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Nisha Rao, from Lahore, has become Pakistan's first transgender lawyer, overcoming immense hardships detailed in a November 2020 Reuters report. After leaving home at 18 and arriving in Karachi, she was forced to beg at traffic signals to fund her education and livelihood. Despite these challenges, she pursued law, attending classes in the evenings after begging during the day, using her earnings to pay for tuition and books. In 2020, at 28, she obtained her law degree and joined the Karachi Bar Association, having already handled around 50 cases and working with an NGO advocating for transgender rights. Her ultimate ambition is to become Pakistan's first transgender judge, serving as an inspiration that education, courage, and perseverance can overcome social obstacles and discrimination.
Bahria Town founder Malik Riaz Hussain, currently residing in Dubai due to legal issues, has once again appealed to the 'establishment' in Pakistan to halt the ongoing confiscation and auction of his properties. Riaz claims that assets worth billions of rupees, including properties valued at approximately 238 billion rupees, are being auctioned without proper legal proceedings, and development projects worth 372 billion rupees are stalled, negatively impacting investors and employees. He questions the legality of these actions while cases are pending in courts and alleges that some assets are being sold below market value. Riaz also cited threats to his and his family's lives, with NAB having declared him a court absconder in the NCA case and Interpol issuing red notices against him and his son.
Indian T20 team vice-captain and young batter, Tilak Varma, stated that while he prefers batting at the one-down position, he is enjoying his role in the middle order and is prepared to bat at any position the team requires. Speaking before the fourth T20 match against West Indies, Varma explained his preference for the third spot, citing the advantage of only two fielders outside the circle during the power play, which allows for more expansive shot-making. He recalled requesting then-captain Suryakumar Yadav two years ago for the one-down position during a tour of South Africa to showcase his abilities freely, a request Yadav granted, leading to Varma scoring two consecutive centuries. Currently, despite being the team's vice-captain, Varma often bats at fifth or sixth, with his primary responsibility being to stabilize the innings in the middle order. He is prepared to build the innings cautiously if early wickets fall, but equally ready to play aggressively from the first ball if the top order bats deep into the 14th or 15th over, having practiced extensively for both scenarios.
Pakistani singer Shanzy Sial's Saraiki song "Chhalri Chhalri Wal," a collaboration with fellow singer Mohsin Lashari, has gone viral on social media, garnering over 10 million views on Instagram. The song unexpectedly brought Sial widespread fame as she was looking for a job in Lahore after completing her anesthesia education. Thousands of reels have been created using the track, and it has been shared by millions of users, including numerous celebrities in both Pakistan and India. Sial, who had a passion for singing but was told she lacked knowledge of rhythm and instruments, learned these skills while working with Lashari. Indian artists, including Sunandana, have covered the song and credited Sial, further boosting its popularity across both nations. The success of "Chhalri Chhalri Wal" has opened new avenues for both Sial and Lashari, leading to offers from various record companies and messages from celebrities, with some Indian users humorously calling it Pakistan's "latest attack" and joking that while Pakistan can be defeated in cricket, its music and sweet voices are formidable.
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026 report indicates a severe food security crisis in Pakistan, ranking it 106 out of 122 countries, trailing behind regional neighbors like India (100th), Bangladesh (84th), and Iran (41st). Pakistan's GHI score for 2026 is 25.5, signifying a serious level of hunger, although this is an improvement from its 2000 score of 36.2. Despite this long-term improvement, the current score is worse than the South Asian average of 23.5 and the global average of 18.1. The report highlights Pakistan's poor performance in key hunger indicators, including child undernourishment, stunting, and child mortality rates. This situation reflects a concerning reversal in global food security trends, which had shown improvement for several decades before beginning to deteriorate again.
The article by Abdullah Usman Morai explores the author's curious experience living in Sweden, where he frequently encounters family names and place names that strongly remind him of Sindh, Pakistan. Specifically, the names Lund, Rind, and Sand, which are associated with communities and tribal identities in Sindh, appear in similar forms in Sweden, such as Rindö and Sandö. The author notes that the Swedish suffix "ö" means "island," leading to interpretations like "Rind Island" and "Sand Island," which he finds intriguing. While acknowledging that resemblance alone doesn't prove historical ties, Morai questions whether these are mere coincidences, share distant linguistic roots, or why such names evoke a sense of connection across vast geographical and cultural differences, opening a window into the relationship between language, geography, identity, and human history.
