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Karachi

Severe storm in Karachi leaves 19 dead, dozens injured

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Severe storm

KARACHI-
At least 19 people were killed and several others injured as strong winds accompanied by heavy rain swept across multiple areas of Karachi, causing widespread damage and disruption.

According to reports, intense rainfall and gusty winds affected neighborhoods including North Nazimabad, North Karachi, Surjani Town, FB Area, Saddar, and Clifton. Similar weather conditions were also recorded in Cantt, Railway Colony, Delhi Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulshan-e-Jamal, and Garden.

The storm was accompanied by thunder and lightning, while power outages were reported in various parts of the city shortly after the rain began. Areas such as Moinabad Alamgir Society, Shadman Town 14-A, parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, DHA Phases I and II, Akhtar Colony, Kashmir Colony, and North Karachi experienced prolonged electricity suspensions.

The Meteorological Department recorded wind speeds of up to 90 km/h on Shahrah-e-Faisal and 97 km/h in Mauripur, indicating the severity of the storm.

Fallen trees and billboards caused major traffic disruptions across the city. In Clifton, a tree collapsed near the Driving License Branch, trapping two individuals underneath. In Mohammad Ali Society, a billboard fell on Tipu Sultan Road due to strong winds.

The most tragic incident occurred near Moach Goth in Baldia, where a wall collapse claimed 13 lives and left three others injured. Rescue teams transported the victims to nearby hospitals and continued search operations amid fears that more individuals may be trapped under the debris.

Officials stated that the collapsed structure was not a residential building. Initial reports suggested that the victims had taken shelter there due to the rain.

In separate incidents, a man and a woman were killed when a wall collapsed in Quaidabad’s Majeed Colony, while one person was injured. Another fatality was reported in Malir after a lightning strike. In Korangi, a woman died when a roof collapsed, and another man lost his life after a tree fell on him in Korangi No. 5.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the Moach Goth incident and directed authorities to expedite rescue efforts.

Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the site and instructed officials to ensure immediate medical assistance for the injured and swift recovery of those trapped.

The Meteorological Department stated that no further rain is expected tonight; however, more बारिश is likely after noon tomorrow, with chances of thunderstorms, heavy downpours in isolated areas, and possible hailstorms. Light rain is also المتوقع on the first day of Eid, while another spell of rain may affect Karachi and other parts of Sindh between March 24 and 27.

Fire breaks out in Karachi’s busy mobile market

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Fire breaks out

KARACHI: A fire erupted on the second floor of Al-Najeebi Mobile Market in Saddar, Karachi, prompting immediate response from the city’s fire brigade. Three fire engines are currently battling the blaze.

Officials from the market association reported that several people are trapped inside the building. The fire reportedly started in one vehicle and quickly spread to other vehicles in the vicinity.

Rescue teams are evacuating people from the 15-story building to ensure their safety.

On the other hand, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken immediate notice of the fire that broke out at the mobile market in Saddar, Karachi.

The Chief Minister has sought a detailed report from the Commissioner of Karachi and instructed authorities to carry out immediate rescue and relief operations in the affected buildings.

Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the causes of the fire and those responsible will be thoroughly investigated. He added that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the government’s top priority.

This incident comes just days after a massive fire at Gul Plaza Mall in the same area, which claimed more than 70 lives, raising serious concerns over fire safety in Karachi’s commercial districts.

Pakistan welcomes 2026 with colorful fireworks and festivities

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Pakistan welcomes 2026

KARACHI: The Pakistan ushered in the New Year 2026 with vibrant celebrations, dazzling lights, and fireworks. The first country to welcome the New Year was New Zealand, where at midnight, Auckland’s Sky Tower illuminated the night sky with spectacular pyrotechnics.

Australia followed with a grand display over Sydney Harbour Bridge, attracting thousands of people to celebrate the start of the year.

Across Asia, countries marked the New Year in both traditional and modern styles. Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour hosted impressive fireworks, Taipei Tower in Taiwan lit up with colorful displays, and Bangkok celebrated along the Chao Phraya River.

