Author: Zahid Karani

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The School Education and Literacy Department (SELD), Government of Sindh, in collaboration with UNICEF, launched the Enrolment and Retention Drive 2026–27 at Church Mission School, following established standard operating procedures. The launch event was attended by key dignitaries, including the SELD secretary, Zahid Ali Abbasi; Dr Junaid Hameed Samo, chief programme manager of the Reform Support Unit (RSU); Prem Bahadur Chand, chief field officer of UNICEF Sindh; and Muhammad Iqbal Qureshi from the Pakistan Rotary Literacy Mission, along with M Ali Haider, deputy governor of Rotary. Representatives from Muslim Hands and the National Commission for Human…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The Karachi chapter of the Almarah Foundation organised a welfare event under the leadership of its chairperson, Sophiya Warraich, aimed at strengthening community partnerships and promoting social responsibility. The event was attended by goodwill ambassadors Humayun Saeed and Muneeb Butt, who appreciated the foundation’s ongoing efforts for the welfare of underprivileged communities. The programme was hosted by the Karachi chapter head, Danish Aman. Addressing the audience, Dr Farhan Essa expressed his full support for humanitarian initiatives, while Zeeshan Habib, a member of the foundation, highlighted the organisation’s vision and its expanding impact. During the event, two…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: A wellness session aimed at senior citizens focused on inner child healing and emotional connection, bringing together participants across generations for reflection and shared learning. The event was organised by VCare Welfare Social Society in collaboration with Khudi Wellness, creating an inclusive space for both older adults and younger participants. The session was facilitated by Komal Ghazal, who led a storytelling-based discussion on childhood experiences, emotional memories and their long-term impact on personality and behaviour. Participants shared personal experiences and reflected on how early environments, parenting styles and unresolved emotions continued to shape their lives. The…

By Zahid Karani TASHKENT: The Second Asian Women’s Forum will be held in Bukhara from May 13 to 15, with preparations progressing under the oversight of the Organizing Committee, which met recently at the Senate of the Oliy Majlis. The session was chaired by Senate Chairperson Tanzila Narbaeva and attended by senators, heads of relevant ministries, agency representatives, and members of non-governmental organizations. The forum, to be held jointly with UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund, will focus on empowering women across the region in politics, the economy, healthcare, education, social protection, climate, environment, and governance. It is…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Brigadier (R) Tarique Quadir Lakhiar visited the Pakistan Tanners Association office in Karachi, where discussions focused on the leather industry’s economic role and the development of emergency health services, with both sides emphasising collaboration in public service and industry support. Dr Danish Aman, chairman PTA (S.Z), hosted Brigadier Tarique Quadir Lakhiar (R) – SI (M), chief executive of Sindh Integrated Emergency & Health Services, over lunch at the association’s office. During the meeting, Dr Aman outlined the structure and performance of Pakistan’s leather sector, describing it as the country’s second-largest export-oriented industry. He highlighted its contribution…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: The Karachi Council on Foreign Relations hosted a seminar on Tuesday examining “The Conflict in the Middle East,” drawing diplomats, scholars, and strategic experts to discuss the evolving regional situation and its implications for Pakistan. The session offered a platform for detailed analysis of shifting dynamics across the Middle East, with participants exploring possible avenues for de-escalation and emphasizing the importance of sustainable peace. Speakers underlined the centrality of dialogue and restraint, highlighting the role of responsible diplomacy in maintaining stability during periods of heightened tension. The discussions also focused on the human cost of conflict,…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Rear Admiral Shahid Ahmed, chairman of the Karachi Port Trust, visited two key healthcare facilities in the city, where he reviewed medical services and met staff in an effort to assess patient care and infrastructure. The visit included stops at KDLB Hospital and KPT Hospital, both of which serve communities in the port area. Accompanied by Dr Danish Aman and senior medical officers, the chairman toured several departments. He spent time in the paediatric ward, where he spoke with children receiving treatment and their families. Hospital staff briefed him on the challenges they faced, including patient…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Diplomats from Germany, the UK, Oman, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Turkey, along with managers of Sri Lankan and Turkish Airlines and IG Police Sindh, attended a lavish Iftar hosted by Abdul Basit Mundia of the M.I. Mundia Group at his Clifton residence. The gathering, the first major diplomatic event in Karachi since tensions between the US, Iran, and Israel escalated, saw discussions focus on the resignation of Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and the appointment of his successor, Nehal Hashmi of Pakistan Muslim League (N). Politicians from PPP, PML, and PTI, senior government and police officials,…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Shaan-e-Pakistan, led by Huma Haji Zakar Pardesi, hosted its annual Lamyaati Sahoor night, promoting inclusion, talent, and unity. The event attracted notable personalities including Jimmy Engineer, Ishtiaq Baig, Ikhtiar Baig, Ahmed Chinoy, Faisal Mehmood, Jawed Iqbal, Faizan Haqee, Mohammed Azmat, Asifa Ataka, Nadia Hussain, Seemi Pasha, Angie Marshal, Raheel Haroon, and Nazia Malik. The evening opened with a red carpet and Lamyaati gathering, setting a reflective and spiritual tone. Shanaz Ramzi welcomed guests and highlighted Shaan-e-Pakistan’s initiatives, especially the SEP Academy for the Visually Impaired, which recently signed an MOU with Ida Rieu. She emphasized the…

By Zahid Karani KARACHI: Iran’s Consul General in Karachi, Akbar Eisa Zadeh, condemned recent attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, calling them violations of international law, and praised Pakistan for supporting Iran’s stance. Speaking to media during a visit to the Iranian Consulate on Friday to offer condolences over the martyrdom of associates of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Zadeh said the assaults had claimed many innocent lives, including 168 children. Zadeh criticized the US for negotiating through friendly countries while deploying naval fleets in the region and accused both Washington and Tel Aviv of targeting civilian…