Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: Researchers at Aga Khan University (AKU) have reported encouraging early results from a simple, low-cost household water filter that is significantly reducing diarrheal diseases and improving nutritional outcomes among children under five in rural Sindh. The non-electric filter, costing only USD 5–8 per year, requires no fuel, electricity, or daily chemical dosing, making it suitable for resource-limited households. The study, conducted in flood-affected Jhangara, Jamshoro, recorded more than 98% adherence, with almost all participating families consistently using the filtered water. Over an eight-month period, the intervention led to notable improvements in child nutrition: a 20% reduction…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The National Labor Federation (NLF) leadership has demanded the immediate return of Zahid Hakro to his parent department, Education (SES), to safeguard the assets of the Workers’ Welfare Board (WWB) Sindh and protect laborers’ rights. Shakeel Sheikh, President NLF Sindh, and Khalid Khan, President NLF Karachi Division, stated that laborers are being deprived of their entitlements due to corrupt officials like Zahid Hakro, whose demotion was previously ordered by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Despite multiple cases registered against him with NAB and the Anti-Corruption Department, Hakro remains in a powerful position, with a specially created…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The ban on government advertisements in the media, particularly in Dawn newspaper, for several months was described as a matter of deep concern for hundreds of employees and their families. The All Pakistan Newspaper Employees Confederation said it stood with its colleagues during what it called a difficult time. These views were expressed at a meeting of the All Pakistan Newspaper Employees Confederation held at the Jang Union Office in Karachi under the chairmanship of its chairman, Shakeel Yamin Kanga. Officials of APNEC-affiliated trade unions from across Pakistan attended the meeting via Zoom. Participants strongly condemned…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Saigaon Welfare Association, in collaboration with Muhammad Welfare Trust (PIB), organized a free medical camp in Ibrahim Hyderi, providing healthcare services to over 1,500 patients. Attendees received free medical consultations as well as complimentary medicines worth approximately PKR 300,000. The camp featured expert doctors including Dr. Imran Ahmed, Dr. Farhat Hashmi, Dr. Abdul Atiim, and Dr. Attaullah Baloch. Female doctors Dr. Shamaila Ansari, Dr. Sehrish Iftikhar, and Dr. Nusrat Sultana also attended to patients. Administrative and logistical support was provided by Usama Farooq and Azhar. The UC Chairman actively supported the event, while supervision of the…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Annual Education and Research Symposium of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) was held on Wednesday, where Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards, Ismail Rahoo, reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting public sector universities, particularly in research funding. Addressing participants during a high-level panel discussion at the symposium, Minister Rahoo categorically denied providing major financial grants to private sector universities, stressing that the Sindh government prioritizes public institutions despite limited resources. “Universities in Sindh deserve higher grants, and despite financial constraints, the Sindh government is ensuring continued support for all public sector universities,” he said,…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistani health authorities have sounded the alarm over a surge in H3N2 influenza cases, commonly referred to as “super flu,” warning citizens to take precautions as the virus spreads rapidly across the country. According to the National Institutes of Health, 340,856 suspected influenza cases were reported in recent weeks, with laboratory tests confirming H3N2 in 12 percent of samples. Experts say a new genetic subtype of the virus is contributing to faster transmission compared with other seasonal influenza strains. Dr Shafiq Rehman, senior scientific officer at the Pakistan Centre for Disease Control, said confirmed H3N2 cases…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of reports that passengers were being offloaded while travelling abroad and ordered the formation of a committee to investigate the matter. The panel is led by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik and includes Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Muhammad Awn Chaudhry. Heads of the Pakistan Digital Authority and the National Information Technology Board also serve on the committee, alongside the Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis, the Secretary IT, and the Additional Secretary Interior. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign…

By Noor Saharanpuri KARACHI: A Mushaira was held to commemorate Yaum-e-Siddiq-e-Akbar (RA), honoring the life and virtues of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA), the first Caliph of Islam. The Mushaira was organized by Anjuman-e-Bahar-e-Adab in collaboration with Faiz-e-Madina Na’at Council at the residence of Na’at Khaan Al-Hajj Shah Rukh Qadri. The session was presided over by Al-Hajj Sufi Kamal Mian Jameeli Sultani, who later delivered a profound lecture on the life, truthfulness, sacrifices, and virtues of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA). The session was moderated by poet Dr. Noor Saharanpuri and before the commencement of the poetry recitations, poet Adnan…

By our correspondent ISLAMAABD: State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said on Monday that Pakistan had uncovered extensive evidence of coordinated, paid social media campaigns run through fake accounts, largely operated from abroad, warning that those involved could face legal action if they continued activities undermining the country. Addressing a detailed briefing, the minister said the government had recently provided foreign media with background information on how terrorists and organized networks were exploiting social media platforms to manipulate public opinion in Pakistan. He welcomed international coverage of Pakistan’s stance, noting that leading global newspapers and news channels had highlighted the…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, said on Monday that her brother would not compromise on three core issues: the supremacy of the Constitution, the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, and transparent elections. Speaking to the media after appearing before an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi, Aleema said any judge unable to deliver justice in accordance with the Constitution and the law should step aside rather than occupy the bench. She maintained that the former prime minister had stood his ground despite spending more than two years in prison. She alleged that Imran…