Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi has announced an ambitious public outreach campaign scheduled to launch in January 2026, aiming to enroll one million new members across the city. The announcement was made during the party’s annual one-day “Ijtema-e-Arkaan” (Members’ Convention) held at Idara Noor-e-Haq, where JI Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar outlined plans for extensive community engagement. Monem Zafar said the campaign would involve the establishment of thousands of public and neighbourhood-level committees tasked with addressing local issues, providing relief to citizens, and engaging youth in social reform initiatives. “These committees will actively address local concerns, provide support to…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Wisdom Therapy Center at the Department of Public Administration, University of Karachi, hosted the inaugural session of its new intellectual program, “Hum Nashist,” aimed at transmitting local wisdom and life experiences to the younger generation. Unlike formal lectures, “Hum Nashist” focused on thoughtful dialogue, personal observations, and lived experiences, providing participants with an opportunity for self-reflection and meaningful discussion. The chief guest, former Vice Chancellor of Hamdard University and acting chairperson of KU’s Department of Public Administration, Professor Dr Syed Shabib Ul Hasan, highlighted the importance of self-awareness and life purpose, stressing that success is…

By our correspondent QUETTA: Customs authorities in Quetta seized a substantial cache of smuggled goods worth an estimated PKR 317 million, officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced on Monday, underlining the government’s continued efforts to clamp down on illegal trade. The FBR said the Customs Enforcement team in Quetta had intercepted 508 cartons of contraband cigarettes from various brands, with an estimated market value of PKR 200 million. In separate operations, the authorities also confiscated a significant number of smuggled mobile phones along with 13 vehicles that had not paid the requisite duties, together valued at around…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at easing Pakistan’s mounting financial pressures, the government announced that the United Arab Emirates would acquire shares in the Fauji Foundation, part of a broader effort to support the country’s $1 billion repayment obligations. Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar confirmed that, alongside the share purchase, a rollover of $2 billion in debt had been assured, providing Islamabad with critical breathing space amid ongoing economic challenges. The developments followed the UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official and private visit to Pakistan on 26 December, which combined formal diplomatic engagements…

By our correspondent PANJGUR: Security forces in Balochistan successfully neutralized four militants during an operation in the Panjgur district on Sunday, as authorities intensified efforts to curb extremist activity in the province. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operation followed actionable intelligence pointing to the presence of militants in the area, with the targeted location described as a hideout belonging to “khawarij,” a term used by the military for outlawed extremist elements. According to the ISPR statement, the hideout was struck decisively, resulting in the deaths of four militants. Authorities recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosive material from the site.…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s recent recognition of the self-declared Somaliland, describing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. A Foreign Office spokesperson said Islamabad “rejects any attempt to undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity” and criticized the recognition as “illegal and provocative,” in clear contravention of international law. The spokesperson added that such actions jeopardize peace and stability not only in Somalia but across the broader region. Pakistan called on the international community to reject measures that undermine Somali unity and reiterated its full support for the country’s sovereignty, territorial…

By our correspondent KARACHI: In the annual elections for the Karachi Press Club, the Democrats panel once again secured a clean sweep, winning all available positions. Voting took place yesterday, with a large number of journalists casting their ballots. Polling began at 9:00 a.m. and continued without interruption until 5:30 p.m. The contest featured four groups: the Democrats, the Demo-Creat, the Green Panel, and independent candidates. Out of 1,369 registered members eligible to vote, 1,011 participated. Dr Tauseef Ahmed Khan, head of the election committee, announced the results at the Karachi Press Club. The Democrats panel achieved victory for the…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) held a certificate distribution ceremony today for 140 students who completed its week-long, 30-hour Winter Volunteer Program. The initiative, part of SIUT’s biannual student engagement efforts, aims to cultivate community service, empathy, and social responsibility among students at matriculation, intermediate, and O/A Level. During the program, participants attended interactive lectures covering topics such as kidney function, dialysis, organ donation, robotic surgery, urology, liver and heart diseases, infection control, patient safety, and ethical practices in healthcare. Students also explored SIUT’s various departments, including transplant services, dialysis units, robotic surgery,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast the first winter rainfall of the season for Karachi, signaling a shift in the city’s weather after the recent dry spell. Officials said that a western disturbance was expected to influence the region between Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing with it a chance of showers and a notable drop in temperatures. According to the PMD, the system would initially affect northern areas from 28 December, with rainfall likely in Balochistan and neighboring regions the following day. Karachi was then expected to experience possible showers on 30 December, as the weather system…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh province has achieved near‑complete household coverage in its latest polio vaccination campaign, marking a major step forward in efforts to protect children from the virus. Officials reported that more than 10.5 million children were vaccinated during the drive, combining house‑to‑house visits with transit point vaccination at markets, transport hubs, and other public spaces. Of those vaccinated, roughly 8.9 million children were reached directly at home, while around 459,000 were immunized at transit points, ensuring that mobile and travelling populations were included. Despite the high coverage, 32,947 households initially refused the vaccine. Health teams engaged these…