BREAKING NEWS
Indian actor Pradeep Rawat dies at 74 after cancer battle • Mrunal Thakur warns of legal action over AI-generated deepfake content • Fazlur Rehman warns against politicizing debate over new provinces • Pakistan posts 387, secures first-innings lead over West Indies • Pakistan exempt from new US visa bond program • Trump voices concern over oil company profits amid Iran conflict • West Indies all out for 344 against Pakistan in first innings • Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly set to marry Georgina Rodriguez on Aug 8 • Trump says Gulf States backed diplomatic path with Iran • Fuel theft surges across UK as rising prices drive daily losses • Why ‘Inception’ remains one of Hollywood’s most rewatchable films • ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ opens with $355m worldwide • Secret wedding allegation involving Varma and Urmila resurfaces • Bilawal Bhutto alleges rigging in AJK elections • PM orders comprehensive performance review of federal ministries
Advertise with us >

Health & Education

University of Karachi Signs MoU with Bayer Pakistan to Boost Agricultural Innovation

by
University of Karachi, Bayer Pakistan, MoU signing ceremony, agricultural innovation

KARACHI — The Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness Management, University of Karachi, announced the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Karachi and Bayer Pakistan Pvt. Ltd. The signing ceremony took place at the Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat.

The agreement marks a major step toward advancing agricultural development and sustainability in Pakistan. Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to introduce high-quality seeds, advanced biotechnology traits, and innovative crop protection products designed to enhance farm productivity, food quality, and overall food security across the country.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi, and Mr. Ahmed Ali, Managing Director and CEO of Bayer Pakistan Pvt. Ltd. Prof. Dr. M. Faheem Akbar, Chairperson of the Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness Management, was also present at the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Faheem Akbar highlighted the importance of strengthening industry–academia linkages, emphasizing that partnerships like this promote research collaboration, technology transfer, and innovation in agriculture — key drivers for sustainable growth.

The collaboration between the University of Karachi and Bayer Pakistan is expected to create long-term benefits for farmers, improve agricultural productivity, and contribute to ensuring food security in Pakistan.

Lahore tops global list of most polluted cities

by
Lahore tops

KARACHI: Lahore has once again recorded the worst air quality in the world, maintaining its position at the top of the global pollution rankings, while Karachi has moved up to seventh place, according to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) data.

Data shows that Lahore’s air quality remains at hazardous levels, with particulate matter (PM) concentration recorded at 404, while Karachi’s reading stood at 147, indicating unhealthy air conditions.

Under the AQI scale, pollution levels between 150 and 200 are considered unhealthy, 200 to 300 are categorized as very unhealthy, and readings above 300 denote hazardous air quality.

Meanwhile, India’s capital New Delhi ranked second, and Beijing, the capital of China, secured the third position on the global pollution index.

Experts attribute the worsening air quality to seasonal changes, industrial emissions, heavy traffic, and irresponsible waste disposal practices.

Medical Students Announce Nationwide Protest Over MDCAT Results

by
MDCAT 2025, PMDC, Pakistan medical students, MDCAT protest, education news, entrance test controversy


Thousands of Pakistani medical students are planning protests across the country after the announcement of the MDCAT 2025 results sparked widespread allegations of unfair marking and mismanagement.


Students claim the test, conducted by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), was marred by errors in grading and lack of transparency.


Several student associations have demanded an independent audit of the results and a uniform passing policy across provinces. PMDC officials said they are reviewing complaints and will take appropriate action if irregularities are proven.


The MDCAT controversy has reignited debate over the fairness of medical entrance exams and the pressure students face due to inconsistent standards.

Lahore retains top spot among world’s most polluted cities

by
Lahore

LAHORE: The air quality in Lahore remained hazardous on Thursday, with the city once again ranking first among the world’s most polluted cities.

 According to air quality data, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 253, a level considered extremely unhealthy.

Before 7 a.m., the Barqi Road area of Lahore registered an alarming AQI of 485, reflecting dangerously high pollution levels. Environmental experts have warned that such conditions pose severe health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.

