Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: Shaukat Ullah Farooqi, Vice Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan), has warned that street crime in Karachi has spiralled out of control, leaving citizens in fear for their lives and property. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of the trader community at Afaaq Ahmed’s residence, Farooqi said that no area of the city is safe, with incidents of mobile phone snatching, motorcycle and car theft, armed robberies, cash snatching, and shootings during resistance becoming commonplace. He highlighted that crimes occur across the city, from narrow lanes to main thoroughfares, including commercial areas, residential colonies,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Karachi, hosted a special screening of the short film Screen Locked, shedding light on the growing crisis of screen addiction and promoting the importance of balance in an increasingly digital world. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Khalid Hasan Khan, the film features acclaimed actors Alyy Khan and Atabik Mohsin, and explores the psychological and social costs of constant connectivity. At its core, Screen Locked warns against digital narcissism—the obsessive pursuit of online validation—and advocates for mindful engagement with life, relationships, and personal wellbeing. The event was led by NIPA Director…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The University of Karachi’s Department of Public Administration hosted the inaugural session of its intellectual program “Hum Nashist,” organized by the Wisdom Therapy Center. The initiative aims to pass on local wisdom, practical experiences, and life-learned insights to the younger generation through dialogue rather than formal lectures. The program encouraged participants to reflect on personal growth, accountability, and the pursuit of purpose in life. Chief guest Professor Dr Syed Shabib Ul Hasan, former Vice Chancellor of Hamdard University and acting chairperson of KU’s Department of Public Administration, stressed the importance of self-awareness and perseverance. He noted…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The University of Karachi will hold its annual celebration, Yom-e-Jamia, on Thursday, 1 January 2026, to express deep attachment, love, and respect for the institution. All faculty members, administrative staff, and students have been invited to assemble at the Silver Jubilee Gate at 8:30 am to participate in the ceremonial procession, during which security personnel will recite the Quran as they enter the university premises. The event will be attended by Vice Chancellor Sheikh-ul-Jamia Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, deans of faculties, former vice chancellors, members of the university syndicate and senate, as well as Ejaz…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) vice president Sherry Rehman has warned that water is a “red line” for Pakistan and that any unilateral action by India will face severe consequences. Rehman’s remarks came in response to India’s proposed Dulhasti Stage Two hydropower project on the Chenab River, which she described as a “clear violation” of the Indus Waters Treaty. She said the project directly threatens Pakistan’s internationally recognized water rights and called any unilateral suspension of the treaty “contrary to international law”. “The Indus Waters Treaty is not subject to the discretion of a single country,” Rehman…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Wisdom Therapy Center at the Department of Public Administration, University of Karachi, hosted the inaugural session of its new intellectual program, “Hum Nashist,” aimed at transmitting local wisdom and life experiences to the younger generation. Unlike formal lectures, “Hum Nashist” focused on thoughtful dialogue, personal observations, and lived experiences, providing participants with an opportunity for self-reflection and meaningful discussion. The chief guest, former Vice Chancellor of Hamdard University and acting chairperson of KU’s Department of Public Administration, Professor Dr Syed Shabib Ul Hasan, highlighted the importance of self-awareness and life purpose, stressing that success is…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi has announced an ambitious public outreach campaign scheduled to launch in January 2026, aiming to enroll one million new members across the city. The announcement was made during the party’s annual one-day “Ijtema-e-Arkaan” (Members’ Convention) held at Idara Noor-e-Haq, where JI Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar outlined plans for extensive community engagement. Monem Zafar said the campaign would involve the establishment of thousands of public and neighbourhood-level committees tasked with addressing local issues, providing relief to citizens, and engaging youth in social reform initiatives. “These committees will actively address local concerns, provide support to…

By our correspondent QUETTA: Customs authorities in Quetta seized a substantial cache of smuggled goods worth an estimated PKR 317 million, officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced on Monday, underlining the government’s continued efforts to clamp down on illegal trade. The FBR said the Customs Enforcement team in Quetta had intercepted 508 cartons of contraband cigarettes from various brands, with an estimated market value of PKR 200 million. In separate operations, the authorities also confiscated a significant number of smuggled mobile phones along with 13 vehicles that had not paid the requisite duties, together valued at around…

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 PANJGUR: Security forces in Balochistan successfully neutralized four militants during an operation in the Panjgur district on Sunday, as authorities intensified efforts to curb extremist activity in the province. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operation followed actionable intelligence pointing to the presence of militants in the area, with the targeted location described as a hideout belonging to “khawarij,” a term used by the military for outlawed extremist elements. According to the ISPR statement, the hideout was struck decisively, resulting in the deaths of four militants. Authorities recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosive material from the site.…