Health & Education Archives - Page 4 of 13

Over 2000 children diagnosed with HIV in Pakistan over 15 months

April 22, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: More than 2,000 children have been diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Pakistan over the past 15 months, according to data released by the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination.

Figures from the Common Management Unit (CMU) show that among the affected children, 1,274 are boys and 834 are girls.

The highest number of cases has been reported in Sindh, where 1,515 children were diagnosed during the period. Of these, 1,186 cases were recorded in 2025, while an additional 329 cases emerged in the first three months of 2026.

Punjab ranks second, with 418 cases reported in 2025. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a total of 111 cases were recorded, including 90 in 2025 and 21 in early 2026.

Meanwhile, Balochistan reported 38 cases (33 in 2025 and 5 in 2026), while Islamabad recorded 22 cases, including 17 in 2025 and 5 this year.

Additionally, three cases were reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and one case in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Health officials have expressed concern over the rising numbers and stress the need for enhanced prevention, awareness, and early diagnosis efforts to curb the spread of the virus among children.

Admissions open for first year at Pakistan Steel Cadet College

April 22, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Pakistan Steel Cadet College Karachi has formally announced the commencement of admissions for First Year (Grade XI) for the academic session 2026–27.

The institution is widely recognized among the country’s leading cadet colleges, known for its commitment to academic excellence, discipline, leadership development, and character building.

The college offers a modern educational framework combined with a comprehensive training environment, aimed at grooming students into responsible citizens, effective leaders, and future defenders of the nation.

With a strong focus on personality development, the institution prepares young individuals to contribute meaningfully to national progress and service.

Key facilities at the college include state-of-the-art classrooms, fully equipped science and computer laboratories, well-maintained residential hostels, expansive sports grounds, and a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members.

In addition, cadets undergo structured physical training, regular parade sessions, and a wide range of co-curricular activities designed to instill discipline, confidence, and teamwork.

Owing to its strong academic track record and robust training system, the college continues to emerge as a preferred choice for parents. As seats are limited, students and parents are advised to submit their applications at the earliest to avail this unique educational and developmental opportunity.

For further details and admission forms, please visit the official website of the college or contact via the provided WhatsApp number.

Elderly man appears in class 9 exams, proves age is no barrier to education

April 20, 2026 by Newsdesk

Muzaffargarh: A 55-year-old man, Ghulam Qadir, is taking Class 9 examinations in Muzaffargarh, offering a powerful reminder that learning has no age limit.

Speaking to the media, Qadir shared that his children, who are well-educated, encouraged him to resume his studies and fulfill his long-standing academic goals.

Despite facing setbacks in the past, including failing his matriculation exams twice, he remained determined and never lost hope. His last attempt was 13 years ago, but he has now returned to the examination hall with renewed confidence and preparation.

“I will pass this time and continue my journey towards intermediate education,” he said, emphasizing that acquiring knowledge is a lifelong pursuit and not restricted by age.

His story has inspired many, highlighting resilience, determination, and the importance of continuous learning.

HIV cases surge in Islamabad, raising public health concerns

April 18, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The spread of HIV in Islamabad is accelerating, according to official data, triggering growing concern among public health experts.

A government report revealed that 498 HIV cases were recorded in 2025, while a total of 618 new cases were reported between January 2025 and March 2026 in the federal capital.

Statistics indicate that more than 41 individuals, on average, contracted HIV each month in Islamabad. A significant majority of those affected are young men, with adult males accounting for 64 percent of all reported cases.

Authorities stated that among the 618 cases, 397 were men, 106 women, 93 transgender individuals, and 22 children.

The report further highlighted that 120 new cases emerged in the first quarter of 2026 alone. The highest monthly spike was recorded in July 2025 with 63 cases, while the lowest numbers 31 cases each were reported in June and December.

Health experts attribute the surge largely to unsafe sexual practices, particularly among young men under the influence of наркотics.

The use of crystal meth, commonly known as “ice,” has been identified as a major contributing factor, as it often leads to high-risk behavior and unprotected intercourse.

Nationwide, the estimated number of people living with HIV in Pakistan stands at approximately 350,000, underscoring the scale of the public health challenge.