Other cities across Punjab are also experiencing poor air quality, with pollution levels far above safe limits.

Globally, New Delhi ranked second, followed by Baghdad at third place, while Karachi stood at fourth with an AQI of 181, and Kolkata (India) ranked fifth among the most polluted cities in the world.

Another polio case reported in Pakistan

by
Another polio

ISLAMABAD: Another case of poliovirus has been confirmed in Pakistan, health ministry sources said on Tuesday.

According to officials, the affected child — a 12-month-old boy — belongs to the Kandar tehsil of Torghar district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The child reportedly developed symptoms of the disease on September 19, 2025.

Health ministry sources added that this is the 19th polio case reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so far this year, bringing the total number of cases nationwide in 2025 to 30.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tally for the year has reached 19 cases, nine from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Polio is a highly infectious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis. Health experts emphasize that the only effective protection is repeated doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) for every child under the age of five, along with timely completion of routine immunizations.

Lahore Emerges as the Most Polluted City Globally

by
Lahore emerges

LAHORE: The provincial capital recorded one of the worst air quality readings in the world on Monday, with Lahore ranked as the most polluted city globally.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 332, placing it in the “hazardous” category. Faisalabad followed closely with an AQI of 325, while Sheikhupura recorded 311, Dera Ghazi Khan 239, Gujranwala 233, and Multan 224.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classification, an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading between 0 and 100 is considered clean and healthy, while 101 to 200 falls under the “moderately polluted but tolerable” category.

AQI readings between 300 and 500 are classified as polluted to severely polluted, posing serious health risks—particularly for individuals with heart and respiratory diseases who may experience breathing difficulties during prolonged exposure.

The EPA further states that when the AQI exceeds 500, the air quality is deemed extremely hazardous, with potential health impacts even on otherwise healthy individuals.

The Punjab government has made it mandatory for motorcycle riders to wear face masks amid worsening air pollution across the province.

Experts have warned that the worsening air quality poses serious health risks, urging residents to limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks when necessary.

University of Karachi ORIC Hosts “Don’t Miss a Beat” Seminar on World Heart Day

by
Karachi, WorldHeartDay, ORIC, UniversityOfKarachi, HeartHealth, AwarenessSeminar, Biotechnology, KIBGE, Wellness, Pakistan

The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at the University of Karachi organized an impactful awareness seminar titled “Don’t Miss a Beat” today, in observance of World Heart Day, to spotlight cardiovascular health and preventive strategies.

The event took place at the prestigious Jinnah Auditorium of the Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE) on the university campus, attracting a wide array of participants including students, faculty, healthcare experts, and local residents. Aligned with the global campaign observed on September 29, this timely seminar extended the conversation into October, addressing the escalating burden of heart disease in Pakistan.

ORIC’s initiative featured dynamic presentations from cardiologists, nutrition specialists, and wellness advocates, covering essential topics such as balanced diets, regular physical activity, and early detection of risk factors. Attendees engaged in interactive Q&A sessions, live demonstrations of heart-healthy exercises, and on-the-spot consultations, fostering a proactive approach to wellness.

In her opening remarks, the ORIC Director emphasized the seminar’s role in bridging academic research with community health. “Heart disease remains a silent threat, but knowledge is our strongest defense,” she stated. “Through events like this, we aim to innovate in health education and empower individuals to lead fuller lives.”

The program also included resource distribution with informational brochures, digital toolkits for tracking vital signs, and a commitment pledge for adopting heart-friendly habits. As part of broader efforts to combat non-communicable diseases, the seminar highlighted collaborative opportunities between KIBGE’s biotechnology expertise and public health initiatives.

This gathering not only commemorated World Heart Day but also reinforced the University of Karachi’s dedication to societal impact through research and outreach. Participants left inspired, with many voicing appreciation for the accessible, evidence-driven content.

