Former Cantonment Board Hyderabad (CBH) opposition leader Qazi Ashhad Abbasi on Sunday commended the local administration and utility services for ensuring flawless civic arrangements on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Abbasi extended special praise to the Hyderabad district administration, the District Police, the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), and the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) […]

• People living in Defence View say persistent smell, swarms of birds at ‘govt-managed garbage transfer station’ have made life miserable • Complain night-time movement of garbage trucks makes sleep difficult • SSWMB chief says ‘GTS Imtiaz’ functions as intermediary point where waste is first brought before being transferred to landfill sites • Claims facility will be upgraded into a covered centre by next year KARACHI: Residents of Defence View and adjacent localities, students of nearby educational institutions and thousands of commuters using Shaheed-i-Millat Expressway are forced to endure the stench of garbage collected by authorities from across district East and dumped along the Malir riverbank. The area is also polluted with dust, harmful fumes and toxic gases emanating from the piles of garbage. Known as GTS Imtiaz (Garbage Transfer Station-Imtiaz), because of its proximity with the Qayyumabad outlet of the chain of department stores, the garbage dump is managed by the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB). _Dawn_ visited the locality where the area residents said the pungent smell, dust, toxic gases and air pollution from the site have not only disrupted daily life, but have also given rise to various health problems. The GTS Imtiaz is one of the centres where waste collected from district East is temporarily transferred before being moved to landfill sites. However, residents claim that a facility which should have been located on the outskirts of the city has instead been established near a residential area, severely affecting the entrance to the Defence Housing Authority. Locals said that upon entering the district, the overwhelming stench of garbage greets the people, while hundreds of kites and other birds circle the area, creating an unsightly and unhygienic environment. According to the World Health Organisation and UN-Habitat guidelines, waste should not be left in the open at transfer stations, as these facilities are meant only for temporary storage before transfer. Open-air storage produces foul odours, harmful gases, dust, attracts flies and birds, and increases disease risks, especially near residential areas. The UN guidelines add that proper transfer stations should use sealed containers and covered halls to control odours; without this, the facility becomes a dumping site, threatening public health and urban living. It also mentions that children, the elderly and patients with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. Continuous odours also contribute to mental stress, sleep disruption and reduced quality of life, while improper management encourages pests and risks contaminating nearby rivers or streams. A study by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a public health agency within the US Department of Health and Human Services, states that organic waste emits gases like hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and methane during decomposition, producing a rotten-egg smell. Prolonged exposure can cause breathing difficulties, worsen asthma and allergies, trigger headaches and nausea, irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and affect the nervous system. Frustrations grow over health risks, daily discomfort In a visit to the area, _Dawn_ talked to residents as well as students of a nearby private university. Defence View Phase II resident and MBBS student Maria said she and her family were facing a variety of health problems. She added that the continuous smell and air pollution, particularly affecting respiratory health, have had a severe impact on her mother. A passer-by said that people chose to live in upscale areas expecting better facilities and a cleaner environment. “But when one enters the district and is immediately hit by a stench and pollution, the whole idea of living here seems pointless. The difference between affluent and ordinary areas disappears,” he added. A student from Iqra University, located opposite the GTS Imtiaz, said the city already struggles with pollution, and daily garbage transfers at this site make the situation worse. “This is totally unfair,” he added. A group of three other students from the same university shared that in the morning, when garbage is moved, the dust is so thick that it becomes “difficult to see, significantly reducing visibility”. They also highlighted that a month ago, smoke from burning garbage would fill the entire university campus and classrooms, causing health issues, though burning has ceased over the past month. Student Amna said that while a large transfer station is located on the opposite side of the university, a smaller station has been set up in the university parking area, leaving students “surrounded by garbage on both sides”. Defence View Phase III resident Shamim Iqbal said that when garbage is moved at nights, the stench makes it almost impossible to sleep. “Even with windows and doors closed, the smell is so strong it causes nausea,” he said. Salim, a resident of Gulshan-i-Ibrahim, Junejo Town, said that he had previously lived near Defence View Phase III but was forced to relocate due to his father’s respiratory condition. “The odour is so overpowering that even breathing becomes difficult,” he added. A local shopkeeper said that the smell and pollution attracted flies over food items, creating serious hygiene and health issues. Residents expressed concerns that the GTS’s location near the Malir River could exacerbate environmental risks, particularly during rains, when garbage and contaminated water might flow into the river. They demanded that transfer stations be relocated away from residential areas or properly covered in accordance with recognised environmental and health standards. **SSWMB response** The SSWMB Managing Director, Tariq Ali Nizamani, told Dawn that the GTS Imtiaz functions as an intermediary point, where waste is first brought before being transferred to landfill sites. He added that four of the six GTS facilities in Karachi — GTS Imtiaz, Dinga Morr, Sharafi and Gutter Baghicha — are in the process of being modernised, including GTS Imtiaz. Mr Nizamani added that the work on the GTS Imtiaz was expected to be completed by early next year. “Once modernisation is complete, the facility will be upgraded into a covered centre to improve the collection and transfer of waste,” he added. Regarding complaints about garbage burning, the MD said that previously some scavengers would remove usable items from the site and burn the remaining waste. However, eight guards have now been deployed by the board to prevent such incidents from recurring. He explained that decomposing waste produces methane gas, which poses a fire risk, considering that water bowsers have also been stationed on site to respond immediately to any potential hazards. _Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2025_

