Day: July 9, 2026

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah held a high-level meeting with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives to review the progress of major Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects in Sindh and discuss measures to accelerate implementation of critical road infrastructure schemes worth over Rs140.9 billion.

The meeting focused on five strategic road projects being executed through federal-provincial cost-sharing arrangements, including the Sindh Coastal Highway, Mehran Highway, Rohri-Guddu Road, Tando Allahyar-Tando Adam dual carriageway and the Sanghar-Rohri Road project. Collectively, the schemes are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity, facilitate trade and transportation, and support economic development across the province.

The delegation was led by MNA Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani, Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. Committee members Ms Naz Baloch, Farhan Chishti, Syed Sami-ul-Hassan Gillani, Ms Akhtar Bibi, Zulfiqar Bachani and Shabbir Bijarani attended the meeting.

Provincial Minister for Planning and Development Jam Khan Shoro, Minister for Works and Services Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Secretary to the Chief Minister Asif Jameel, Secretary Works Nawaz Soho and other senior officials were also present.

During the briefing, the chief minister was informed that the five federal PSDP schemes have a combined revised cost of Rs140.916 billion, with the federal government contributing Rs 96.757 billion and the Sindh government Rs 44.159 billion. All projects are targeted for completion by June 2027.

The meeting reviewed the status of the 36-kilometre Sindh Coastal Highway Extension, costing Rs 37.7 billion. The CM informed the visiting parliamentarian that the work order had been issued in June 2026 and the contractor had mobilised machinery and resources at the site.

The 150-kilometre Rohri-Guddu Barrage Road via Khanpur Mahar, Mirpur Mathelo and Mureed Shakh, with a revised cost of Rs17.79 billion, is currently under construction, with asphalt base work completed on 44 kilometres.

The committee was also briefed on the 31.4-kilometre Tando Allahyar-Tando Adam Road Dualisation Project, estimated at Rs 9.28 billion. Progress is continuing, although utility relocation, transmission line clearance and pending approvals from Pakistan Railways remain key implementation challenges.

Similarly, work is underway on the 135-kilometre Dualisation of Mehran Highway from Nawabshah to Ranipur, a Rs 41.03 billion project considered one of the province’s most important transport corridors.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the 221-kilometre Sanghar-Rohri Road Project, costing Rs 35.08 billion. Officials reported that widening and base work on significant sections have been completed and asphalt paving is expected to commence shortly.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Murad Ali Shah said that modern road infrastructure was essential for economic growth, regional integration and improved public mobility. ‘These projects are not merely roads but are economic corridors that will connect communities, facilitate trade and create new opportunities for development across Sindh,’ the chief minister said.

He emphasised the need for close coordination between federal and provincial agencies to ensure timely completion of the schemes. ‘All bottlenecks, including utility shifting, approvals and funding issues, must be resolved on priority so that the people of Sindh can benefit from these strategic projects without delay,’ he added.

Chairman of the Standing Committee, Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani, appreciated the Sindh government’s efforts in advancing infrastructure development and assured the province of the committee’s support in addressing project-related issues at the federal level. ‘The Standing Committee is committed to facilitating coordination among all stakeholders to ensure that these nationally important projects are completed within the stipulated timeframe,’ he said.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both federal and provincial stakeholders to strengthen coordination, expedite fund utilisation and remove administrative hurdles to ensure timely completion of all ongoing PSDP projects in Sindh.

Karachi: Pakistan has achieved a historic milestone on the global philatelic stage as prominent businessman and renowned philatelist M Arif Balgamwala became the first philatelist in the world and the first Pakistani in the country’s 79-year history to win a Gold Medal in the highly competitive Five-Frame category at the Macao 2026 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition for his exhibit, ‘British India Stamps Overprints Pakistan 1947-1949.’

This remarkable achievement has earned a landmark distinction for Pakistan and brought unprecedented international recognition to the country.

The Macao victory adds another milestone to an exceptional year for the veteran philatelist. Earlier in 2026, he won a Gold Medal at the Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition for his exhibit ‘Pakistan Overprints on India Stationery 1947-1949.’

In yet another unprecedented achievement, Balgamwala became the first Pakistani in history to earn a place in the Court of Honor at the Boston World Stamp Expo 2026, USA, one of the highest recognitions reserved for distinguished exhibitors on the international philatelic circuit.