Illegal sand and gravel mining in the Malir and Gadap rivers and their tributaries in Karachi, Pakistan, is causing extensive environmental destruction and the collapse of the local agricultural sector. Despite a government ban (Section 144) on such activities, a powerful mafia, allegedly operating under the patronage of the police and mineral and mining department officials, continues these operations. This relentless exploitation of natural resources has led to the loss of 90% of agriculture in Karachi's rural areas, transforming once-fertile lands into barren wastelands. The destruction of riverbeds and depletion of groundwater reserves are driving thousands of agricultural laborers into unemployment and forcing migration, significantly impacting the supply of fresh produce, milk, and water to Karachi's millions. The article specifically implicates police stations like Gadap, Murad Memon, and Steel Town for their alleged complicity and protection of these mining activities, with one influential SHO reportedly having a brother directly involved in the illegal operations.
The Senate Standing Committee on National Health has taken serious notice of alleged irregularities in the results and examination process of the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2026 in Sindh. Following numerous complaints from students and parents in Karachi, the committee chairman has ordered the Ministry of Health to conduct a thorough investigation. The directive calls for the immediate formation of an empowered and independent inquiry committee, involving the Ministry of Health, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), and the Sindh government. This committee will be tasked with comprehensively reviewing the examination centers and the result compilation process for the MDCAT in Sindh. This investigation is crucial as it addresses concerns about fairness and transparency in a critical entrance examination for medical and dental colleges, directly impacting the futures of thousands of aspiring healthcare professionals.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) in Karachi conducted a raid on a call center in Gulistan-e-Johar and arrested six individuals involved in defrauding foreigners. The suspects impersonated foreign bank officials to illicitly obtain personal and financial details, including debit and credit card information, from international citizens under various schemes. These stolen details were then used for fraud and other illegal activities. During the operation, several laptops and mobile phones used in the alleged fraud were seized. The arrested individuals include call center owners Muhammad Laiq and Muhammad Fazil, along with several agents, and a case has been registered with further investigation underway.
A significant discovery of lithium has been reported in underground geothermal formation water near Wahid Bakhsh Manghar village, close to Gambat in District Khairpur, Sindh. This finding is crucial as lithium is a key component in batteries for electric vehicles, mobile phones, and solar energy storage systems, making it a 'mineral of the future' essential for modern technology. Authored by Ramesh Raja, the article emphasizes that while this brine lithium discovery is promising, it is still in the exploration and evaluation stage, requiring further scientific studies and economic analysis before commercial production can begin. The author advocates for community rights and development to ensure prosperity for the local population when land yields such valuable resources.
The Sindh government has intensified its crackdown on illegal Afghan citizens and their facilitator networks in Karachi, adopting a zero-tolerance policy. Nader Gabol, spokesperson for the Sindh government, stated that actions against illegal Afghans residing in Karachi and those providing them facilities are being strengthened. Joint operations by law enforcement agencies, Rangers, and intelligence agencies are ongoing to prevent illegal individuals from reaching the city. Gabol hailed recent actions to prevent the transfer of Afghan citizens from Hub to Karachi and their illegal residency as a major success. Authorities are not only targeting illegal Afghan citizens but also those providing them accommodation and other facilities in Karachi, who often arrive via arduous routes through Balochistan before attempting to reach Karachi with the help of agents or transport. In a related development, Sindh Rangers and District West Police recently conducted a joint operation in Surjani Town against inter-provincial human smugglers, arresting five individuals identified as Abdul Aziz Brohi, Muhammad Bakhsh Dashti, Ali Hassan Brohi, Nadeem Brohi, and Jamil Brohi, who were facilitating the transfer of illegal Afghan citizens Yar Muhammad and Rasool Khan to Karachi. Weapons, drugs, and a Suzuki loader vehicle used for illegal human trafficking were recovered from the arrested individuals, who are also involved in arms and drug trafficking.
Sindh, Pakistan, made history on May 25, 2023, by approving a comprehensive Teaching License Policy aimed at improving educational quality. However, this pioneering policy has inadvertently created a significant paradox, risking the exclusion of qualified youth and leaving thousands of rural schools without teachers due to a severe shortage of certified candidates. Fresh graduates from 2024-25 are currently ineligible for a license without a prior professional degree, and even holders of traditional one-year B.Ed degrees must complete a costly six-month bridging course to qualify for the licensing test. The first Teaching License Test in January 2024 saw only 646 out of 4,000 candidates qualify for the Elementary License, resulting in a mere 16 percent pass rate. With only an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 active licensed teachers across Sindh for a projected 30,000 vacancies, the policy threatens to exacerbate the existing educational crisis, particularly in rural areas where school closures are a constant concern.
