This week 50 years ago: Harbour strike and tributes to G.M. Syed, Rais Amrohvi.

Byline: Peerzada Salman

Ever since the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) had taken over functions of the city's housing societies, it had become a tad more proactive in trying to give them a new look. On Jan 21, 1971 it was announced that the KMC had earmarked a sum of Rs5 million to improve the existing facilities in PECHS and undertake fresh schemes in the 'fashionable housing area'. Already, the corporation had spent nearly Rs150,000 on providing new lighting systems, repairing roads and improving the water supply system. Mercury lights were installed along Tariq Road, Khalid bin Walid Road, Kashmir Road, Hill Park and Iqbal Road at a cost of Rs116,000.

Things were a little less bright on the harbour, though. On Jan 18, workers representing 18 Stevedoring firms went on a strike to press for their demands, which included revision of pay-scales and provision of medical benefits. They were asking for the implementation of a decision taken about two years ago under the government's new labour policy. Two days later, on Jan 20, the harbour returned to normal when the workers resumed their jobs following an agreement between them and the firms through the intervention of the deputy commissioner.

It was also a happening week in terms of honouring distinguished citizens of the country. On Jan 17, as reported the next day, tributes were paid to the President of the Sindh United Front, G.M. Syed for his services rendered to the cause of the province. The occasion was Mr Syed's 68th birthday celebrated by his admirers and friends at Katrak Hall. The speakers who shed light on his life and work included Shaikh Abdul Majid Sindhi, Pir Hisamuddin Rashidi and Abdul Hafeez Qureshi. Mr Syed in his address thanked the audience and assured them that...