Author: Aziz Khatri

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…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: On the directives of SSP Keamari Amjad Ahmed Sheikh, Keamari police continued an ongoing crackdown against criminal elements in the district. In this context, Mochko police successfully thwarted the transportation of narcotics into the city and, a few days ago, recovered more than 20 kilograms of charas worth millions of rupees. In recognition of this performance, SSP Keamari awarded CC-III commendation certificates and cash rewards to SHO Mochko Inspector Faisal Latif, Mochko checkpost in-charge Sub-Inspector Jahangir Musa, along with other police officers and personnel involved in the operation. According to the spokesperson for the SSP District…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Spencer Eye Hospital, one of Karachi’s best-known eye care centres, was closed for renovation until 31 March 2026, with authorities saying the work was aimed at upgrading facilities and improving patient care. Officials said the hospital building, operation theatres, wards and outpatient department were being refurbished to meet modern medical standards. The upgrades were intended to provide a safer, more comfortable environment and improve the quality of treatment once services resumed. According to the senior director of medical and health services, the renovation would allow the hospital to offer eye care in line with international standards.…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, inaugurated the sixth annual Marigold Flower Show at Bagh-e-Jinnah, Frere Hall, on Thursday, saying the city administration was taking practical steps to make Karachi greener and more beautiful. Speaking to journalists, Wahab said more than 100,000 flowers and plants were on display at the three-day exhibition, including around 112,000 marigolds grown at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s nursery. He said parks across the city were being upgraded with modern facilities and described public awareness about the importance of plants and trees as the main goal of the show. The mayor invited…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Pakistan’s first fully AI-powered feature film, The Next Salahuddin, drew large audiences across the country following its nationwide release, with cinemas reporting packed shows and an enthusiastic public response. The film received widespread praise from viewers across all age groups, including children, families, young people and senior citizens, who lauded its strong message, emotional storytelling and AI-driven visuals. Social media platforms were filled with positive reactions and audience appreciation as word of mouth continued to build. Conceptualised by Ustadh Asim Ismail and written and created by Farhan Siddiqui, the film marked a milestone for Pakistani cinema…