Karachi Archives - FutureSoch

Four children from same family contract HIV in Karachi

July 13, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The number of children infected in the HIV outbreak linked to Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital has risen to 81 after a 10-year-old boy tested positive, making all four children of the same family infected with the virus.

The boy’s father, Aftab Khan, said his family from Karachi’s Zia Colony has been devastated after each of his four children was diagnosed with HIV.

Two days earlier, his 9-year-old daughter tested positive, while his 12-year-old and 3-year-old sons had been diagnosed several months ago. The latest result confirmed that all four siblings are now living with the virus.

Khan alleged that his children had visited Valika Hospital only for routine medical treatment and blamed suspected medical negligence for the infections. He said the family has been left traumatized by the diagnoses and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

The father also alleged that hospital officials suspended during the investigation continue to enjoy official facilities, including accommodation, questioning the effectiveness of the disciplinary action.

He further claimed that affected families continue to face difficulties obtaining timely information about test results, treatment schedules and medications, with hospital staff and the relevant health authorities referring them back and forth without clear guidance.

The affected families have urged the Sindh government to appoint a new focal person to coordinate with victims, saying they need a responsible official who can provide accurate information, address their concerns and ensure access to treatment and support. Authorities are continuing to investigate the HIV outbreak at Valika Hospital. Families of the affected children have renewed calls for a transparent investigation, strict action against those found

Young doctor shot dead in Karachi bank robbery

July 13, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: A 28-year-old doctor was killed in a shooting during a daylight bank robbery outside a private bank in Karachi’s Clifton area, where armed robbers escaped with Rs2.5 million in cash, police said Monday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) South Mahzoor Ali said the victim, identified as Dr. Akash, had withdrawn Rs5 million with his father and an associate from a private bank near Teen Talwar. The group was on its way to deposit the money at another bank in the Boat Basin area when armed assailants intercepted their vehicle outside the bank.

Police said a security guard opened fire on the robbers, who returned fire during the exchange. Dr. Akash was fatally struck in the crossfire, while the suspects escaped with one of the two cash bags containing Rs2.5 million. The security guard has been taken into custody as part of the investigation.

The administration of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre mourned the death of Dr. Akash, describing him as a dedicated, hardworking and highly committed house officer. A hospital spokesperson said he had recently been selected as a Medical Officer through the latest commission examination and was awaiting a posting at JPMC.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the killing and ordered the immediate arrest of those responsible. He directed Karachi’s additional inspector general of police to submit a detailed investigation report and ensure the swift apprehension of the suspects.

“There will be no compromise on law and order,” Murad Ali Shah said, instructing police to intensify efforts against street crime and armed robberies while expressing condolences to the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical Association condemned the killing, calling it evidence of the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi. The association said the loss of the young doctor was not only a tragedy for his family but also a significant loss for Pakistan’s medical community.

Prolonged power outages hit Karachi amid intense heatwave

April 30, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Residents of Karachi continue to face severe hardship as both scheduled and unscheduled load shedding persists during the ongoing heatwave.

In several parts of the city, the duration of announced power outages has exceeded 12 hours, while many neighborhoods are also experiencing extended periods of unannounced electricity cuts, compounding public frustration.

Areas including Garden, Lyari, North Karachi, New Karachi, Malir, Korangi, and Orangi have been subjected to prolonged outages, with additional reports of load shedding from Manghopir, Surjani, Sohrab Goth, Baldia Town, and Malir.

Even traditionally exempt areas are now witnessing hours-long unscheduled outages, raising concerns over the reliability of the power supply system.

The situation has also disrupted academic preparations, as students preparing for matriculation and intermediate examinations struggle to cope with the lack of electricity amid extreme temperatures.

Six killed, three injured as strong winds and rain lash Karachi

April 2, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: At least six people were killed and three others injured in rain-related incidents as strong winds and heavy showers battered various parts of the city.

According to rescue officials, multiple areas including Orangi Town, North Nazimabad, Old City Area, Saddar, Malir, Gulshan-e-Maymar and North Karachi experienced intense winds accompanied by rain, disrupting daily life.

Traffic movement was severely affected in several parts of the city. On Shahrah-e-Faisal, the track from Nursery to Baloch Colony Bridge was փակ to traffic, while water accumulation around the flyover on Shershah Suri Road in North Nazimabad caused major congestion.

Casualties Reported in Multiple Incidents

Rescue authorities said a rickshaw driver was killed in Old Golimar when a house wall collapsed onto his vehicle. In Orangi Town, three children were injured after a wall of a house collapsed at a gathering place.

In separate incidents, a man lost his life due to electrocution in Hassan Brohi Goth, New Karachi. Another man was electrocuted near Quetta Hotel in PIB Colony, while a young girl died from electric shock in a house near Surjani Sector 7-A.

More Rain Expected

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in Karachi later tonight. Wind speeds are expected to range between 50 to 60 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 70 km/h in some areas.

The Met Office also predicted light rain and drizzle in the city on the following day.

Severe storm in Karachi leaves 19 dead, dozens injured

March 19, 2026 by Newsdesk

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

February 2, 2026 by Newsdesk

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

December 31, 2025 by Newsdesk

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

December 15, 2025 by Newsdesk

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

November 22, 2025 by Newsdesk

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

October 17, 2025 by Newsdesk

Karachi, WorldHeartDay, ORIC, UniversityOfKarachi, HeartHealth, AwarenessSeminar, Biotechnology, KIBGE, Wellness, Pakistan

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.