Day: July 28, 2026

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in a meeting with Rotary International President Mr. Larry A. Lunsford at the CM House, reviewed ongoing efforts to eradicate polio in the province.

They declared that polio eradication remains one of the highest priorities of the Sindh government, noting that a sustained decline in environmental detections and the absence of a human polio case for more than five months indicate that the province’s anti-polio drive is on the right track.

‘The provincial government has stepped up efforts to strengthen routine immunisation and protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases across Sindh, ‘ he said.

The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by Secretary to CM Asif Jameel; acting Secretary Health Hafiz Abbasi, Shehryar Gul, and the EOC Coordinator Sindh. (from Rotary side) National Chair and Trustee Aziz Memon, Rotary District Governor Shahzad Sabir, District Governor-Elect Fahad Sikander; DGN Jabar Sheikh, PDG Salim Rao,

Welcoming the Rotary International President, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah thanked Rotary International for its unwavering support to Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts and acknowledged the organisation’s longstanding partnership in safeguarding children’s health.

The Chief Minister briefed the delegation on the latest progress made under the Sindh Polio Programme and highlighted encouraging epidemiological indicators that suggest significant gains in interrupting virus transmission.

‘Polio eradication remains one of the highest priorities of the Sindh government. The encouraging decline in environmental detections and the absence of a human polio case for more than five months demonstrate that our collective efforts are moving in the right direction, ‘ said the Chief Minister.

He emphasised that the government remains fully committed to sustaining momentum until the virus is completely eliminated.

‘While the progress is encouraging, we are not complacent. Our focus is on reaching every child, particularly in high-risk and mobile populations. We will continue strengthening surveillance, routine immunisation, community engagement, and accountability mechanisms to ensure that no child is left behind, ‘ he added.

The Chief Minister informed the delegation that Sindh has significantly strengthened its polio programme through innovative interventions, including the Karachi Action Plan, extended-age vaccination campaigns, deployment of Union Council Immunisation Officers, enhanced surveillance systems, and stronger integration between the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) and polio operations.

Sharing key achievements, officials noted that 8 out of 29 environmental surveillance sites in Sindh tested negative for poliovirus in June 2026, the highest level of negative results since June 2023. Sindh has also remained free from a confirmed human polio case since February 2026, when the last case was reported from Sujawal district.

The Chief Minister highlighted the successful extended-age fIPV plus OPV booster campaign in Karachi, under which approximately 2. 6 million children in 89 high-risk union councils were vaccinated. He said similar risk-based interventions are now being planned for other vulnerable areas of the province.

Mr Larry A. Lunsford commended the Sindh government, frontline workers, and partner organisations for the progress achieved against polio. ‘The progress being reported from Sindh is highly encouraging and reflects strong political commitment, effective programme management, and the dedication of thousands of frontline workers, ‘ said the Rotary International President.

He added, ‘Rotary International remains firmly committed to supporting Pakistan’s journey towards a polio-free future. The achievements in Sindh demonstrate what can be accomplished when governments, communities, and development partners work together with a shared purpose. ‘

Mr Lunsford particularly appreciated Sindh’s focus on community engagement, vaccine acceptance, surveillance strengthening, and innovative approaches to reaching missed and mobile children.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the provincial government has made substantial investments to sustain polio eradication gains and strengthen primary healthcare systems. He noted that Sindh has committed provincial resources for the deployment of Union Council Immunisation Officers, recruitment of Community Health Workers, expansion of water, sanitation and hygiene services, support for frontline workers, and integration of routine immunisation with broader maternal and child health programmes.

‘Polio eradication is not merely a health objective; it is a commitment to the future of our children. The Government of Sindh will continue to provide every possible support and resource required to achieve a polio-free Sindh and a polio-free Pakistan, ‘ the Chief Minister said.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their resolve to maintain close collaboration and accelerate efforts aimed at permanently interrupting poliovirus transmission throughout the province and the country.

Karachi: Shipping activity was report at the port where two ships, Star Helena and Gooby carrying Soya Bean Seed and Coal, berthed at Grain Terminal and Pakistan International Bulk Terminal.

Meanwhile two more ships, Seaconger and SK Resolute carrying Palm oil and LNG also arrived at outer anchorage during last 24 hours.

