Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent HYDERABAD/KARACHI: Senior leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), Haider Abbas Rizvi, has sharply criticized the Sindh government for what he described as widespread mismanagement, corruption, and neglect in Karachi and Hyderabad. Speaking at a press conference at the MQM district office, he said that Karachi no longer appears to be the provincial capital, accusing authorities of shifting public funds to Dubai instead of addressing local crises. Rizvi highlighted the aftermath of the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, describing the scene as a “crime scene” where human remains were being indiscriminately dumped. “People in Karachi have literally…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, following a telephonic discussion between senior officials from both countries. The conversation took place between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Bangladesh’s Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. During the call, they reviewed the state of bilateral relations, with particular focus on trade and economic collaboration. Both officials highlighted the potential for deeper engagement to boost commercial ties and mutual development. The discussion also covered recent regional and international developments, with the two sides sharing perspectives on challenges and opportunities in South Asia…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Amid its ongoing privatization drive, the federal government has announced the inclusion of Islamabad International Airport (IIAP) in its active privatization program. The Ministry of Privatization said the move aligns with the ongoing privatization of Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) and Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIAP). The aim is to enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, maximize revenue, upgrade infrastructure, and attract both domestic and international private-sector investment. Officials told The News that the decision effectively ends months of stalled talks with the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan has engaged with potential partners from the UAE, Turkey,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi, Monem Zafar Khan, took part in the funeral prayers of four of the six members of a family who died in the Gul Plaza fire tragedy, following the identification of their bodies. The prayers were held at the Eidgah Ground in Delhi Colony on Sunday. Ameer District South Sufyan Dilawar, JI Karachi Secretary Information Zahid Askari, Secretary of the Public Aid Committee Najeeb Ayoobi, and other party members also attended. Speaking to the media, Monem Zafar Khan criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party’s provincial government, which has been in power for 18 years,…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi, Monem Zafar Khan, took part in the funeral prayers of four of the six members of a family who died in the Gul Plaza fire tragedy, following the identification of their bodies. The prayers were held at the Eidgah Ground in Delhi Colony on Sunday. Ameer District South Sufyan Dilawar, JI Karachi Secretary Information Zahid Askari, Secretary of the Public Aid Committee Najeeb Ayoobi, and other party members also attended. Speaking to the media, Monem Zafar Khan criticised the Pakistan Peoples Party’s provincial government, which has been in power for 18 years,…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the Chitral avalanche. In separate messages, they extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the elevation of the departed souls. The President directed federal, provincial, and local authorities to speed up relief efforts in the affected areas and maintain clear communication with the public. The Prime Minister instructed relevant federal rescue and relief agencies to intensify aid operations in coordination with the provincial government. He also asked the chairman of the National…

By our correspondent KARACHI: At a landmark international conference on “Sustainable Green Energy, Environment, and Digital Innovations,” held at the Dr. A.Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Karachi, leading scientists, engineers, and policymakers urged urgent action on electronic waste (e-waste), climate protection, and sustainable development in Pakistan. The event was jointly organized by the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Karachi, and the Institution of Engineers Pakistan, Karachi Center. Opening the conference, Vice-Chancellor of Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, Engineer Professor Dr. Samreen Hussain, highlighted the growing global challenge of electronic waste. She warned that…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Vice Chairman of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), Shaukat Ullah Farooqi, has issued a stark warning over the deteriorating infrastructure of Karachi, citing persistent mismanagement, poor planning, and corruption by the Sindh government as the root causes. Farooqi made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation of senior citizens from Liaquatabad, led by Afaq Ahmed, at his residence. He said that roads have turned into ruins, the sewage system has collapsed, manholes are overflowing, and even light rainfall paralyzes the city’s daily life. “Despite billions of rupees allocated for development, roads remain unsustainable, and…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari praised Jordan’s ongoing engagement and support for Pakistan, highlighting the country’s role in promoting regional peace and stability. He made the remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Jordan, Major General (Retd) Khurram Sarfraz Khan, who called on him in Islamabad today. The President described Pakistan’s relationship with Jordan as pivotal, noting that the two countries share deep-rooted ties shaped by a common history, culture, and faith. He emphasized that these longstanding bonds had laid a strong foundation for continued cooperation across political, economic, and diplomatic arenas. On the issue of…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Dr Akram Sultan, consultant heart specialist at Tabba Heart Institute, has been reappointed as convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Sindh Regional Standing Committee on General Health and Safety Measures for 2026. According to an official FPCCI notification, the appointment recognizes Dr Sultan’s professional expertise and contributions in cardiology and public health. As convener, he will lead the committee’s activities, select professional members from across Sindh, and coordinate initiatives to improve health and safety standards. Dr Sultan also serves as coordinator of the Pakistan Cardiac Society Karachi Chapter and as…