Latest news with #FaisalJaved
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Super typhoid threat looms: experts raise alarm
A concerning rise in super typhoid cases is being reported across the metropolis, with medical experts attributing the surge to widespread misuse of antibiotics, which has weakened people's immune systems and led to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. According to physicians, oral medications are now ineffective against this strain, and treatment depends solely on specific antibiotics administered intravenously. General physician at Jinnah Hospital Karachi Dr Faisal Javed shared these insights during a conversation with The Express Tribune. He revealed that the number of super typhoid cases is steadily increasing, and the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) variant exhibits a dangerously high resistance to commonly used antibiotics. He warned that case numbers are expected to rise further after Eidul Azha. Typhoid is caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacterium, which spreads through contaminated water, unhygienic utensils, and substandard food - conditions prevalent in areas with poor sanitation infrastructure. "In Pakistan, the rampant and incorrect use of antibiotics has led to the development of XDR or 'super typhoid,' a strain that no longer responds to most standard medications," Dr Faisal said. "Only specific and often expensive IV antibiotics are proving effective." He expressed concern over the role of unqualified practitioners and under-equipped laboratories, which frequently prescribe medications based on unreliable tests like "Typhi Dot" or stool analysis. These tests can yield false positives, particularly if a patient has previously been exposed to the bacteria, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. According to Dr Faisal, a blood culture test is the only reliable method for diagnosing super typhoid. Although it takes about seven days to deliver results, it remains the most accurate way to determine effective treatment. Symptoms of typhoid include high fever, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, gas, and body aches. The XDR strain tends to cause more severe symptoms. If left untreated, the bacteria can impact vital organs including the liver, brain, stomach, and bone marrow - posing a serious threat to life. In some cases, patients may deteriorate before accurate diagnosis is possible, making recovery more difficult. Dr Faisal recommended that patients eat easily digestible foods like Khichdi (a soft mixture of rice and lentils), yogurt, boiled vegetables, and fruits to help the body heal. He also urged the government and food safety authorities to enforce stricter hygiene standards among restaurants and street vendors, many of whom use contaminated water to wash utensils, aiding in the spread of the disease. Public awareness campaigns should emphasise handwashing before meals and after using the toilet as essential preventive measures.
Express Tribune
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PHC extends Faisal Javed's protective bail
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has extended the protective bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Faisal Javed until April 15, while issuing a notice to the federal government regarding the blocking of the petitioner's passport. The court has sought a response by March 17. A two-member bench, comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Sabitullah Khan, heard the petition filed by Faisal Javed, seeking details of the cases against him. The petitioner's lawyer Alam Khan Adenzai Advocate told the court that the court granted protective bail at the last hearing, which stated March 15 instead of April 15. Faisal Javed is going for umrah. The order states that the bail has been granted until his return from umrah, to which Justice Waqar Ahmed granted protective bail till April 15. Javed told the court that he is going for umrah and will return in a week, to which Justice Waqar Ahmed said that the Deputy Attorney General does not believe in him, the government loves him so much that he is not being allowed to leave the country. The Deputy Attorney General told the court that they have complied with the court orders and they are not arresting him. Justice Waqar Ahmed said that they complied with the court orders that is why the petitioner is in the court. The court granted him protective bail till April 15. The extension prevented the agencies from arresting him. Similarly, the bench also heard the petition filed by Faisal Javed to remove his name from the Exit Control List. When the hearing began, Justice Waqar Ahmed asked the Deputy Attorney General whether he had submitted a response in this case. The Deputy Attorney General told the court that they had submitted a response. The petitioner's lawyer told the court that the petitioner wanted to go for umrah. His flight is today. There is a court decision that no one can be stopped from going out on the basis of FIRs. The Deputy Attorney General told the court that they gave them the details two months ago. Meanwhile, Javed told the court that this court has given him a security bail. He wanted to go for umrah. He is leaving today. He has bought a ticket. He has been acquitted in the cases that were filed against him. Justice Waqar Ahmed said that he has also come to the court at the last minute.
