Author: Shaheen Hashim

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has called on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to withdraw its planned “wheel-jam” strike scheduled for 8 February, warning that the protest could provoke unrest and violence. Speaking at a function in Korangi, Shah said: “PTI should retract its strike call. We cannot afford disruption and riots. Their actions risk repeating the tragedy of 9 May, and even their own supporters will face difficulties. If PTI continues on this path, it will effectively become PTI-P.” The minister defended the provincial government’s handling of PTI leader Suhail Afridi’s recent visit,…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr Nikhat Shakeel, visited the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) Karachi to review the institution’s performance, ongoing projects, and future strategic plans. During the visit, the Deputy Director General briefed Dr Shakeel on PSQCA’s role in national standardization, quality control, certification, and enforcement against substandard and counterfeit products. He highlighted improvements in laboratory facilities and steps taken to align national standards with international requirements. Dr Shakeel praised PSQCA’s work, saying that ensuring safe and high-quality products is vital for public health, consumer protection, and economic…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Senior Sindh minister Sharjeel Inam Memon had said that history could not be rewritten through factually incorrect, hate-driven statements or what he described as “cheap slogans” circulated on social media, as he launched a strong defence of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s record in Karachi and across the province. In a statement issued in Karachi, Memon said the PPP had never been indifferent to the city’s problems, rejecting claims that the party had neglected the country’s largest metropolis. He said Karachi’s deep-rooted challenges, including water shortages, broken sewerage systems, damaged roads and crumbling infrastructure, were the result…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Sindh’s minister for local government, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, toured several parts of Karachi on Monday, accompanied by senior officials from the city’s water board, the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, the mega projects directorate, and the Karachi Development Authority, as the provincial government intensified efforts to tackle the city’s worsening civic conditions. During the inspection, Shah was joined by town chairman Dr Fouad and officials from Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, who coordinated with representatives from the water board and the KDA throughout the visit. The minister’s rounds took him across areas grappling with persistent water shortages, accumulating…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: PayFast celebrated eight years of operations at NASTP in Karachi with the launch of Rah-e-Raast, a new initiative enabling QR-based payments at the point of delivery. The move aims to help businesses reduce reliance on cash and support Pakistan’s transition to a digital economy. Since its founding, PayFast has facilitated secure and scalable digital transactions for thousands of merchants across e-commerce, retail, and services. The platform said it has contributed significantly to the country’s push towards a cashless economy. The Rah-e-Raast initiative was launched in partnership with Unity Retail and SLG Trax, reflecting an ecosystem-driven approach…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Senior Sindh minister Sharjeel Inam Memon had said that history could not be rewritten through factually incorrect, hate-driven statements or what he described as “cheap slogans” circulated on social media, as he launched a strong defence of the Pakistan Peoples Party’s record in Karachi and across the province. In a statement issued in Karachi, Memon said the PPP had never been indifferent to the city’s problems, rejecting claims that the party had neglected the country’s largest metropolis. He said Karachi’s deep-rooted challenges, including water shortages, broken sewerage systems, damaged roads and crumbling infrastructure, were the result…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Sindh’s minister for local government, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, toured several parts of Karachi on Monday, accompanied by senior officials from the city’s water board, the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, the mega projects directorate, and the Karachi Development Authority, as the provincial government intensified efforts to tackle the city’s worsening civic conditions. During the inspection, Shah was joined by town chairman Dr Fouad and officials from Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, who coordinated with representatives from the water board and the KDA throughout the visit. The minister’s rounds took him across areas grappling with persistent water shortages, accumulating…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Sindh’s minister for local government, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, had welcomed a senior member of the United Arab Emirates’ royal family, Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalifa Saeed Al Maktoum, on his arrival at Karachi airport, in a visit that officials described as significant for deepening bilateral engagement, particularly in trade and investment. Shah received Sheikh Ahmed at the airport and exchanged brief remarks, conveying what he described as the warm sentiments of the Sindh government and the people of Pakistan. The visiting dignitary was scheduled to remain in the country for several days, during which he was…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Karachi’s public transport system welcomed a new addition as double-decker buses began operations on the Malir to Shahrah-e-Faisal route, offering commuters an alternative travel option from today. The launch, described by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon as a New Year gift for city residents, represents a step towards modernizing and expanding urban transit in Pakistan’s largest metropolis. Speaking to the media, Memon confirmed that fares for the new buses would be aligned with the existing Peoples Bus service, ensuring affordability while providing enhanced commuting options. The buses are being introduced initially on a limited, trial…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Sindh’s home minister, Ziaul Hasan Lanjhar, has expressed regret over the assault on YouTuber Rajab Butt at Karachi’s city court, saying violence inside court premises was unacceptable. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Lanjhar said he had discussed the incident with the chief justice following the attack on Butt earlier in the day. “What happened inside the court is not the job of lawyers,” the home minister said, adding that court police were present at the time of the incident. He said court police were responsible for producing and escorting suspects, and described the attack…