Author: Aziz Khatri

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Aga Khan University has partnered with the federal ministry of national heritage and culture to undertake a major upgrade of the National Museum of Pakistan, in a move officials described as a significant step towards preserving and re-presenting the country’s cultural legacy. The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding at AKU’s Karachi campus, during a ceremony attended by senior representatives from the university, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and other partner institutions. Speaking at the event, the federal minister for national heritage and culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, said Pakistan’s cultural…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has strongly rejected what it describes as misleading and baseless speculation regarding the rescue of vehicles from the rooftop and surrounding areas of Gul Plaza, insisting that the entire operation was carried out exclusively by civic authorities and not by any private individuals or groups. In a detailed clarification issued on Tuesday, the KMC said claims circulating in sections of the public domain — suggesting that private parties were responsible for rescuing vehicles — were “entirely false, factually incorrect, and designed to create confusion”. The civic body maintained that the rescue…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: In a major move to boost municipal efficiency, Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has inducted a new fleet of heavy vehicles into the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). The initiative aims to improve the mobility and effectiveness of essential municipal services, while promoting the independent use of KMC’s own resources. The procurement was financed through proceeds from the auction of obsolete vehicles. A total of Rs 110 million was allocated to purchase heavy-duty vehicles, including mount trucks from FAW Automobile Industries. A handover ceremony at the KMC Head Office saw Mayor Wahab formally deliver the vehicles…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Karachi mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a major infrastructure rehabilitation project stretching from Hub River Road to Tori Bangash Road in Ittehad Town, as part of development schemes valued at more than Rs850 million. The project aims to promote urban development, improve transport facilities, resolve long-standing drainage problems and integrate informal settlements into a framework of sustainable development. The ceremony was attended by Member of the Provincial Assembly Liaquat Askani, parliamentary leader in the KMC City Council Karamullah Waqasi, deputy parliamentary leader Dil Muhammad, Union Council chairman Arif Tanoli, other…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad announced that cooperation between the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will be further strengthened to ensure more effective implementation of federal welfare programs in the city. He said the partnership will play a key role in addressing public issues, with KMC committed to providing full support. Chairperson BISP, Senator Rubina Khalid, visited the BISP office at the KMC headquarters, where she was warmly received by Deputy Mayor Murad. During the visit, she reviewed ongoing welfare initiatives and the functioning of the BISP office established…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Barrister Murtaza Wahab, expressed full solidarity with the people of Kashmir on the occasion of Kashmir Right to Self-Determination Day. Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Wahab emphasized that the Kashmiri people must be granted their right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions. He noted that the UN resolution of 5 January 1949 continues to challenge the conscience of the international community, while the people of Kashmir have endured decades of struggle to achieve their fundamental rights. The mayor reiterated that Pakistan firmly supports the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and urged the international community,…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Barrister Murtaza Wahab, paid tribute to Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on his birth anniversary, lauding his enduring impact on Pakistan’s political and democratic landscape. Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Wahab said that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto continues to live in the hearts of the people, and his name will forever be etched in golden letters in Pakistan’s history. He highlighted Bhutto’s role in giving Pakistan the 1973 consensus Constitution, which laid a strong democratic foundation for the country. The mayor added that Bhutto endowed Pakistan with a constitutional identity, national dignity, and political awareness, and…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Police in Karachi’s District South apprehended three men following an armed confrontation near Phase 7 Extension, close to Shaukat Khanum Hospital, authorities reported. The incident occurred during routine patrolling when officers signalled the individuals to stop, prompting them to open fire on the police team. Quick and decisive action by the Defence Police led to the suspects’ arrest without injury. The men have been identified as Danish, son of Sohail Ahmed; Nihal, alias Sonu, son of Shafee; and Sohail, alias Sohailah, son of Derek. Police recovered a Suzuki 110 motorcycle, two 9mm pistols with live rounds,…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: A historic initiative aimed at empowering women in Orangi Town was officially launched on Monday, with Federal Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Khail Das Kohistani, as the chief guest. The project, titled She Rides, is organised under the FMG Empowerment Hub to provide women and students in Orangi Town with professional motorcycle training and greater mobility. The program aims to create empowered women and a stronger Pakistan by offering practical training in motorcycle handling, traffic rules, road safety, responsible driving and emergency response. The initiative received full support from the Commissioner Karachi,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah praised the role of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in making education accessible to all while addressing the 2025 convocation of the university’s Sindh chapter at Bahria Auditorium, Karsaz, Karachi, on 4 January 2026. Speaking as the chief guest, Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to education, calling it the cornerstone of a balanced society and a strong state. Addressing a large gathering of graduates, faculty, and parents, he said the convocation was not merely a ceremony for awarding degrees but a celebration of perseverance, hard work, and hope. The…