Author: Ishaque Hashmi

By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: In a press conference at the Press Club Sukkur, Sindh Minister for Planning, Development, and Energy, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, condemned the recent killing of a Punjab police officer by dacoits, describing it as a tragic event. Shah assured that those responsible for the crime would face severe punishment and announced that preparations for a major operation against the dacoits were underway. Shah addressed concerns regarding the safety and fitness of vehicles transporting pilgrims to holy sites, stating that the government would ensure that these vehicles are thoroughly checked and certified before departure. He praised the…

By Ishaque Hashmi KARACHI: On the International Day of the Victims of Terrorism, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, the chairperson of the Global Aafia Movement and a distinguished neurophysician, delivered a poignant critique of Pakistan’s involvement in the war on terror. Dr. Siddiqui emphasized that while Pakistan played a pivotal role in combating terrorism, the country has suffered immensely as a result. She attributed this heavy toll to the “vision-less” political leaderships that have governed the nation over the past two decades. Dr. Siddiqui highlighted the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who has been imprisoned for 21 years under accusations linked to…

By Ishaque Hashmi KARACHI: A crucial hearing concerning the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui is set to take place at the Islamabad High Court on August 26. This hearing is part of the ongoing legal battle initiated by Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s sister and Chairperson of the Global Aafia Movement. The case is currently under review through Constitutional Petition No. 3139/2015, with Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan presiding. The last court session on July 5 resulted in the court granting the government a four-week extension to provide a substantive response and make a final decision on the matter.…

By Ishaque Hashmi KARACHI: Sindh’s Minister for Local Government, Saeed Ghani, underscored the significance of showcasing Sindh’s developmental projects to journalists from across Pakistan during a dinner reception held for a 17-member delegation from the Lahore Press Club. The delegation, led by Lahore Press Club President Arshad Ansari, visited Sindh to observe the region’s ongoing and completed projects. The reception took place at a local hotel, attended by Additional Chief Secretary of Local Government Sindh, Syed Khalid Haider Shah, Secretary Information Sindh, Nadeem ur Rehman Memon, Director General Information Sindh, Muhammad Saleem Khan, and other officials. Minister Ghani expressed his…

By Ishaque Hashmi KARACHI: The recently concluded Fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine (FIPV) campaign in Union Council 44, Haji Mureed Goth, stands as a shining example of success achieved through teamwork, dedication, and unwavering commitment. This campaign, aimed at eradicating polio from one of the most challenging regions in Karachi, marked a significant milestone, driven by the collective efforts of health workers, local authorities, and community leaders. The campaign’s success was largely due to the exceptional leadership of UNICEF Team Lead, Mellisa, whose hands-on approach and frequent visits to various outreach sites were instrumental in energizing and motivating the team. Her…

By Ishaque Hashmi KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani addressed concerns regarding the monsoon rains and recent political statements during a press conference at the Sindh Assembly. Ghani assured that the Sindh government and local authorities are managing the situation effectively despite ongoing rainfall and highlighted ongoing efforts to address water drainage issues. During the press conference, Ghani expressed skepticism about the Punjab government’s decision to allocate 45 billion rupees for relief over two months, labeling it a political stunt rather than a long-term solution. He emphasized the need for permanent measures to address the challenges posed by…

DC Fuad Ghaffar Soomro reviews the progress of the vaccination efforts, interacts with the health workers and addresses any challenges the FLWs face in the field By Ishaque Hashmi KARACHI: In a significant show of leadership and commitment to public health, Deputy Commissioner of District Central Fuad Ghaffar Soomro made a series of visits to various field locations to support the ongoing Fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV) campaign. His visit was aimed at ensuring that district efforts are in full alignment with the national objective of eradicating polio from Pakistan. Deputy Commissioner Soomro’s presence on the ground was a morale…

DC Sario Altaf Sario expresses his heartfelt hope that all children across Pakistan could enjoy sports and an active lifestyle without the fear of physical disabilities, especially those caused by polio By Ishaque Hashmi KARACHI: In a continued effort to ensure the success of the ongoing polio eradication campaign, Deputy Commissioner South, Captain (retd) Altaf Hussain Sario, visited UC-6 Shahbaig Lane to personally inspect the progress of the initiative. Accompanied by Team Leader NSTOP Dr. Shumaila and Provincial Training Officer Dr. Ahsan Mahar, DC South demonstrated his commitment to safeguarding the health of children in the district. During the visit,…

PMD issues warning for potential urban flooding in low-lying areas of Karachi KARACHI: experience heavy rainfall and thunderstorms today (Saturday), with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issuing a warning for potential urban flooding in low-lying areas of the metropolis. The city is expected to be under cloudy skies for the next 24 hours, with a high likelihood of rain accompanied by thunder. According to the PMD’s forecast, the maximum temperature in Karachi is expected to range between 30°C and 32°C, while humidity levels are projected to be around 81%. Winds in the provincial capital of Sindh are currently blowing from…

By Ishaque Hashmi KARACHI: Altaf Ali has been handed a nine-year prison sentence by the Judicial Magistrate East in Karachi for his involvement in the unauthorized distribution of explicit photographs of a female TikTok star. In addition to the prison term, Ali has been fined 60,000 rupees. Failure to pay the fine will result in further imprisonment. The case emerged after the TikTok star lodged a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Circle. According to her report, Ali invited her to his residence under the pretense of discussing a project. During the visit, Ali is alleged to…