Author: Ishaque Hashmi

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted more monsoon rains across various regions of the country, including Karachi, starting Friday (today) and continuing until Monday (August 12). These showers are expected to occur with occasional gaps. PMD has also anticipated rain-wind and thundershowers across Sindh, including Mithi, Sanghar, Mirpur Khas, and Karachi, among others, from August 9 to 11. The weather office indicated that strong winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are likely to contribute to this weather pattern. Additionally, rain-wind and thundershowers, with scattered heavy falls, are expected in various parts of Punjab, including…

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KARACHI: Sindh Environment Minister Dost Muhammad Rahimoon has highlighted the significant threats to Pakistan’s food security posed by the rapid conversion of farmlands near urban centers into gated housing societies. Speaking as the chief guest at a conference organized by the National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH) on the impact of climate change on food security, Rahimoon underscored the detrimental effects of the 2022 floods, which severely impacted Sindh’s economy and farming sectors. He emphasized the Sindh government’s commitment to addressing climate change through extensive mangrove plantation on the coastal belt and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Rahimoon reassured…

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By Ishaque Hashmi KARACHI: Under the aegis of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan, a significant event for the national tree plantation campaign was held in Korangi Zaman Town. The ceremony featured the participation of Leader of the Opposition in Sindh, Ali Khurshidi, and Provincial Assembly member Najam Mirza. Addressing the attendees, Ali Khurshidi highlighted the crucial role of trees in combating climate change and the intensifying heat. He pointed out that deforestation and the reduction of forests are major contributors to environmental degradation. Khurshidi emphasized that planting trees is not just a divine blessing but also a continuous act of…

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By Imtiaz Hussain SUKKUR: Sindh Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar has initiated an investigation into the stalled multi-million rupees surface drain restoration project in Ghotki. This announcement highlights the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure delays and ensuring that critical projects are completed on time. Minister Mahar emphasized the urgency of resuming work on the Dangar Canal and Biggo Canal, underscoring the need for immediate action to rectify the delays affecting these essential water management projects. During his visit to Ghotki, Minister Mahar also conducted a tour of the district’s government hospitals, where he noted several pressing issues, including medicine…

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By Ishaque Hashmi KARACHI: The sit-in protest outside the Sindh Governor House in Karachi marked its fifth consecutive day, with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi leadership hinting at expanding their demonstrations to the Sindh Chief Minister House or Shahrah-e-Faisal. The protest has attracted a significant number of participants, including JI workers, as well as local residents such as women, children, and senior citizens. A major event of the day was an Ulema Convention, where religious scholars gathered to express their support for the protest against perceived governmental injustices. JI Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar addressed both the sit-in and a press conference, stating…

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SUKKUR: The recent torrential rains across Sindh have led to catastrophic consequences, with the death toll climbing to nine and significant damage reported across the province. The deluge has caused numerous roof collapses, affecting key areas including Khairpur, Sukkur, Nara, and other surrounding cities. The rains have also severely impacted local agriculture, damaging crops such as cotton and date palms. In Haji Shah Dost Banglani village near Baho Khoso, a roof collapse claimed the lives of 50-year-old Ayesha Banglani and her 4-year-old grandson Mahmood Banglani. Additionally, Nehalan, a 25-year-old woman, sustained injuries from the incident. Thana Bola Khan witnessed another…

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Lahore’s placement highlights its cost-effectiveness relative to other major global cities, while Islamabad’s ranking underscores its affordability in the context of worldwide urban centers KARACHI: Data company Numbeo has released its latest report highlighting the world’s most affordable cities for the first half of 2024, with Pakistani cities Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad making notable appearances. Karachi has been identified as the most affordable city globally, being 81% less expensive than New York City. This distinction places Karachi at the top of the affordability index, reflecting significant cost advantages in various aspects of daily living. The Numbeo report evaluated cities based…

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KARACHI: Recent rains and weather fluctuations in Karachi have led to a significant rise in flu and cough cases, according to local health officials. Dr. Halar Sheikh, a General Physician at Jinnah Hospital, reported a dramatic increase in the number of patients seeking treatment for viral infections. “Our hospital is receiving over 100 patients daily with flu and cough symptoms,” Dr. Sheikh stated. This represents a substantial rise from the usual 20 to 30 patients seen under normal conditions. Dr. Sheikh attributed the spread of these infections to the consumption of cold beverages and outside food. She emphasized that children…

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The officer’s dedication led to a raid in Nazimabad, where water was being stolen and sold through unauthorized hydrants despite the area’s official water supply being suspended for 65 days KARACHI: In a dramatic turn of events, Assistant Director Mirza Ikhlaq Baig has been dismissed from his position, allegedly under the directive of Chairman of the Water Corporation and Karachi Mayor, Murtaza Wahab. Baig, who had exposed one of Karachi’s most extensive water theft syndicates, has been met with suspension rather than recognition for his efforts. Baig’s revelations of a massive water theft operation, involving billions of rupees worth of…

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KARACHI: Karachi is set to experience moderate to heavy rainfall with thunderstorms on Monday, as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal begins to impact the region. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a forecast predicting strong winds and thunderstorms, with rainfall expected to persist intermittently through Tuesday. The low-pressure system, which has already affected the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, is now influencing weather patterns in Sindh. The PMD’s Early Warning Centre has indicated that a powerful monsoon system is moving into Sindh, bringing with it moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms. The system is expected…

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