Latest news with #AzraFazalPechuho
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Baldia hospital: CM inaugurates 100-bed SICVD
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah marked another significant milestone with the inauguration of The Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD) Baldia Town Hospital, a new facility poised to deliver world-class, free-of-cost cardiac healthcare and announced to launch a second catheterisation lab and develop surgical operation theatres next year in the hospital. He said this while speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the 100-bedded SICVD Baldia on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by Minister Health Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Secretary Health Rehan Baloch, and Executive Director SICVD Professor Jawaid Akbar Sial, elected representatives of Kiamari and West district, medical professionals, and others. The SICVD facility was originally intended to be inaugurated by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. However, due to his leadership of Pakistan's high-level delegation in response to Indian aggression, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah officiated the inauguration on his behalf. Background: The CM said that Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had initiated the construction of the hospital years ago, funded by the Sindh government, but the project remained incomplete for a considerable time. The Sindh government later collaborated with SICVD, completing the hospital in just over eight months. The CM proudly announced that SICVD has evolved into the world's largest cardiac healthcare network, operating 10 full-fledged cardiac hospitals and 29 strategically located Chest Pain Units (CPUs) across the province. This extensive network currently treats over two million patients annually, all completely free of cost. He detailed the comprehensive services offered, including open-heart surgeries, stroke interventions, paediatric cardiac care, and emergency angioplasties, ensuring timely access to advanced cardiac treatment even in remote areas. Karachi alone, Murad Shah noted, is home to 19 chest pain units, strategically positioned in high-traffic locations such as Nagan Chowrangi, Landhi, Gizri, and within institutions like KIHD and JPMC. Beyond Karachi, CPUs are operational in districts like Thatta, Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Umerkot, effectively bringing emergency cardiac care to patients' doorsteps. Providing a broader context of development in Sindh, the chief minister shared recent data indicating that a total of 579 projects have been initiated or are currently underway across various public service and infrastructure sectors. To ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of these initiatives, 22,621 personnel, including technical staff, frontline workers, and administrative personnel, have been deployed. These figures, he highlighted, underscore the significant scale of development and human resources mobilised to benefit the people of Sindh. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
CM stresses urgency, accountability in anti-polio drives
While presiding over a meeting of the Provincial Polio Task Force, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted the necessity of accountability at every level. He said, "every missed child is a potential case." Minister for Health Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho and In-charge EOC Irshad Sodhar gave a detailed briefing to the Chief Minister on the upcoming anti-polio drive. Polio remains a threat The CM said that polio continues to pose a threat that cripples our children. "We are making all-out efforts and convening Provincial Task Force meetings regularly to send a clear and loud message to the entire administration to launch campaigning as a mission," he said. Health Minister Dr Azra informed the CM that 10 wild polio cases have been reported in Pakistan so far in 2025, including four from Sindh. Additionally, 11 out of 35 sewage samples collected between April 7 and April 24 tested positive for wild poliovirus, indicating continued virus circulation. May campaign targets The May campaign will reach over 10.6 million children under the age of five across 1,292 Union Councils in all 30 districts of Sindh. The operation will be supported by more than 80,000 trained frontline workers and 25,539 law enforcement personnel, including female constables. Tackling refusals To address persistent challenges in high-risk areas, especially in Karachi, 157 doctors have been deployed to target 6,780 sick refusals. The CM directed to activate the Refusal Conversion Committees (RCCs) in the defaulting UCs.
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Indian aggression: Sindh Assembly adopts resolution to mark ‘Day of Gratitude' for victory
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a euphoric resolution to designate a 'Day of Gratitude' for a divine success against Indian military aggression and eulogized the Pakistan Armed Forces for their valour and the historic triumph. The resolution was presented by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho. The jubilant Assembly postponed its regular agenda to prioritize this significant resolution. The text expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for 'granting honour and success to the Pakistani nation and its military.' It paid tribute to civilian and military martyrs who lost their lives in the Pakistan-India war of May 2025 and thanked friendly nations for supporting Pakistan during challenging times. The resolution strongly condemned India for 'repeatedly violating the United Nations resolutions and international laws,' emphasizing its disregard to the global norms. Addressing a resolution in the Sindh Assembly, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah criticized New Delhi for never denouncing acts of terror carried out on this side of the border. In contrast, Islamabad not only condemned such incidents across the frontier but also offered independent probes. He underscored that the Indus Waters Treaty is neither revocable nor subject to amendment, yet the 'Butcher of Gujarat' brought it up unnecessarily during recent tensions. The CM emphasized that whenever hostile eyes were cast on the homeland, the entire population, alongside the armed forces, gave a united and powerful response-proving the nation's defence is unshakable. Expressing his gratitude to the Almighty and the people, the Chief Minister hailed their steadfast support during the recent conflict