Three people were killed when a garbage truck belonging to the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) hit multiple vehicles on Rashid Minhas Road in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar area, police and rescue officials said on Wednesday. Speaking to _Dawn.com_ , Traffic Police Deputy Inspector General Ahmad Nawaz Cheema said, “The SSWMB’s garbage-carrying dump truck was on its way when its brakes failed while descending from Jauhar Flyover at around 5:20pm. “Consequently, the truck went out of control and hit three motorcycles and two cars, killing three people, including a woman,” the metropolis traffic police chief said. He said that the driver had managed to escape from the spot, leaving behind the dump truck. “The dump truck, damaged cars and bikes were taken away by Sharea Faisal police.” The bodies of the deceased were moved to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), an Edhi Foundation spokesperson told _Dawn.com_ , identifying the deceased as Maryam Zehra and her husband Kamran. In a separate incident, a woman and her infant daughter were killed while three others were injured. DIG Traffic Cheema said a contract carriage bus had broken down at Khokhrapar-4 around 5pm due to a pressure failure. “However, it suddenly started and rammed into a residential building, instantly killing a woman and a child while injuring three others,” he said. The bus driver was arrested while the bus was removed with the help of a crane. The bodies and injured were moved to the JPMC. Edhi Foundation spokesperson identified the victims as Bisma Imran, 35, and her infant daughter Irum Imran, 3. Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed told _Dawn.com_ that Bisma sustained crush injuries to the lower half of the body while Maryam suffered multiple crush injuries all over the body. Meanwhile, the Edhi Foundation, in a statement, said that so far, over the last five days till February, 14 persons, including five children and two women, were killed in accidents, while 100 others were injured in the metropolis.

Three people were killed when a garbage truck belonging to the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) hit multiple vehicles on Rashid Minhas Road in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar area, police and rescue officials said on Wednesday. Speaking to _Dawn.com_ , Traffic Police Deputy Inspector General Ahmad Nawaz Cheema said, “The SSWMB’s garbage-carrying dump truck was on its way when its brakes failed while descending from Jauhar Flyover at around 5:20pm. “Consequently, the truck went out of control and hit three motorcycles and two cars, killing three people, including a woman,” the metropolis traffic police chief said. He said that the driver had managed to escape from the spot, leaving behind the dump truck. “The dump truck, damaged cars and bikes were taken away by Sharea Faisal police.” The bodies of the deceased were moved to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), an Edhi Foundation spokesperson told _Dawn.com_ , identifying the deceased as Maryam Zehra and her husband Kamran. In a separate incident, a woman and her infant daughter were killed while three others were injured. DIG Traffic Cheema said a contract carriage bus had broken down at Khokhrapar-4 around 5pm due to a pressure failure. “However, it suddenly started and rammed into a residential building, instantly killing a woman and a child while injuring three others,” he said. The bus driver was arrested while the bus was removed with the help of a crane. The bodies and injured were moved to the JPMC. Edhi Foundation spokesperson identified the victims as Bisma Imran, 35, and her infant daughter Irum Imran, 3. Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed told _Dawn.com_ that Bisma sustained crush injuries to the lower half of the body while Maryam suffered multiple crush injuries all over the body. Meanwhile, the Edhi Foundation, in a statement, said that so far, over the last five days till February, 14 persons, including five children and two women, were killed in accidents, while 100 others were injured in the metropolis.