Karachi: A sub-committee of the Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture on Wednesday directed relevant authorities to take coordinated measures to address administrative, developmental and security issues at the Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam and its peripheral areas, expressing hope that the national monument would soon be reopened to the public.

The meeting, chaired by Sub-Committee Convener Senator Waqar Mehdi, was attended by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan and, online, Senator Sarmad Ali.

Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, the Resident Engineer of the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board (QMMB), the Additional Inspector General of Police Karachi, the Municipal Commissioner of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), the Managing Director of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWandSC) and other officials also attended.

Briefing the media after the meeting, Senator Waqar Mehdi said the Senate had constituted the sub-committee after the issue of the mausoleum’s peripheral areas was raised in the main committee.

He said the committee had taken the matter as a dedicated project to restore the dignity and grandeur of the national monument.

He said all relevant institutions had been taken on board to resolve the issues being faced by the Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board. He said the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board had been asked to improve cleanliness around the mausoleum, while the KMC had been tasked with preparing a beautification plan.

Highlighting security concerns, Mehdi said the Additional IGP Karachi had been requested to deploy Special Security Unit (SSU) commandos at the site.

He said the mausoleum had remained closed to the public for the past several years due to security concerns. To address the issue, he said, the sub-committee had constituted a committee under the Commissioner Karachi comprising representatives of the police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies to evaluate the security situation and submit recommendations.

He said the sub-committee would meet again after 15 days to review progress.

The convener said the committee had also recommended the installation of CCTV cameras at the mausoleum and requested the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation to exempt the mausoleum from future water charges, noting that outstanding dues required clarification.

Expressing optimism, Mehdi said he hoped the mausoleum would soon be reopened for visitors.

During the meeting, the Resident Engineer informed the sub-committee that drug addicts had stolen grills from parks surrounding the mausoleum and four first information reports (FIRs) had been registered. The committee directed the Additional IGP Karachi to coordinate action on the matter.

The committee also sought audit reports of the QMMB and recommended a third-party audit.

Officials informed the meeting that, against a sanctioned strength of 113 employees, 53 posts were vacant, while 59 employees were currently serving in the organisation.

The committee also recommended that the mausoleum management activate its vigilance teams to strengthen monitoring and protection of the premises.

Karachi: The University of Karachi has extended the deadline for submission of admission forms for MPhil, PhD, MS, ME, LLM, M.S. M.D., and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programs. Interested students can now submit their admission forms to their relevant department until July 10, 2026.

According to the Director of the Postgraduate Admissions Committee Professor Dr Anila Amber Malik the deadline has been extended by two days for admissions to the above-mentioned programs for the year 2026. She advised that students must ensure their forms are submitted by July 10, 2026.

It is noteworthy that, for the first time in the history of the University of Karachi, admissions to the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) program are being offered from this year. This initiative is being regarded as a significant milestone in advancing higher education and professional expertise in the field of dentistry.

The list of candidates eligible for the admission test will be published on the University of Karachi’s website on July 20, 2026. Eligible candidates will be able to collect their admit cards on July 23 and 24, 2026, from their respective departments, centers, and institutes. The admission test will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Dr Anila Amber has advised all applicants to carefully study the prospectus before submitting their forms, to ensure they are fully aware of the admission requirements, eligibility criteria, necessary documents, and other important information.

Karachi: Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, distributed pension arrears cheques worth Rs 310 million among retired employees of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and announced the introduction of the KMC Pension Card.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, Municipal Commissioner KMC Abrar Jaffer, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentary Leader in the City Council Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Jaman Darwan, President of Peoples Labour Bureau Karachi Division Aslam Samoo, and other officials.

Addressing the cheque distribution ceremony, the Mayor said that resolving the long-standing issues faced by retired KMC employees, which had remained pending for many years, had been a priority of the present city administration.

He stated that due to the flawed policies of previous governments, retired employees had been deprived of their legitimate rights; however, the current elected leadership had taken practical steps to address these issues.

He said that when the present administration assumed office three years ago, KMC had pension liabilities amounting to approximately Rs. 11 billion. Through prudent financial planning and effective investment of available resources, pension arrears of employees who retired between 2013 and 2019 are being cleared in phases, while Rs. 310 million is being disbursed today.

He added that approximately Rs. 6.2 billion in pension arrears still remains to be paid, and work in this regard is progressing rapidly.

He further said that KMC now ensures that all retired employees receive their monthly pension on the first day of every month, and there is currently no outstanding liability against regular pension payments.

