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Karachi

Prolonged power outages hit Karachi amid intense heatwave

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Prolonged power

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

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Six killed

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

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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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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.

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

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Karachi, Psychology, Directorship, Handover, UzmaAli, SobiaAftab, FarrukhAhmad, Leadership, MentalHealth, Excellence, Education, Pakistan

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.