According to statistics the highest incidents of road accidents in
Pakistan involve commercial vehicles. Drivers of these vehicles are by
and large illiterate and with a view to bringing about an improvement in
traffic conditions the Association of Road Users of Pakistan (ARUP) is
targeting this important sector. An Adult Literacy Programme for
Commercial Drivers (ALPCD) has been organized in collaboration with the
Rotary Club of Karachi Defence (RCKD), which was inaugurated on Monday
22nd September 2003 at the Auditorium of the Behbud Association, Shireen
Jinnah Colony, Karachi.

The simple inauguration ceremony was performed by Rotarian Noor
Shirazee, President RCKD. Khawaja Raffat Zaheer, Secretary General ARUP,
Mr. Asif J. Khawaja, ARUP Executive Board Member from Islamabad, several
prominent members of RCKD, representatives of the New Century Education,
Behbud Association, City Government Karachi and several prominent guests
attended the inaugural function.

President RCKD and SG ARUP while addressing the participants stressed
upon the cooperation and team work between ARUP and RCKD which had
culminated in making the launching of the ALPCD Pilot Project possible.

The 12 week pilot project is being conducted by ARUP using the "JUGNOO"
system developed by the New Century Education, Karachi. Mr. Naimat Zada
(a NCE qualified / trained teacher) is conducting the first course,
which should produce about 15 / 20 literate commercial drivers by
December 2003. Mr. Farid Hanafi of NCE will frequently monitor the
programme to ensure that the highest standard is maintained by the
professional teacher.

Subject to availability of funds ARUP expects to continue the ALPCD in
Karachi on a regular basis during 2004 and hopes to extend the ALPCD to
other parts of Pakistan.

Anyone interested in the Adult Literacy Programme for Commercial Drivers
may kindly contact the Secretary General, ARUP at email:
arupkhi@khi.compol.com