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PMA announces two-day strike over FBR measures

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Medical body says POS requirements could raise treatment costs; emergency services to continue on Nov 1 and 2 IV Report KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on Thursday announced a two-day nationwide strike on November 1 and 2 against the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Point of Sale (POS) measures for private clinics, criminal cases against doctors following adverse medical outcomes, and growing incidents of violence against healthcare professionals. The association said all services, except emergency care, would remain suspended during the strike. It warned of a nationwide protest movement if the government failed to address its demands, with further action to be decided at the PMA Central Council meeting on November 28. The announcement followed a consultative meeting of senior office-bearers, who subsequently addressed a press conference at PMA House to outline their concerns about doctors’ working conditions and the implications for healthcare delivery. The ...
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IN CONTEXT: Air pollution as a seasonal health emergency

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Time for a preparedness package — From Singapore's haze subsidy to Pakistan's BHU protocol By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: Every year, as winter approaches, Pakistan goes through a familiar cycle. Air Quality Index crosses 200 in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Peshawar, Quetta and even Karachi. Schools debate closure, hospitals report a surge in cough, asthma, and burning eyes, and then, by February, we forget — until next October. We treat smog as weather. We should treat it as a seasonal health emergency. Recently, Singapore has reminded us how preparedness looks. Facing transboundary haze reportedly linked to regional peat fires that pushed its pollution index to unhealthy levels, its Ministry of Health activated the Haze Subsidy Scheme from Oct 12, 2026. Citizens can get treatment for seven haze-related conditions — asthma, bronchitis, COPD, allergic rhinitis, upper respiratory infection, conjunctivitis — at capped rates of S$10, S$5 for elderly, free for the po...
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KU moot recalls legacy that built AI

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Two-day moot links Al-Khwarizmi’s algebra and algorithms to modern innovation, calls for human-centric progress and responsible use of technology IV Report KARACHI: The University of Karachi recalled the intellectual legacy that built modern artificial intelligence at a two-day international conference on Wednesday, linking the foundational work of Al-Khwarizmi to today’s innovations. The moot, “Reimagining Society in the 21st Century: Technology, Innovation and Sustainable Transformation,” was held at the Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium. It was organised by the Office of the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in collaboration with the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC). Provincial Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahoo said the youth can play an effective role in overcoming national challenges if they work beyond personal interests for social welfare. He said universities must identify social problems through research an...
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AI vital for green future: moot told

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Three-day moot on AI in ecosystem, climate action begins at Karachi University IV Report KARACHI: Speakers at the inaugural session of a three-day international conference on Artificial Intelligence on Tuesday said AI is profoundly influencing civilisation by changing the way humans work, learn and organise societies, while also emerging as a critical tool to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. The conference titled “Smart Solutions for a Green Future: AI in Ecosystem and Climate Action 2026” is being held at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi. It is jointly organised by the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, ICCBS, the Alliance of National and International Science Organisations (ANSO), the China-Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Sciences (CPJRC) and other scientific institutions. Dr At...
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Hakim Said’s legacy offers lessons for youth

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Speakers highlight the importance of education, discipline, healthcare and service to humanity at memorial session IV Report KARACHI: Education, character-building, discipline and service to humanity were highlighted as key lessons from the life of Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said at a memorial session organised by Hamdard Foundation Pakistan in Karachi. The joint session of Hamdard Shura Karachi and Hamdard Naunehal Assembly, held under the theme “A Lamp That Still Shines”, brought together senior members of the Shura and young speakers to reflect on Hakim Said’s contributions to healthcare, education and social welfare. During a panel discussion with students, speakers shared examples from his life and emphasised the importance of developing good habits, pursuing knowledge and using professional skills to serve society. Ms Sadia Rashid said Hakim Said’s daily routine reflected discipline and respect for time. He would wake up early, offer Tahajjud prayers, recite the Holy Quran...
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Book chronicles Hakeem Said's vision, legacy

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Volume documents transformation from barren land to centre of learning; tribute to Shaheed Hakeem Mohammed Said's legacy IV Report KARACHI: From a barren stretch near Hub River to a thriving city of learning and culture — a pictorial book launched here has captured the life, vision and lifelong mission of Shaheed Hakeem Mohammed Said and the making of Madinat al-Hikmah. The book titled "A Legacy of Wisdom: Madinat al-Hikmah, a City of Learning and Culture" was launched at a ceremony organised by Hamdard University at a local hotel on Wednesday. Hamdard University Chancellor Sadia Rashid, chief guest and former senator Javed Jabbar, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Imran Amin and former Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Syed Shabib-ul-Hasan formally unveiled the book. A large number of academicians, writers and social figures attended. The speakers eulogised the personality and services of Hakeem Said — his punctuality, discipline, simplicity and spirit of selfless service — descri...
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Pharma investment in antimicrobials declining, moot told

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KU event calls for responsible drug use; VC announces exchange, incubation centre IV Report KARACHI: Pharmaceutical companies are not investing sufficiently in antimicrobial therapies due to concerns over limited effectiveness span and commercial profitability, a trend that could push the world into a dangerous era of antimicrobial resistance. This was warned by Dean Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Karachi, Prof Dr Muhammad Haris Shoaib at an event organised by Karachi University Pharmacy Science Club (KUPScC) in connection with World Pharmacists Day on Thursday. Prof Haris Shoaib said microbes develop resistance against drugs over time, reducing their effectiveness, which has become a major reason for lack of investment. He noted that industry trends are now shifting towards biologics, biosimilars, vaccines and modern therapeutic approaches like Semaglutide. He stressed that effective and responsible use of antimicrobial medicines must remain a...
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