Day: July 17, 2026

Karachi: Governor Sindh, Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi on Thursday said the nation was proud of its martyrs and war veterans and expressed hope that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) JUl-F chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman would reconsider and withdraw his remarks regarding our martyrs.

Addressing a press conference alongside Chairman of the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee, Maulana Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, the governor said Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and harmony, adding that every individual who sacrificed his life in defence of the country deserved the nation’s utmost respect.

He said Pakistan’s armed forces had defeated a much larger enemy through their professional capabilities and accused Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, of undermining humanity. He added that Pakistan’s Field Marshal had instilled fear in the enemy and expressed regret over those who, he said, were embarrassed by the country’s success. He prayed for Pakistan’s continued peace and prosperity.

Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Tahir
Mahmood Ashrafi said the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee was a joint platform representing scholars and religious leaders from all schools of thought. He said the committee’s network would be expanded to divisional and district levels.

Ashrafi said the martyrs of the Pakistan Armed Forces were a source of pride for the entire nation and described Pakistan as a shared homeland for followers of all sects and religions. He said anyone committing aggression against Pakistan was a common enemy of the nation.

He said no one would be allowed to disrespect our martyrs and war veterans, adding that more than 8,000 religious scholars had sacrificed their lives for Pakistan and that the country’s ulema stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces.

Ashrafi said the National Paigham-e-Aman Committee had played a significant role in promoting national unity and harmony. He added that every individual who had sacrificed for the country deserved the nation’s respect.

He also alleged that India and Israel sought to
fuel conspiracies and tensions against Pakistan and stressed that all segments of society must work together to ensure peace, stability and national unity.

Ashrafi said terrorism had no connection with Islam and that the entire nation remained united for Pakistan’s peace, harmony and solidarity. He described the Paigham-e-Pakistan declaration as a unanimous national document and said its effective implementation was the need of the hour.

Karachi: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Parliamentary Leader in the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Karamullah Waqasi, has announced that comprehensive emergency preparations have been initiated across the city ahead of the monsoon season.

He said all municipal institutions have been placed on high alert and are fully prepared to respond to any rain-related emergencies.

Chairing a key meeting with Union Council members from Baldia Town and Keamari Town, along with officials of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), Waqasi said the civic administration is implementing a coordinated strategy to minimize public inconvenience during the expected monsoon rains.

He emphasized that sanitation, timely garbage collection and disposal, continuous monitoring of storm-water drains, and effective drainage arrangements have been prioritized to ensure uninterrupted municipal services.

He informed participants that alongside the ongoing development and civic improvement projects across Karachi, the city’s Monsoon Emergency Plan is also being implemented at an accelerated pace under the leadership of Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab.

Highlighting the broader weather situation, Waqasi noted that the monsoon season has already commenced across Pakistan, with rainfall affecting several regions of the country. In anticipation of similar conditions in Karachi, a dedicated contingency strategy has been developed to safeguard residents and ensure swift emergency response.

He further stated that the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) has been placed on high alert, while all relevant officers and field personnel have been directed to perform their responsibilities efficiently during periods of heavy rainfall.

According to Waqasi, vulnerable and low-lying areas across the city have already been identified, where additional manpower, jetting and suction machines, and other essential equipment will be deployed to ensure rapid response in case of flooding or drainage issues.

The Mayor’s spokesperson also said that, on the instructions of Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, elected local government representatives remain actively engaged in their respective areas and are maintaining close coordination to address public concerns promptly.

Appealing to citizens to cooperate with the authorities, Waqasi urged residents to observe safety precautions during heavy rains, avoid opening sewer covers and manholes, and immediately contact the relevant civic agencies in the event of any emergency.

He reaffirmed the municipal administration’s commitment to transforming Karachi into a cleaner, safer, and more modern city, adding that every available resource would be utilized to ensure the uninterrupted provision of civic services and maximum public convenience throughout the monsoon season.

Karachi: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has strongly denied a news report claiming that the SHCC did not have the authority to inspect medical waste in hospitals.

The Commission said that SHCC provided hospitals with guidelines on infection prevention and control (IPC) and medical waste management. Hospitals were issued a license only after they fully meet these required standards. SHCC also carried out inspections from time to time to make sure hospitals continue to follow these standards.

To improve patient safety, SHCC also provided regular training to hospital staff. However, SHCC was not responsible for the day-to-day management of hospitals. It was the responsibility of the hospital administration to implement these standards and make sure they were properly followed.

The statement further said that if medical waste was found outside a hospital, SHCC has already issued clear guidelines for its safe disposal. There were proper methods and authorized agencies responsible for disposing of medical waste.