In Japan, traditional temple bells rang as citizens gathered at Tokodai-ji and other shrines to offer prayers for the year ahead. China celebrated with cultural performances, including a traditional drum show at the Great Wall’s Juyongguan section, drawing large crowds of residents and tourists.

Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur saw a stunning fireworks display at the Petronas Twin Towers, filling the sky with colors as citizens celebrated with joy and hope.

In Pakistan, major cities including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Hyderabad, and Faisalabad hosted grand fireworks at midnight. Karachi’s iconic landmarks lit up the night, while special events were organized at Bahria Town Karachi and Centaurus Mall in Islamabad.

Despite some restrictions, large crowds gathered, exchanging greetings and celebrating the arrival of 2026, with sporadic reports of celebratory gunfire in certain areas.

People across Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, South Asia, and around the globe welcomed the New Year with wishes for peace, prosperity, and hope for a better year ahead.

10 students injured as school bus crashes in Karachi

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10 students

KARACHI: Ten students of a private school were injured when their bus collided with a footpath on II Chundrigar Road while heading for a picnic, police said.

According to authorities, the bus accident occurred near Café Bougie, resulting in minor injuries to the students, who were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Police said the students were on their way for a school picnic. The bus driver reportedly lost control due to brake failure, though an official investigation into the incident has been launched.

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.

University of Karachi ORIC Hosts “Don’t Miss a Beat” Seminar on World Heart Day

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The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at the University of Karachi organized an impactful awareness seminar titled “Don’t Miss a Beat” today, in observance of World Heart Day, to spotlight cardiovascular health and preventive strategies.

The event took place at the prestigious Jinnah Auditorium of the Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE) on the university campus, attracting a wide array of participants including students, faculty, healthcare experts, and local residents. Aligned with the global campaign observed on September 29, this timely seminar extended the conversation into October, addressing the escalating burden of heart disease in Pakistan.

ORIC’s initiative featured dynamic presentations from cardiologists, nutrition specialists, and wellness advocates, covering essential topics such as balanced diets, regular physical activity, and early detection of risk factors. Attendees engaged in interactive Q&A sessions, live demonstrations of heart-healthy exercises, and on-the-spot consultations, fostering a proactive approach to wellness.

In her opening remarks, the ORIC Director emphasized the seminar’s role in bridging academic research with community health. “Heart disease remains a silent threat, but knowledge is our strongest defense,” she stated. “Through events like this, we aim to innovate in health education and empower individuals to lead fuller lives.”

The program also included resource distribution with informational brochures, digital toolkits for tracking vital signs, and a commitment pledge for adopting heart-friendly habits. As part of broader efforts to combat non-communicable diseases, the seminar highlighted collaborative opportunities between KIBGE’s biotechnology expertise and public health initiatives.

This gathering not only commemorated World Heart Day but also reinforced the University of Karachi’s dedication to societal impact through research and outreach. Participants left inspired, with many voicing appreciation for the accessible, evidence-driven content.

Leadership Handover at ICP: Prof. Dr. Uzma Ali’s Tenure Ends as Prof. Dr. Sobia Aftab Takes Charge

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In a dignified handover ceremony held on September 11, 2025, the Institute of Clinical Psychology (ICP) at the University of Karachi witnessed a seamless leadership transition, marking the end of an era under Prof. Dr. Uzma Ali and the dawn of a new chapter led by Prof. Dr. Sobia Aftab.

The event, attended by faculty, staff, and distinguished guests, celebrated Prof. Dr. Ali’s eight-year tenure as Director, which began on June 23, 2017. During her leadership, the institute solidified its reputation as a beacon of academic rigor and clinical innovation in psychological sciences, fostering groundbreaking research and training programs that have benefited countless students and professionals in the field.

Prof. Dr. Sobia Aftab, the newly appointed Director, took the reins on the same date, pledging to build upon this strong foundation. “I am honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time for ICP,” she remarked during the ceremony. “My vision is to propel the institute forward, enhancing our commitment to excellence in education, research, and community mental health services.”

Adding prestige to the occasion was the presence of Prof. Dr. Farrukh Zahur Ahmad, the revered Founder Director of ICP, who served as Chief Guest. In his address, Dr. Ahmad extended heartfelt congratulations to both directors, reflecting on the institute’s journey since its inception. “It is heartening to see ICP evolve under dedicated leaders like Uzma and now Sobia,” he said. “Their passion ensures our legacy of transformative psychological care endures.”

