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Pakistan’s HIV crisis hitting children, SIUT seminar told

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Health experts warn of stigma, unsafe practices and gaps in data as cases among kids triple since 2010 IV Report KARACHI: Pakistan’s HIV epidemic is now infecting children at an alarming rate, health experts said at a seminar on Tuesday, with stigma, weak infection control, and gaps in local data cited as key challenges. The seminar, titled “Nothing about Us, Without Us: Ethical Responses to the Evolving HIV Epidemic in Pakistan: Regional and Global Implications”, was organised by the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation’s Centre of Biomedical Ethics and Culture in collaboration with the World Health Organisation Eastern Mediterranean Region, according to a SIUT press release. The discussion was particularly significant, the release stated, as Pakistan is experiencing a rapidly growing HIV epidemic. Citing WHO reporting, SIUT noted that new HIV cases among children aged 0–14 years increased from 530 in 2010 to around 1,800 in 2023. The session began with welcome add...
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Support sought for critical first-hour breastfeeding

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Health experts call for stronger family, health-system and workplace support as Pakistan faces persistent gaps in early and exclusive breastfeeding IV Report KARACHI: Only about one in five newborns in Pakistan is put to the breast within the first hour of life, while inadequate breastfeeding contributes to tens of thousands of preventable child deaths each year, highlighting persistent gaps in support for mothers across homes, health facilities, workplaces and communities, health experts said on Tuesday. An estimated 33,700 child deaths in Pakistan each year are attributable to inadequate breastfeeding, with diarrhoea and pneumonia among the principal preventable causes, according to data presented at a media awareness and sensitisation workshop organised by the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN), in collaboration with UNICEF and the Sindh Health Department, at the Karachi Press Club in connection with World Breastfeeding Week 2026. Prof Syed Jamal Raza, E...
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Human rights protection requires more than laws

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KU seminar stresses implementation, access to justice and awareness of complaint mechanisms IV Report KARACHI: The protection of human rights requires not only laws and constitutional guarantees but also their effective implementation in everyday life, speakers at a seminar at the University of Karachi observed, while highlighting challenges ranging from delayed justice and prison conditions to lack of awareness about mechanisms for seeking redress. KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Tufail said the principles of human rights and social justice had historical roots in Islamic teachings, while modern international frameworks had subsequently developed through instruments including the United Nations Charter. He said the continued existence of rights-related problems showed that formal principles alone were insufficient and called for their effective implementation. He urged individuals and institutions to contribute according to their capacity, authority and reach. Prof...
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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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