Author: Imtiaz Hussain

Parliamentary panel endorses Rs 750m initiative as PARC and SALU sign five-year MoU By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: A parliamentary sub-committee has endorsed a major initiative to enhance the Date Palm Research Institute in Khairpur, coinciding with the signing of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU). The MoU formalizes a strategic partnership to modernize the institute, upgrade laboratories, establish model farms on 400–600 acres, and develop elite date palm varieties with advanced production and post-harvest technologies. The project, costing an estimated Rs. 750 million, aims to position Khairpur…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: Journalists hold society up to a mirror and remain accountable to their conscience, Dr. Yousuf Khushk, Vice Chancellor of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, said while presiding over a New Year ceremony organized by the Sindh Children’s Academy. The event featured poetry recitals, literary discussions, and an awards ceremony recognising dynamic journalists from Khairpur. Dr. Khushk also highlighted a new project to transform the Long Fakir land of Latif University into a cultural hub. Renowned writer Qurban Mangi, who hosted the ceremony, noted that the Sindh Children’s Academy and Popat Publishing House have been organising academic…

By Imtiaz Hussain KARACHI: Transparency International Pakistan (TI Pakistan) held the closing ceremony of its six-month fellowship program for journalists on Climate Governance, Finance and Transparency, aimed at improving climate reporting in the country. Around 15 mid-career journalists from Sindh’s climate‑vulnerable districts participated in the program, gaining technical knowledge on areas such as climate finance, carbon markets, national policies, and global commitments. Chairman Justice (R) Zia Perwez highlighted that climate change was no longer a distant concern but a recurring reality in Pakistan. Zia Perwez emphasized the key role of journalists in ensuring that climate policies are implemented effectively and…

By Imtiaz Hussain KHAIRPUR: Authorities in Khairpur have launched a major initiative to relocate animal pens (wadas) from city areas to the designated Cattle Colony, aiming to enhance public hygiene, reduce inconvenience, and streamline urban management. A high-level meeting was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Sachal Sarmast Hall, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Altaf Ahmed Chachar. He directed the Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Director of Livestock, DSP City, and Survey Superintendent to immediately begin the process of shifting both existing and remaining animal pens. Officials were instructed to implement safety measures, basic facilities, electricity, and complete surveys as part of the…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC), working with the Divisional Administration in Sukkur, has renewed its campaign against illegal medical practice, revealing that more than 12,000 unlicensed clinics, hospitals and quackery centres have been sealed across the province since 2018. The figures were shared at a stakeholders and public awareness programme held on Tuesday at the deputy commissioner’s office in Sukkur, where officials, health regulators and law enforcement representatives gathered to discuss healthcare standards, patients’ rights, complaint mechanisms and infection prevention and control. The session was chaired by the commissioner of Sukkur division, Abid Saleem Qureshi, with…

By Imtiaz Hussain KHAIRPUR: Shah Abdul Latif University (SaLU) in Khairpur, in collaboration with the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), has held a media literacy training session aimed at helping young people navigate the challenges of the digital age and use media in a responsible and constructive way. The session, organised to sensitise students to the impact of media on society, was coordinated by Dr Ali Raza Lashari, coordinator of the university’s Student Society Centre. Addressing participants, Dr Lashari said the expanding influence of media made it essential to equip young people with critical thinking skills to counter…

By Imtiaz Hussain SHIKARPUR: Shikarpur police have killed four armed suspects, including the attackers responsible for shooting at a wedding bus, during an ongoing operation in the Kacha area of the district. Twenty-two people were reported injured in the operation. Authorities said the deceased suspects were involved in robbery, theft, murder, and other serious crimes. The police operation in Alam Saad Khanani village will continue until all remaining suspects are neutralized. The attack on the wedding bus, which occurred the previous day, left the groom, his brother, and the driver dead. Police said the latest action targeted the same gang…

At SBBMU’s convocation in Larkana, Bilawal Bhutto urged graduates to turn education into service, praising doctors and nurses for their frontline role in health crises By Imtiaz Hussain LARKANA: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that Sindh has witnessed significant progress in its healthcare sector following the 18th Constitutional Amendment. Speaking at the convocation of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Medical University in Larkana, Bilawal Bhutto congratulated all graduates and urged them to dedicate themselves to serving the nation. “Education is invaluable, but it must translate into service for humanity,” he said, highlighting the frontline role doctors and…

By Imtiaz Hussain KHAIRPUR: A report presented in court has revealed that Khairpur Civil Hospital spent Rs2.5 crore on firewood over the past two years, following the alleged theft of gas from the hospital’s kitchen. According to hospital records submitted by MS Rafiq Mangi, gas worth Rs1.24 crore was used over the last ten years, whereas firewood costing Rs2.5 crore was consumed in just two years. The purchases followed the disconnection of the hospital’s gas connection. The Sindh High Court Sukkur bench heard the bail applications of two contractors, Ashraf Ali and Sikandar Sheikh, and a hospital clerk, Alhadad Lakho,…

Sukkur IBA syndicate approves academic, policy reforms By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: The syndicate of Sukkur IBA has approved a wide range of academic, financial and policy measures at its 23rd meeting, aimed at strengthening institutional governance and academic standards. The meeting, held on 24 December, was opened by the vice-chancellor, who welcomed syndicate members, including newly selected participants. The syndicate confirmed the minutes of its 22nd meeting held on 17 June 2025, a special meeting on 11 October 2025, and reviewed progress on decisions taken previously. It also ratified the minutes of the 19th and 20th meetings of the Academic…