Imran Khan undergoes follow-up eye examination in Adiala Jail

March 3, 2026 by Newsdesk

RAWALPINDI: A medical team comprising specialists from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital examined the injured eye of PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail.

According to sources, the team included retina specialist Dr. Nadeem Qureshi, along with ophthalmologists Dr. Arif and Dr. Ausal from PIMS. A vehicle equipped with modern medical equipment also arrived at the jail to facilitate the examination.

Sources said the visiting doctors were assisted by the jail hospital’s medical staff during the check-up. After conducting a follow-up assessment of Khan’s eye condition, the medical team departed from the facility.

Bushra Bibi meets Imran Khan

Jail sources further confirmed that Bushra Bibi was allowed to meet the PTI founder on the same day.

The meeting took place in the jail’s conference room and lasted approximately 40 minutes. During the meeting, Bushra Bibi inquired about Khan’s injured eye.

Officials stated that the meeting was conducted in accordance with the jail manual.

Eating vegetables linked to lower risk of multiple Cancers

February 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

London: A new study from Oxford University suggests that including vegetables in your daily diet can significantly reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer.

The research followed over 1.8 million participants for several years, examining their health and dietary habits, and analyzed how different eating patterns impacted the risk of 17 types of cancer.

Participants were grouped based on their diets: those who ate vegetables regularly, those who preferred poultry over red meat, fish eaters, and strict vegetarians. The study also accounted for other cancer risk factors such as body weight and smoking.

Key findings include: Pancreatic cancer risk reduced by 21% among regular vegetable eaters, bladder cancer risk reduced by 12%, breast cancer risk reduced by 9%,kidney cancer risk was 28% lower in vegetable lovers compared to meat-eaters and bone marrow cancer risk reduced by 31%

Researchers noted that these results are encouraging for those who enjoy vegetables, showing a lowered risk for at least five major types of cancer.

However, the study also found that a vegetable-only diet may increase the risk of certain cancers. For example, gastrointestinal tract cancers and intestinal cancer risk rose by up to 40%, potentially due to insufficient intake of B vitamins and calcium typically obtained from meat.

The researchers emphasized that while vegetables are protective against many cancers, balanced nutrition remains essential, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Sindh to launch mega blood donation campaign before Ramadan

February 14, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority has announced the launch of a province-wide Mega Blood Donation Drive on February 16, describing it as the first campaign of its kind under the Sindh Health Department.

Secretary of the authority, Dr. Dur-e-Naz Jamal, termed the initiative a major step aimed at addressing blood shortages ahead of Ramadan. She said that for the first time, all blood banks across Sindh will work simultaneously under a coordinated strategy to ensure maximum collection.

According to Dr. Jamal, a single bottle of donated blood can help save up to three lives. She revealed that around 17,000 thalassemia patients are currently registered across Sindh, underscoring the urgent need for regular voluntary blood donations.

She further announced that medals and certificates will be awarded to blood donors during the campaign in order to encourage greater public participation and promote a culture of voluntary donation.

Appealing to citizens, Dr. Dur-e-Naz Jamal urged people to actively participate in the Mega Blood Donation Drive and make it a success so that no shortage of blood arises during Ramadan.

Imran Khan discloses severe vision loss in right eye before Supreme Court

February 12, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: An official report on facilities provided to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail has revealed that his right-eye vision has deteriorated to only 15 percent.

According to the report, Imran Khan requested examinations by his personal doctors, Dr. Faisal Sultan and Dr. Asim Yousuf, and stated he could also be examined by other specialist doctors. Due to the restrictions of solitary confinement and lack of TV access, he demanded access to books.

Supreme Court Orders

The Supreme Court has directed that Imran Khan be given access to eye specialists and telephonic contact with his sons.

Security and Daily Routine

The report notes that Khan expressed no concerns regarding his security, mentioning that roughly 10 CCTV cameras monitor the compound. One camera partially covers the washroom, but no cameras are installed inside his cell.

Imran Khan’s daily routine reportedly includes:

Breakfast at 9:45 am, consisting of coffee, porridge, and dates.

