Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: The University of Karachi marked the arrival of its 75th batch of students with a large reception at the Silver Jubilee Gate, welcoming new entrants in a procession that culminated in a ceremony near the Administration Building. The event, jointly organised by the university and its alumni body Unikarian International, began with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Huffaz at the main gate, followed by a procession of students and participants to the reception venue on Thursday. The ceremony was led by the vice-chancellor, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, alongside the chairman of the Sindh…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, to discuss the current regional situation and reaffirm bilateral ties between the two countries. During the call, Dar extended New Year greetings, which were warmly reciprocated by Prince Faisal. The discussion highlighted both sides’ satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations and explored avenues for further strengthening cooperation across diplomatic and regional matters. Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to deepening the longstanding partnership, while Ishaq Dar underscored Pakistan’s appreciation for the Kingdom’s support and the shared interest…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has declared a nationwide bank holiday on 1 January 2026. In a statement on Tuesday, the central bank said all banks and financial institutions will remain closed for public transactions on the first day of the new year. Development finance institutions and microfinance banks will also be shut. The SBP clarified, however, that staff at banks, DFIs and microfinance banks will report to work as usual despite the holiday. The bank holiday is intended to allow commercial banks to complete year-end processes and ensure a smooth transition into the new…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will resume flights to London from 29 March 2026, ending a six-year hiatus, the airline announced on Tuesday. A spokesperson said PIA will operate four weekly flights from Islamabad to London, landing at Heathrow Airport’s state-of-the-art Terminal 4. The new service complements the airline’s existing three weekly flights to Manchester, offering passengers greater choice and convenience. The announcement follows PIA securing approval for four weekly slots at Heathrow, previously held by Turkish Airlines to prevent them from being forfeited while PIA’s UK operations were suspended. With restrictions now easing, the airline has…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has urged those in power to find a solution to improve the prevailing political situation, stressing that dialogue remains irreplaceable despite the intensity of ongoing protests. Speaking to the media at Adiala Jail near Dahgal checkpost, Gohar Khan said the government must take steps to ease tensions, adding that even efforts to seek meetings often involve intermediaries among close associates. “Negotiations are not progressing as the situation demands. We are entering the new year, yet it appears 2026 may also be a year of punishments,” he warned. He emphasized that PTI…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The University of Karachi’s Department of Public Administration hosted the inaugural session of its intellectual program “Hum Nashist,” organized by the Wisdom Therapy Center. The initiative aims to pass on local wisdom, practical experiences, and life-learned insights to the younger generation through dialogue rather than formal lectures. The program encouraged participants to reflect on personal growth, accountability, and the pursuit of purpose in life. Chief guest Professor Dr Syed Shabib Ul Hasan, former Vice Chancellor of Hamdard University and acting chairperson of KU’s Department of Public Administration, stressed the importance of self-awareness and perseverance. He noted…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), Karachi, hosted a special screening of the short film Screen Locked, shedding light on the growing crisis of screen addiction and promoting the importance of balance in an increasingly digital world. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Khalid Hasan Khan, the film features acclaimed actors Alyy Khan and Atabik Mohsin, and explores the psychological and social costs of constant connectivity. At its core, Screen Locked warns against digital narcissism—the obsessive pursuit of online validation—and advocates for mindful engagement with life, relationships, and personal wellbeing. The event was led by NIPA Director…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The University of Karachi will hold its annual celebration, Yom-e-Jamia, on Thursday, 1 January 2026, to express deep attachment, love, and respect for the institution. All faculty members, administrative staff, and students have been invited to assemble at the Silver Jubilee Gate at 8:30 am to participate in the ceremonial procession, during which security personnel will recite the Quran as they enter the university premises. The event will be attended by Vice Chancellor Sheikh-ul-Jamia Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, deans of faculties, former vice chancellors, members of the university syndicate and senate, as well as Ejaz…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Shaukat Ullah Farooqi, Vice Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan), has warned that street crime in Karachi has spiralled out of control, leaving citizens in fear for their lives and property. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of the trader community at Afaaq Ahmed’s residence, Farooqi said that no area of the city is safe, with incidents of mobile phone snatching, motorcycle and car theft, armed robberies, cash snatching, and shootings during resistance becoming commonplace. He highlighted that crimes occur across the city, from narrow lanes to main thoroughfares, including commercial areas, residential colonies,…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) vice president Sherry Rehman has warned that water is a “red line” for Pakistan and that any unilateral action by India will face severe consequences. Rehman’s remarks came in response to India’s proposed Dulhasti Stage Two hydropower project on the Chenab River, which she described as a “clear violation” of the Indus Waters Treaty. She said the project directly threatens Pakistan’s internationally recognized water rights and called any unilateral suspension of the treaty “contrary to international law”. “The Indus Waters Treaty is not subject to the discretion of a single country,” Rehman…