Indus Vitals

IV report KARACHI: Stressing the need for awareness, a senior legal professional associated with the federal government's complaints addressing body on harassment, Sabika Shah, highlighted the gravity of workplace harassment in Pakistan. At an awareness seminar organised by Hamdard University (HU), Ms Shah, Regional Head of the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment (Fospah), cited a survey revealing that "all Pakistani women face this serious problem at least once in their lifetime." Shah defined harassment, noting, "It's not limited to men harassing women; a man can harass a man, and a woman can harass a female colleague." She emphasised that men and transgender persons are also vulnerable to workplace harassment in Pakistan, ranked among the five worst countries for sexual harassment. The Fospah head explained that any action, including staring, touching, or suggestive speech, can be deemed an offence. Discrimination based o...

IV Report  KARACHI: A United Nations (UN) delegation discussing heritage, environment and humanitarian issues in its meeting with the Sindh Chief Secretary on September 12, proposed holding a climate conference to address the province’s environmental issues. The delegation led by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Pakistan, Mohamed Yahya, met with Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah and discussed the Makli (graveyard) Heritage site, the Living Indus Project, and key environmental and humanitarian challenges with him. Mr Yahya stressed the need for a climate dialogue in Sindh, involving key donors and partners, to explore sustainable solutions and develop practical, cost-effective solutions to address the province’s environmental issues. The visitors included senior representatives from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (U...

IV Report KARACHI: Amidst reports of Pakistanis returning from abroad with Mpox virus, experts at a symposium stressed the importance of mass awareness to prevent its spread. "The more you educate the masses about viral diseases, the better equipped they'll be to tackle challenges," said speakers at the "Mpox: Evolution and Clinical Manifestation" symposium, jointly organised by the University of Karachi's Department of Microbiology and the Association of Microbial Sciences on September 11. Dow University of Health Sciences Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Saeed Quraishy emphasised knowledge-based progress as the key to overcoming health sector challenges. He urged students to utilise scientific symposia for mass awareness. Prof Quraishy noted the first Mpox case was reported 50 years ago, but recent surges indicate emerging viral disease threats. Dow College of Biotechnology Principal Prof Dr Mushtaq Hussain explained virus evolution, highlighting Mpo...

IV Report KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has condemned Pakistan's escalating polio crisis, labeling it "horrible" and questioning the national polio eradication programme's efficacy. At a press conference on September 11, PMA leaders presented alarming statistics: 305 polio-containing environmental samples detected in 2024, surpassing Afghanistan's 66, with 17 polio cases reported in 33 districts. "The recent surge in polio cases is a grave public health concern. We must unite to combat this crisis and protect our children," emphasised PMA (Central) Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro. Dr Shoro, joined by PMA (Karachi) President Dr Shoaib Sobani and Dr Shershah Syed, attributed the endemic situation to poor health infrastructure, political instability, and public mistrust in government initiatives. To address the crisis, the PMA called for intensified vaccination campaigns, enhanced public awareness to dispel myths, communit...

IV Report KARACHI: The Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) at the University of Karachi has revolutionised crime solving, increasing convictions by 11% and resolving around 8,000 DNA and serology cases since its establishment in 2019. At a training ceremony on "Utility of Forensic DNA in Disaster Management and the Criminal Justice System," experts highlighted SFDL's impact. ICCBS Director Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen welcomed representatives from the armed forces, Sindh Police, law enforcement agencies, rescue services, medico-legal and prosecution departments to the training session. "The specialised training aims to equip participants with essential strategies and tools," Dr Shaheen said, adding that SFDL excels in both routine DNA forensics and cutting-edge research. Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed attributed the increase (4% to 15%) in convictions to  to SFDL's high-quality forensic reports. "SFDL plays a vital role in solving sexual...

By Mukhtar Alam  KARACHI: Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHNN) operating through philanthropic efforts, and also partnering various projects with the Sindh government, on September 9 handed control of as many as 40 water filtration plants to the government’s health department to ensure sustained operation. At a relevant ceremony held at Government Hospital Shah Faisal, Sindh Health Minister Dr Azara Fazal Pechuho held that the new installation of said filter plants, 80% of which are based on solar energy, was a crucial development in addressing waterborne diseases issue.   "This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing humanitarian crises and highlights the commitment of all stakeholders towards improving public health and infrastructure resilience," Dr Azra mentioned in her brief ceremony address. Dr Mah Talat, the executive director of the Community Health Directorate at IHHN, informed the attendees that following the devastatin...

Karachi’s forgotten heritage: Baba-e-Urdu Road water trough Indus Vitals photos (7.9.2024) KARACHI: On Baba-e-Urdu Road, off M A Jinnah Road, a historic water trough bears witness to Karachi's rich pre-partition past, yet lies abandoned and distorted, reflecting the city’s laxity in preserving its heritage. Built in 1927 by Ms Aplibai Mirchandani in memory of her late husband, Diwan Dayaram Chellaram Mirchandani, a city surveyor, the trough was briefly restored by Dow Medical College students in 1995.  However, the lack of maintenance has turned it into a garbage dump. A plaque on the trough reads: "In continuation of the spirit of Aplibai Mirchandani, this water trough was repaired and restored by Dow graduates in 1995." A senior citizen urges the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and relevant authorities to take responsibility and restore the water trough to its former glory, making it a source of pride for onlookers as well.             ...