Author: Aziz Khatri

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: A ceremony was held in the city to honour presidential award recipient and former adviser to the Japanese consul general, Muhammad Azmat Ataka, in recognition of his services to cultural ties between Pakistan and Japan. The event was organised by Halqa-e-Fikr-o-Nazar in collaboration with the Pakistan America Cultural Centre (PACC), with former federal minister for law and human rights Shahida Jamil attending as chief guest. The programme opened with a recitation from the Qur’an by Assistant Commissioner (West) Imran-ul-Haq, followed by a naat presented by Prof Dr Sajida Parveen and Almas Nayab. In her welcome address,…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: An assistant commissioner escaped unhurt after a petrol bomb was hurled at him during an anti-encroachment operation in Lea Market, officials said on Saturday. Assistant Commissioner Hazim Bangwar said the attack took place while officials were carrying out action against illegal structures in the area. The explosive landed near a shop and triggered a fire, but he remained safe. He said three suspects had been taken into custody in connection with the incident. The blaze that erupted in the shop was brought under control on the spot through immediate efforts. Despite the attack, the operation against…

By Aziz Khatri KARACH: A new citizen-led initiative, Hamaara Karachi, was formally announced on Wednesday, signaling a fresh effort to address the city’s persistent civic challenges in the aftermath of the Gul Plaza tragedy. Described as a not-for-profit, non-political, and zero-funding movement, Hamaara Karachi seeks to improve the daily lives of residents by fostering collaboration, offering assistance in kind, providing expert guidance, and mobilizing volunteers across the city. In a press statement, a representative of the movement said the initiative was grounded in the principles of community spirit, civic responsibility, and collective problem-solving. “We are harnessing the strength of collaboration…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Under the leadership of Mehboob Hussain, Pakistan Railways Scouts Karachi District, along with Shaheen Scouts, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and Rover Scouts, undertook a spectacular Thar Desert Safari Train (STDC) journey on 14–15 February. The expedition began with a visit to the Army Resort at Parch Jury, where participants experienced traditional folk songs, camel rides, and displays of cultural attire. The group then travelled from Marvi Station to Zero Point, where Rangers shared detailed insights about the border region. Inside the train, folk music performances added to the excitement, creating a vibrant and immersive experience. Organisers…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Thirteen-year-old Syed Shamrez Abbas made a remarkable entry into Pakistan’s literary scene with the launch of his debut science fiction novel, A World Reborn, at Frere Hall Library on Sunday. The event drew an enthusiastic audience of family members, educators, and community supporters, all eager to celebrate the young author’s achievement. An O-Level student, Shamrez described his novel as a futuristic saga set on a devastated Earth, where global powers clash over the Oregon Core, a mystical sphere with the power to restore the planet. The story explores themes of survival, unity, hope, and selfless sacrifice,…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The mayor of Karachi, Murtaza Wahab, inaugurated a family park in Ibrahim Hyderi on Saturday and laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of Mehrunisa Hospital Road linking the area to Korangi. Speaking to reporters, Wahab said the neighborhood had once been barren but now had a bus terminal and public park to improve transport and recreation. He added that work on Korangi Causeway Road and the construction of Shahrah-e-Bhutto formed part of the same development drive, which had reached Quaidabad and was expected to extend towards Kathore in the coming months. The road would be…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: A Faith and Future Summit organised by Al-Kawthar University was held at a hotel in Karachi, drawing scholars, policymakers and students from Pakistan and abroad. The chief guest, Sindh education minister Syed Sardar Shah, was welcomed by the university’s vice-chancellor, Dr Athar Mehboob, and SISL president Ustad Asim Ismail. A large number of national and international academics and experts attended the gathering. Addressing the audience, Shah described the enrolment of 1,000 students within a year as a notable achievement. He said institutions that combined ideological foundations with modern technology reflected the needs of the future, adding…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, hosted an evening with the renowned poet Dr Sarwat Zehra at the Josh Malihabadi Library, bringing together leading literary and social figures from across the city. The session was moderated by poet Ambareen Haseeb Ambar and attended by the Arts Council president, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, along with Fatima Hassan, Shahid Rasam and others. During the discussion, Dr Zehra reflected on her literary journey, saying she grew up in a home where 19th-century literature was deeply valued. Guidance from her teachers and siblings, alongside her father’s love for literary gatherings and…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI:: Indonesia’s Consul General in Karachi, Mdzakir, said climate change was not merely an environmental issue but a shared global challenge closely linked to development, the economy and social stability. He was speaking as chief guest at the second International Symposium on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability held at Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology (QUEST), Nawabshah. The consul general said Pakistan was facing serious challenges including floods, extreme heat, water scarcity and agricultural losses, while Indonesia was also being affected by rising sea levels and unusual weather patterns, making joint and urgent action unavoidable. Highlighting…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: A walk to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day was organised on February 5 from the Deputy Commissioner West Office under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner West Ali Zulfiqar Memon. Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner said the Pakistani nation was observing the day as a black day in unity against Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir and was protesting collectively against the oppression being carried out by India. He said the bond between Pakistanis and Kashmiris was multi-dimensional and went beyond religion, culture and humanity, describing it as a bond of shared human blood. He said Pakistan…