Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: Chairman of the Red Crescent Sindh, Rehan Hashmi, attended a health-focused symposium organized by Voice of Health, bringing together representatives from NGOs, community groups, and resident associations. During the event, PRCSS trainer Dr. Khan conducted a session on disaster management and first aid, providing participants with practical skills for emergency situations. Addressing the gathering, Rehan Hashmi emphasized the importance of strengthening volunteerism and building capacities for life-saving interventions and prompt responses during emergencies. He encouraged participants to become skilled, reliable helpers for their communities. The symposium concluded with Hashmi distributing certificates of participation to attendees, recognizing…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan, a move officials say could reshape regional connectivity despite ongoing security and diplomatic challenges.The decision was shared with the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs during a briefing by officials from the foreign office. They told the committee that Pakistan had formally decided to expand the flagship infrastructure and development initiative into Afghanistan, with China playing a facilitative role between Islamabad and Kabul.Officials acknowledged that relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan were currently strained, describing the situation as temporary. They said China was…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal announced a significant shift in Pakistan’s development planning process, revealing that the Annual Development Plan would now be reviewed quarterly to ensure the timely achievement of national objectives.Speaking at the Mid-Year Review Meeting of the Annual Plan 2025-26 in Islamabad, he outlined the government’s commitment to strengthening planning, monitoring, and implementation mechanisms across ministries. He explained that traditionally, the Annual Development Plan was formulated alongside the national budget to set economic targets and assess ministerial performance over the course of a year.Under the new system, progress would be tracked more closely,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday welcomed a delegation from the Gates Foundation, led by its Global President, Dr Christopher J. Elias, at a meeting aimed at reviewing and boosting the province’s polio eradication initiatives.The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Secretary to the Chief Minister Abdul Raheem Sheikh, Health Secretary Jamshed Memon, Coordinator EOC Shehryar Memon, and other senior officials. The Gates Foundation delegation included Dr Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division, Dr Kathy Newsome, Director of Polio, and Dr Michael Galway, Deputy Director of Polio.Speaking at…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the vital role of continuous dialogue and diplomatic engagement in fostering peace, stability, and development across the region during a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday.The leaders discussed the evolving regional landscape, exchanging candid views on shared challenges and opportunities that affect their neighboring countries. Highlighting the long-standing and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Iran, which are deeply rooted in a shared history, cultural affinities, and religious traditions, both leaders underlined their determination to sustain regular high-level consultations.They agreed that such structured diplomatic channels were essential for…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government had taken a series of difficult decisions aimed at safeguarding Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability.Speaking before a gathering of industry experts and stakeholders, he described energy security as a cornerstone of the country’s economic resilience, industrial growth, and overall national stability. He assured investors in the oil and gas sector that the government would take every possible step to protect their interests.The minister highlighted the importance of establishing a policy framework that was decisive, transparent, and investor-friendly, particularly in an era marked by rapid technological change, growing domestic demand,…

By our correspondent THARPARKAR: The PPP Digital Media team from Tharparkar had the honour of meeting Senator Nadeem Bhutto, Head of PPP Digital Media, to express gratitude for his continued trust and guidance. During the meeting, Senator Bhutto shared an inspiring vision for strengthening the party’s digital presence and emphasized the crucial role of youth in using digital platforms responsibly to positively impact communities.The team members felt motivated by his insights and guidance, reaffirming their commitment to promote the party’s message and engage effectively with the people of Tharparkar through digital tools. The session underscored the importance of grassroots efforts…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The University of Karachi’s Department of Food Science and Technology, in collaboration with Nutrition International, held a training session aimed at reducing industrial trans fatty acids in edible oils and vanaspati ghee, highlighting the rising rates of heart disease and diabetes in Pakistan.Sindh Food Secretary Ghulam Abbas Naich stressed the need for Pakistan to align with global standards by limiting industrial trans fats to two percent. He emphasized collaboration between government, research institutions, and industry, noting that enforcement alone is ineffective without joint action to ensure access to nutritious food.KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood…

By our correspondent CHAKWAL: The ambitious “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” housing scheme, launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has run into serious challenges as skyrocketing prices of cement, bricks, sand, gravel, steel, and other construction materials have left many borrowers struggling to complete their homes.Under the scheme, hundreds of homeless residents across Punjab, including Chakwal, received interest-free loans of PKR 15 lakh to build their houses. Despite spending the funds diligently, many borrowers have been unable to complete construction due to soaring material costs, with brick prices reaching PKR 18,000 per thousand, and sand, gravel, steel, and other essentials…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Karachi Press Club’s Literary Committee hosted the launch of British-based senior poet and fiction writer Najma Usman’s two new books, “Khat Likhenge Garche…” and “Whispers of a Broken Branch”, on Tuesday. The event was presided over by Professor Sehr Anisari, with special guests including Dr. Shadat Ehsani, Dr. Fatima Hasan, Dr. Rukhsana Saba, and distinguished speakers Sohail Ahmed, Naseem Anjum, Anjum Mughal, Anjum Usman, Tasneem Hasan, and Kamran Mughal.Professor Sehr Anisari, in her opening remarks, praised Najma Usman’s command over Urdu, highlighting her contributions to poetry, fiction, novels, and children’s literature. She noted that the…