Health & Education Archives - Page 9 of 13

Illegal migrants in UK to wait 30 years for permanent residency

November 21, 2025 by Newsdesk

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

November 19, 2025 by Newsdesk

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

November 17, 2025 by Newsdesk

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

November 15, 2025 by Newsdesk

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.

JPMC ED Prof Shahid Rasool passes away

November 14, 2025 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Professor Shahid Rasool, the Executive Director of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Karachi, has passed away, leaving a significant void in Pakistan’s medical community.

Colleagues and staff at Jinnah Hospital expressed deep sorrow over his untimely demise, highlighting his commitment to medical education and the professional development of hospital personnel.

Under his leadership, the hospital undertook numerous initiatives to enhance healthcare delivery, streamline operations, and expand patient facilities.

Medical associations and public health officials have extended condolences to his family, describing Professor Rasool as a visionary leader whose contributions will have a lasting impact on the healthcare sector in Karachi and across Pakistan.

The hospital administration has announced that memorial arrangements and tributes will be organized in his honor to recognize his decades-long service to medicine and public health.

On the other hand, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has expressed deep grief over the passing of Professor Shahid Rasool, Executive Director of Jinnah Hospital Karachi.

In his statement, the Chief Minister described Dr. Shahid as one of the country’s finest surgeons, praising his dedication to medicine and healthcare. He added that Dr. Shahid Rasool’s services to the medical community will always be remembered.

The Sindh Chief Minister also prayed for the elevation of the late doctor’s ranks in the hereafter and extended his condolences to the bereaved family, wishing them strength and patience during this difficult time.

Dr. Shahid Rasool’s contributions to patient care, medical education, and hospital administration have left a lasting legacy in Pakistan’s healthcare sector.

11 Palestinian girls top intermediate board despite war

November 14, 2025 by Newsdesk

Gaza: Eleven Palestinian girls have secured top positions in the Gaza Intermediate Board examinations by scoring 99 percent marks, according to international media reports.

Despite the ongoing Israeli offensive, Gaza’s youth continue to pursue education with determination, holding on to the hope of a better future even in the harshest circumstances.

The report states that the exceptional performance of these 11 girls has brought a wave of joy among Palestinians enduring Israeli atrocities, with families celebrating the achievement amid the ruins of devastated neighborhoods.

Tragically, the report also notes that many of the students who passed the intermediate exams have since been martyred in Israeli bombardments.

US bars visas for individuals with obesity, diabetes and mental illness

November 13, 2025 by Newsdesk

WASHINGTON: The US Department of State has issued a new directive to American embassies worldwide, stating that individuals with certain medical conditions may be denied visas for entry or permanent residence in the United States.

Under the “public charge” rule, applicants with obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or other serious medical conditions may be refused a visa if they are deemed likely to rely on government resources for treatment.

However, the directive allows for exceptions if applicants can prove they can cover their own medical expenses. The measure reflects concerns that costly treatments could place a financial burden on the US government.

It is noted that in the United States, over 100 million people suffer from obesity, while more than 38 million are affected by diabetes.

The new rule comes amid ongoing adjustments to US immigration policies and is expected to affect prospective immigrants worldwide.

Lahore ranks second globally as smog crisis deepens

November 13, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: Air pollution in Punjab has surged to alarming levels, with Lahore emerging as the world’s second most polluted city, posing serious health risks to residents.

According to data from a global environmental monitoring website. The city’s average smog level has surged to an alarming AQI of 437.

In Lahore, the Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 667 in Allama Iqbal Town, 663 on Sanda Road, 649 near Government College University, 605 on Muratib Ali Road, 554 near Punjab University, 503 in Model Town, 498 in Shalimar, and 445 in Cantt.

Environmental experts warn that these readings fall in the “hazardous” category, posing serious health risks to residents, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses.

Meanwhile, New Delhi remains the most polluted city globally, with an AQI of 678. In other Punjab cities, the AQI was measured at 639 in Gujranwala, 460 in Faisalabad, and 429 in Multan.

Medical experts said that the ever-increasing pollution has become a serious threat to citizens, citizens should avoid unnecessary travel, make sure to use masks and avoid outdoor activities in the morning hours.

On the other hand, the weather forecasters say that today the maximum temperature of Lahore city was recorded at 26 while the minimum was recorded at 12 degrees Celsius, the wind is blowing at a speed of 3 km per hour in the city while the humidity ratio in the atmosphere was recorded at 80 percent.

Jonty Rhodes expresses concern over Delhi’s air quality

November 11, 2025 by Newsdesk

Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes expressed concern over Delhi’s worsening air quality during a recent visit to India.

Rhodes shared comparative images of Delhi and Goa on social media platform X, highlighting the stark difference in air conditions.

Alongside the photos, he wrote, “Thankful that we live in South Goa where our children can play football outside, whereas in Delhi, children are told to stay indoors.”

This is what my “home” sunsets look like – and yes, those are my kids playing football! In Delhi they suggest staying indoors 😳 pic.twitter.com/AyJ0Cn4c2Z
— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) November 9, 2025

It is worth noting that Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) can reach up to 400 as winter approaches, making outdoor activities hazardous.

Scientists achieve partial vision restoration using implanted computer chips

November 9, 2025 by Newsdesk

Paris: Scientists have sparked a medical breakthrough by partially restoring vision through computer chips implanted in the human body, marking a significant advance at the intersection of medicine and technology.

According to Time magazine, this pioneering development allows implanted microchips to help recover lost visual capabilities in patients with severe eye conditions.

The report highlighted 87-year-old French woman Alice Charton, who had lost her central vision due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common age-related eye disease.

The San Francisco-based company Science Corp has developed an experimental technology called “Prima”, which involves implanting a small microchip onto the affected part of the retina. This device helps in partially restoring visual perception in patients affected by retinal degeneration.