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Psychologists say AI era needs more talk less tech

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Speakers at University of Karachi discuss dialogue, AI ethics and future of mental health IV Report KARACHI: Wonder, expression, and open dialogue — not just data and diagnostics — must drive the future of psychology as AI and social change reshape mental health, speakers said at the inauguration of the two-day Psychology Congress 2026 at the University of Karachi on Wednesday. “Conversation is not merely a medium of expressing ideas but an important means of discovering new knowledge, meanings, and intellectual horizons,” said Dr Duane Rousselle, Associate Dean Research at Aga Khan University and a Canadian sociological theorist and Lacanian psychoanalyst. Addressing the inaugural session at KU’s Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium, Dr Rousselle argued that uncertainty and “unexpected discoveries” during dialogue are where new research often begins. He cited the example of psychoanalysis in Pakistan, saying the field’s lack of strong institutional roots here is itself “a sign...
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JSMU Syndicate approves retention of professor beyond retirement

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Government cites public interest for retaining Dr Nighat Shah; doctors raise questions over implications for faculty promotions IV Report KARACHI: The Sindh government has directed the Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) to appoint Prof Dr Nighat Ali Shah as Professor for three years after her retirement from government service, with the university’s Syndicate subsequently approving the notification concerning her appointment. The decision has raised questions within the university community over the manner in which the post-retirement appointment has been processed and its possible implications for senior faculty members awaiting promotions and other career-related benefits. Dr Shah was due to attain the age of superannuation on August 12. In a memorandum issued on August 8, JSMU formally notified that she would stand retired from government service with effect from that date after attaining the age of 60. Two days later, however, the Universities and Boards Department c...
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KU pushes for alumni giving, with transparency and target

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VC says donors need clear sector-wise plans and accountability to strengthen KU’s academic and research work IV Report KARACHI: University of Karachi leadership has outlined new expectations for alumni and donor support, calling for clear sector-wise planning and transparent utilisation of contributions to strengthen KU's academic and research work. They were speaking at the inauguration of a new digital lab at the Department of Mass Communication on Tuesday. The lab, equipped with 25 modern laptops, was established with financial and technical support from the Orange Tree Foundation (OTF) for final-year students. Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail Jokhio said alumni residing abroad are keen to contribute to their alma mater, but accountability must come first. “It is essential to clearly inform them about the specific sectors and purposes for which their assistance will be utilised,” Dr Tufail said. “Equally important is to assure them that their contribut...
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Sindh unveils climate push as experts highlight urban deficits

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Carbon credit initiatives and environmental reforms outlined at NFEH conference as speakers point to drainage, pollution and infrastructure shortcomings IV Report KARACHI: While the Sindh government has pledged to strengthen climate governance through carbon credit initiatives, urban forestry and expanded environmental monitoring, experts have cautioned that the province's environmental ambitions continue to be undermined by longstanding civic and infrastructure deficiencies, including poor drainage, untreated industrial pollution, inadequate wastewater management and weak municipal services. Addressing the 23rd Annual Environment Conference and Awards-2026 organised by the National Forum for Environment & Health (NFEH), Sindh Minister for Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said Sindh had become the first province to implement a government-led carbon credit project based on mangrove restoration, describing it as a milestone that combined ...
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Digital ethics stressed to curb online misinformation

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Think before you share, KU workshop urges social media users. IV Report KARACHI: Emphasising that ethics remain the cornerstone of a civilised society, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi (KU), Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail, on Monday urged people to verify information before sharing it on social media, warning that the unchecked spread of misinformation can have serious social consequences. Speaking at the closing ceremony of a one-day workshop on “Media Literacy and Digital Rights”, jointly organised by the University of Karachi's Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) and the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), Dr Tufail said religious teachings clearly instruct people to investigate and confirm the authenticity of news before forwarding it. He regretted that many social media users now circulate information simply to be the first to share it, without verifying its accuracy, describing the practice as both irrespo...
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Sukkur opens 50-Bed trauma centre

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SMBB Institute of Trauma signs MoUs with local institutions; facility expected to reduce referrals to Karachi and strengthen services across northern Sindh IV Report SUKKUR: Sindh's efforts to build an integrated trauma care network reached another milestone on Friday as Provincial Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho inaugurated a 50-bed Trauma & Emergency Response Centre (T&ERC) established by the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Institute of Trauma (SMBBIT) in Sukkur. The facility, established at Civil Hospital Sukkur in collaboration with Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, is expected to improve access to specialised trauma and emergency services in northern Sindh while reducing the burden of referrals to Karachi. Ahead of the inauguration, Executive Director of the SMBB Institute of Trauma, Karachi, Dr Muhammad Sabir Memon, accompanied by his team, visited the centre and signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Principal Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical Col...
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PMA seeks probe into Sindh HIV cases

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Medical association raises concerns over suspected hospital-linked HIV cases and the growing burden of infections among children and other vulnerable populations. IV Report KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has called for an immediate judicial inquiry into suspected nosocomial (hospital-acquired) HIV infections allegedly linked to government-run healthcare facilities in Sindh, warning that the increasing number of HIV cases among the general population, including children, has become a matter of serious public concern. In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the PMA expressed alarm over reports of HIV cases associated with treatment received at the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) Landhi Hospital and nearby regional clinics. The association described the situation as a “grave breach of public trust” and urged authorities to determine whether lapses in infection prevention and control contributed to the spread of the virus. The PMA sta...
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