The ceremony featured symbolic exchanges of documents and tokens of appreciation, underscoring the collaborative spirit that defines the institute. Faculty members and alumni present lauded the transition as a testament to ICP’s enduring stability and forward momentum.

As the University of Karachi continues to champion mental health awareness and psychological expertise in Pakistan, the new directorship under Prof. Dr. Aftab promises innovative initiatives, including expanded clinical outreach and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Karachi continues to experience hot and dry weather

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Karachi

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast hot and dry conditions for Karachi on Friday.

The minimum temperature recorded this morning was 21°C, while the maximum temperature is likely to range between 35°C and 37°C.

Humidity in the air was measured at 57%, with northeasterly winds blowing at a speed of around 3 km/h.

The sky will remain clear, and no rainfall is expected today. The Met Office further stated that there are no chances of rain in Karachi until next week.

On the other hand, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has dismissed predictions suggesting that the country will experience an “extremely cold” winter this year.

According to the PMD, rainfall between December and February is expected to remain normal or slightly below normal in most parts of the country.

The department noted that occasional cold waves may occur in some regions due to the passage of westerly weather systems, but there is no scientific evidence supporting claims of an unusually harsh winter.

The PMD further clarified that no indications of record-breaking or exceptionally severe cold have been observed across Pakistan.

University of Karachi Observes World Food Day 2025

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The Department of Food Science & Technology at the University of Karachi organized a seminar on Thursday to commemorate World Food Day 2025.


The event was held to raise awareness about the global challenges of hunger, food insecurity, and the importance of sustainable food systems in ensuring a healthy future for all.

Faculty members, students, and guests from academia and the food industry attended the event. The speakers highlighted that World Food Day serves as an important reminder to adopt responsible consumption habits, reduce food waste, and promote sustainable agricultural and food processing practices.

Addressing the participants, the faculty emphasized that Pakistan, being an agriculture-based country, has immense potential to strengthen its food system through innovation, research, and modern technology. They also stressed the role of youth and researchers in developing new methods to improve food preservation, enhance nutritional value, and ensure food safety standards.

The seminar provided an opportunity for students to engage in discussions on global and national food issues. Participants shared their views on how climate change, population growth, and water scarcity are impacting food production and access.

World Food Day is observed annually on October 16 to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The University of Karachi’s Department of Food Science & Technology continues to play a key role in promoting education, research, and awareness on issues related to food quality, safety, and sustainability.

The event concluded with a note of appreciation for the organizers and participants, reaffirming the department’s commitment to advancing food science education and contributing to a food-secure and sustainable Pakistan.

Running Dry: Sindh’s Deepening Water Crisis

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Dry riverbed in Sindh showing water scarcity and drought.

Sindh is experiencing one of Pakistan’s worst water crises. With declining river inflows and unsustainable groundwater extraction, water scarcity is deepening both in rural and urban regions.

Causes of Water Shortage

According to a study published on arXiv (2020), groundwater storage across the Indus Basin declined significantly between 2005–2015, beyond normal seasonal variation.
The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) report (2024) found that out of 1,247 water supply schemes surveyed in Sindh, only 42% were operational, and 75% of water samples were unsafe for drinking.

Impact on Agriculture

As Dawn (2023) reported, soil salinity and waterlogging have reduced productivity in Thatta and Badin, forcing many farmers to abandon agriculture and migrate to urban centers.

Urban Water Challenges

In Karachi, The Express Tribune (Feb 2024) highlighted how illegal water tanker mafias control distribution, charging up to 10 times the normal rate — deepening inequality between poor and wealthy areas.

Sustainable Solutions

  • Modernize canal irrigation systems to reduce leakage.
  • Encourage drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting.
  • Enforce groundwater extraction laws.
  • Recycle treated wastewater for industrial use.

Conclusion

Sindh’s water future depends on urgent reforms and cooperation between provinces. Without sustainable water governance, the crisis could soon become Pakistan’s largest human security challenge.