A total of ten ships were engaged at PQA berths during the last 24 hours, out of them five ships, AP Dubrava, Evanthia, Madha Silver, Portofino and Malak are expected to sail on today (. )

Cargo volume of 109, 893 tones comprising 105, 392 tones imports cargo and 4, 501 export cargo was handled at the port during last 24 hours.

There are 12 ships at Outer Anchorage of the Port Qasim, out of them four ships, Sibi, Sea Conger, SK Resolute and OBE Queen and two more ships, Spirit of Bertram and Hua Chuang scheduled to load/offload Rice, Palm oil, LNG, Coal and Container are expected to take berths MW-1, LCT, EETL, MW-4 and QICT respectively on today.

Karachi: In a landmark initiative to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the Republic of Trkiye, Bukhari Group of Companies, under the leadership of Brig. (R) Sardar Sajjad Hussain, Group CEO of Bukhari Group, and the Ibni Sina Institute signed a Strategic Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Bukhari Group Head Office in Karachi.

The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration in medical tourism, healthy ageing, longevity, healthcare investment, medical education, innovation, digital health, and sustainable healthcare development. It also reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and people-centered healthcare.

The signing ceremony brought together distinguished government officials, healthcare leaders, academics, business executives, representatives of civil society organizations, and members of the national and international media.

Fayaz Ali Shah, Managing Director, Tourism, Government of Sindh, who attended as the Guest of Honour. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of international collaborations in enhancing healthcare quality, attracting foreign investment, and promoting Pakistan as a preferred destination for medical and wellness services.

Speaking on behalf of the Ibni Sina Institute, Gerontologist Dr. Kemal Aydin, President of the Institute, stated that the partnership represents a new chapter in Pakistan-Trkiye relations.

This strategic partnership goes beyond medical tourism. It creates a platform for scientific cooperation, innovation, healthy ageing, healthcare diplomacy, and sustainable development. Together, we aim to build a healthier future for our societies. ”

Speaking on the occasion, Brig. (R) Sardar Sajjad Hussain, Group CEO of Bukhari Group, stated, this partnership reflects our vision of positioning Pakistan as a leading destination for medical tourism and healthcare innovation. Together with the Ibni Sina Institute, we are committed to strengthening Pakistan-Trkiye cooperation through the Silk Road vision, the D-8 platform, and other global initiatives that promote healthy ageing, healthcare excellence, sustainable development, and economic prosperity. ”

Karachi: Governor of Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi has paid glowing tribute to Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on the occasion of his 78th martyrdom anniversary. He said that Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed etched an immortal chapter of bravery by laying down his life in defense of the motherland.

In his message, the Governor said that the supreme sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs form the foundation of the nation’s freedom, sovereignty, stability, defense and security. He added that the nation will always remember its martyrs with honor, respect and pride.

The Governor Hashmi further said that Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed’s spirit of selflessness, courage and patriotism serves as a guiding light for the younger generation. He emphasized that Pakistan’s martyrs are the nation’s greatest assets and that their sacrifices can never be forgotten.

Karachi: The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of Sindh Police has arrested an alleged extortionist said to be associated with the Jameel Changa gang during a crackdown in Karachi.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SIU on Monday said the arrested suspect, identified as Faisal, was found in possession of a 30-bore pistol.

He said the suspect was allegedly involved in demanding extortion money amounting to Rs2 million from the owner of a confectionery shop in the Kharadar area.

The SSP said Faisal was an active member of the Jameel Changa gang and had been wanted by police in multiple cases, including extortion.

A case has been registered against the suspect, while further investigation is underway, he added.

Karachi: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Monday, kept the policy rate unchanged at 11. 5 percent on the back of some improvements in economic indicators as well as evolving risks due to resurgence of conflict in the Middle East.

The Governor SBP Jameel Ahmad, addressing a press conference here along with deputy governors of the central bank, announced that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reviewed in detail the current economic situation, various indicators and important developments taking place and unanimously decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 11. 5%.

The Committee, according to the Monetary Policy Statement issued by SBP, assessed that the macroeconomic outlook has improved from its previous meeting, though it remained susceptible to heightened risks, particularly following the resurgence of conflict in the Middle East.

The committee noted a decline in global oil prices and a relative ease in supply chain disruptions after earlier de-escalation which resulted in some improvement in recent economic indicators while headline and core inflation moderated in June, though both remained at elevated levels.