KARACHI: The Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), under its Social Mobilization Programme, is expanding participation in its recently launched public awareness campaign, “Safai Ke Safeer” (ambassadors of cleanliness), by engaging prominent personalities from various segments of society. The campaign aims to promote responsible waste management practices and encourage citizens to play an active role in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Under the initiative, influential public figures are voluntarily joining hands with SSWMB to spread awareness about cleanliness, environmental protection, and collective civic responsibility. As part of the campaign, Aamir Hazari, a member of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s international Nazafat (cleanliness and greenery) organisation, has voluntarily joined the initiative as a “Safai Ke Safeer”. Hazari is widely recognised for his practical contributions to environmental protection and waste composting. He has been actively working at the community level to convert organic waste into compost, promote environmentally friendly lifestyles, and raise awareness about cleanliness and sustainable waste management practices. His efforts are regarded as significant in promoting sustainable environmental solutions and community-driven cleanliness initiatives. Demonstrating his personal commitment, Aamir begins his day early each morning by cleaning his surroundings and encouraging responsible civic behaviour. He also creatively reuses discarded flex banners collected from roadsides to make plant pots, incorporates processed paper waste into composting practices, and nurtures plants grown from seeds for plantation drives across various city islands and neighbourhoods, contributing to a greener urban environment. Speaking on the occasion, Aamir Hazari said, “Being named a Safai Ke Safeer is a great honour for me. A clean environment is not the responsibility of a single institution; it is a shared responsibility of all citizens. If every individual ensures cleanliness in their surroundings, our city can truly become clean, green, and healthy.” Meanwhile, SSWMB Managing Director Tariq Ali Nizamani congratulated Aamir Hazari on his nomination and appreciated the Dawoodi Bohra community for its exemplary role in social service, discipline, cleanliness, and welfare activities. He said the community’s collective efforts serve as a model for promoting civic responsibility and environmental awareness, adding that Aamir Hazari’s inclusion would further strengthen the “Safai Ke Safeer” campaign. Nizamani reiterated that SSWMB remains committed to transforming Karachi into a clean and healthy city through public participation, social awareness, and shared responsibility, while emphasising the vital role of communities and socially responsible individuals in achieving sustainable cleanliness. The post Bohra community member named ambassador for Karachi cleanliness drive appeared first on HUM News English.

KARACHI: Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) Managing Director Tariq Ali Nizamani has emphasised that collective action and shared responsibility are essential to transform Karachi into a clean, green, and livable city. He expressed these views while attending the vibrant Flower and Bird Show held at Rizwan Family Park in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. The event was organised by the Town Municipal Corporation (TMC) under the leadership of Chairman Dr Fauad Ahmed and drew a large number of families and citizens from across the city. Addressing the gathering, Tariq Ali Nizamani said that Karachi belongs to all of us. Its cleanliness, beauty, and environmental sustainability are shared responsibilities. If institutions, communities, and citizens work together with sincerity and commitment, we can certainly make Karachi clean and green. Let us join hands for this noble cause and move forward toward the progress and prosperity of our beloved city. He further highlighted that environmental protection is not limited to waste collection alone, but also includes awareness, responsible behaviour, water conservation, and active public participation. “Public events like this flower and bird show create awareness about the importance of nature, greenery, and environmental preservation. Such initiatives strengthen community engagement and encourage positive behavioural change,” he added. The park was beautifully decorated with colourful and fragrant flowers, creating a refreshing and family-friendly atmosphere. The mini zoo within the park, featuring various animals and birds, further enhanced the attraction and educational value of the event. Citizens in large numbers visited the show and appreciated the efforts made to promote a natural and eco-friendly environment in the heart of the city. Several stalls were set up at the venue by different organisations. SSWMB also established an awareness stall to educate visitors about proper waste disposal, environmental cleanliness, and responsible water management practices. Informational materials were distributed to the public to encourage improved hygiene and sustainable environmental habits. In addition to awareness efforts, SSWMB ensured comprehensive cleanliness arrangements inside the park and in surrounding areas, reflecting the Board’s commitment to maintaining public spaces during large-scale events. Nizamani also participated in the distribution of shields and certificates among participants and organisers, appreciating their contributions toward promoting environmental awareness and community engagement. The event concluded on a positive note, reinforcing the message that collaborative efforts between civic bodies and citizens are the foundation of a cleaner and greener Karachi. The post Call for joint efforts to make Karachi clean, livable city appeared first on HUM News.

