Author: Shaheen Hashim

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…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: The Dar-us-Shifa Dialysis Center, operated by the Dar-us-Shifa Foundation, recently hosted a “Health and Family Carnival” designed to combine healthcare awareness with family-friendly entertainment. The event offered free diagnostic testing alongside a range of infotainment activities for children, aiming to educate young participants about health while keeping the atmosphere engaging and enjoyable. Speaking at the event, the chief guest and former member of the National Assembly, Rehan Hashmi, emphasized the importance of combining learning with play. He said that initiatives of this kind were particularly effective in raising awareness among children about the risks associated with…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Tragedy struck on the M-9 motorway near Malir K.T. in Karachi, where two brothers lost their lives after their vehicle overturned, authorities reported. Rescue officials indicated that the accident was caused by excessive speed, highlighting ongoing concerns over road safety on the city’s busy highways. The victims, whose identities were not immediately disclosed, were rushed to a nearby hospital, but could not be saved. Officials from the Karachi Rescue Services and local police responded swiftly to the scene, securing the area and assisting in the transfer of the bodies. An investigation has been launched to determine…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Sindh Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi extended his congratulations to the newly elected office-bearers of the Karachi Press Club, including President Fazil Jamili, Vice President Irshad Khokhar, Secretary Muhammad Aslam Khan, Joint Secretary Farooq Sami, and Treasurer Imran Ayub. He also felicitated the newly elected members of the governing body: Abdul Jabbar Nasir, Akhtar Soomro, Shima Siddiqui, Faryal Arif, Javed Saba, Fareed Alam, and Javed Mehr. Khursheedi described the victory of the Democrats panel as a continuation of the Karachi Press Club’s longstanding democratic tradition. He expressed the expectation that the new leadership would play an effective…

By Shaheen Hashim KARACHI: Sindh chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah hosted a Christmas ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House on Thursday, marking the birth of Jesus Christ and underscoring a message of peace, harmony and interfaith unity. The chief minister cut a Christmas cake alongside Christian religious leaders and extended warm greetings to the Christian community. He also posed for group photographs with guests, while special prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and progress in Pakistan. Addressing the gathering, Shah said Christmas was one of the most important festivals for the Christian community and was celebrated across the world…