Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh’s senior minister Sharjeel Memon has criticised MQM leaders Khalid Maqbool and Mustafa Kamal, describing their recent press conference as a clear indication of their lack of knowledge and unfamiliarity with the Constitution. In a statement, Memon said it was regrettable that the two leaders had not seriously studied the law and the Constitution; had they done so, they would have refrained from making such irresponsible remarks. He questioned whether statements of this nature from federal ministers reflected the policy of the federal government, urging it to clarify why two federal ministers were allegedly engaged in…

By our correspondent LAHORE: Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, urged the international community to take urgent notice of the escalating crisis in Gaza, calling for the matter to be raised at the United Nations. Addressing journalists at the party’s headquarters in Mansoorah, Rehman condemned what he described as repeated violations of ceasefire agreements by Israel, highlighting the lack of substantial international dialogue or action. He criticized global appeals for peace as selective, pointing out that while attention is often drawn to Gaza, the plight of Palestinians in the West Bank frequently goes unacknowledged. Rehman also questioned…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Students from the BS Artificial Intelligence and B.E Tech Robotics & Artificial Intelligence programs undertook a study tour to “Geeks of Kolachi” in Karachi on 17 February 2026, gaining first-hand exposure to a professional software development environment. The visit offered a rare opportunity for emerging technologists to observe the inner workings of a leading tech hub and to interact directly with industry experts on the cutting edge of Artificial Intelligence (AI). During the tour, the students were introduced to the practical applications of AI and robotics in real-world scenarios, from automated systems to intelligent data analysis.…

By Our Correspondent KARACHI: Renowned poet, writer, and professor Sahar Ansari has described Zeb Azkar Hussain’s experimental novel “Bandobast” as a meaningful addition to Urdu fiction. Speaking at the book launch organised by the Dr Jamal Jalibi Research Library, Ansari said the novel represents a significant development in Urdu literature, offering a mature expression that uniquely combines prose and poetry—a technique not seen before in Urdu fiction. Guest of honour Najma Usman praised the characters in the novel, describing them as symbolic and metaphorical, and noted that such an extensive experimental approach had not previously been undertaken in Urdu literature.…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON: The United States and Pakistan have formally agreed to cooperate on the restoration and future management of the century-old Roosevelt Hotel, a property owned by the Pakistani government in New York. In a statement on Thursday, Pakistan’s finance ministry said the two countries had launched a series of “strategic economic initiatives” that include collaboration on the hotel’s operations, maintenance, and renovation. As part of the arrangement, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Pakistan and the US General Services Administration, the federal agency responsible for managing government property and procurement. The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Kachhi Kumhar Khidmat-e-Khalq Welfare Association conducted a large-scale ration distribution drive during the holy month of Ramazan, delivering essential food supplies to hundreds of underprivileged families. The initiative sought to assist low-income, deserving, and white-collar households struggling to make ends meet, ensuring they could observe the month with dignity and peace of mind. Officials from the association said that the ration packages, which included flour, rice, pulses, cooking oil, sugar, and other daily necessities, were distributed directly to recipients’ homes. Care was taken to maintain beneficiaries’ self-respect and convenience, reflecting the organization’s focus on humanized…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The chairman of MQM-Pakistan, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, presided over a meeting of party officials at the Bahadurabad center on Friday, calling on leaders to take special measures to support vulnerable communities during the holy month of Ramazan. The session focused on ensuring financial assistance reached the families of martyrs, prisoners, and underprivileged citizens, reflecting the party’s commitment to humanitarian outreach. Addressing attendees, Dr Siddiqui underscored that all organizational activities during Ramazan should prioritize charitable work and community service, linking acts of worship with practical support for those in need. He stressed that the month presented…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Citizens of Karachi are being urged to boycott fruits, vegetables, and meat sold at inflated prices during the first week of Ramadan as part of a grassroots awareness initiative aimed at controlling profiteering in the city. The campaign encourages residents to avoid purchasing overpriced items, with the expectation that local sellers will adjust rates when demand drops. Participants are also advised to document instances of overpricing through photos or videos and share them widely on social media to raise public awareness and hold sellers accountable. Advocates of the campaign describe this effort as a form of…

By Rai Tajammal bhatti FAISALABAD: In line with the directives of Suhail Akhtar Sukhera, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Faisalabad, a comprehensive security plan has been finalized for the holy month of Ramazan across the Faisalabad region. The plan will see more than 2,000 police officers and personnel deployed across the city. A total of 1,487 officers have been assigned to 1,331 mosques, while 191 personnel will provide security at 101 imambargahs. For public convenience, arrangements have also been made at six Ramadan Sahulat Bazaars, where 45 officers will be on duty. Another 272 personnel will oversee 109 Ramadan Dastarkhwans set…

By our correspondent KARACH: In a message that resonated with both cultural warmth and diplomatic courtesy, the Consul General of Indonesia, Mudzakir, extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Karachi on the occasion of the holy month of Ramazan. Addressing the citizens in a note that underscored the spiritual and humanitarian significance of the month, he described Ramazan as a period of reflection, patience, and a reaffirmation of human values. He emphasized that the month provided an opportunity not only for individual introspection but also for reinforcing bonds of friendship and understanding across nations. Mudzakir portrayed Ramazan as a…