The Commission also clarified that SHCC was a regulatory body, not an administrative authority. It sets standards and issues guidelines, while the relevant government departments and hospital administrations were responsible for implementing them to ensure patient safety.

SHCC said that ensuring compliance with hospital standards, licensing requirements, and cleanliness regulations was part of SHCC’s regulatory role. During inspections, if any shortcomings were found, the Commission informed the hospital management in writing so that the necessary corrective actions could be taken.

Regarding Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, the SHCC said that its teams have been visiting the hospital regularly. The hospital administration has also been informed in writing to ensure compliance with the required patient safety standards.

SHCC requested media persons to verify the facts and sought SHCC’s official position before publishing or broadcasting news on such sensitive matters.

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday ordered an intensified crackdown on hoarders and profiteers while directing the Food Department to secure additional wheat supplies to meet a projected deficit of 2.11 million metric tonnes by March 2027.

He informed that enforcement operations had already recovered more than 1,72,000 metric tonnes of concealed wheat, helping improve market availability and ease flour prices across the province.

Presiding over the meeting to review the province’s wheat stock position, market availability, consumption trends and future supply requirements, he directed the Food Department to take all necessary measures to ensure uninterrupted availability of wheat and flour across Sindh and prevent any artificial shortage or price manipulation.

The meeting was informed that despite a wheat production of 4.7 million metric tonnes during the 2025-26 season and a carry-forward stock of 140,000 metric tonnes, Sindh was projected to face a wheat deficit of approximately 2.11 million metric tonnes by March 2027, mainly due to consumption requirements and the movement of wheat outside the province.

The Chief Minister emphasised that wheat was a strategic commodity directly linked to food security and public welfare, and therefore no negligence would be tolerated in maintaining adequate stocks and stabilising market prices.

The meeting, held at the CM House, was attended by provincial ministers – Sharjeel Inam Memon, Mukesh Chawla, Jam Khan Shoro, Makhdoom Mahboob Zaman, Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, Advisor Gianchand Israni, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Chairman CMIT Bilawal memon, Secretary to CM Asif Jameel, Secretary Agriculture Zaman Narejo, and Secretary Food Ghulam Abbas Naich and others.

The Food Department presented a comprehensive assessment of wheat production, consumption, stock visibility and future requirements.

According to the presentation, Sindh’s total wheat availability for 2026-27 stood at 4.84 MMT, comprising 4.7 MMT of current production and 0.14 MMT of carry-forward stocks.

The province has already consumed or utilised an estimated 2.60 MMT of wheat by July 15, 2026, including 1.90 MMT for human consumption; 0.50 MMT estimated movement outside the province; and 0.20 MMT retained as seed for the next sowing season. This leaves an estimated balance of 2.24 MMT.

However, the Food Department reported that only 1.23 MMT is presently visible in the supply chain, including 81,812 metric tonnes procured by the Food Department; 172,020 metric tonnes seized during enforcement operations; 0.48 MMT reported by flour mills; and 0.50 MMT retained by growers for personal consumption.

The CM noted that around 0.61 MMT of wheat remains unaccounted for and may be concealed or withheld from the market. He directed the food department to intensify operation gainst hoarders and retrieve the concealed stocks.

The meeting was informed that the Food Department currently holds a total stock of 393,832 metric tonnes, including 140,000 metric tonnes carry-forward stock; 81,812 metric tonnes procured during the current season; and 172,020 metric tonnes recovered during administrative and anti-hoarding operations; therefore, atta prices have come down.

The meeting was informed that Sindh will require approximately 4.35 MMT of wheat during the eight months from July 15, 2026 to March 15, 2027. Against the estimated availability of 2.24 MMT, the province is expected to face a deficit of 2.11 MMT.

To bridge the shortfall, PASSCO has offered 220,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Sindh at Rs 4,150 per 40 kilograms, available at storage locations in Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad and Sanghar districts.

After accounting for PASSCO’s offer, the remaining deficit would stand at approximately 1.89 MMT, Murad Shah observed.

The Food Department proposed a combination of measures, including further allocations from PASSCO, facilitation of wheat movement from Punjab and, if required, imports to ensure sufficient supplies.

CM Murad Shah reviewed prevailing wheat and flour prices across the country.

In Sindh, wheat prices per 40 kg were reported at Karachi Rs11,000, Hyderabad Rs10,800, Sukkur Rs10,750 and Larkana Rs10,250

Retail flour prices per kilogram were Karachi Rs130, Hyderabad Rs125, Sukkur Rs118 and Larkana Rs118.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed the Food Department to immediately prepare a comprehensive wheat management plan to cover the projected deficit and maintain adequate reserves throughout the year.

Addressing the people of Sindh, the Chief Minister assured that the provincial government is fully alert to the wheat situation and will take every necessary step to safeguard food security.