The Mayor said that the credit for this achievement goes to the entire City Council, the Deputy Mayor, the Parliamentary Leader, the Deputy Parliamentary Leader, the Peoples Labour Bureau, and all officers and employees who contributed to this effort.

He also revealed that a long-standing financial dispute with the K-Electric had been resolved, as a result of which approximately Rs 1.4 billion would be transferred to KMC’s account during the current month. He said these funds would also be utilized for the welfare of employees and the citizens of Karachi.

Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that the implementation of the SAP system had significantly enhanced transparency by eliminating fake recruitments and financial irregularities.

He stated that several cases of dual employment in KMC, the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), and other institutions had been identified. Additionally, around 1,200 individuals were found to be getting fake pensions amounting to Rs. 57 million unauthorisedly.

He emphasized that every payment would now be made through a fully digital system to ensure transparency and accountability.

He also announced that retired employees would soon be issued computerized KMC Pension Cards, making the pension disbursement process more convenient.

Highlighting the city’s development initiatives, the Mayor said that the present city administration had successfully completed several major infrastructure projects, including Shahrah-e-Bhutto, Korangi Causeway Bridge, Senator Taj Haider Bridge, Karimabad Underpass, Bhains Colony-Ibrahim Hyderi Flyover, and the Azeempura Flyover.

He further announced that two additional flyovers would soon be constructed at the My Kolachi Road railway crossing and near Disco Bakery in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

He also said that Rs. 200 million had been allocated for development and beautification works around mosques before the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal.

The Mayor stated that he always addresses the media in connection with the inauguration or completion of development projects because his politics is based on public service.

He remarked that these achievements were not the work of any single individual but the result of the collective efforts of the Pakistan Peoples Party and the City Council.

He added that some elements attempt to claim credit for every achievement, but KMC has always fulfilled its responsibilities, continues to do so today, and will keep serving the people of Karachi with the same dedication in the future.

Karachi: Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) is playing a pivotal role in combating cancer in Pakistan through its nationwide network of 21 cancer hospitals and diagnostic centers, which provide treatment to nearly 80 percent of the country’s cancer patients.

Member (Science), PAEC Dr. Shakeel Abbas Rofi made these remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the international symposium titled “Sustainable Agriculture Under a Climate Change Scenario: From Seeds to Biopesticides, Biostimulants and Biofertilizers,” held on Wednesday at the Prof. Salim-uz-zaman Siddiqui Auditorium of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi.

Appreciating ICCBS for organizing the symposium, Dr. Rofi said the event addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing Pakistan’s economy, sustainable agriculture under changing climatic conditions.

He noted that PAEC’s network of Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals and diagnostic centers provides comprehensive cancer care to nearly 80 percent of Pakistan’s cancer patients.

He emphasized the need to strengthen scientific research in health, cancer, agriculture and chemical sciences to support national development.

He added that PAEC’s agricultural research centers continue to develop improved crop varieties, strengthen pest management practices and promote climate-resilient farming to enhance national food security.

Dr. Rofi also highlighted the contribution of PAEC’s nuclear power program in providing clean, reliable and affordable electricity to strengthen Pakistan’s energy security.

Former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, spoke on the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in chemical sciences.

He said AI is opening new horizons in chemical sciences, particularly in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, by transforming it from a labor-intensive analytical technique into a faster, more accurate and highly automated tool for chemical research.

He also briefed participants on the progress made in Pakistan’s science, technology and higher education sectors during his tenure.

Welcoming the guest speakers and participants, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS, said organizing international symposia, seminars and workshops has long been part of the institution’s scientific tradition.

He presented an overview of ICCBS’s achievements and highlighted its status as the only Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Centre of Excellence of its kind with an international reputation.

Renowned Pakistani microbiologist and biotechnologist Prof. Kauser A. Malik delivered an online lecture on sustainable agriculture.

Prof. Dr. Bina Siddiqui of ICCBS presented her research on Neem and Neem-based products.

Dr. Shahid Mansoor highlighted the importance of organizing the symposium, noting that Pakistan’s food, nutritional and fibre security are increasingly threatened by climate change, making regenerative and organic agriculture promising alternatives.

Dr. Kashif Riaz Khan of the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB) delivered a presentation on cotton production, while Dr. Farooq A. Khan of ICCBS discussed his research on protecting cotton crops from pests and other damaging organisms.

Dr. Nizamuddin Depar of PAEC also addressed the symposium.