Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Sindh Employees Social Security Institution has said a reported case involving employees holding multiple government jobs is the result of its own audit efforts aimed at strengthening transparency and oversight. In a clarification issued on Thursday, the SESSI said the process was initiated under the direction of Saeed Ghani, the provincial minister for labor and human resources and chair of SESSI’s governing body. The exercise was overseen by commissioner Hadi Bux Kalhoro and his team. Sources on anonymity revealed that the incumbent management has decided to eradicate corruption and nepotism from the institution. They said…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The 17th meeting of the Executive and Finance Committee of the Sindh Education Foundation was held on 15 April 2026 at its head office in Karachi, where officials reviewed the organisation’s operational and financial performance. The meeting was chaired by Dr Kaiser Bengali, chairman of the committee and member of the board of governors of the Sindh Education Foundation. It was attended by Dr Qazi Masood, member of the SEF board of governors, Gahanwer Ali Laghari, managing director of SEF, Shahpara Rizvi, deputy managing director, Dr Fouzia Khan, chief executive adviser at the school education and…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Pakistan Cardiac Society Karachi Chapter convened a high-level strategic session titled “Clinical Innovation & Strategic Continuity” at the Tabba Heart Institute on Friday, bringing together some of the country’s leading cardiovascular specialists to chart an ambitious course for heart health in 2026. The session unfolded as both a reflective and forward-looking exercise, underscoring a growing urgency within Pakistan’s medical community to address the rising burden of cardiovascular disease through coordinated planning and innovation. The proceedings were moderated by Dr Aliya Kemal Ahsan, who also marked a key milestone during the event with the launch of…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has threatened legal action against media outlets over the leak of classified details related to an F-15 rescue mission.He warned that journalists could face jail if they refuse to reveal their sources, citing national security concerns. Speaking at the White House, Trump said Iran was unaware of the missing US airman until the news was published, adding that the leak made the rescue operation more dangerous. He stated that authorities would identify the source and could compel media organisations to disclose it. Trump further claimed that after the leak, Iran announced a…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Pakistan has shared a comprehensive ceasefire framework with the United States and Iran, according to a report by Reuters.The development comes amid escalating tensions and mounting global concern over the Strait of Hormuz situation. Sources familiar with the proposal said the framework consists of two phases, including an immediate ceasefire followed by a broader agreement. Both the United States and Iran have received the plan aimed at ending hostilities and initiating dialogue. Senior Iranian officials confirmed receiving Pakistan’s proposal and said it is currently under review, adding that Iran will not accept any deadlines or external…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced two modern features in the latest version (5.5.7) of its Pak ID mobile app to better facilitate citizens, ARY News reported. The updates include passport capture and upload, as well as swift biometric verification, both aimed at streamlining the application process. The new features allow citizens from 193 countries to apply for any visa category more easily. Users can now upload a photo of their passport or capture it directly through the app, with the system automatically extracting essential information such as the user’s name, passport number,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Afaq Ahmed, Chairman of the Muhajir Qaumi Movement Haqiqi (MQM-H), has strongly condemned the severe mismanagement and poor arrangements of the annual exams for classes 9 and 10. He stated that the exams scheduled to begin on April 7 cannot be accepted under any circumstances and must be postponed immediately. Speaking to parents of affected students at his residence, Afaq Ahmed said the issue of matriculation board exams reflects not just administrative weakness but also a biased mindset. According to him, this mindset effectively deprives Karachi students of higher education and closes the doors to their…

By our correspondent PESHAWAR: At least 45 people have been killed and 105 injured after heavy rains triggered the collapse of roofs and walls across multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since 25 March, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said. According to the PDMA’s latest report issued on Sunday, the casualties were caused by collapsing structures amid persistent heavy rainfall. Those killed include 23 children, 17 men, and five women, while the injured comprise 45 men, 16 women, and 44 children. A total of 442 houses have been damaged, of which 382 were partially and 60 completely destroyed. The incidents…

By our correspondents PESHAWAR/QUETTA: The provincial governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have ordered the early closure of markets, wedding halls, and restaurants as part of energy conservation measures. In a notification issued by the KP chief secretary, markets, shopping centers, commercial establishments, and night-time sports activities in divisional headquarters were directed to close by 9pm. Markets, shopping centers, and commercial establishments in other districts will close by 8pm, the notification said. Balochistan announced similar measures, with the Home Department saying the move follows decisions on fuel subsidies and energy conservation, implemented under the supervision of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Director General Political at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Ed Llewellyn CVO OBE, visited Islamabad this week for a series of high-level engagements aimed at reinforcing the relationship between the United Kingdom and Pakistan. During his visit, Llewellyn engaged with senior Pakistani officials to discuss a wide range of issues, encompassing security, regional stability, and long-term economic cooperation. Speaking publicly, Llewellyn reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to promoting peace in South Asia and praised Pakistan’s efforts to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East. DG Political UK emphasized the urgent need for a cessation…