Health & Education Archives - Page 4 of 16

Imran Khan likely to be taken to Shifa Hospital shortly

August 20, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan could be transferred from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad on Thursday, according to sources familiar with the arrangements.

Sources said preparations for Khan’s transfer have been completed and security has been tightened around the hospital. A heavy police contingent has been deployed, while vehicles parked along roads near the hospital have been removed.

Hospital sources said special arrangements have been made for Khan’s treatment. He will undergo an initial examination in the emergency department by a team of six specialist doctors.

Doctors will then decide whether Khan needs to be admitted to the hospital. Hospital authorities said arrangements have also been completed in case he is admitted for further treatment.

The Supreme Court has ordered that Khan be transferred to Shifa International Hospital within two days.

Asked about the timing of the transfer, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the deadline runs until midnight and that the Islamabad administration is responsible for carrying out the order.

He said the administration was taking the necessary steps to implement the court’s directive.

Sindh declares 6,220 school buildings unsafe, orders suspension of classes

August 19, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

KARACHI: The Sindh government has declared 6,220 school buildings unsafe and ordered the suspension of classes at the affected schools, officials said.

The decision comes during the monsoon season, with authorities planning to shift students from schools housed in dangerous buildings to nearby schools.

The Sindh Education Department has directed deputy commissioners to identify alternative schools close to the affected buildings so students can be relocated.

Officials have not yet provided a timeline for when repairs or reconstruction of the unsafe school buildings will begin or be completed. It also remains unclear when students will be able to return to their original schools.

The unsafe schools are spread across 30 districts of the province. Badin, Mirpurkhas and Tharparkar have the highest numbers of schools housed in dilapidated buildings.

Daily sugary drinks may more than double stomach cancer risk

August 18, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

WASHINGTON: Daily consumption of sugary drinks may more than double the risk of developing stomach cancer, particularly raising concerns over the growing incidence of the disease among younger adults, according to a new US study.

Stomach cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide and ranks third among cancer-related causes of death. Smoking, inflammation of the stomach and obesity are among the known risk factors.

The disease has increasingly been reported among people under 50, despite traditionally being associated with older adults. Researchers from Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute examined whether dietary habits, particularly consumption of sugary beverages, could be contributing to the trend.

The study analysed medical and dietary data from more than 112,000 people. Researchers also considered participants’ body weight, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, medication use and other health conditions.

Participants were followed for several decades, allowing researchers to assess potential links between sugary beverage consumption and the development of cancer.

During the study period, 278 participants were diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Researchers found that people who consumed about one sugary drink a day had more than twice the risk of developing stomach cancer compared with those who consumed fewer such beverages.

The researchers said the findings add to previous evidence linking sugary drinks with other cancers, including colorectal, breast and liver cancers.

They noted that stomach cancer causes a significant number of deaths worldwide, but relatively little is known about the role of diet in its development.

Stomach cancer can develop in different parts of the stomach and becomes considerably more difficult to treat once it reaches an advanced stage.

The researchers cautioned that the findings have limitations and that further studies are needed to establish whether sugary drinks directly contribute to stomach cancer.

The study was published in the journal Gastro Hep Advances.

Cambridge announces O level and IGCSE results for 2026 session

August 18, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: Cambridge University Press & Assessment’s International Education Group has announced the results of the June 2026 Cambridge O Level and IGCSE examination session.

More than 315,000 students worldwide received their results, while in Pakistan, more than 100,000 students from over 850 schools appeared for Cambridge International AS & A Level, O Level and IGCSE examinations this year.

According to Cambridge, mathematics was the most popular IGCSE subject among students in Pakistan, followed by physics, first-language English, chemistry and biology.

At O Level, English Language remained the most popular subject, followed by mathematics, Pakistan Studies, Islamiyat and Urdu as a second language.

Cambridge congratulates Pakistani students

Uzma Yousuf, Country Director for Pakistan at Cambridge International Education, congratulated students on the release of the results and praised their hard work and resilience.

She said the achievements of O Level and IGCSE students across Pakistan reflected not only their academic efforts but also their ability to adapt and remain determined amid challenging and changing social and economic circumstances.

Yousuf said young people in Pakistan were developing the skills, confidence and global outlook needed to navigate the opportunities and challenges associated with the country’s ongoing transformation and development.

She also acknowledged the contribution of teachers, school leaders and parents, saying their continued support played a vital role in students’ success.

Yousuf expressed her best wishes to the successful students as they move to the next stage of their education and encouraged them to contribute to building a better future for themselves and their communities.

Medical board recommends more family meetings for Imran Khan

August 17, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

ISLAMABAD: A four-member medical board has recommended that former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan be allowed more meetings with his wife, along with access to newspapers, television and books, to help reduce mental stress, according to a report submitted to the Supreme Court.

The report, submitted by the superintendent of Adiala Jail, said consultant cardiologist Dr. Akhtar Ali Bandesha examined Khan on Aug. 1. Khan reported fluctuations in blood pressure, headaches and anxiety. His ECG showed no significant abnormality, while his blood pressure was recorded at 140/100 with a pulse rate of 50 beats per minute.

The cardiologist recommended increasing and adjusting Khan’s blood pressure medication and suggested a CT coronary angiography in view of his age and reported mental stress.

