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Health & Education

President Zardari addresses 27th National Security Workshop

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President Zardari

ISLAMABAD:  President Asif Ali Zardari visited the National Defence University (NDU), where he addressed participants of the 27th National Security Workshop.

According to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the workshop was attended by parliamentarians, senior civil and military officers, as well as representatives from academic and social sectors.

The President congratulated the participants on completing the workshop and appreciated their dedication to raising awareness on national security issues.

ISPR stated that the National Security Workshop is one of the prominent platforms for promoting dialogue and plays a key role in enabling Pakistan to effectively tackle current security challenges.

The workshop also strengthens institutional capacity and contributes to enhancing national strategy for the country’s security.

During the event, President Zardari emphasized the importance of informed leadership, national unity, and coordinated policy-making, and awarded certificates to the graduating participants.

Deadly disease spreads among camels in Cholistan Desert

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Cholistan Desert

BAHAWALPUR: A deadly disease has broken out among camels in the 66 lakh-acre Cholistan Desert, known as Rohi, the Livestock Department reported.

According to officials, the outbreak has already claimed dozens of camels, and surveillance across the desert is ongoing. In the past five days, special livestock teams have examined over 11,000 camels.

A spokesperson from the Livestock Department said that 1,100 camels showed symptoms of the disease, and treatment is underway. Additionally, 52 camel samples have been sent to advanced livestock laboratories in Lahore and Islamabad for further analysis.

The department is currently using five different types of medicines to treat the affected animals. Authorities expressed hope that, with ongoing measures, the spread of the disease will be contained, and continuous monitoring is in place.

The Livestock Department urged camel owners and herders to isolate infected animals immediately, stay in contact with veterinary teams, and limit movement to help prevent further spread of the disease.

UK Govt introduces new anti-obesity measures

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UK Govt

LONDON: The United Kingdom(UK) has launched a series of new measures aimed at tackling rising obesity rates, including the introduction of a sugar tax on milkshakes, packaged milk products, and sweetened drinks.

Under the new policy, the government has decided to reduce the sugar limit in beverages from 5 grams to 4.5 grams per 100 millilitres. Drinks containing more than 4.5 grams of sugar per 100 ml will be subject to the sugar tax.

Addressing Parliament, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that obesity deprives children of the best start in life and disproportionately affects those from poorer backgrounds.

He noted that people suffering from obesity face lifelong health challenges, placing a significant financial burden on the government, with billions of pounds spent annually on treatment.

According to media reports, the tax will not apply to “open-cup” drinks sold at cafés and markets. The new sugar tax will come into effect on 1 January 2028.

Lahore tops global pollution charts as second most polluted city

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Lahore tops

LAHORE: Air pollution levels in Lahore remain dangerously high, ranking the city second in global pollution charts.

According to an international website, Lahore recorded an AQI of 368, placing it second among the world’s most polluted cities, while Karachi stood at 209, ranking sixth.

The Punjab Environmental Department’s website reported that this morning Kasur was the most polluted city in the province, with an AQI of 500. Meanwhile, Khanewal recorded an AQI of 365, and Lahore 353.

Additionally, severe smog has forced the closure of the M1 Motorway from Peshawar to Rashkai, affecting traffic.

China unveils AI capsule for quick and easy gastrointestinal diagnostics

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China unveils

China has developed an innovative AI-powered capsule that can diagnose stomach and intestinal diseases in just 8 minutes, eliminating the need for traditional endoscopies and tests.

The capsule, priced at $280, has already been successfully tested on thousands of patients, delivering highly accurate results.

In a related technological breakthrough, 14-year-old Indian prodigy Sidharth Nandiyala from Dallas, Texas, has created an AI-powered smartphone app called Circadian AI. The app can detect cardiovascular issues in just seven seconds using sound-based analysis, potentially saving countless lives.

Reports indicate that Sidharth is the world’s youngest AI professional, holding certifications from Oracle and ARM. Circadian AI uses advanced algorithms to analyze heart sounds and provide instant diagnosis. The app has been tested on over 15,000 patients in the U.S. and 700 patients in India, demonstrating 96% accuracy.

Following a meeting with Sidharth, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu praised his exceptional talent and dedication to leveraging technology for humanity, encouraging him to continue advancing healthcare innovations.

Sidharth, who completed his school education at Lalar Middle School in Texas and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Texas, Dallas, stated that his goal is to bring diagnostic tools to communities with limited medical access, where rapid detection can save lives.

These advancements—from China’s AI diagnostic capsule to Sidharth’s Circadian AI app—signal a new era in non-invasive, rapid, and accurate medical diagnostics.

New oral drug shows promising results in reducing LDL cholesterol

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New oral drug

A recent medical study has demonstrated remarkable results for an oral medication that effectively reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) levels by nearly 60% in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).

The research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and highlighted by MedicalXpress, evaluated the experimental drug Enlicitide, developed by the U.S.-based company Merck.