Leadership Handover at ICP: Prof. Dr. Uzma Ali’s Tenure Ends as Prof. Dr. Sobia Aftab Takes Charge

by
Karachi, Psychology, Directorship, Handover, UzmaAli, SobiaAftab, FarrukhAhmad, Leadership, MentalHealth, Excellence, Education, Pakistan

In a dignified handover ceremony held on September 11, 2025, the Institute of Clinical Psychology (ICP) at the University of Karachi witnessed a seamless leadership transition, marking the end of an era under Prof. Dr. Uzma Ali and the dawn of a new chapter led by Prof. Dr. Sobia Aftab.

The event, attended by faculty, staff, and distinguished guests, celebrated Prof. Dr. Ali’s eight-year tenure as Director, which began on June 23, 2017. During her leadership, the institute solidified its reputation as a beacon of academic rigor and clinical innovation in psychological sciences, fostering groundbreaking research and training programs that have benefited countless students and professionals in the field.

Prof. Dr. Sobia Aftab, the newly appointed Director, took the reins on the same date, pledging to build upon this strong foundation. “I am honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time for ICP,” she remarked during the ceremony. “My vision is to propel the institute forward, enhancing our commitment to excellence in education, research, and community mental health services.”

Adding prestige to the occasion was the presence of Prof. Dr. Farrukh Zahur Ahmad, the revered Founder Director of ICP, who served as Chief Guest. In his address, Dr. Ahmad extended heartfelt congratulations to both directors, reflecting on the institute’s journey since its inception. “It is heartening to see ICP evolve under dedicated leaders like Uzma and now Sobia,” he said. “Their passion ensures our legacy of transformative psychological care endures.”

The ceremony featured symbolic exchanges of documents and tokens of appreciation, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines the institute. Faculty members and alumni present lauded the transition as a testament to ICP’s enduring stability and forward momentum.

As the University of Karachi continues to champion mental health awareness and psychological expertise in Pakistan, the new directorship under Prof. Dr. Aftab promises innovative initiatives, including expanded clinical outreach and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s cycling video goes viral

by
Iranian President

TEHRAN: A video of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian riding a bicycle alongside senior government officials has gone viral on social media.

According to Iranian media reports, the footage was captured yesterday in the province of Isfahan, where President Pezeshkian participated in a casual cycling activity with several officials.

In the viral clip, the president appears to be in a cheerful mood, pedaling through the streets surrounded by security personnel and fellow officials, who are also riding bicycles.

Several social media pages claimed that President Masoud Pezeshkian took the bicycle ride to promote healthy lifestyle initiatives, while users praised the Iranian president’s gesture, describing it as a positive and inspiring move.

University of Karachi Observes World Food Day 2025

by
Karachi, University, Food, Nutrition, Health, Agriculture, Sustainability, Technology, Research, Innovation, Education, Awareness, Seminar, Climate, Environment, Students, Science, Safety, FoodDay, Pakistan

The Department of Food Science & Technology at the University of Karachi organized a seminar on Thursday to commemorate World Food Day 2025.


The event was held to raise awareness about the global challenges of hunger, food insecurity, and the importance of sustainable food systems in ensuring a healthy future for all.

Faculty members, students, and guests from academia and the food industry attended the event. The speakers highlighted that World Food Day serves as an important reminder to adopt responsible consumption habits, reduce food waste, and promote sustainable agricultural and food processing practices.

Addressing the participants, the faculty emphasized that Pakistan, being an agriculture-based country, has immense potential to strengthen its food system through innovation, research, and modern technology. They also stressed the role of youth and researchers in developing new methods to improve food preservation, enhance nutritional value, and ensure food safety standards.

The seminar provided an opportunity for students to engage in discussions on global and national food issues. Participants shared their views on how climate change, population growth, and water scarcity are impacting food production and access.

World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The University of Karachi’s Department of Food Science & Technology continues to play a key role in promoting education, research, and awareness on issues related to food quality, safety, and sustainability.

The event concluded with a note of appreciation for the organizers and participants, reaffirming the department’s commitment to advancing food science education and contributing to a food-secure and sustainable Pakistan.