Health & Education Archives - Page 9 of 11

Jubilee General and AKUH Launch Exclusive Discount Card

October 28, 2025 by Tayyab Jajjvi

Jubilee General Insurance, Aga Khan University Hospital, healthcare discount card, Pakistan insurance, outpatient services, MoU partnership, affordable medical care, customer benefits

Karachi, October 28, 2025 – Jubilee General Insurance has partnered with Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) to introduce the Jubilee General Discount Card, offering policyholders enhanced access to affordable healthcare services.

The collaboration was formalized today via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing in Karachi. Signatories included Azfar Arshad, Managing Director and CEO of Jubilee General Insurance, and Dr. Farhat Abbas, CEO of AKUH Pakistan. Attendees also featured Shagufta Hassan, Global VP of Finance and CFO at Aga Khan University, and Nadeem Irshad, Chief Sales Officer at Jubilee General Insurance.

Eligible customers gain a 12% discount on select outpatient services at AKUH sites, covering lab tests, radiology, and medicines. This move extends Jubilee General’s value proposition beyond core insurance, prioritizing customer wellness.

“This tie-up embodies our ethos of delivering care that transforms lives,” stated Mr. Arshad. “Pairing our protection expertise with AKUH’s excellence makes top-tier healthcare more attainable.”

Dr. Abbas added: “We’re thrilled to team with Jubilee General for this accessible care initiative. It furthers our goal of nationwide health equity through trusted services.”

The card aligns with Jubilee General’s strategy for exclusive perks via brand partnerships. Register at: https://jubileegeneral.com.pk/getinsurance/aku-discounts.

As Pakistan’s leading non-life insurer, Jubilee General drives innovation in digital and customer-centric solutions. AKUH, part of the Aga Khan Development Network, upholds global standards in medical care.

Amid escalating healthcare expenses, this alliance bolsters financial and health security for families.

Air Pollution: Lahore faces alarming smog levels once again

October 28, 2025 by Newsdesk

Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab, remained the world’s most polluted city on Tuesday, as real-time data from global air quality monitor IQAir showed dangerously high pollution levels across the metropolis.

At 8 a.m., Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 410, placing it in the “hazardous” category, while the city’s average level stood at 329 later in the day.

Among the most affected localities were Sanda Road (767 AQI), Township (758), Model Town (574), Allama Iqbal Town (511), and Gulberg III (390).

Air pollution also persisted across other cities of Punjab, with Faisalabad recording a particulate matter (PM2.5) level of 622, Multan 485, and Bahawalpur 255, according to environmental reports.

As per IQAir’s latest index, New Delhi ranked second, Dhaka third, and Kolkata fourth among the world’s most polluted cities. Karachi stood fifth with an AQI of 165.

Experts warned that low wind speed and falling temperatures are trapping pollutants close to the ground, intensifying smog and reducing visibility—particularly during late night, early morning, and evening hours. They added that the air may improve slightly between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. when higher temperatures and wind movement help disperse pollutants.

Medical experts have urged citizens to wear protective masks and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, especially children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.

Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb advised residents to use masks whenever outdoor movement is unavoidable to reduce exposure to toxic air.

In response to worsening conditions, the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) deployed 16 mechanical washers and 50 washer rickshaws as part of its anti-smog operation.

More than 400 sanitation workers have been assigned for day and night shifts, washing and sprinkling water on over 300 kilometers of major roads daily.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 47 main roads—including Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Noor Jehan Road, MM Alam Road, GT Road, Bund Road, and Ferozepur Road—are being washed twice daily to suppress dust and reduce airborne particulates.

In the past 24 hours, authorities registered 14 FIRs, imposed ₨1 million in fines on 115 violators, and issued 53 warnings across Lahore and other districts.

Violations included crop residue burning (13 cases), emission from smoke-producing vehicles (86), illegal industrial operations (5), and brick kiln violations (10).

Cumulatively, during the ongoing smog season, police have filed 1,642 cases, arrested 1,571 offenders, imposed fines exceeding ₨150 million, and issued over 15,000 warnings.

Officials reported 500 crop-burning cases, 55,763 vehicle violations, 1,599 industrial violations, and 3,185 brick kiln breaches across Punjab.

Karachi authorities seal dozens of shops selling urea-mixed milk

October 28, 2025 by abid khan

KARACHI: The city administration has sealed seven more milk shops for selling chemically adulterated milk, raising the total number of shops sealed to 27 as part of the ongoing crackdown against unsafe dairy sales.

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner Karachi’s office, the campaign against adulterated milk continues across the city. On Tuesday, three shops in District South, three in East, and one in Malir were sealed after samples tested positive for harmful chemical substances.

A spokesperson for the Commissioner’s Office said that within just two days, 27 milk shops have been sealed across Karachi for selling substandard or adulterated milk.

The decision was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, attended by the Director General of the Sindh Food Authority and other senior officials. It was decided that milk quality inspections and anti-adulteration drives will continue in all districts.

Commissioner Naqvi stated that sealed milk shops will not be reopened without heavy fines, and owners will be required to submit written assurances guaranteeing the sale of pure and safe milk in the future.

Fire erupts in school van, six children hurt in Karachi

October 27, 2025 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Another alarming incident of school transport safety emerged in Karachi on Monday as a van caught fire in Nazimabad, leaving six children injured.

According to rescue officials, the fire erupted after the vehicle overheated, engulfing the van while it was transporting students. The incident occurred at around 7:30 a.m., leaving six children with burn injuries.

Rescue teams immediately arrived at the scene and shifted the injured children to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital(ASH) Karachi for medical treatment.

Police officials, however, stated that they were not formally informed about the incident. Local residents reportedly acted on their own and extinguished the fire before emergency services arrived.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and whether the van met safety standards for school transport.

Lahore’s air turns toxic as smog worsens across Punjab

October 27, 2025October 27, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Lahore continues to battle intense smog as air pollution in the city climbs to hazardous levels, raising serious health concerns among residents.

According to the Punjab Environment Protection Department’s website, Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has climbed to 358, while Gujranwala recorded a hazardous 500 and Sargodha stood at 347.

Official data shows that Faisalabad’s AQI was recorded at 306, Multan’s at 304, and Dera Ghazi Khan’s at 244.

Among Lahore’s most polluted areas, Multan Road topped the list with an AQI of 500, followed by GT Road (500), Shahdara (391), and Safari Park (377). The AQI at Kahna and Punjab University was recorded at 335 each.

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

October 26, 2025 by Newsdesk

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

October 25, 2025 by Newsdesk

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

October 23, 2025 by Newsdesk

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

October 23, 2025 by Newsdesk

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

October 21, 2025 by Newsdesk

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.