Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: An external audit of polio eradication activities in Sindh has raised serious concerns over inadequate preparation, weak micro-planning, and gaps in frontline worker training across key districts and union councils. The findings, presented during a review meeting attended by health officials and partners of the Polio Global Eradication Initiative, reveal that insufficient time is being allocated to campaign preparation, resulting in outdated or incomplete microplans. These lapses, auditors warned, leave some areas and households with children unreached. The report highlights mismatches in workloads caused by incorrect household estimates and inappropriate distribution of vaccination teams. High turnover…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Consulate-General of Japan in Karachi, in partnership with the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association (PJCA) and the Pakistan-Japan Business Forum (PJBF), hosted the much-anticipated “Japan Festival (Japan Fest) 2025”, offering Karachi residents an immersive experience of Japanese culture and heritage. The event, held over the weekend, drew a diverse crowd eager to explore the traditions, arts, and creativity of Japan. Consul General Hattori Masaru welcomed attendees with a message emphasizing the power of cultural exchange in deepening understanding and friendship between Japan and Pakistan. The Japan CG described the festival as more than a celebration, calling it…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarrar presented the draft of the 27th constitutional amendment in the National Assembly on Tuesday, highlighting its approval by the Senate with a two‑thirds majority. Speaking during the session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Tarrar said the amendment seeks to establish a constitutional court, a key point of the National Democratic Charter, and stressed that constitutional changes should ideally be made by consensus. “The opposition should have been part of the joint committee,” he added. Tarrar explained that globally, constitutional matters are heard by specialised benches, and judicial appointments in many…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, condemned the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad, describing it as a stark warning to the state. Speaking to reporters in the aftermath of the blast near the district court, Asif said that while terrorism had long been concentrated in the country’s border regions, the latest incident indicated that militants could now reach any part of Pakistan. “The attack in Islamabad should be understood as a message to the state,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat. He recalled the sacrifices made by both the Pakistani people and the armed…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Dr Shamshad Akhtar, chairperson of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Board, said Pakistan’s strategic location positions it well to serve as a hub for the region’s capital markets. Speaking virtually at the joint International Capital Market Conference and Expo 2025, organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and the Capital Market Infrastructure, Dr Akhtar highlighted the benefits of regional integration. “History shows that regional harmonization brings advantages,” she said, noting that connectivity and coordination across South Asia would promote sustainable and inclusive investment growth. Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Jameel Ahmad,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Shehryar Gul Memon, an officer of BPS-19, resumed his duties as Coordinator of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for the Sindh polio program on 11 November 2025 in Karachi. Memon, a seasoned Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officer, had previously served as Deputy Commissioner of Benazirabad, where he earned a reputation for administrative competence and effective governance. Officials said Memon’s appointment to the polio program reflects the Sindh government’s commitment to strengthening its public health initiatives through experienced leadership. During his previous postings, he demonstrated a capacity to manage complex administrative tasks, coordinate with multiple departments, and…

Afghan terrorists, guided by their handlers across the border, infiltrated Cadet College Wana, sparking a tense security operation to protect students and staff By our correspondent WANA: Security forces in South Waziristan successfully completed the operation inside Cadet College Wana on Tuesday, neutralized five terrorists, including one suicide bomber, who had infiltrated the campus, officials confirmed. The assault came days after the militants launched a brazen attack on the institution, underscoring the ongoing threats faced by educational facilities in the region. According to security sources, the attackers were Afghan nationals who had been receiving instructions via phone from handlers across…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Senior MQM-P leader Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan has accused the Sindh government of “fearsome corruption” by failing to implement the Karachi Strategic Master Plan, calling it “a living proof of the PPP’s looting and malpractice.” Speaking at a press conference at the MQM-P’s Bahadurabad headquarters alongside opposition leader in the Sindh Assembly Ali Khurshidi, senior leaders, and legal experts, Izhar alleged that the provincial government embezzled Rs26 billion from a World Bank-funded solar energy project, contradicting Bilawal Bhutto’s stated vision. He said the court, on MQM’s petition, had directed institutions to ensure implementation of the master plan, exposing…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has firmly dismissed reports of a power-sharing arrangement with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over the formation of the Balochistan government, rejecting claims made by PML-N lawmakers and insisting it will complete a full five-year term in the province. In a pointed statement, senior PPP leader Shazia Marri said there was “no agreement related to the formation of a PML-N government in Balochistan,” calling the rumours politically motivated and misleading. She criticized what she described as “closed-room decisions” on development schemes, arguing that such practices undermine transparency and alienate elected representatives.…

Pakistan and Poland pledged deeper cooperation against human smuggling as Interior Minister Naqvi vowed a nationwide crackdown and tighter border surveillance. By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: In a meeting that highlighted the growing international urgency around migration and border control, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Senator Mohsin Naqvi described illegal immigration as an “extremely sensitive issue” for the country, during talks with a visiting Polish delegation in Islamabad. The discussions, led by Poland’s Deputy Interior Minister Bartosz Grodecki, reflected a shared recognition of the complex security challenges tied to transnational crime and human smuggling networks operating across regions. The high-level talks brought together…