and lauded the Army, Navy, and Air Force for achieving a historic triumph. Missile attacks on four domestic sites, he revealed, claimed the lives of 26 civilians. While acknowledging the technical quality of France's Rafale jets, he noted that true effectiveness requires resolve and spirit qualities he said were absent in the adversary's forces. According to him, five enemy aircraft and 85 Israeli-made drones were brought down. Mukhtar Laghari from Ghotki was the first martyr from Sindh. From the 8th of the month, unmanned aerial vehicles were launched continuously, all of which were intercepted. In Sharafi Goth, a police officer was mildly injured by falling debris. The Chief Minister mockingly described the coverage by Indian media as resembling a cartoon channel. Preparations had already been completed for such a scenario, and on May 10 at 4:30 a.m., he was awakened with reports of strikes on Noor Khan Air Base and Sukkur. Operation Buny?n Mars?s commenced just 45 minutes later. He attributed the outcome to divine will, recalling how provocative rhetoric had followed the Pulwama incident and how even places of worship were targeted. Despite initial anxiety from the night-time strikes, relief came as news emerged that enemy aircraft had been neutralized. The Air Force, he said, shattered the illusion of supremacy within hours. While French technology is undoubtedly advanced, it needs operators with unwavering courage. A Sukkur official reported only minor damage to a vacant building, after which retaliatory strikes were launched on 26 strategic installations including Udhampur Airbase, Northern Command, Pathankot, Sirsa, Bathinda, Ambala, Jalandhar, Firozpur, and missile facilities—all claimed to have been destroyed. He remarked that the rival nation was shaken by the speed and intensity of the response. Locals even retrieved the wreckage of downed drones, and Israeli-supplied tech was rendered ineffective. A briefing from the Karachi Commander confirmed that the opposing naval fleet was under surveillance and could have been eliminated if hostilities had extended. He revealed that five Pakistani troops were martyred in Bolhari after a ceasefire violation. Within just three hours, he said, the enemy realized the strength it was up against. Among the achievements, he included the destruction of a Soviet-origin S-400 air defense system, adding that global powers—Russia, the US, France, and Israel—likely began to question their ally's recklessness. The Chief Minister noted that the country was united, with chants of 'Pakistan Zindabad' echoing everywhere. He expressed hope that such unity could help resolve other national challenges. He also commended the media's role and praised local youth for their efforts in cyber operations, claiming several of the opponent's websites were hacked. Following the three-hour operation, even the 'Butcher of Gujarat,' he said, displayed a visibly changed demeanour. He thanked friendly nations including China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE for their timely support and noted a shift in Washington's tone, suggesting a diplomatic win as well. He stated that New Delhi, previously unwilling to recognize Kashmir as a dispute, had now expressed readiness for dialogue. In his closing remarks, Syed Murad Ali Shah paid tribute to the late Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, saying his legacy in fortifying national defence would always be remembered. Dr. Azra Pechuho called on the international community to cease arms exports to India, saying that New Delhi is 'neither capable of handling nor responsibly using weapons,' citing global embarrassment faced by France due to India's actions. Other lawmakers echoed their strong emotions of national unity and condemnation of Indian aggression. They praised Pakistan's armed forces and media for their prompt and powerful response to recent hostilities initiated by India. Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi said the nation gave India a 'crushing response,' defeating the enemy 'within hours' and exposing its failure on political, diplomatic, and global fronts. 'India has now been brought to a point where talks will happen only on Pakistan's terms,' he declared. Sindh's Education Minister, Sardar Shah held Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responsible for escalating war hysteria, warning that he had 'brought his country to the brink of disaster.' Shah also welcomed the rare display of political unity in Pakistan during the conflict. Jamaat-e-Islami parliamentary leader Muhammad Farooq said national unity was the key to Pakistan's success, adding that 'Pakistan's military stood like a wall of steel against the enemy.' Pakistan People's Party (PPP) MPA Dr. Sham Sundar, speaking on behalf of the Hindu community, strongly condemned Modi's war narrative. He lamented that Indian attacks had targeted mosques and innocent civilians, calling the actions deeply regrettable. Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar termed Operation 'Bunyan Mersous' a moment of pride. He also recalled the contributions of Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in making Pakistan a strong nuclear power. 'India has now been disillusioned about its perceived superiority,' he said. MQM lawmaker Iftikhar Alam accused India of killing its own citizens and falsely blaming Pakistan, while hailing Pakistan's military for exercising its right to self-defense. 'The ceasefire stands as proof of Pakistan's upper hand,' he added. Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro asserted that Pakistan acted like a responsible nation in defending itself. He also pointed to the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav as evidence of India's double standards. Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani said, 'We don't want politics with Modi; we want to fight,' and vowed that sacrifices would continue for Pakistan's sovereignty, just as they were made during its creation. MQM's Abdul Waseem reiterated allegations that India orchestrates attacks on its own soil and blames Pakistan. He praised the professionalism and readiness of the Pakistani military. Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani warned that India, reeling from its failure, might resort to terrorism. He stressed the need for a strong counterterrorism strategy in response. The session concluded with a unanimous resolution applauding the role of Pakistan's armed forces. The next sitting of the Sindh Assembly is scheduled for Monday, May 19, at 10:00 am. Earlier, the Sindh Assembly convened under Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah, offering prayers and reciting Fatiha for martyrs of Operation Binyan al-Marsoos, which successfully countered external threats. The session also honoured Pakistani civilians, including women and children, killed in Indian aggression, with a collective Fatiha for their departed souls. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sindh Assembly unites in tribute to armed forces' victory
