHAN

Salt production may be preferred at Shah Bunder. There is a high demand of salt in Middle East as used in Oil Industry. Due to potentials, possibility of salt production can be worked out at Shah Bunder. Currently, Middle Eastern Countries import salt from Mexico / Australia. Due to short distance resulting in less freight expenditures and commutation time places Pakistan in a much better competitive position. Moreover, Pakistan has the capacity to produce quality salt due to local expertise. Prospects of attracting the business are this high.

AQUACULTURE PLAN OF ZDA FOR KHAROCHHAN NODE-IV DUE TO DISTINCT FEATURES.

AQUACULTURE  IS ALREADY A SUCCESS STORY IN THE REGION SUCH PROJECTS ALSO  SUGGESTED AT NODE-II SHAH BUNDER, NODE-III JATI AND NODE-IV KHAROCHHAN.

AGRICULTURE / LIVESTOCK : SUCCESSFUL VISITS OF PARC / NARC, ISLAMABAD CONDUCTED BY ZDA FOR WORKING OUT POSSIBILITIES OF KALAR GRASS CULTIVATION. IF EXPERIMENT SUCCESSFUL KALAR GRASS BEING ANIMAL FODDER GROWN IN BRACKISH WATER UP TO 3000 TDS IN SALINE AREAS CAN BRING SOCIO-ECONOMIC UPLIFTMENT OF THE AREA.

PALM CULTIVATION SUITABLE FOR ALL AREAS

Palm Oil Industry:  Pakistan Imports 5,50,000 Tons Of Palm Oil approximately. Therefore, there is an established demand for the product therefore incentives are there initiating such cultivation area.  

JATI NODE-III: SUITABLE FOR SOLAR PARK

ZDA specified a sizeable area in Taluka Jati can be utilized for Solar Park. Whereas Kharochhan (Node-IV) is specially suitable for Wind Milles as area is a well known potent wind corridor.

 

TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF SEZ SHAH BUNDER COMPLETED - AREA IDEAL FOR SALT PRODUCTION.

AROUND 45 PER CENT OF SEZ SHAH BUNDER NODE-II IS UNDER THE TIDAL INFLUENCE DURING THE HIGH TIDE PERIODS.

All Nodes can also be dealt upon under Public Private Partnership (PPP) as provided in the sub-section 5 of Section 12 of ZDA Act, 2010 and under SPPRA Rules.

 

 

BUDGET:

  • Sindh Government allocated development side budget against existing and ongoing schemes.
  • Sindh Government allocated grants against non development.

OTHERS:

  • No subsidy being provided by ZDA.
  • ZDA adopted all applicable Sindh Government Rules updated from time to time.
  • Relevant information is available on ZDA website. Additionally designated officer is always accessible to the public physically as well as electronically via email / cell phone.
  • Focal person will provide information to public. Plnr. Sajjad Ali, Deputy Director (Plan/Estate), ZDA is Focal person.

 

[1] Extract from the Speech of Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah at a rally at the University Stadium, Lahore, 30th October, 1947.     

[2] Extract from the Address of Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah at 5th Heavy Ack and 6th Light Ack Regiments in Malir, Karachi, 21st February, 1948.

[3] Extract from the Address of Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah at Karachi Chamber of Commerce on 27th April, 1948”.

[4] http://odysseuslahori.blogspot.com/2015/12/invasion-of-sindh.html

[5] www.tanqeed.org/2016/02/mother-makli-a-living-harritage/  

[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shah_Jahan_Mosque,_Thatta

[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan

[8] WWF. (2005). Study on Knowledge, Attitude & Practices of Fisherfolk Communities about Fisheres and Mangroves Resourses, Karachi: WWF.

[9]  Amanullah, M., Ahmed, A., & Ali, G. (2014). Ecological |Impacts of Altered Environmental Flow on Indus Deltaic Ecosystem, Pakistan: A Review. Journal of Environmental Professionals SriLanka ,3 (1),11-21

[10] Khan, M. Z., & Akbar, G. (2012). In the Indus Delta it is No More the Mighty Indus. In P. J. Boon, & P. J. Raven, River Conservation and Management (pp. 69-78). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.