The four-member medical board conducted another examination on Aug. 10. According to the report, Khan’s blood pressure was recorded at 140/80 and his pulse at 54 beats per minute. He reported no chest pain, heaviness, shortness of breath or palpitations.

His ECG was normal, while an echocardiogram showed normal heart chambers and valves, the report said.

The medical board recommended that Khan be allowed to walk for one hour daily and be provided with some mental relaxation under the circumstances of his imprisonment. It also recommended access to newspapers, television and books.

The board said more frequent meetings with family members could help reduce anxiety and control blood pressure.

However, the board concluded that Khan did not require further cardiac testing, including CT coronary angiography, according to the report.

Indian actress Shweta Tiwari hospitalised with dengue

August 14, 2026 by Entertainment Desk

MUMBAI: Indian actress Shweta Tiwari has been hospitalised after being diagnosed with dengue, according to Indian media reports.

The 45-year-old actress reportedly fell ill several days ago. News of her hospitalisation prompted concern among fans on social media, with many wishing her a speedy recovery.

Tiwari is among the 21 contestants taking part in reality show The Traitors Season 2, which premiered on Prime Video on Aug. 13.

The actress has also drawn attention for her candid response in the show’s promotional material. During an exchange with host Karan Johar, Tiwari responded to a remark about her ability to identify liars by referring to her past experiences in marriage.

Her hospitalisation comes as an interview with her former husband, Raja Chaudhary, has also been circulating widely on social media.

In the interview, Chaudhary made several claims about their marriage and alleged that Tiwari had multiple relationships during their married life.

Tiwari has not publicly commented on the latest reports about her health.

Sindh announces MDCAT 2026 entrance test schedule

July 30, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

KARACHI: The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 for candidates in Sindh will be held on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, under the supervision of Sukkur IBA Testing Services (SIBA).

According to SIBA, examination centers have been established in Karachi, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Larkana, Sukkur, Mirpur Khas, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Islamabad to facilitate candidates from across the province.

In Karachi, the test will be conducted at NED University, while candidates in Hyderabad will appear at Public School Latifabad. Other designated venues include Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences in Jamshoro, Mir Sher Muhammad Talpur Public School in Mirpur Khas, Police Training School Ground on Wagon Road in Larkana, Quaid-e-Awam University in Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sukkur IBA Public School on Old Airport Road in Sukkur. Sindh-based candidates who selected Islamabad as their examination city will take the test at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).

SIBA said the three-hour examination will begin as scheduled, and candidates are advised to arrive at their respective centers on time. No candidate will be allowed to leave the examination hall before the test concludes.

JPMC introduces AI Chatbot to streamline outpatient care

July 27, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

KARACHI: Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot in the outpatient department (OPD) of its CyberKnife Department to speed up patient assessments, reduce waiting times and improve access to medical care.

The AI chatbot is designed to collect patients’ medical information before they see a doctor, allowing physicians to review their symptoms and medical history in advance. Hospital officials say the initiative is intended to eliminate long queues and make the initial screening process more efficient.

Radiation oncologist Dr. Fatima said patients will first check in at the reception before interacting with the chatbot, which communicates in the patient’s native language.

The system gathers information including the patient’s age, symptoms, medical complaints and relevant health history, asking follow-up questions until it has a clear understanding of the case.

After the interview, the chatbot automatically generates a digital medical report containing the patient’s history, symptoms and a preliminary assessment. The report is then sent electronically to the relevant consultant or specialist before the clinical examination, enabling doctors to provide more informed and efficient care.

The hospital has initially established four dedicated AI consultation rooms, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with plans to expand the service to 24-hour availability in the future.

Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi tests positive for swine flu

July 27, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

MUMBAI: Veteran Bollywood actor Shabana Azmi has tested positive for H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, Indian media reported, prompting the 75-year-old to isolate at home on doctors’ advice.

According to the reports, Azmi is suffering from a high fever and has been advised to rest and remain in self-isolation for five days to aid her recovery and prevent the spread of the virus.

Indian media said Azmi had recently participated for three days in protests organized by the Cockroach Janta Party over an alleged paper leak issue.

She was reportedly unable to attend the final days of the demonstrations after her health deteriorated.

No further details about her condition have been released, and there has been no official statement indicating any serious complications.

Salman Khan responds playfully after viral video sparks health concerns

July 20, 2026 by Pakistan Desk

MUMBAI: Bollywood star Salman Khan has eased fans’ concerns about his health after responding with a lighthearted social media post following a viral video that prompted speculation about his well-being.

The concerns emerged after Khan attended an event organized by Mumbai’s Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), where a video of the actor appeared to show him looking tired and less energetic than usual. The footage quickly circulated on social media, with many fans expressing worry about his health.

Some users suggested the actor looked unwell, while others commented on his age, saying the longtime Bollywood star appeared to be slowing down.

Khan later shared new photos on Instagram and captioned the post with a playful question asking followers, “How are you feeling?” Fans interpreted the post as a humorous response to the online speculation surrounding his health.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Da_ItRWE9gg/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=AgUAySDk65fn0_CBorSNzuT

The actor appeared noticeably more energetic in the newly shared images, prompting fans to flood the comments section with messages of support and relief, while many praised his lighthearted handling of the rumors.