Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s recent recognition of the self-declared Somaliland, describing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. A Foreign Office spokesperson said Islamabad “rejects any attempt to undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity” and criticized the recognition as “illegal and provocative,” in clear contravention of international law. The spokesperson added that such actions jeopardize peace and stability not only in Somalia but across the broader region. Pakistan called on the international community to reject measures that undermine Somali unity and reiterated its full support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at easing Pakistan’s mounting financial pressures, the government announced that the United Arab Emirates would acquire shares in the Fauji Foundation, part of a broader effort to support the country’s $1 billion repayment obligations. Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar confirmed that, alongside the share purchase, a rollover of $2 billion in debt had been assured, providing Islamabad with critical breathing space amid ongoing economic challenges. The developments followed the UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official and private visit to Pakistan on 26 December, which combined formal diplomatic engagements…

By our correspondent KARACHI: In the annual elections for the Karachi Press Club, the Democrats panel once again secured a clean sweep, winning all available positions. Voting took place yesterday, with a large number of journalists casting their ballots. Polling began at 9:00 a.m. and continued without interruption until 5:30 p.m. The contest featured four groups: the Democrats, the Demo-Creat, the Green Panel, and independent candidates. Out of 1,369 registered members eligible to vote, 1,011 participated. Dr Tauseef Ahmed Khan, head of the election committee, announced the results at the Karachi Press Club. The Democrats panel achieved victory for the…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) held a certificate distribution ceremony today for 140 students who completed its week-long, 30-hour Winter Volunteer Program. The initiative, part of SIUT’s biannual student engagement efforts, aims to cultivate community service, empathy, and social responsibility among students at matriculation, intermediate, and O/A Level. During the program, participants attended interactive lectures covering topics such as kidney function, dialysis, organ donation, robotic surgery, urology, liver and heart diseases, infection control, patient safety, and ethical practices in healthcare. Students also explored SIUT’s various departments, including transplant services, dialysis units, robotic surgery,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast the first winter rainfall of the season for Karachi, signaling a shift in the city’s weather after the recent dry spell. Officials said that a western disturbance was expected to influence the region between Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing with it a chance of showers and a notable drop in temperatures. According to the PMD, the system would initially affect northern areas from 28 December, with rainfall likely in Balochistan and neighboring regions the following day. Karachi was then expected to experience possible showers on 30 December, as the weather system…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh province has achieved near‑complete household coverage in its latest polio vaccination campaign, marking a major step forward in efforts to protect children from the virus. Officials reported that more than 10.5 million children were vaccinated during the drive, combining house‑to‑house visits with transit point vaccination at markets, transport hubs, and other public spaces. Of those vaccinated, roughly 8.9 million children were reached directly at home, while around 459,000 were immunized at transit points, ensuring that mobile and travelling populations were included. Despite the high coverage, 32,947 households initially refused the vaccine. Health teams engaged these…

By our correspondent DHAKA: Bangladesh police have identified Faisal Karim Masud as the central suspect in the killing of student leader Osman Hadi, following preliminary investigations that uncovered “solid evidence,” authorities said. According to a police statement, Masud has been named as the shooter, while Alamgir Sheikh has been named as an accomplice. A court has cancelled Masud’s passport and barred him from leaving the country, instructing border security and all airports to prevent any illegal exit. The police said Masud has not yet been apprehended, but investigation teams are working around the clock to capture him. Authorities have also…

By Mehrab Shah Afridi ISLAMABAD: United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on Friday for an official visit, where authorities prepared to extend a grand welcome. The visit was expected to feature detailed discussions between the leaders of both countries on a range of issues, including bilateral relations, regional security, and defence cooperation. Officials indicated that the talks would also focus on expanding economic, trade, and investment ties, reflecting a shared interest in strengthening strategic and commercial partnerships. Preparations for the visit were reported to have been completed in advance, with…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Ali Khursheedi, opposition leader of the Sindh Assembly from MQM-P, along with other principled lawmakers, successfully secured a reduction in heavy fines under the city’s e-challan system following a key standing committee meeting chaired by the Sindh Home Minister. Addressing the committee, Khursheedi described the high fines imposed on citizens, particularly motorcyclists, as unjust, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by Karachi’s commuters. “We support traffic law enforcement, but when roads are broken, signals are inactive, and lane markings are absent, imposing hefty fines on citizens is unfair,” he said. He questioned how residents could be expected…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The University of Karachi (KU) has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with eight towns administered by Jamaat-e-Islami to enhance transport facilities for students. The ceremony took place at the KU Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat on Wednesday. Under the agreement, each participating town will repair, restore, and hand over one KU point bus in fully operational condition, ensuring safer and more reliable travel for students. Officials from Gulberg, North Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Model Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, New Karachi, and Jinnah East towns were present to sign the MoU alongside KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi. The…