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Pakistan

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.

Pakistan defeat South Africa by 93 runs in Lahore Test

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Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan clinched a commanding 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series.

Resuming on the fourth day with Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi at the crease, South Africa’s hopes of a chase were dashed early when de Zorzi fell to Shaheen Shah Afridi without adding to his overnight score.

Spinner Nauman Ali then dismissed Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham in quick succession, while Sajid Khan removed set batter Ryan Rickelton for 45.

Afridi continued his fine form, accounting for Verreynne and Subrayen, before Sajid Khan wrapped up the innings by taking Muthusamy’s wicket, sealing Pakistan’s victory.

South Africa

Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 269 in their first innings before lunch on day three, replying to Pakistan’s 378. Pakistan then managed 167 in their second innings, setting the visitors a target of 277 runs.

By the close of the third day, South Africa had reached 51 for 2, with captain Aiden Markram (3) and Wiaan Mulder (0) already dismissed — paving the way for Pakistan’s bowlers to finish the job on day four.

Pakistan moves closer to next IMF tranche after staff-level accord

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Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a major development on the economic front, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a staff-level agreement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) reviews.

According to an IMF statement, Pakistan will receive $1.2 billion following approval by the Fund’s Executive Board. The IMF noted that Pakistan’s IMF-supported economic reform program continues to make steady progress toward macroeconomic stability and restoring market confidence.

The statement highlighted that for the first time in 14 years, Pakistan’s current account recorded a surplus in fiscal year 2025, while fiscal consolidation efforts exceeded program targets. Inflation has moderated, and foreign exchange reserves have improved. The Fund projected Pakistan’s economic growth between 3.25% and 3.5% for the fiscal year.

The IMF also praised Pakistan’s climate resilience and reform efforts, acknowledging the severe impact of recent floods that affected millions, caused over a thousand deaths, and inflicted widespread damage to crops and housing. It emphasized the need for continued implementation of comprehensive climate and structural reforms to mitigate future risks.

The Fund further acknowledged the government’s commitment to advancing reforms in the energy sector, improving fiscal discipline, and pursuing structural adjustments for long-term stability.

Earlier, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb said that Pakistan’s talks with the IMF mission had been “constructive and forward-looking.” In an interview with an international news agency, he revealed that Pakistan plans to issue its first Green Panda Bond before the end of this year.

The minister also confirmed progress on the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and three power distribution companies, noting that five investor groups have expressed interest in acquiring the national carrier. He added that the resumption of flights to Europe and the UK has further enhanced PIA’s investment appeal.

South Africa bowled out for 269, Pakistan gain 109-run lead

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South Africa

LAHORE: South Africa were dismissed for 269 in their first innings of the Lahore Test, giving Pakistan a commanding 109-run lead heading into the second innings.

Resuming on the third day at 216 for six in reply to Pakistan’s 378, the visitors lost their remaining wickets in the morning session.

 Tony de Zorzi, who started the day unbeaten on 81, completed a well-made 104 before being caught by Shaheen Afridi off Nauman Ali. Senuran Muthusamy, who resumed on 6, added only five more runs before falling to Sajid Khan for 11.

Kagiso Rabada was dismissed without scoring, also by Sajid Khan. Pakistan’s spinners dominated the innings, with Nauman Ali claiming six wickets, Sajid Khan taking three, and Salman Ali Agha picking up one.

Earlier, Pakistan had posted 378 in their first innings, with key contributions from Imam-ul-Haq (93), Salman Ali Agha (93), Shan Masood (76), and Mohammad Rizwan (75).

Pakistan post 378 before being dismissed on second day in Lahore

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Pakistan

LAHORE: Despite a promising start from the middle order, Pakistan were bowled out for 378 in their first innings as South Africa fought back on the second day of the first Test in Lahore..

Resuming their overnight score of 313 for five, Pakistan began the day with Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 62 and Salman Ali Agha on 52. The pair added valuable runs before Rizwan was dismissed for 75 with the total at 362.

In the same over, Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan were both sent back to the pavilion without scoring, as Senuran Muthusamy claimed all three wickets in quick succession to restrict Pakistan’s lower order.

Salman Ali Agha naros fell to the nineties and was dismissed for 93 while Shaheen Shah Afridi was dismissed for 7 runs.

South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamytook six wickets while Prenelan Subrayen took two wickets. Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer took one wicket each.

Pakistan stresses implementation of international law in Palestine, Kashmir

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Pakistan

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has urged the international community to ensure its application in Palestine and Kashmir, stressing that justice and legality must guide efforts to end their prolonged occupations.

In this regard, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, regretted flagrant violations of international law and established international norms on part of some countries.

“Peace and security are under threat from military provocations, aggressive designs and illegal actions, including holding in abeyance of international treaties hitherto regarded sacrosanct,” he told UN General Assembly’s Legal Committee.

“We are seeing the disturbing rise of territorial aggrandizement and unilateralism,” the Pakistani envoy said during a debate on ‘The Rule of Law at the National and International Level’.

Highlighting the oppressive occupation of Palestine and Kashmir, he said that an end to impunity and decades-long occupations must begin with true adherence to international law – warning that without accountability, peace remains elusive.

In May this year, Ambassador Asim Ahmad drew attention to India’s aggression against Pakistan, calling the unprovoked attack “a grave breach of international law” that violated its sovereignty.

“Pakistan’s decisive, yet proportionate, incisive and befitting response was in exercise of the right of self-defence, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter,” resulting in downing of several Indian aircraft and inflicting damage on those Indian military bases and targets that were involved in aggressive acts.

“India attempted to establish a ‘new normal’, Pakistan’s response ensured that the only normal is the respect for international law and sovereignty of states, in line with the UN Charter.”

In the Middle East, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said Palestine has bled for long – from the inhuman, indiscriminate and illegal use of force by Israel against the civilian population of Gaza and beyond.

Noting that peace and development are inextricably linked to the rule of law, he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the pacific settlement of disputes – a principle advanced through Security Council Resolution 2788, adopted unanimously under Pakistan’s presidency earlier this year.

“Security Council resolutions are themselves a part of international law and impose binding obligations on member states,” he said, adding that preserving its integrity through consistent implementation must be ensured in all cases.”

As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, the Pakistani envoy called for the democratization of international law to ensure that emerging norms remain inclusive and equitable, rather than “exclusive, restrictive, or discriminatory.”

In conclusion, Ambassador Asim Ahmad remarked, “The commitment we make to strengthen and advance the international rule of law will be a lasting legacy for posterity. It would help wean our world off anarchy, strife and conflict, and move us towards cooperation for maximizing global peace, development and stability.”