Author: Imtiaz Hussain

By Imtiaz Hussain The date palm an ancient and economically vital crop of Pakistan, is increasingly threatened by climate-induced stresses. The date palm long revered as the “Tree of Life,” is facing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and water shortages that could slash yields by up to 30% by mid-century. Pakistan, home to more than 400 local varieties and many concentrated in Khairpur, a national biodiversity hotspot – is experiencing a sharp decline in water availability and rising pest infestations that are worsening the problem. Researchers warn that the country’s export volumes have already shrunk by 10% due to these climate-driven…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: Bhittai Social Watch & Advocacy (BSWA) and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University in Larkana jointly organized the “Nutrition Festival–Khairpur” on 30 September 2025. The event took place in Kachi Abadi near BHU Sadar ji Bhatyoon, Taluka Kingri, District Khairpur, under the “Strengthening Local Civil Society and Community-Based Organizations and their Capacity in the Nutrition Sector in Sindh” project, in collaboration with the European Union, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) and Medical Emergency Resilience Foundation (MERF). The festival aimed to raise awareness about malnutrition, highlight the role of communities and stakeholders, and showcase…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: At the request of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Yousuf Khushk, the Drainage and Reclamation Institute of Pakistan (DRIP) and the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) deployed a technical team to assess groundwater quality at Shah Abdul Latif University’s (SALU) Old Shadi Shaheed land. The survey used advanced scientific methods to evaluate the potential of underground water in the area. The initiative aims to transform 800 acres of the Old Shadi Shaheed site into fertile fields for date palms, olives, and other crops. A critical first step is to assess the availability and quality…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: A meeting on the Motorway M-6 project was held today at the office of Commissioner Shaheed Benazirabad Division, Mr Shahmir Khan Bhutto, who chaired the session. Addressing the meeting, Commissioner Bhutto described Motorway M-6 as an important initiative for public welfare that will provide improved travel facilities upon completion. He instructed the Deputy Commissioners of Naushahro Feroze and Shaheed Benazirabad to ensure that landowners who contributed land for the project receive timely payments. In cases where landowners are deceased, he emphasised that payments should be made to their rightful heirs after thorough verification. The Commissioner also…

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, has announced grand celebrations for Pak-Turkish Friendship Week to mark Türkiye’s Republic Day, observed annually on 29 October. Led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Yousuf Khushk, the initiative aims to honour the enduring ties of faith, culture, and scholarship between Pakistan and Türkiye. A high-level planning meeting, chaired by the Vice Chancellor, finalised the framework for the three-day celebrations, to be held from 28–30 October 2025. The week will feature academic seminars, cultural performances, art exhibitions, Turkish film screenings, and student competitions, highlighting the shared traditions and intellectual legacy of…