KARACHI: A major step toward strengthening modern waste management services in the city’s largest industrial zone has been taken with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) and the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI). The MoU was signed under the leadership of Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab by Managing Director SSWMB Tariq Ali Nizamani and NKATI President Faisal Moiz Khan. The agreement aims to establish an organized and efficient system for the collection and disposal of municipal solid waste and non-hazardous industrial waste from industrial units in the North Karachi Industrial Area. Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that this agreement marks the beginning of an important phase to bring waste management services in the largest industrial area of the city in line with modern standards. He added that SSWMB will further strengthen services in the area through regular waste collection from factories, sweeping of industrial zones, mechanical sweeping and washing services as required, and provision of water bowser services when needed. The initiative is aimed at improving cleanliness, public health, and environmental standards in the North Karachi Industrial Area while ensuring a systematic and sustainable waste management mechanism. Briefing the participants, MD SSWMB Tariq Ali Nizamani stated that the board is establishing a dedicated operational setup for industrial areas to ensure an efficient, transparent, and uninterrupted waste management system. He emphasized that industrial waste will be collected responsibly and transported directly to the Jam Chakro landfill site, noting that unregulated waste disposal is severely affecting the environment and groundwater. Under the MoU, waste collection and bin cleaning services will be provided on a daily or alternate-day basis, according to a mutually agreed operational schedule to prevent waste accumulation. Waste from main roads will be collected daily. Both institutions will jointly ensure that no unauthorized entity is allowed to collect waste from the industrial area or dump it at garbage points or open spaces, as this authority will rest solely with SSWMB. A monthly service fee will be charged from industrial units for the provided facilities, with SSWMB’s existing online billing web portal to be used for payments. NKATI will provide relevant data of industrial units to facilitate timely billing and smooth payments. Notably, under this MoU, waste management services will be provided free of cost to industrial units for the initial two months, after which regular service charges will be implemented. The agreement is being viewed as a significant move toward improving environmental governance and cleanliness in Karachi’s key industrial hub.

KARACHI: Karachi is set to take a major step toward clean, affordable energy as the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) announces the launch of its first biogas plant, designed to convert organic waste into low-cost cooking fuel for underserved communities. The facility, located at Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, will begin supplying biogas from December 15, 2025, offering a practical solution to gas shortages faced by Clifton’s low-income households. This was revealed by SSWMB Managing Director Tariq Ali Nizamani during a seminar on sustainable waste management organised by the FPCCI Standing Committee on SDGs and the National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH) at the Federation House. ### Affordable Energy for Gas-Deprived Citizens The biogas plant will process seven tonnes of livestock waste daily, producing enough fuel for 70 to 80 nearby households. Families will receive the biogas at a subsidised rate of Rs 2,000 per month, significantly reducing their kitchen fuel expenses amid ongoing nationwide gas shortages and rising LPG prices. Nizamani noted that the initiative demonstrates how Karachi’s organic waste—often dumped untreated into the sea—can instead be transformed into a reliable, economical energy source. In its next phase, the plant will also generate electricity to help resolve lighting issues at the historic Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim park. ### A Cleaner Karachi Through Waste-to-Energy SSWMB also plans to establish another biogas facility at Karachi’s Cattle Colony to further expand green energy production and reduce marine and environmental pollution. Karachi generates over 14,800 tonnes of waste daily, with 42% consisting of organic matter suitable for biogas or compost. By diverting this waste from landfills and waterways, the city can reduce emissions, curb sea contamination, and promote a circular economy. ### Strengthening Waste Discipline Across the City To ensure cleaner roads, Nizamani disclosed that the SSWMB has requested provincial authorization to impose fines of up to Rs 20,000 on waste-transport vehicles that litter the city by operating carelessly. Penalties for citizens violating anti-littering rules are also under consideration. The Managing Director further highlighted that 13,000 workers and 2,305 vehicles are currently operating across Karachi, with modern technology enabling real-time monitoring from household collection to landfill disposal. A dedicated helpline, call centre, and mobile app remain active 24/7 for public complaints. ### Upgrading Karachi’s Waste Infrastructure He added that the World Bank-funded Solid Waste Emergency and Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is modernising garbage transfer stations and developing Karachi’s first fully engineered sanitary landfill. Speakers from FPCCI, NFEH, the Dawoodi Bohra community, and civic activists urged stronger government support, efficient medical waste disposal, and expanded public awareness campaigns to help Karachi achieve sustainable cleanliness. Later, participants visited the upcoming biogas plant site to review progress ahead of its formal launch.