Author: Our Correspondent

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: A high-level humanitarian conference convened at the National Emergencies Operation Center in Islamabad brought together key stakeholders to advance Pakistan’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The session was co-chaired by Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Yahya, signaling close collaboration between national authorities and international partners. During the conference, the NDMA and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office finalized a formal calendar of activities prioritized for all humanitarian actors, establishing a coordinated framework designed to strengthen national readiness through structured planning, timely action,…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A new Early Childhood Care (ECC) room was inaugurated at Government Primary School Thoya Fazal No. 1 in Dera Ismail Khan, officials said, marking a step toward modernising early education in the district. The ceremony was led by Dr Humayun Khan Khattak, Sub-Divisional Education Officer of Tehsil Dera, and attended by Circle ASDEO Rahmatullah Baloch, headteachers, teaching staff and local elders. Dr Khattak said 20 ECC rooms have so far been established across Tehsil Dera, with plans to expand the initiative to all government schools in the area. He explained that the rooms…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was allowed to speak with his children on the Supreme Court’s orders, his sister Aleem Khan confirmed on Saturday. Jail authorities said the former prime minister’s conversation with his sons lasted more than 30 minutes. Aleema Khan said Imran spoke to his sons, Kasim Khan and Sulaiman Khan, over the phone for around 20 minutes. She added: “His sons shared that he was extremely happy to hear their voices after such a long time.” The call followed the Supreme Court’s February 12 order, directing authorities to allow Imran to hold…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A shallow westerly weather system is expected to bring rain, gusty winds, and dust storms to parts of Sindh, including Karachi, on February 17, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Saturday. Showers are likely from the evening of February 16 through February 17, with occasional breaks. The Met Office forecast rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds across several regions of the country from February 16 to 17. It also warned of possible hailstorms in northern Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan, and Punjab’s Dera Ghazi Khan during the period. Sindh is expected to experience rain and…

By our correspondent KARACHI: A recent report from the Auditor General of Pakistan has revealed that eight public sector enterprises in Sindh have failed to submit their annual audited accounts. The audit of Sindh’s public sector entities highlighted weaknesses in financial discipline and internal controls within several organizations. Eight enterprises were specifically noted for not submitting their yearly audited statements, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. In three cases of illegal appointments, discrepancies exceeding Rs267 million were identified. Procurement irregularities in three cases amounted to over Rs1.18 billion, while outstanding dues in four cases totaled Rs465 million. Several entities also…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistan People’s Party leader and senator Sherry Rehman has voiced strong criticism over inadequate facilities and mismanagement at Pakistan’s airports. In a message posted on social media, Sherry Rehman stressed that taxpayers are entitled to better services. She urged federal interior minister Mohsin Naqvi and opposition leader Khawaja Asif to take immediate notice of the situation. Sherry Rehman highlighted the repeated closure of gates reserved for women at Islamabad International Airport, which has led to long queues and inconvenience. She said that while authorities briefly opened a second gate following complaints, it was soon closed…

By our correspondent ISLAMABAD: The government is expected to raise petroleum prices for the next fortnight from February 16, industry sources said on Saturday. They indicated that petrol could increase by Rs4.39 per liter, bringing the price to Rs257.56 from the current Rs253.17. High-speed diesel (HSD) is also likely to rise by Rs5.40 per liter, taking it from Rs268.38 to Rs273.78. Kerosene oil may become more expensive by Rs4 per liter, while light diesel oil (LDO) could see an increase of Rs6.55 per liter. The final decision will be taken by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) in consultation…

By our correspondent KARACHI: ILMA University marked its 21st Convocation on 9 February, celebrating 25 years of higher education with over 400 graduates, including 44 gold medalists, receiving their degrees at the Main Campus. The ceremony was attended by Chancellor Noman Abid Lakhani, President Faraz Abid Lakhani, Chairperson Kanwal Hammad Lakhani, Pro-Chancellor Dr. Hammad Tahir, and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mansoor uz Zafar Dawood, along with students, parents, faculty, and distinguished guests. Notable Guests of Honour included Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Provincial IT Minister Ali Rashid, industrialists Dr. Kashif Mehtab Chawla and Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, and…

By our correspondent KARACHI: The Sindh Employees Social Security Institution (SESSI) and NADRA renewed their agreement on 12 February to accelerate issuance of the Benazir Mazdoor Card, aimed at providing welfare and protection to workers across Sindh. The ceremony at SESSI Head Office was attended by senior officials from both organisations, including Commissioner SESSI Hadi Bakhsh Kalhoro and Regional Director NADRA Karachi Aamir Ali Khan. The card, an initiative of Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani, will eventually cover workers in the informal sector and ensures proper verification of beneficiaries at SESSI hospitals and dispensaries through NADRA’s system. Commissioner Kalhoro said…

By our correspondent KARACHI: Greenwich University and ARY Digital Network signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 14 February to strengthen media education in Pakistan and bridge the gap between academia and industry. The agreement, formalised at the Dr. Kamal Auditorium on Greenwich University’s Karachi campus, was signed by Vice Chancellor Dr. Seema Mughal and ARY Group President & CEO Salman Iqbal. Under the MoU, both institutions will establish the ARY School of Media Studies within Greenwich University, offering undergraduate and graduate programs co-designed to match evolving industry standards. The collaboration includes a traineeship program where at least 15…