Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent KARACHI: As part of its mission to provide comprehensive healthcare to the public, the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) has announced plans to formally launch a full-fledged dialysis and lithotripsy center in a recently acquired building on Shahra-e-Faisal, Karachi. In 2024, SIUT acquired a multi-storey hotel building in one of the city’s most central locations to address the pressing issue of space. Its existing facilities were struggling to cope with the ever-increasing flow of patients, making the acquisition of a larger, strategically located property a critical step for the institute. Soon after taking possession, the…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, along with countries around the world, marked a Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people. On the occasion, President Arif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif issued separate messages reaffirming Pakistan’s support for Palestine. President Zardari stated that Pakistan would continue its political, diplomatic, humanitarian, and moral support for Palestinians. He noted that Pakistan played a constructive role in the Gaza peace agreement, hoping it would help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, expressing solidarity with Palestinians, emphasised that Israel’s complete withdrawal from Palestinian territories is essential and that…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi carried out an unannounced inspection at Islamabad Airport, during which he ordered action against a visa agent involved in irregularities. According to airport sources, the minister reviewed the operations of the FIA Immigration at the departure lounge, closely examining the immigration process and procedures. Minister Naqvi directed all agencies operating at the airport to ensure smooth facilitation for passengers, emphasizing that the use of fraudulent documents or other illegal means to travel abroad damages the country’s reputation. He warned that such practices could not be allowed to continue under any circumstances. “Travel…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A woman from Karachi has alleged that she was sold for 600,000 rupees in Jacobabad, prompting her to seek immediate protection from the police. According to the woman, her father sold her to a man in Goth Kando Jatoi with the intent of forcing her into marriage. She told authorities that she is already married and a mother of one. Fearing for her life, she rushed to the Saddar police station to request protection. Police confirmed that the woman is being safeguarded and will be presented in court under the relevant legal procedures.

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Senator Sherry Rehman has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in gender-based violence in Pakistan, revealing that 32,617 cases were reported in 2024 alone. She highlighted that, on average, daily reports included 67 kidnappings, 19 rapes, six cases of domestic abuse, and two honor killings. Rehman said that in Punjab, of 4,641 rape cases, only 0.4 per cent resulted in convictions, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa just two of 134 honor killings led to punishment. Sindh saw no convictions in 134 honor killings, 243 rape cases, or 375 instances of domestic violence. In Balochistan, 21 rape…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, on Thursday acknowledged both the strengths and shortcomings highlighted in the latest report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), signaling the government’s intention to act on the findings before the fund’s next mission arrives. Speaking to reporters, Aurangzeb described the issues raised by the IMF as “actionable” and reassured that the administration was preparing a detailed plan to address them comprehensively. He stressed that the government remained fully committed to meeting the IMF’s recommendations, noting that a formal agreement with the fund was expected to materialize in the near term. Aurangzeb added…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Dr Luo Dapeng, the World Health Organization’s representative in Pakistan, visited Sindh this week to observe the province’s ambitious measles–rubella vaccination campaign, which aims to protect nearly eight million children. During his visit, Dr Luo met frontline health teams and witnessed firsthand the logistical efforts and outreach strategies designed to reach children not only in bustling urban centers but also in remote villages, where access to healthcare remains limited. The campaign forms a crucial part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to tackle vaccine-preventable diseases, which continue to pose a serious threat to young children across the country.…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump ignited a fresh political debate on Friday after dismissing a leaked audio clip published by Bloomberg that appeared to show developer Steve Witkoff advising Russian contacts on how to gain access to the former president. When questioned by journalists about the recording, Trump brushed aside concerns, describing the exchange as “completely normal.” He added that Witkoff “has to sell all this to Ukraine” and “has to make Ukraine acceptable to Russia,” insisting that such negotiations were simply part of a deal-maker’s role. The remarks drew immediate attention from political analysts, who noted…

By our correspondent HANGU: Three police officers were killed on Wednesday in a violent exchange of fire with militants in Hangu, marking the latest escalation of unrest in Pakistan’s north-western district. According to District Police Officer Khanzeb, the incident unfolded when armed militants opened fire on the Qazi Talab police checkpoint along Shahu Road. Officers at the post returned fire, prompting the attackers to retreat into surrounding areas as darkness fell. A police spokesperson confirmed the deaths, describing the officers as having been “martyred” in the line of duty. Following the assault, local security forces launched an extensive search operation…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that the PTI founder was receiving food and facilities in prison that were far beyond what ordinary inmates – and even political prisoners in previous years – had ever been given. In a statement shared on social media, Asif said the former prime minister’s meals were brought in from outside and were of a quality “not available even in five-star hotels”. He added that the PTI founder had access to a television and could watch whatever channels he liked, while exercise machines had also been placed at his disposal. Recalling his…