Recitation of the Quran for approximately one hour starting at 11:30 am.

Physical exercise using limited equipment.

Access to a walking shed inside the secure compound after a 1:15 pm bath.

Lunch between 3:30 and 4:00 pm, planned weekly and funded by his family, including a rotation of chicken, meat, lentils, or snacks.

From roughly 5:30 pm until 10:00 am the following day, Khan remains confined to his cell, located about a five-minute walk from the main block of Adiala Jail.

Cell Amenities

His cell contains:

Three high-voltage bulbs, a ceiling fan, and a blower heater.

Two tables, a wall clock, a single bed with mattress, four pillows, two blankets, a chair, a small rack, and a prayer area with tasbih.

32-inch TV installed on the wall, but nonfunctional.

About 100 books on a table, along with two dumbbells, two apples, tissue paper, mouthwash, air freshener, shaving gel, and shaving kit.

A 4.5×4.5 ft toilet, separated by a 4-ft wall, with external access to hot and cold water, a wash basin, and a mirror.

Health Concerns

The report states that until October 2025, Khan had normal vision (6×6). He later experienced persistent blurriness, ultimately leading to a severe clot in his right eye.

Despite treatment—including an injection administered by PIMS specialists—the right-eye vision has been permanently reduced to 15 percent.

This report provides the first detailed account of Khan’s health, daily regimen, and prison living conditions following his incarceration at Adiala Jail.

Maryam Wattoo claims no improvement in IK’s eye despite treatment

February 10, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Maryam Riaz Wattoo, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, has claimed that despite receiving injections, there has been no improvement in Imran Khan’s affected eye.

In a statement shared on X, Maryam Riaz Wattoo said that her family met Bushra Bibi today, who had earlier also met Imran Khan. According to Maryam, Bushra Bibi expressed deep concern over Imran Khan’s health once again.

Our family met #BushraImranKhan today. Khan sahib had met her earlier today. She again expressed grave concerns about Imran Khan sahib's health.
His damaged eye has NOT improved even 10 percent after the injection.
It is ABSOLUTELY URGENT THAT IMRAN KHAN SAHIB GETS ACCESS TO…
— Maryam Riaz Wattoo (@soulful7867) February 10, 2026

She added that even after the injections, there has been not even a 10 percent improvement in the condition of Imran Khan’s affected eye. Maryam stressed the urgent need for Imran Khan to be granted access to his personal doctors immediately.

Maryam Riaz Wattoo also appealed to PTI leaders to raise the matter in courts, with human rights organizations, and in international media, emphasizing that Imran Khan urgently requires proper medical care.

Meanwhile, jail sources confirmed that Bushra Bibi and her family were allowed a visit today, which included her daughter and daughter-in-law. The meeting lasted for approximately 30 minutes.

According to the sources, after a separate meeting with Barrister Salman Safdar, Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan also met inside the prison’s conference room for half an hour, during which they inquired about each other’s well-being.

Sindh bans photography in girls’ colleges to protect students’ privacy

February 10, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The Sindh government has imposed a ban on photography in government girls’ colleges across the province to prevent the misuse of students’ images on social media.

According to official details, the Sindh College Education Department has issued a formal notification directing principals of government girls’ colleges to strictly enforce the ban on taking photographs of students within college premises.

The measure aims to curb the unauthorised sharing and circulation of students’ images on social media platforms. The decision follows an advisory issued by the Special Secretary for Colleges, after which the Regional Director of College Education Karachi formally informed all government colleges through official correspondence.

Officials said the step was taken in response to multiple complaints regarding the misuse of photographs taken on college campuses. The ban has been introduced to safeguard the privacy, dignity and security of female students.

The Special Secretary noted that in several cases, unauthorised photographs of female teachers and students were secretly taken and shared on platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp and other digital media.

Following the directive, college principals and staff have been instructed to ensure strict compliance. Regional Director College Education Karachi, Professor Qazi Irshad, warned that disciplinary action would be taken against principals and staff found violating the ban.

It is worth mentioning that earlier the Punjab government had also imposed restrictions on the use of mobile phones by teachers and students in schools, directing district education officers to ensure strict implementation of the policy.