Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has likened the nation’s economic revival to Pakistan’s historic “Battle of Truth”, saying the country will achieve growth in the economy with the same determination. In a statement, Iqbal highlighted the role of engineers in driving the country’s development, noting that projects ranging from dams to industrial initiatives relied heavily on their expertise. “Engineers are the ones who solve human problems,” he said. He also spoke about the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, observing that the current generation had witnessed the country’s journey from traditional slate boards to 5G technology. The…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Senior Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Dr Farooq Sattar on Saturday announced the launch of a city-wide “Save Karachi” campaign, emphasising that the survival and economic stability of Pakistan are intrinsically linked to the development of its largest metropolis. Speaking at a press conference at MQM-P headquarters in Bahadurabad, Dr Sattar said that despite being treated unfairly, Karachi contributes more than 65 per cent of federal revenues, 95 per cent of provincial revenue, and 50 per cent of national exports. He warned that unless the city’s fundamental rights were safeguarded, national progress would remain at…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman on Saturday inaugurated the two-day “My Brand Pakistan” exhibition at the Karachi Expo Centre, calling for urgent attention to Generation Z and warning that the youth cannot be left at the mercy of circumstances. Addressing the gathering, Hafiz Naeem said that apart from JI, no political force was ready to take responsibility for shaping the next generation. “The ruling elite fears Generation Z, yet the nation cannot afford to neglect its youth,” he said. The exhibition, organised by the Pakistan Business Forum, featured 280 companies and 700 brands.…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Medical Aid Committee (MAC) of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) celebrated its founding anniversary on Saturday at the party’s Bahadurabad headquarters, unveiling its 2026 calendar and poster. Senior MQM-P leader Dr Farooq Sattar congratulated MAC staff and volunteers, calling them “the movement’s strongest arm” and praising their dedication during blood donation camps, emergency relief operations, and natural disasters. He emphasised unity within the ranks and maintaining a spirit of service as the key to connecting with the public. Former provincial minister and MQM-P central leader Shabbir Qaimkhani addressed the volunteers, highlighting ethics and professionalism.…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan and Federal Minister for Education and Vocational Training, praised students at the convocation of Nazeer Hussain University (NHU) in Karimabad on Friday, saying their efforts were driven not by the pursuit of a certificate, but by the desire to acquire genuine knowledge. Addressing graduates as the chief guest, Dr Siddiqui said the world was now in an “Age of Possibility,” where nations falling behind in technology risked becoming irrelevant. He urged the creation of institutions capable of transforming knowledge into wisdom, emphasising that the pace…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A reception ceremony was held under the auspices of Anjuman-e-Asatiza Pakistan at Bahadur Yar Jang Academy in Bahadurabad, Karachi, on Thursday, 1 January, to honor Nawā-e-Kausar, a book authored by the organization’s senior leader Raja Kausar Saeedi, and Shahid Research Journal. The journal is published by Shahid Research Foundation, a sister organisation of Anjuman-e-Asatiza Pakistan, and is edited by Dilawar Khan Noori. The programme began at 5pm with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Muhammad Ramzan. This was followed by a naat in praise of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), presented by Dr…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Following the death of former Bangladeshi prime minister Khaleda Zia, the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in Karachi opened a condolence book to allow diplomats, officials and members of the public to record their sympathies. The move was seen as a mark of respect for a leader who played a central role in Bangladesh’s political history and whose passing prompted expressions of grief across the region. During the proceedings, Indonesia’s consul general in Karachi, Madzaker M.A., was seen writing his reflections in the condolence book. His presence underscored the regional dimension of the loss and reflected…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A 48-inch water line on National Stadium Road has developed a leak, officials from the Karachi Water Corporation confirmed, prompting immediate repair action. Upon receiving reports of the leak, the corporation initiated remedial measures without delay. The de-watering process required for the repair has been started immediately and is expected to be completed within the next few hours. Once de-watering is finished, work to fix the 48-inch line will commence. The Water Corporation has assured that all repair work is scheduled to be completed by tonight. Officials warned that water supply to certain areas of Jamshed…

By our correspondent KARACHI: In a positive move against the backdrop of economic pressures, limited job opportunities, and downsizing in various sectors, Fatima Jeez has inaugurated a new branded garments factory, marking a significant step forward for the industrial sector. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Special Guest and Sindh Assembly member Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh, who cut the ribbon and toured the facility. Speaking to the media, Sheikh praised the initiative, saying that establishing new industries in the current economic climate is highly commendable and will create fresh employment opportunities. He emphasized that the garments sector forms the backbone of…

By our correspondent KARACHI: At least 22 people were injured in incidents of aerial firing reported from different parts of Karachi as the city welcomed the New Year, according to Chhipa sources. The injured were shifted by Chhipa ambulances to Civil Hospital, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Darul Sehat Hospital and Dow Hospital for treatment. The injured included men, women and children who were hit by stray bullets in residential and commercial areas of the city. Those injured ranged in age from eight to 65 years and included residents of Chiniot Goth, Golimar, New Sabzi Mandi, Korangi, Liaquatabad,…