Author: Our Correspondent

By Our Correspondent KARACHI: Renowned poet, writer, and professor Sahar Ansari has described Zeb Azkar Hussain’s experimental novel “Bandobast” as a meaningful addition to Urdu fiction. Speaking at the book launch organised by the Dr Jamal Jalibi Research Library, Ansari said the novel represents a significant development in Urdu literature, offering a mature expression that uniquely combines prose and poetry—a technique not seen before in Urdu fiction. Guest of honour Najma Usman praised the characters in the novel, describing them as symbolic and metaphorical, and noted that such an extensive experimental approach had not previously been undertaken in Urdu literature.…

By our correspondent WASHINGTON: The United States and Pakistan have formally agreed to cooperate on the restoration and future management of the century-old Roosevelt Hotel, a property owned by the Pakistani government in New York. In a statement on Thursday, Pakistan’s finance ministry said the two countries had launched a series of “strategic economic initiatives” that include collaboration on the hotel’s operations, maintenance, and renovation. As part of the arrangement, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Pakistan and the US General Services Administration, the federal agency responsible for managing government property and procurement. The agreement was signed by Pakistan’s…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Kachhi Kumhar Khidmat-e-Khalq Welfare Association conducted a large-scale ration distribution drive during the holy month of Ramazan, delivering essential food supplies to hundreds of underprivileged families. The initiative sought to assist low-income, deserving, and white-collar households struggling to make ends meet, ensuring they could observe the month with dignity and peace of mind. Officials from the association said that the ration packages, which included flour, rice, pulses, cooking oil, sugar, and other daily necessities, were distributed directly to recipients’ homes. Care was taken to maintain beneficiaries’ self-respect and convenience, reflecting the organization’s focus on humanized…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The chairman of MQM-Pakistan, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, presided over a meeting of party officials at the Bahadurabad center on Friday, calling on leaders to take special measures to support vulnerable communities during the holy month of Ramazan. The session focused on ensuring financial assistance reached the families of martyrs, prisoners, and underprivileged citizens, reflecting the party’s commitment to humanitarian outreach. Addressing attendees, Dr Siddiqui underscored that all organizational activities during Ramazan should prioritize charitable work and community service, linking acts of worship with practical support for those in need. He stressed that the month presented…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Citizens of Karachi are being urged to boycott fruits, vegetables, and meat sold at inflated prices during the first week of Ramadan as part of a grassroots awareness initiative aimed at controlling profiteering in the city. The campaign encourages residents to avoid purchasing overpriced items, with the expectation that local sellers will adjust rates when demand drops. Participants are also advised to document instances of overpricing through photos or videos and share them widely on social media to raise public awareness and hold sellers accountable. Advocates of the campaign describe this effort as a form of…

By Rai Tajammal bhatti FAISALABAD: In line with the directives of Suhail Akhtar Sukhera, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Faisalabad, a comprehensive security plan has been finalized for the holy month of Ramazan across the Faisalabad region. The plan will see more than 2,000 police officers and personnel deployed across the city. A total of 1,487 officers have been assigned to 1,331 mosques, while 191 personnel will provide security at 101 imambargahs. For public convenience, arrangements have also been made at six Ramadan Sahulat Bazaars, where 45 officers will be on duty. Another 272 personnel will oversee 109 Ramadan Dastarkhwans set…

By our correspondent KARACH: In a message that resonated with both cultural warmth and diplomatic courtesy, the Consul General of Indonesia, Mudzakir, extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Karachi on the occasion of the holy month of Ramazan. Addressing the citizens in a note that underscored the spiritual and humanitarian significance of the month, he described Ramazan as a period of reflection, patience, and a reaffirmation of human values. He emphasized that the month provided an opportunity not only for individual introspection but also for reinforcing bonds of friendship and understanding across nations. Mudzakir portrayed Ramazan as a…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, on Tuesday attributed a three-day delay in the medical examination of former prime minister Imran Khan to his sister, Aleema Khan, amid growing political tensions over the jailed leader’s health. Speaking at a press conference, Naqvi outlined the sequence of events that had unfolded during Khan’s recent eye check-up at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail. According to the minister, a meeting had been held between the doctors assigned to examine Khan, his personal medical team, and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders. Following the consultations, Naqvi said, the medical professionals had expressed satisfaction with the…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, on Tuesday attributed a three-day delay in the medical examination of former prime minister Imran Khan to his sister, Aleema Khan, amid growing political tensions over the jailed leader’s health. Speaking at a press conference, Naqvi outlined the sequence of events that had unfolded during Khan’s recent eye check-up at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail. According to the minister, a meeting had been held between the doctors assigned to examine Khan, his personal medical team, and senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders. Following the consultations, Naqvi said, the medical professionals had expressed satisfaction with the…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The latest medical report on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s eye examination has shown marked improvement in his vision. Specialists noted reduced swelling and better clinical indicators in his right eye. The examination was carried out on February 15 by a medical board including Professor Dr Nadeem Qureshi of Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital and Professor Dr Muhammad Arif Khan of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Islamabad, according to a report released on Monday. The report recorded Imran’s right-eye vision without glasses at 6/24 partial, while the left eye measured 6/9. With corrective lenses, the…