Author: Aziz Khatri

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: A consultative meeting with members of the transgender community was held in Karachi under the chairmanship of Sukhdev Hemnani, spokesperson for the Government of Sindh and member of the Sindh Human Rights Commission, with participation from community representatives and officials. Those present included Nisha Rao, Chandani Shah of the Karachi Municipal Corporation, Aradhiya Khan, Zehrish Soomro of the Gender Interactive Alliance, and Dr Sarah Gill, among others. The meeting focused on accelerating implementation of policy commitments and addressing obstacles faced on the ground. Hemnani said Sindh remained the first province to allocate a 0.5% job quota…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has resumed construction work on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line Lot 2 along University Road in Karachi, Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced on Sunday. Wahab said Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had set a 90-day deadline for the completion of work on the mixed traffic corridor and drainage system. “Happy to inform that work on the University Road has resumed from today by FWO,” Wahab said in a post on X, adding that the provincial government was aiming to complete both the corridor and drainage works within three months. According…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Police in Karachi’s East Zone said action had been taken against an illegal gutka manufacturing unit on the orders of DIG East, Dr Farrukh Ali. The operation was carried out under the supervision of SDPO Jamshed Division ASP Muhammad Ashir within the jurisdiction of Shah Latif Town police station. During the raid, a suspect identified as Abbas, son of Muhammad Iqbal, was arrested for his alleged involvement in the preparation of hazardous gutka and mawa, and the equipment was taken into police custody. Police said the raid was conducted on the basis of intelligence at a…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Police in Karachi’s Central District West Zone said a crackdown against gutka and mawa had continued, with a raid carried out on an illegal manufacturing unit. Acting on the orders of SSP District Central, Dr Muhammad Imran Khan, New Karachi police raided a house in Sector E-11 during patrol and uncovered an illegal operation involved in the production and supply of gutka and mawa. One suspect was arrested during the raid, while another managed to escape. Police said a fully operational illegal factory for preparing gutka and mawa was found inside the house. The suspects attempted…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: TOS Pakistan and Jamshed Memorial School jointly organised a warm and vibrant Eid ul-Fitr celebration in Karachi to honour teachers and promote unity, gratitude and community engagement. The event was inaugurated by Mushtaq Ali Jindani, honorary general secretary of TOS Pakistan, who appreciated the dedication and valuable contribution of teachers in shaping future generations. The ceremony was also attended by Faryal Asif, president of Al Furqan Welfare Trust, as chief guest, whose presence added distinction to the occasion. During the programme, teachers of Jamshed Memorial School were recognised for their commitment, service and continuous efforts in…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The first meeting of the Pakistan–Rwanda Business Council was held at the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and was chaired by Chairman Atif Iqbal. FPCCI Vice President Asif Sakhi and other members also attended the meeting. During the session, participants held detailed discussions on various aspects of promoting bilateral trade relations between Pakistan and Rwanda. The attendees particularly highlighted the vast potential for cooperation in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, transportation, construction, nursing, sports, agriculture and other industries. Addressing the meeting, Chairman Atif Iqbal said the scope of the Pakistan–Rwanda Business Council would…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: The District South Police Karachi carried out a raid on an illegal gutka manufacturing unit in Delhi Colony, recovering a large quantity of hazardous raw material and prepared gutka, officials said on 20 April 2026. Acting on the orders of SSP District South, Mahzoor Ali, Frere police conducted the operation following a tip-off and raided what officials described as a mini factory producing gutka and mawa. Police said a large quantity of harmful gutka was recovered from the site, which poses serious risks to public health. According to details, around 230 kilograms of raw and processed…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Questions had been raised over why no action had been taken so far against contractors and the relevant engineers, and whether responsibility could simply be avoided by installing a panaflex banner. A recent incident at Karachi Zoo had once again raised serious questions over administrative incompetence and poor construction standards. According to sources, after the glass used in a modern enclosure built for lions broke, an unusual step had been taken to conceal the issue. Reports suggested that the senior director of the zoo had arranged for a panaflex banner featuring an image of a lion…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: Iqbal Market Police in District West, Karachi, had arrested suspects allegedly involved in smuggling areca nut (chalia), police said. According to the Senior Superintendent of Police West, the suspects were attempting to smuggle the consignment in a Suzuki vehicle for supply within Karachi city. Police officials said the operation had been carried out on the basis of confidential information, resulting in the arrest of two suspects along with the recovery of the contraband. A total of 600 kilograms of areca nut packed in 50 sacks and cash had been recovered from the Suzuki vehicle, according to…

By Aziz Khatri KARACHI: A police official was killed in a firing incident in Manghopir, according to police. Senior Superintendent of Police West Tariq Elahi Mastoi visited the Aga Khan University Hospital and spoke to the media following the incident. He said police had recorded the statement of the injured official and that the encounter took place with two armed robbers on a motorcycle. He added that police had attempted to stop the suspects after finding them suspicious. According to the SSP, two different types of weapons were used in the attack, and empty shells of 30-bore and 9mm pistols…