Enlicitide is part of the advanced class of PCSK9 inhibitors, which traditionally are administered via injections. For the first time, the treatment has been formulated as a pill, offering a more convenient alternative to injections.

Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in a single gene, affecting approximately 1 in 250 people.

This mutation impairs the body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, leading to its accumulation in arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Although statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications exist, many patients—especially those with hereditary forms of the disease—struggle to achieve target LDL levels.

Enlicitide works by binding to PCSK9 proteins in the blood, preventing them from breaking down liver receptors responsible for clearing LDL cholesterol.

By protecting these receptors, the drug enhances their activity, allowing the liver to remove more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and significantly lowering overall levels.

This oral formulation could mark a major advancement in the treatment of hereditary high cholesterol, offering patients an effective, needle-free alternative.

Illegal migrants in UK to wait 30 years for permanent residency

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Illegal migrants

LONDON: The United Kingdom(UK) has announced major changes to its immigration rules following a revision of its asylum policy, significantly extending the timeline for obtaining permanent residency.

Under the new proposals, immigrants who arrive legally in the UK may have to wait up to 20 years for permanent residency, while those entering illegally could face a wait of up to 30 years.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, addressing Parliament, said that applicants seeking permanent residency must meet strict requirements: they must have no criminal record, demonstrate A-Level standard English proficiency, and must not owe any debt within the country. The revised rules will also apply to individuals already living in the UK.

According to the proposed framework, the settlement period will vary based on category. Mahmood stated that the minimum residence requirement before applying for settlement will increase from five years to ten years for most categories.

However, doctors and nurses serving within the NHS will remain eligible to apply after five years, while highly skilled individuals may qualify through a fast-track route, and high-income professionals or entrepreneurs may apply after three years.

Shabana Mahmood said her aim is to replace the UK’s “broken immigration system” with one that is fair and focused on integration, adding that her own parents migrated to Britain in search of a better life before becoming citizens.

Punjab suggests screening teachers, staff via Sex Offenders Register

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Punjab suggests

LAHORE: A proposal has been put forward to make the screening of employees’ sexual offence records mandatory before their recruitment in educational institutions.

According to a two-page letter sent by the Punjab Prosecutor General to the Secretary Prosecution, it has been recommended that all candidates applying for jobs in educational institutions must be verified through the NADRA Sex Offenders Register.

The Prosecutor General stated in the letter that reviewing the sex offender record at the time of hiring is essential, adding that the NADRA Sex Offenders Register is an effective tool for ensuring the safety of children in educational environments. He said a major gap exists in the current hiring system concerning child protection.

The letter further noted that existing background checks do not reveal an applicant’s past sexual crime history, and hiring individuals with a record of sexual offences could pose a serious threat to entire educational institutions. It urged the Law and Justice Department to develop a mechanism to grant access to the Sex Offenders Register.

The Prosecutor General requested that sex offender verification be made compulsory for all educational institutions and that current employees also be checked against the NADRA register. He said such a policy would significantly enhance child safety standards across the education sector.

Lahore emerges as the world’s most polluted city

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Lahore emerges

LAHORE: The Air quality in Lahore remains critically poor, placing the city at the top of global pollution rankings.

According to environmental monitoring websites, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 484, surpassing New Delhi, which recorded an AQI of 289.

Within Lahore, Wahga emerged as the most polluted area, registering an alarming AQI of 814. Other areas also recorded hazardous levels, including DHA at 768, Civil Secretariat at 695, and FC College at 686.

Additional areas affected include Allama Iqbal Town with an AQI of 678, Ravi Road at 667, and DHA Phase 8 at 615, highlighting the widespread air pollution across the city.

Other major cities in Punjab, including Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Multan, have also been listed among the most polluted urban centers in the country, reflecting a growing environmental and public health concern.

Authorities and environmental experts urge residents to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and take necessary precautions to mitigate the health risks associated with hazardous air pollution.

Two more people die of dengue in Sindh

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Two more people

KARACHI: The dengue outbreak in Sindh continues to worsen as two more people lost their lives in the past 24 hours, raising the provincial death toll this year to 31, according to the Sindh Health Department.

Among the latest victims are a 44-year-old woman from Karachi and a 13-year-old boy from Hyderabad.

In the last 24 hours, Sindh reported 829 new dengue cases, including 419 in Karachi and 468 in Hyderabad.

This year, the total number of dengue cases across the province has climbed to 14,468.

Currently, 245 patients are under treatment in government hospitals, while 173 are admitted to private hospitals.

Karachi’s government hospitals have allocated 256 beds for dengue patients, whereas private hospitals have reserved 165 beds.

A total of 34 laboratories in Karachi are conducting dengue testing — 12 government-run and 22 private labs.

In Hyderabad, 18 laboratories are offering dengue tests, including 7 government and 11 private facilities.

The Sindh Health Department continues to monitor the situation closely as cases surge across the province.