Author: Aziz Khatri

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Karachi Mayor and spokesperson for Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has criticised Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) statements, saying fear of defeat in Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections had led to political frustration. Reacting to remarks by Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Wahab said the postponement of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s public gathering was due only to security concerns, adding that public enthusiasm for the PPP remained stronger than before. He said if the rally had taken place, Mirpur in Azad Kashmir would have witnessed a historic public gathering similar to those…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi hosted an extended scholarly lecture by renowned religious scholar, researcher and literary figure Ayatullah Allama Syed Aqeel-ul-Gharavi on the theme “The Genre of Salam in Urdu Poetry: A Study in Creative Tradition and Critical Insight.” The event, held at Haseena Moin Hall, was attended by a large number of writers, poets, researchers, academics, students and literature enthusiasts. The proceedings were conducted by Syed Javed Hassan, while Arts Council President Mohammad Ahmed Shah welcomed the distinguished speaker. Addressing the gathering, Ayatullah Allama Syed Aqeel-ul-Gharavi said the literary tradition of Salam in…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Karachi has been placed under a rain emergency as authorities intensify efforts to manage waterlogging and prepare for further wet weather, Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said after reviewing the city’s post-rain situation. During a citywide inspection on Friday, the mayor assessed drainage operations, the performance of pumping machinery and field staff, and the progress of ongoing development projects. He directed officials to deploy all available resources to provide maximum relief to residents. Mr Wahab said the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had placed its Municipal Services and Engineering Department on high alert, with all available machinery mobilised…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari was briefed on ongoing efforts to improve civic facilities, municipal services and urban development in Karachi during a meeting with Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad. The Deputy Mayor briefed the president on development projects being carried out under the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), including infrastructure improvements, drainage systems and other initiatives aimed at enhancing city services. Salman Abdullah Murad also updated President Zardari on the progress of various projects designed to support Karachi’s development and provide better municipal facilities to residents. During the meeting, President Zardari congratulated the Deputy Mayor on…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The School of Visual & Performing Arts (SOVAPA) of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has presented the fifth production of its Alumni Series, the acclaimed Urdu classical drama Naql-e-Makani, receiving widespread appreciation from audiences for its powerful storytelling and outstanding performances. Staged at Studio II, the play was written by legendary fiction writer Rajinder Singh Bedi and directed by Farhan Ahsan, with Aayan Aamir serving as assistant director. The lead roles were performed by Alaiza Javed as Azra and Adil Shakir as Nafees, while the supporting cast included Hamza Ranjha as Saiyaan Sharabi, Sheriyar Anwar…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi (District Central) has awarded certificates to 50 students who successfully completed Information Technology (IT) and English language courses during a ceremony held in Karachi. Deputy Commissioner Central Taha Saleem attended the event as the chief guest and presented certificates to the graduates, congratulating them on their achievements and recognising their commitment to developing new skills. The ceremony was also attended by the Arts Council’s Administrative Director, Shakeel Khan, along with literary figures, social activists and students. Addressing the gathering, Taha Saleem said initiatives that provide educational and technical training play…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Speakers at a youth-focused event in Karachi stressed that investing in young people is essential to building a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan, calling for greater emphasis on education, skills development and equal opportunities. The event, organized by the Hope and Justice Council Pakistan under the theme “Invest in Youth for a Better Tomorrow”, brought together social workers, religious leaders, educators and young participants. Addressing the gathering, speakers described young people as the country’s greatest asset and said investment in education, character building, vocational skills, self-confidence and positive thinking would help secure Pakistan’s long-term development. They…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The Karachi Bar Association has approved new official rates for photocopy services at all shops operating within the City Courts complex, warning that businesses charging above the prescribed prices could face disciplinary action, including cancellation of their licences. According to an official notice signed by Treasurer Kashif Nazeer Baloch and Acting General Secretary Riaz Ahmed Korai, the revised rates set the price of a standard black-and-white photocopy at Rs4 per page, while WhatsApp printouts will cost Rs10 per page and colour photocopies will be charged at Rs15 per page. The association directed all photocopy shop owners…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has launched an extensive programme to upgrade emergency response infrastructure across the city, including improvements to facilities dealing with beach emergencies and fire and rescue operations. Acting on the directives of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, KMC has floated tenders worth Rs100 million for the rehabilitation, expansion and establishment of key fire and rescue facilities. The initiative aims to improve Karachi’s emergency response capacity, particularly during the ongoing beach season when thousands of citizens visit the city’s coastal areas. As part of the project, KMC will upgrade its Emergency Response Centre…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi, in collaboration with the Tokyo Foundation, has donated 164 books to Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) under the READ JAPAN Project, an initiative aimed at promoting greater understanding of Japan through academic and cultural exchange. The book handover ceremony was held at MUET on Wednesday, where Acting Consul General of Japan in Karachi, Tamura Takahiro, officially presented the collection on behalf of the Tokyo Foundation. The donated books cover a broad range of subjects related to Japan, including its history, culture, politics, economy, society and international relations. Speaking…