Author: Our Correspondent

By Our Correspondent KARACHI: Russian Language Day and Pushkin Day were celebrated with enthusiasm at the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Karachi under the leadership of the Director of the Russian House, Nikita Kosiakov, officials said. The event brought together librarians, educationists, academics and representatives from various educational institutions across the city. It highlighted the literary heritage of the Russian language and the enduring legacy of poet Alexander Pushkin. Chief guests at the ceremony included Syed Shakhwt Ali, President of Abilympics Pakistan, and Syed Musharraf Ali Shah. In their remarks, they emphasised the importance of cultural dialogue, educational…

Detained militant confession alleges cross border training, Afghan based funding networks and internal breakdown within TTP operational structure revealed during interrogation By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: A detained militant identified as Umar Din, also known by the alias Jazba, made a series of claims in a confessional statement recorded after his arrest by Pakistani security forces, officials said on Saturday, according to officials involved in the case. In the statement, Umar Din said he had joined Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan following a personal dispute and conflict with his father. He described his recruitment as emerging from family disagreements before outlining what he claimed…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Serious allegations of financial irregularities have emerged in the Karachi Bus Rapid Transit Yellow Line project, with officials estimating that discrepancies worth more than six billion rupees may be involved, prompting the Chief Secretary of Sindh to order a formal inquiry. According to sources, the alleged corruption surfaced during an internal review of the project’s financial records. The findings raised concerns over procurement processes, advance payments and overall financial management within one of the city’s major public transport schemes. Officials said several senior officers linked to the project had been summoned as part of the investigation.…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A simple yet dignified farewell ceremony was held at the head office of the Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI) to honour recently retired employees in recognition of their services, on the special directions of Commissioner SESSI Hadi Bakhsh Khoso. The event was attended by a large number of senior officials and staff members, including Vice Commissioner SESSI Sikandar Baloch, Dr Saadat Memon, Director Reforms and Education Amberin Kamil, Director Contribution and Benefits Wasim Jamal, Director Audit Muhammad Tahir, Director GP Fund Muhammad Fahim, Director Procurement Dr Akram Sheikh, Director Medical Administration Dr Tanveer Khanzada, Director…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD:: Pakistan’s inflation rate rose further in May 2026, reaching its highest level in nearly two years and adding to pressure on households already struggling with rising living costs. According to the monthly report released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, annual inflation climbed to 11.66 per cent in May, marking the highest level since June 2024. The increase reflects a continued upward trend in consumer prices across both urban and rural areas. The report showed that inflation increased by 0.52 per cent on a month-on-month basis compared with April. Annual inflation had stood at 10.89 per…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Empower Sports Academy, Pakistan’s leading non-profit dedicated to empowering girls through sport, announced today at the Governor House the 3rd National Empower Girls Tournament 2026, held in partnership with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). The tournament will feature competition across four disciplines: volleyball, badminton, taekwondo, and athletics, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, javelin throw and discus events. The event was well attended by leading media houses, corporate partners, sports professionals, federations, educators and stakeholders from across the country. Journalist, social activist and PR practitioner Shanaz Ramzi opened the event, saying that now in its third…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Empower Sports Academy, Pakistan’s leading non-profit dedicated to empowering girls through sport, announced today at the Governor House the 3rd National Empower Girls Tournament 2026, held in partnership with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). The tournament will feature competition across four disciplines: volleyball, badminton, taekwondo, and athletics, including the 100m, 200m, 400m, javelin throw and discus events. The event was well attended by leading media houses, corporate partners, sports professionals, federations, educators and stakeholders from across the country. Journalist, social activist and PR practitioner Shanaz Ramzi opened the event, saying that now in its third…

By our correspondent KARACHI: : Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that the martyrs of the Sindh Police are a matter of pride for the nation, praising their sacrifices and professional service. Speaking at the passing-out parade of Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) at the National Police Academy, he said the institution plays a key role in training and developing professional police officers. He congratulated the newly trained officers on completing their course. Murad Ali Shah said the officers had undergone rigorous professional training and now carry the responsibility of serving the public effectively while strengthening trust in…

By our correspndent WASHINGTON: A proposal to place the face of US President Donald Trump on a new 250-dollar bill has sparked debate in the United States, with critics saying the move would break long-standing traditions surrounding American currency. According to a report by The Washington Post, the proposed design features Trump’s portrait along with the words “America 250 anniversary,” referring to the 250th anniversary of US independence in 2026. If approved, it would mark the first time in more than 150 years that a living person, particularly a sitting president, appeared on US currency. The report said Treasury Department…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast a severe heatwave across the country from today until May 31, warning of a sharp rise in temperatures in multiple regions. According to the department, maximum temperatures are expected to remain 5 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal during this period, intensifying heat conditions across southern and central parts of the country. Cities including Sukkur, Jacobabad, Larkana, Mohenjo Daro, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Sibbi, Turbat, Dera Ghazi Khan and Multan are expected to experience extreme heat, with temperatures likely to reach between 47 and 50 degrees Celsius. Karachi is forecast…