Karachi Commissioner Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui has appealed to the Karachiites to cooperate with the administration in celebrating of Eid-ul-Azha in its truest spirit.
He said coordinated efforts were being made by different government departments to provide all relevant assistance and support to the citizens, however, “we also expect masses to cooperate with us”.
The commissioner said a clear policy had been adopted with regard to hide collection and all stakeholders had been taken on board to avoid any untoward situation. He, however, added that concerned citizens particularly needed to see that hides reach in safe hands.
Siddiqui said it was not only that adequate security measures had been ensured by concerned agencies for the protection of life and property of the citizens but a central complaint cell had also been established at the commissioner officer along with similar facilities at all DC offices.
In reply to a question, he said the administration was definitely exposed to a challenge viz a viz adequate disposal of offal and for the purpose staffers equipped with relevant support would be on their toes during all three days of the festival.
“It would not be, perhaps, much to expect from citizens that they prominently place offal, once Qurbani is done, so that staffers may promptly remove them and process of adequate disposal is ensured,” said the commissioner.
He reiterated that people must avoid the practice to throw away offal and waste, both bio-degradable and non-bio-degradable into gutters in their areas. “They would be exposing themselves and their own families to serious health-related risk besides causing inconvenience to the administration,” said the commissioner.
As for left over blood of slaughtered animals, he said, concerned citizens could definitely wait for a while for the municipality workers equipped with facilities to disinfect the site or on immediate basis throw a little water and pour oil so that these may not turn into breeding points for mosquitoes.
“Ideally people should slaughter sacrificial animals either on their own premises or designated sites and not on main roads and thoroughfares causing inconvenience for passersby,” he said in reply to another query.
He hoped and prayed that the festival is celebrated in a meaningful manner and blessings are shared by the faithful without any distinction and with due consideration towards have nots.