Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the vital role of continuous dialogue and diplomatic engagement in fostering peace, stability, and development across the region during a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday.The leaders discussed the evolving regional landscape, exchanging candid views on shared challenges and opportunities that affect their neighboring countries. Highlighting the long-standing and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Iran, which are deeply rooted in a shared history, cultural affinities, and religious traditions, both leaders underlined their determination to sustain regular high-level consultations.They agreed that such structured diplomatic channels were essential for…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The grand finale of the annual inter-school declamation contest was held at the historic Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, drawing enthusiastic participation from schools across Karachi. The event, organised by the Board of Management, Jinnah Society, and KCFR, saw 34 schools compete over two days, with ten schools reaching the finale after a rigorous elimination process. The finalists included The City Intermediate College, DHACSS Phase-VIII, The Mama Parsi School, Habib Girls School, Aga Khan School Morning, Graceful Grammar Higher Secondary School Campus 1, New-Day School, Ida Rieu Blind & Deaf School, BVS Parsi School, and Al-Murtaza School. The…

By our correspondent THARPARKAR: The PPP Digital Media team from Tharparkar had the honour of meeting Senator Nadeem Bhutto, Head of PPP Digital Media, to express gratitude for his continued trust and guidance. During the meeting, Senator Bhutto shared an inspiring vision for strengthening the party’s digital presence and emphasized the crucial role of youth in using digital platforms responsibly to positively impact communities.The team members felt motivated by his insights and guidance, reaffirming their commitment to promote the party’s message and engage effectively with the people of Tharparkar through digital tools. The session underscored the importance of grassroots efforts…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Karachi Press Club’s Literary Committee hosted the launch of British-based senior poet and fiction writer Najma Usman’s two new books, “Khat Likhenge Garche…” and “Whispers of a Broken Branch”, on Tuesday. The event was presided over by Professor Sehr Anisari, with special guests including Dr. Shadat Ehsani, Dr. Fatima Hasan, Dr. Rukhsana Saba, and distinguished speakers Sohail Ahmed, Naseem Anjum, Anjum Mughal, Anjum Usman, Tasneem Hasan, and Kamran Mughal.Professor Sehr Anisari, in her opening remarks, praised Najma Usman’s command over Urdu, highlighting her contributions to poetry, fiction, novels, and children’s literature. She noted that the…

By our correspondent CHAKWAL: The ambitious “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing scheme, launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has run into serious challenges as skyrocketing prices of cement, bricks, sand, gravel, steel, and other construction materials have left many borrowers struggling to complete their homes.Under the scheme, hundreds of homeless residents across Punjab, including Chakwal, received interest-free loans of PKR 15 lakh to build their houses. Despite spending the funds diligently, many borrowers have been unable to complete construction due to soaring material costs, with brick prices reaching PKR 18,000 per thousand, and sand, gravel, steel, and other essentials…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The University of Karachi’s Department of Food Science and Technology, in collaboration with Nutrition International, held a training session aimed at reducing industrial trans fatty acids in edible oils and vanaspati ghee, highlighting the rising rates of heart disease and diabetes in Pakistan.Sindh Food Secretary Ghulam Abbas Naich stressed the need for Pakistan to align with global standards by limiting industrial trans fats to two percent. He emphasized collaboration between government, research institutions, and industry, noting that enforcement alone is ineffective without joint action to ensure access to nutritious food.KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Vice-Chairman of Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H), Shaukatullah Farooqi, has strongly condemned the Sindh government’s report on the Gul Plaza fire, calling it an attempt to hide facts and protect the real culprits.Farooqi described the report as a paper exercise aimed at making poor shopkeepers scapegoats while covering up institutional corruption and negligence. He emphasized that the tragedy was not an accident but a case of “collective murder,” resulting from governmental incompetence, corruption, and systemic failure.The MQM-H leader said the report deceives the affected families and fails to deliver justice, highlighting the criminal negligence of the…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam, has said that Pakistan is actively working to promote dialogue between US and Iran and is keen to prevent any military or coercive action, as tensions continue to simmer in the region.Speaking at a media briefing in Islamabad, the ambassador said there was sustained high-level contact between Iran and Pakistan. He praised Islamabad’s role, saying Pakistan had played a sincere and constructive part in efforts to de-escalate tensions. Iran, he added, had appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement, warning that any further escalation could cause serious harm to the wider…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: An internal investigation has revealed that employees of Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) were involved in the theft of gas pipes, resulting in losses exceeding PKR 410 million. The disclosure came during a meeting of the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Pakistan Peoples Party MNA Syed Naveed Qamar. Audit officials reported that pipes worth over PKR 410 million were stolen from the SNGPL store in Manga Mandi. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated 41 separate inquiries into the thefts. According to the audit briefing, the stolen material was transported in trucks directly…

By our correspondent RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Barrister Gohar has firmly ruled out negotiations with individuals or groups responsible for attacks on the party. Speaking to the media in Rawalpindi, he said that compromise or leniency on matters of terrorism is unacceptable, warning that internal conflicts could allow extremists to gain the upper hand. “Those who are attacking us are not parties we will negotiate with. In our internal struggle, the terrorists will emerge victorious if we show weakness,” he said. Gohar stressed that the protection of citizens’ lives and property is the shared responsibility of both federal and…