The MPC also observed some pickup in economic activity as reflected by the incoming high frequency indicators while external account pressures remained moderate. ‘The current monetary policy stance remains appropriate to guide inflation towards the target range of 5-7 percent over the medium term, ‘ the committee assessed while taking into account the recent developments and evolving risks.

The Committee, reviewing the key developments since its last meeting, noted that SBP’s foreign exchange reserves surpassed the end-June 2026 target of $18 billion, largely due to continued FX purchases amidst a small current account deficit in FY26, and realization of planned official inflows.

The MPC also noted upward revision of Pakistan’s sovereign credit rating to ‘B’ by Standard and Poor’s, eased consumers and businesses inflation expectations and mixed signals from the confidence indicators, achievement of revised tax revenue target for FY26 by FBR and improved global inflation forecast by the IMF for both CY26 and CY27 in the latest World Economic Outlook amidst an increase in global commodity prices.

The committee noted the role of proactive macroeconomic management with a prudent monetary policy stance and sustained fiscal consolidation in effective management of the ongoing supply shock and preserving macroeconomic stability despite a challenging global environment.

The MPC reiterated its commitment to achieve price stability and continue to monitor incoming data and evolving developments and emphasized the importance of further strengthening external and fiscal buffers, and accelerating structural reforms, terming them as necessary to strengthen resilience to recurring shocks, enhance productivity and support higher and sustainable economic growth.

The MPC observed a slowdown in economic activity in Q4-FY26 in the wake of the Middle East conflict. However, high frequency indicators, including satellite imagery, automobile sales, cement dispatches, fertilizer offtake and business sentiments, suggested some recovery in economic activity in June.

Counting on some improvement in agriculture outlook and positive spill overs of better prospects for the commodity-producing sectors for the services sector as well as potential support to economic activity from the budgetary incentives, continuation of import tariff rationalization and pickup in private sector credit, the MPC expected that real GDP growth during FY27 to be in the range of 3. 5 – 4. 5 percent.

However, the risks emanating from volatile global commodity prices amidst re-escalation of tension in the Middle East and uncertain weather conditions, including from the evolving El Ni±o effects, may weigh on the growth prospects, it cautioned.

In the External Sector, the current account curtailed to a deficit of $139 million in FY26 as the record workers’ remittances partly offset the widening trade deficit and the financial account recorded a surplus.

The SBP governor said that those developments helped SBP strengthen its FX reserves and significantly reduce forward liabilities while substantial debt repayments were made in recent weeks.

He said that the current account deficit was assessed to remain in the range of 0 to 1 percent of GDP in FY27, workers’ remittances are likely to grow and may reach $44 billion, and with the realization of planned official inflows and some likely improvement in private flows, SBP’s FX reserves were targeted to increase to $20. 20 billion by end-December 2026.

The governor said that the primary balance is estimated to have remained in surplus for the third consecutive year while the overall fiscal deficit was estimated to have turned out significantly lower than the previous year.

The MPC also expected that fiscal consolidation will continue in FY27, with the primary surplus targeted at 2% of GDP, whereas the overall fiscal deficit is targeted at 3. 6% of GDP, stressing on sustained progress in revenue mobilization and expenditure discipline to achieve the targets. The MPC also emphasized the need of fiscal reforms, particularly tax base-broadening efforts and curtailing PSE losses, to support high and sustainable economic growth.

The committee observed that broad money (M2) growth moderated to 13. 2% as of July 10, reflecting lower contributions from both the NDA and NFA of the banking system. Within the NDA, growth in net budgetary borrowing slowed, while private sector credit growth accelerated to 14. 9%, it noted, adding that the increase in credit was broad based across working capital, fixed investment and consumer financing while the major borrowing sectors included textiles, telecommunications, and wholesale and retail trade.

The MPC stated that headline inflation eased to 11. 1% in June 2026 from 11. 7% in the previous month primarily due to decline in global energy prices and favorable electricity tariff adjustment, while core inflation moderated to 8. 4%.

The Committee noted the upward trends in food inflation in June due to increase in prices of wheat and allied products as well as key perishable items and assessed that the recent rise in global commodity prices, higher input costs and domestic food price pressures, were likely to keep inflation above the target range over the next few months.

The MPC projected that inflation will subsequently ease gradually and stabilize near the upper bound of the 5-7% target range by June 2027.