The article, 'Wealth and Leadership: Timeless Principles' by Raphic Burdo, examines the life of Jahangir Siddiqui, a successful Pakistani businessman, to challenge the notion that entrepreneurs are born with unique abilities. It highlights how Siddiqui, who co-founded one of Pakistan's largest financial groups, cultivated a mind capable of recognizing opportunities, a skill learned rather than inherited. The narrative recounts his early struggles, including failing an Intermediate examination in the 1960s, emphasizing that the ability to recover from setbacks is more crucial than an unbroken record of success. His informal education at the Karachi Stock Exchange during lunch breaks, observing market dynamics, is presented as a pivotal experience that shaped his understanding and prepared him for future endeavors. The article ultimately argues that success stems from a learned craft of seeing the world and the resilience to overcome failure.
Former Pakistani fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board's system, stating that if Indian star batter Virat Kohli had been born in Pakistan, he would not have achieved his current stature due to the country's flawed cricket infrastructure. Ahmed emphasized that Pakistan's poor system hinders the development of many talented players, preventing them from realizing their full potential despite the abundance of talent available. He highlighted that the current system is detrimental to player growth, suggesting that it suppresses rather than nurtures aspiring cricketers. This criticism underscores a broader concern about the efficacy of Pakistan's cricket management in fostering world-class athletes.
Pakistani model, host, and reality show runner-up Isra Aisha has revealed she has received approximately 60 to 70 marriage proposals, including offers from married men. Speaking on a YouTube program, Aisha shared that her late grandmother had a strong desire for her to marry her cousin, even repeatedly bringing proposals to her home, but Aisha declined, prioritizing her career. She emphasized that parents should allow their daughters to build careers. Aisha claimed a politician attempted to entice her with wealth, offering credit cards, cars, fuel, and travel, despite being married. Another married individual residing in the US also proposed, claiming his wife permitted him to remarry. However, Aisha firmly stated she does not wish to ruin another person's home and happiness by marrying an already married man, seeking a life partner who respects women and with whom she wouldn't have to share.
The article recounts a September 2026 meeting between author Abdullah Usman Morai and his friend, Inayat Ali Abbasi, who was visiting Sweden from Sindh, Pakistan, as part of a larger European trip. The two friends decided to spend a day exploring outside Stockholm, visiting Gripsholms Castle in Mariefred and Nyckelviken in Nacka. The day evolved into more than just sightseeing, encompassing a road trip through the Swedish countryside, discussions on travel and life abroad, and eventually a shared dinner. The author highlights Inayat's seasoned travel skills and adaptable nature, which made their joint exploration particularly enjoyable and insightful. The piece emphasizes the special connection felt when meeting someone from one's shared heritage, even after years of living abroad, and the profound conversations that arise from such encounters.
Sindh is facing significant challenges in waste management due to a growing population and increasing daily waste. To address this, the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) is actively working to modernize and enhance waste collection, transfer, and disposal systems across various urban areas, aiming to provide better sanitation services to citizens. Under the leadership of Managing Director Fawad Ghaffar Soomro, efforts are focused on improving the efficiency of the sanitation system, strengthening field operation oversight, and ensuring timely waste transfer. The SSWMB's reach extends beyond Karachi to other urban centers in Sindh, involving the private sector for waste collection and transfer. In Hyderabad, the SSWMB's operations are divided into four zones—Latifabad, Qasimabad, City Hyderabad, and Kotri—with daily cleaning and special operations overseen by Executive Director Syed Akbar Ali Shah Masoomi. Recent special cleanliness drives in September 2026 targeted areas like New Wahdat Colony and Hussainabad in Hyderabad, focusing on removing accumulated waste from streets, roads, and other public spaces.
The future of renal care in Sindh, Pakistan, must evolve beyond traditional dialysis due to the increasing comorbidity of kidney disease with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues. Nuzair Ahmed Jamro argues for an integrated, technology-enabled, and patient-centered healthcare system that treats the whole patient rather than isolated illnesses. The Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), a vital institution for lower and middle-income families, is positioned to lead this change. SIUT's Sukkur facility, particularly with the addition of the Medical Complex at Sukkur Bypass, presents a significant opportunity to establish a regional hub for renal and related specialist care, serving northern Sindh districts and reducing the need for patients to travel to Karachi. Special attention is drawn to the intersection of kidney and cardiac care, highlighting the need for collaboration between institutions like SIUT and the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD).