The Sindh Assembly on Friday unanimously passed a significant resolution on the occasion of Yaum-e-Tashakkur, marking the Pakistan Armed Forces' victory over India. The resolution was presented by Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho and paid tribute to the determination and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army, its martyrs, and the nation. It expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for granting victory to the people and their armed forces. It also acknowledged the support of countries that stood by Pakistan in difficult times and condemned India for persistently violating United Nations resolutions and international laws. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that whenever the homeland is threatened, the people of Pakistan and its armed forces unite to respond strongly. He said that a powerful and effective reply was given to India's aggression and credited the victory to divine support. According to him, five Indian fighter jets and 85 Israeli-made drones were shot down. He paid tribute to Mukhtar Leghari from Ghotki, the first martyr in the conflict. He further revealed that attacks on Noor Khan Airbase and Sukkur preceded the launch of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos at 5am. Pakistani forces reportedly targeted 26 enemy locations, including Udhampur, Pathankot, Ambala, and Jalandhar. He added that modern Indian aircraft and Israeli drones were rendered ineffective in the face of the Pakistani nation's resilience. Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi said that Pakistan had dealt India a crushing defeat within hours - not only militarily, but also diplomatically, politically, and in the media sphere. He praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Army and the unmatched spirit of the people. Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he had pushed India toward destruction by dragging it into war. He highlighted that all political parties in Pakistan stood united, sending a strong message to the world about Pakistan's solidarity in times of crisis. Jamaat-e-Islami's parliamentary leader Muhammad Farooq said the victory reflected divine unity among Pakistanis and expressed hope that India would now be compelled to speak with Pakistan respectfully. PPP MPA Dr Sham Sundar condemned India's aggression, including attacks on mosques, and praised the professionalism of the Pakistani forces. Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar called the operation a source of national pride and paid homage to Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, crediting Pakistan's current strength to their contributions. MQM MPA Iftikhar Alam said that Pakistan crossed into enemy territory and dealt a heavy blow to India's international reputation. Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro asserted that Pakistan had shown the world it is a responsible and defensive nation, citing the capture of Kulbhushan Jadhav and the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan as examples of moral superiority. Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani said the conflict was a war, not politics, and claimed Modi had led India to the brink of ruin. He reiterated that Pakistanis remain united in their defence of the country. MQM's Abdul Waseem accused India of attacking its own citizens and blaming Pakistan. He commended the Pakistan Army for exposing those false claims. Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani recalled that Indian PM Modi had once been banned from entering the US, and claimed that global opinion was now turning against India. He warned that India could escalate acts of terrorism and called for a national strategy to counter future threats. The assembly session, presided over by Speaker Owais Qadir Shah, concluded with prayers for the martyrs and the success of ongoing operations. The resolution, passed unanimously, paid tribute to the Pakistan Army and expressed solidarity with its mission. The session was adjourned until 10am on Monday.
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Pakistan has 5th largest TB caseload in world
Pakistan ranks fifth globally in the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases and fourth for drug-resistant TB, a concerning development particularly affecting children and young women, warned Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho. She made these remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of a specialised TB clinic in Baldia Town, Keamari, Karachi, established by the international medical organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Pechuho emphasised that Baldia Town has emerged as a hotspot for TB within Keamari district, with a significant increase in child mortality linked to the disease. "TB is a curable disease if diagnosed early, treated properly, and if patients strictly follow the prescribed antibiotic regimen," she added. "However, misuse and premature discontinuation of antibiotics have led to the emergence of drug-resistant TB strains, forcing reliance on 'last line' treatments. If resistance to these critical drugs develops, it would pose a grave threat." Dr Pechuho stressed that TB can affect not only the lungs but also the liver, brain, bones, and other vital organs, particularly in children. She urged the public to avoid panic, seek medical advice from qualified doctors, and complete their full course of treatment to curb the spread of the disease. Highlighting the broader implications, she noted that drug-resistant TB cases are becoming increasingly common and require urgent collective efforts to control. "The initiative taken by MSF in Baldia Town is commendable. Their mobile medical services are also operational in other parts of Karachi, significantly enhancing healthcare outreach," she added. MSF Project Coordinator Albina said the newly inaugurated clinic represents more than just a healthcare facility-it marks a collective commitment to improving health services. The clinic's establishment was made possible through collaboration with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Sindh Health Department.
