Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: Measles has claimed the lives of 53 children in Sindh this year, raising concerns among health authorities over the continued spread of the highly contagious disease, according to figures released by the health department. Official data showed that 102 measles-related deaths were recorded across Pakistan during the first 26 weeks of 2026. Sindh reported the highest number of suspected cases, with thousands of children affected by the outbreak. The data revealed that 7,105 suspected measles cases were reported in Sindh, out of which 2,280 were confirmed through laboratory tests. Across the country, authorities recorded 29,066 suspected…

Press Release GAMBAT: Member of the National Assembly Dr Mahreen Razia Bhutto visited the Department of Oncology at Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) and launched a special awareness campaign aimed at promoting early detection and prevention of breast cancer among women. Dr Mahreen Bhutto was received by Director GIMS Dr Raheem Bux Bhatti. Head of the Department of Oncology Dr Syed Muhammad Sibtain Shah, Consultant Oncologist Dr Muhammad Saleh Chandio and Consultant Radiologist Dr Hira Hanif Malik were also present on the occasion. During the visit, Dr Raheem Bux Bhatti briefed the MNA about the advanced oncology services available…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A two-day Scouts Training Camp organised jointly by the Karachi Press Club and the Sindh Boy Scouts Association concluded successfully, with organisers highlighting the importance of practical training, discipline and character-building activities for children. The camp, titled “Scouts Camp 2026”, was held on July 18 and 19 at the Sindh Boy Scouts Training Centre in Gulistan-e-Johar. It was organised for children of Karachi Press Club members aged between eight and 14 years, with the aim of promoting scouting skills, leadership qualities, teamwork, first aid, emergency response abilities and the spirit of social service. During the two-day…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The recent decision by the administration of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, to restrict journalists’ access to the hospital has drawn criticism from media organizations, which described the move as a setback to press freedom and the public’s right to information. Journalists said JPMC, being Pakistan’s largest public sector tertiary care hospital, remained a vital source of information during emergencies, accidents, fires, explosions and other major public health incidents. They expressed concern that restrictions on media access could affect timely and accurate reporting on issues of public interest. Media representatives also questioned administrative decisions within…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: On the directives of Prime Minister, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik visited the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) to review preparations and assess the region’s readiness for the ongoing monsoon season. During the visit, the NDMA chairman examined district-wise preparedness measures and reviewed arrangements for dealing with possible weather-related emergencies in vulnerable areas of Gilgit-Baltistan. The briefing covered early warning systems, rescue and relief capabilities, evacuation plans and coordination mechanisms for flash floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), landslides and riverine flooding. Officials informed the chairman about the steps taken…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to clarify whether recent remarks by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Kashmir reflect the federal government’s official policy, and has demanded the minister’s removal from the cabinet. Addressing a public gathering in Dadyal, Bilawal said those responsible for unrest in Azad Kashmir should be held accountable individually, rather than imposing hardship on the wider population. “If some people have committed wrongdoing, they should face the consequences. The entire region should not be punished for the actions of a few,” he said.…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to bring major changes to the petroleum pricing system by authorizing the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to determine fuel prices on a daily basis according to international market trends. The move was announced as part of efforts to improve transparency and reduce government involvement in direct price adjustments. Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the decision during a joint news conference with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar in Islamabad. He said the decision had been taken by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Federal Cabinet to create…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Security forces have continued joint operations under Operation Shaaban in Balochistan, with officials saying the number of militants killed during the operation has risen to 88. According to security sources, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan and police are carrying out coordinated ground and aerial operations against militant hideouts across the province. The sources said three more militants were confirmed killed during the latest operations, as security forces continued targeting what they described as militant positions through intelligence-led action and air support. Officials said the latest operations successfully struck several militant hideouts, increasing the total…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) has removed Nadir Kansaro from the post of director after implementing a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, which declared his promotion and more than nine-year appointment to the position unlawful. The institution issued a formal office order nearly six weeks after the court’s verdict, reverting Kansaro from director to his substantive post of social security officer. The dispute dates back to a governing body meeting held on 31 March 2017, where a decision based on a committee’s report was approved. The move was later challenged in court by…

By our correspondet KARACHI: Ziauddin University, in collaboration with the Karachi Editors Club, organised a workshop on the mental health and well-being of media professionals, focusing on the psychological pressures faced by journalists working in demanding environments. Titled “Protecting the Mind Behind the News: Building Psychological Resilience in Journalism,” the workshop explored the impact of stress, trauma and high-pressure reporting on journalists, while offering practical strategies to strengthen emotional resilience and psychological well-being. The session was led by Jamshed Ahmed, who shared techniques for managing stress, developing healthy coping mechanisms and maintaining mental well-being while working in challenging field conditions.…