Food insecurity in Sindh, Pakistan, is a complex issue intertwined with health, education, poverty, employment, clean water, agriculture, climate change, and social protection, not merely a problem of hunger. Recent discussions between First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari and the World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director Anita Hirsh highlighted critical areas like maternal and child health, malnutrition, and climate resilience, underscoring the multifaceted nature of Pakistan's food crisis. While WFP's Benazir Nashonuma Program has benefited over 3 million women and children, including 1.7 million in Sindh, the article emphasizes that true success should be measured by tangible improvements in daily lives and sustained self-sufficiency, not just numbers or spending. Addressing food insecurity in Sindh requires a holistic approach, considering factors such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, female education, and economic stability alongside food availability. Programs like WFP's school feeding in Malir and Keamari, which serves 100,000 children, are vital, but integrating kitchen gardens and agricultural activities into schools could foster long-term food literacy and connect local agricultural production with community needs. Despite Sindh's agricultural resources, the persistence of malnutrition raises questions about the link between local food systems and general dietary requirements, suggesting a need for increased local production, market access for women and small farmers, and connecting these systems to schools and local institutions. Climate change further exacerbates the problem, with the 2022 floods revealing the insufficiency of post-disaster aid and the critical need for proactive measures and economic protection.
Dr. Louis Flam, an American archaeologist born in Passaic, New Jersey in 1944, became deeply dedicated to exploring Sindh's prehistoric heritage. After earning his bachelor's degree from Rutgers and pursuing his master's and PhD in the United States, he received a Fulbright scholarship in 1975 to conduct doctoral research on the Indus Civilization in Pakistan. He visited Sindh in 1974 and lived there during 1975-1976, extensively traveling across the region to map and preserve archaeological sites. Flam's research aimed to continue the work of Bengali archaeologist N. G. Majumdar, focusing on paleography and prehistoric settlement patterns in Sindh, Pakistan, earning him the affectionate title 'Son of Sindh' from locals.
Sindh's School Education and Literacy Department (SE&LD) has undertaken significant digital transformation initiatives, including biometric attendance, face recognition, and online transfer portals, aiming to enhance transparency and efficiency in the education system. While these reforms are commendable, the article highlights a critical 'missing link': the lack of sustained technical and administrative support to ensure these systems function effectively across all districts and schools. The author argues that the success of digital education depends not merely on sophisticated software but on the competence and leadership of personnel, advocating for dedicated District IT Coordinators and IT Cells to bridge this gap and prevent system failures. This initiative matters because without proper support, even advanced technology cannot achieve its intended results in improving education governance.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Javed Shah Jillani's recent statements have sparked significant debate regarding the creation of new provinces in Sindh and the status of Karachi. Speaking on a private TV channel, Jillani asserted that the threat of new provinces still looms over Sindh. He emphasized that any compromise concerning Karachi would have to be made on its coastal strip. Jillani strongly warned that if Karachi were to be completely relinquished, not only Karachi but the entire province of Sindh would be lost. The PPP MNA made it clear that all efforts would be made to the last extent to protect Sindh. His remarks highlight ongoing political tensions and concerns within the province about its administrative future and the critical importance of Karachi to Sindh's integrity.
The article, "The GDA’s Democracy Problem," argues that Sindh requires an opposition that challenges bad governance without inviting unelected authorities to dominate politics. It criticizes the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) for its contradictory stance, where it condemns corruption and rigged elections but simultaneously praises military power and suggests the army is the only capable governing force. Specifically, GDA chief Pir Pagara publicly speculated about emergency rule and martial law in February 2024, revealing a political outlook that accepts military intervention when civilian politics become inconvenient. The author contends that such an approach undermines democracy, weakens elected institutions, and contradicts the GDA's own calls for electoral integrity. Furthermore, the article challenges the GDA to address the hereditary nature of its leadership and to apply the same standards of accountability and scrutiny it demands of others to its own ranks, finances, and relationships with powerful institutions, arguing that selective accountability functions as a political weapon rather than genuine oversight.
The Karachi Goods Carriers Association (KGCA) has threatened a nationwide strike, including shutting down offices and halting goods transport, if the government does not reverse its recent petrol and diesel price hikes and new pricing policy within 24 hours. The association, led by General Secretary Nadeem Akhtar Arain, criticized the government for ignoring the transport sector, which is the backbone of the economy, and for not passing on benefits of lower global oil prices to the public and transporters. They also highlighted issues faced by drivers and vehicle owners in various regions, such as unnecessary checking, heavy fines, alleged bribery, and harassment. The KGCA warned that a strike would severely impact the supply of essential goods from major ports, causing significant economic damage and hardship to the public, and urged the Prime Minister and Finance Minister to intervene and resolve their grievances.
