Author: Our Correspondent

By Abdul Samad KARACHI: An annual “Terhi” Na’atia Mushaira, infused with devotion to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was held in Karachi in memory of the late poet and literary figure Naseer Koti, drawing poets, scholars and lovers of devotional poetry from across the city. Organized by Bazm-e-Naseer Koti, the event took place on other day at the auditorium of the Government Degree College for Boys in North Nazimabad. The mushaira was based on a celebrated line from Naseer Koti’s well-known Na’at, “One who loves the Prophet is united with the Prophet,” which served as the thematic refrain for the evening.…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s rapid adoption of solar energy offers a potential foundation for green industrialization and sustainable economic growth, but experts warn that the sector remains heavily import-dependent, particularly on China, limiting industrial and economic benefits. The warning came during the launch of a policy report, “From Solar Boom to Green Industrialization: Policy Pathways to Localizing Solar Value Chains in Pakistan”, jointly presented by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the University of Bath. Prof. Dr Yixian Sun of the University of Bath noted that Pakistan has spent over $10 billion on imported solar equipment without capturing…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Traditional methods of managing Karachi’s civic issues have failed to deliver, and the city now needs AI-driven dashboards to address chronic problems, said Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor on Sunday. Speaking on the megacity’s ongoing civic breakdown—ranging from broken roads and overflowing garbage to water shortages, traffic congestion, encroachments, and dysfunctional public transport—Shakoor stressed that the root cause lies not in laws or policies, but in fragmented authority, poor coordination, and lack of visibility into how Karachi functions. He proposed AI-driven civic dashboards as practical governance tools that integrate data from multiple sources, detect…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Green Panel has announced that it will take part fully in the forthcoming elections 2025 of the Karachi Press Club, with its slate of candidates set to be formally unveiled on Wednesday, 24 December. The presser said that the announcement of candidates would be made at the Karachi Press Club, following a decision taken at a meeting of the Green Panel’s election committee held on Monday. The meeting was chaired by the committee head, Saeed Jan Baloch, and was attended by a large number of Green Panel leaders and supporters. In a joint statement, senior…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) marked 78 years of humanitarian service with a conference at the Institute of Business Administration’s Jehangir Siddiqui Auditorium in Karachi on Sunday. Governor Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, attended as chief guest and praised PRCS for its decades-long commitment to relief work. He highlighted the organization’s crucial role during disasters, including floods, heavy rainfall and earthquakes. The Governor pledged full support to help PRCS tackle financial challenges and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening humanitarian initiatives. Chairman of PRCS Sindh Chapter, Rehan Hashmi, noted that the organization has successfully engaged…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy has approved revisions to the country’s net metering policy for solar users, introducing a new net billing system that officials say will standardize rates and streamline operations. Sources at the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) said the updated policy was formulated after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including distribution companies and solar energy producers, over several months. Under the new system, each unit of solar energy produced will be valued at Rs11, replacing previous surcharges with a fixed per-unit exchange rate. The policy also sets the duration of solar agreements with consumers…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) has warned that Sindhi separatist groups are actively trying to destabilize urban peace, describing recent incidents as dangerous and potentially explosive. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of Mohajir youth at the residence of party leader Afaq Ahmed, MQM-Hcentral leader Sadiq Idris said that anti-Pakistan slogans, attacks on Mohajir youths and derogatory content circulating on social media were fueling tension in the city. He said such behavior amounted to “inflammatory material” that could seriously damage public order if not addressed urgently. Idris urged security agencies to intervene on an emergency basis…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan and federal minister for education and vocational training, visited the ongoing International Book Fair at the Expo Centre in Karachi. He spoke to the media about the country’s educational crisis. Dr Siddiqui described Pakistan as facing a severe educational emergency. He said more than 25 million children are out of school. He called the situation a national tragedy that can no longer be ignored. He urged the immediate implementation of a nationwide educational emergency. He stressed that young people must be guided away from the…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Bahria University Karachi, under the guidance of environmental expert Dr. Sadaf Faryal Shah, successfully hosted the inaugural Climate Matters Conference 1.0 at the Fatima Jinnah Auditorium. Organized by students of the Media Studies department, the conference focused on “The Green Paradox: Unveiling Harmful Environmental Practices of the Modern Era.” The event aimed to raise awareness about environmental issues and highlight the role of media in addressing them. It critically examined modern practices that appear eco-friendly but are, in reality, harmful to the environment. Participants and students engaged in meaningful discussions on environmental responsibility, sustainability, and consciousness.…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Senior Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah presented Barkat Siddiqui with the Best Director of the Year award at the 5th NLA 2025 for the drama serial Haq Mehar. The award recognized his creative vision behind a wide range of acclaimed projects, including Mujhe Khuda Ke Pyare Yaqeen Ka, Insha Allah, Qudrat, Jab Dil Mile, Pyaar Ka Pagal Pan, Mere Khuda, Mahasuri, Silsila Aaye Na, Ishaq Ibadat, Bebasi, Qarar, Mohabbat Tujhe Alvida, Haq Mehar and Maasoom. Beyond his artistic achievements, Siddiqui was widely known for nurturing talent and building strong professional teams. He provided meaningful opportunities…