Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy has approved revisions to the country’s net metering policy for solar users, introducing a new net billing system that officials say will standardize rates and streamline operations. Sources at the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) said the updated policy was formulated after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including distribution companies and solar energy producers, over several months. Under the new system, each unit of solar energy produced will be valued at Rs11, replacing previous surcharges with a fixed per-unit exchange rate. The policy also sets the duration of solar agreements with consumers…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) marked 78 years of humanitarian service with a conference at the Institute of Business Administration’s Jehangir Siddiqui Auditorium in Karachi on Sunday. Governor Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, attended as chief guest and praised PRCS for its decades-long commitment to relief work. He highlighted the organization’s crucial role during disasters, including floods, heavy rainfall and earthquakes. The Governor pledged full support to help PRCS tackle financial challenges and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening humanitarian initiatives. Chairman of PRCS Sindh Chapter, Rehan Hashmi, noted that the organization has successfully engaged…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) has warned that Sindhi separatist groups are actively trying to destabilize urban peace, describing recent incidents as dangerous and potentially explosive. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Mohajir youth at the residence of party leader Afaq Ahmed, MQM-Hcentral leader Sadiq Idris said that anti-Pakistan slogans, attacks on Mohajir youths and derogatory content circulating on social media were fueling tension in the city. He said such behavior amounted to “inflammatory material” that could seriously damage public order if not addressed urgently. Idris urged security agencies to intervene on an emergency basis…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan and federal minister for education and vocational training, visited the ongoing International Book Fair at the Expo Centre in Karachi. He spoke to the media about the country’s educational crisis. Dr Siddiqui described Pakistan as facing a severe educational emergency. He said more than 25 million children are out of school. He called the situation a national tragedy that can no longer be ignored. He urged the immediate implementation of a nationwide educational emergency. He stressed that young people must be guided away from the…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Bahria University Karachi, under the guidance of environmental expert Dr. Sadaf Faryal Shah, successfully hosted the inaugural Climate Matters Conference 1.0 at the Fatima Jinnah Auditorium. Organized by students of the Media Studies department, the conference focused on “The Green Paradox: Unveiling Harmful Environmental Practices of the Modern Era.” The event aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues and highlight the role of media in addressing them. It critically examined modern practices that appear eco-friendly but are, in reality, harmful to the environment. Participants and students engaged in meaningful discussions on environmental responsibility, sustainability, and consciousness.…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Senior Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah presented Barkat Siddiqui with the Best Director of the Year award at the 5th NLA 2025 for the drama serial Haq Mehar. The award recognized his creative vision behind a wide range of acclaimed projects, including Mujhe Khuda Ke Pyare Yaqeen Ka, Insha Allah, Qudrat, Jab Dil Mile, Pyaar Ka Pagal Pan, Mere Khuda, Mahasuri, Silsila Aaye Na, Ishaq Ibadat, Bebasi, Qarar, Mohabbat Tujhe Alvida, Haq Mehar and Maasoom. Beyond his artistic achievements, Siddiqui was widely known for nurturing talent and building strong professional teams. He provided meaningful opportunities…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Researchers at Aga Khan University (AKU) have reported encouraging early results from a simple, low-cost household water filter that is significantly reducing diarrheal diseases and improving nutritional outcomes among children under five in rural Sindh. The non-electric filter, costing only USD 5–8 per year, requires no fuel, electricity, or daily chemical dosing, making it suitable for resource-limited households. The study, conducted in flood-affected Jhangara, Jamshoro, recorded more than 98% adherence, with almost all participating families consistently using the filtered water. Over an eight-month period, the intervention led to notable improvements in child nutrition: a 20% reduction…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The National Labor Federation (NLF) leadership has demanded the immediate return of Zahid Hakro to his parent department, Education (SES), to safeguard the assets of the Workers’ Welfare Board (WWB) Sindh and protect laborers’ rights. Shakeel Sheikh, President NLF Sindh, and Khalid Khan, President NLF Karachi Division, stated that laborers are being deprived of their entitlements due to corrupt officials like Zahid Hakro, whose demotion was previously ordered by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Despite multiple cases registered against him with NAB and the Anti-Corruption Department, Hakro remains in a powerful position, with a specially created…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The ban on government advertisements in the media, particularly in Dawn newspaper, for several months was described as a matter of deep concern for hundreds of employees and their families. The All Pakistan Newspaper Employees Confederation said it stood with its colleagues during what it called a difficult time. These views were expressed at a meeting of the All Pakistan Newspaper Employees Confederation held at the Jang Union Office in Karachi under the chairmanship of its chairman, Shakeel Yamin Kanga. Officials of APNEC-affiliated trade unions from across Pakistan attended the meeting via Zoom. Participants strongly condemned…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Saigaon Welfare Association, in collaboration with Muhammad Welfare Trust (PIB), organized a free medical camp in Ibrahim Hyderi, providing healthcare services to over 1,500 patients. Attendees received free medical consultations as well as complimentary medicines worth approximately PKR 300,000. The camp featured expert doctors including Dr. Imran Ahmed, Dr. Farhat Hashmi, Dr. Abdul Atiim, and Dr. Attaullah Baloch. Female doctors Dr. Shamaila Ansari, Dr. Sehrish Iftikhar, and Dr. Nusrat Sultana also attended to patients. Administrative and logistical support was provided by Usama Farooq and Azhar. The UC Chairman actively supported the event, while supervision of the…