Author: Imtiaz Hussain

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: The World Bank’s Implementation Support Mission for the Sukkur Barrage Improvement Project (SBIP) visited ongoing rehabilitation works at Sukkur Barrage on Tuesday, reviewing major infrastructure upgrades including gate replacements, river dredging upstream of the barrage, fabrication of main barrage gates at the mechanical workshop, and construction of the coffer dam. The mission was led by Task Team Leader François Onimus, accompanied by water specialist Zelalam Meknnon, senior environment specialist Alphonse, and senior social and development expert Imran-ul-Haq. They were joined by Pritam Das, Project Director PMO SBIP, Chief Engineer Sukkur Barrage Ikram Ullah Qureshi, and Chief…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: Sindh Minister for Works and Services and Prisons, Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, convened an open kachehri at Sachal Auditorium in Khairpur, where more than 100 citizens presented applications and grievances. The minister instructed officials from Works and Services, the DIG Prisons, Deputy Commissioner, SSP Khairpur, Chairman of the Municipal Committee, and other departments to address all complaints on a priority basis. During the session, Khan Muhammad, patron of the Khairpur Press Club, raised concerns regarding the Session Court’s compound wall, building, public health, electrical, and road works, noting that while most work had been completed, the…

By Imtiaz Hussian SUKKUR: Sindhi Topi and Ajrak Day was celebrated with enthusiasm across Sindh, showcasing the vibrant cultural traditions of Sindh. The day featured rallies, cultural events, and traditional festivities, while residents exchanged Sindhi caps and ajraks as gestures of goodwill, dubbing the occasion “Prosperous Sindh Day.” Events took place in schools, colleges, and public spaces, with stalls displaying traditional handicrafts and attire. Celebrations spanned major cities and towns including Sukkur, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Naushroferoz, Moro, Larkana, Dadu, Ghotki, Hyderabad, Mithi, Tharparkar, Ummarkot, Badin, Sanghar, and beyond. Political activists, students, journalists, trade union members, and citizens from diverse backgrounds participated,…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: The second meeting of the hospital management board of THMB was held under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Javed Ahmed Phulpoto, Chairman and Principal of Khairpur Medical College. The board discussed key issues concerning Civil Hospital KMC Khairpur, with a focus on improving the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, and other hospital units. It was decided to establish a Hospital Management Committee to oversee critical matters such as medicine supply, staff punctuality, verification of employees, addressing ghost employees, and overall service delivery. The board also agreed to bring PPHI Hospital Kousar, TB Hospital Khairpur, Eye Hospital,…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari extended warm greetings to the people of Sindh and the wider Pakistani nation on the occasion of Sindhi Culture Day, celebrated on Sunday. In his message, Bilawal described Sindhi culture as “a radiant blossom in the beautiful bouquet of Pakistan’s diverse identities.” He highlighted that the culture of Sindh is rooted in one of the world’s oldest and most resilient civilizations, whose wisdom, gentleness, and humanism continue to inspire generations. The chairman said the ajrak, Sindhi topi, poetry, and music are not merely cultural symbols but “the living…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU) Khairpur, in collaboration with the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) Islamabad, hosted a stakeholder consultation titled “Building Bridges: A Stakeholder Consultation on Tolerance and Inclusivity” on Saturday. The event sought to address Pakistan’s declining state of religious freedom and foster actionable strategies for social harmony. Moderated by PIPS Director Amir Rana, the gathering brought together academics, legal experts, civil society representatives, and peace activists. In his concluding remarks, SALU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Yousuf Khushk emphasised the constructive role of religion in human development. He argued that contemporary conflicts often…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: A mother and her newborn died following alleged medical negligence at the gynecology ward of Civil Hospital Thatta, prompting protests from the family and raising fresh concerns over patient safety. Sughran Khatoon, a resident of Zangi Khan Khaskheli village, was brought to the hospital last Saturday for delivery. According to her family, she underwent surgery during which her intestine was accidentally cut—a mistake the relatives said the hospital attempted to conceal. Her husband, Muhammad Urs Khaskheli, and relative Ludho Khaskheli told reporters that doctors initially claimed Sughran’s abdomen was filled with fluid and attributed her condition…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: Newly elected Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, visited Garhi Khuda Baksh Bhutto on Saturday to lay floral wreaths at the graves of Qaida-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Mohtarma Begum Nusrat Bhutto, and other deceased members of the Bhutto family. PPP leaders joined the ceremony and offered Fateha for the forgiveness, eternal peace, and elevation of the departed. During his visit, Rathore credited President Asif Ali Zardari for the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) success in Azad Kashmir, noting that the party’s political presence had strengthened significantly in recent years.…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: The Sindh High Court issued a bailable arrest warrant for the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan in a case challenging the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of Aror University, ordering him to appear before the court on 16 December. A two-member constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court Sukkur Bench, comprising Justice Zulfiqar Ali Sangi and Justice Abdul Hamid Bhurgri, heard the petition filed by Hasnain Ahmed Siddiqui, who questioned the appointment of Zahid Hussain Khand as Vice Chancellor of Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage in Sukkur. During the…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: Social organization Sahil has released alarming statistics on violence against women in Pakistan, highlighting a significant rise in reported cases over the past year. Barkat Ali Ansari, Provincial Coordinator, said that in 2024, 5,253 cases of violence against women were reported nationwide. This year, 6,543 cases have been recorded, representing a 25 percent increase compared with last year. He noted that 1,414 women were murdered, often in the context of multiple charges including “Karo Kari,” while 585 women were sexually assaulted. The highest number of incidents occurred in Punjab, accounting for 78 percent of cases, followed…