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Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Rallies mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir across Sindh
Schoolchildren take part in a solidarity rally on Youm-e Istehsal to raise awareness among the younger generation about the Kashmir cause. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS Cities across Sindh echoed with chants of solidarity as rallies and ceremonies were held to mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, commemorating India's revocation of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir's special status on August 5, 2019. Citizens, students, officials, and civil society members united in a powerful display of support for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination. In Sukkur, a massive rally led by Deputy Commissioner Nadir Shahzad Khan began at Municipal Stadium and concluded at the Sukkur Press Club. Participants, including district officials, political leaders, and students, waved Kashmiri flags and held placards reading "Kashmir will become Pakistan." DC Khan condemned India's unilateral actions and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for Kashmiris. Larkana's Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University observed the day with a solemn walk from Chandka Medical College to Benazir Chowk. Under the guidance of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nusrat Shah, students and faculty highlighted the resilience of Kashmiris and held a minute of silence to honor their sacrifices. Speakers emphasised the need to amplify Kashmir's voice globally. In Hyderabad, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) organised a spirited rally led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ikram Din Ujjan. Students and teachers waved national flags and chanted patriotic slogans. Prof. Ujjan praised Pakistan's armed forces and called India's actions in Kashmir illegal and against UN resolutions, asserting that Pakistan stands firmly with its Kashmiri brethren. Meanwhile, in Matiari, a grand rally led by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Yousif Shaikh began at Taluka Hospital and ended at the Press Club. Government officials, students, and citizens joined in, chanting slogans and playing national songs. DC Shaikh condemned the ongoing oppression in Kashmir and stressed that peace in the region hinges on a just resolution of the Kashmir issue. Across Sindh, the message was clear: the people of Pakistan stand united with Kashmir, committed to justice, freedom, and international advocacy for their cause.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
PAC hosts 'Sur Sangeet' to mark I-Day
With Independence Day just around the corner, the Paper Market bursts with energy and colours. Stalls overflow with green-and-white decorations — flags, buntings, badges, and shimmering garlands — as eager shoppers rush in to prepare for the big day. Every corner echoes with patriotic spirit, turning simple paper into symbols of pride. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS Independence Day is being celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur. To mark the occasion, the Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi, in collaboration with the Information and Culture Department, Government of Punjab, has launched a series of events from August 1 to August 14. The celebrations include tree plantation drives, building decorations, illuminations with decorative lights, musical concerts, flag hoisting ceremonies, and cake-cutting events. As part of the festivities, a music show titled Sur Sangeet was held the other day, where young artists from the Rawalpindi Division showcased their talents. Performers included Ustad Azhar Shah, Wazir Ali, Ramiz Ishaq, Muhammad Daniyal, Majeed Manzoor, Sheikh Ahmad Shehzad, Waheed Uz Zaman, Sharon Khan, Dr Natasha, and Binesh Kiyani. The event drew a large audience, including civil officers, poets, and artists, who warmly praised the performances.
Express Tribune
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
CM meets celebs to finalise I-Day festivities
With Independence Day just around the corner, the Paper Market bursts with energy and colours. Stalls overflow with green-and-white decorations — flags, buntings, badges, and shimmering garlands — as eager shoppers rush in to prepare for the big day. Every corner echoes with patriotic spirit, turning simple paper into symbols of pride. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday chaired a high-level meeting featuring prominent figures from the fields of media, sports, arts, and civil society to discuss preparations for this year's Independence Day celebrations, which will be held under the theme Marqa-e-Haq. Attendees at the meeting included senior members of CM Shah's cabinet, including Sharjeel Inam Memon, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Zulfiqar Shah. Also present were top government officials, including Secretary to CM Raheem Shaikh, Secretary General Administration Mohammad Ali Khoso, Secretary Information, and Secretary Culture Khair Mohammad. A host of well-known national personalities, such as social activist Faisal Edhi, squash legend Jahangir Khan, former cricketer Moin Khan, senior actors Mustafa Qureshi, Munawar Saeed and Ahmad Shah, veteran journalist Ghazi Salahuddin, and athletes, including former cricket captain Younis Khan and sprint champion Naseem Hameed, were also in attendance. Speaking on the occasion, CM Shah said this year's Independence Day celebrations are intended not only to mark the birth of the nation but also to commemorate Pakistan's enduring struggle for justice and truth. "This is not just a celebration of independence - it is a remembrance of our historical resistance to tyranny," he stated, calling on all intellectuals, artistes, and civil society leaders to contribute actively. He added that the purpose of involving celebrities and prominent figures is to seek their input and to encourage broad-based participation in this national celebration.
Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Demolition of dangerous structures begins
Amid debris and dust, workers carry out demolition of the rear section of Gudda Plaza of which some parts caved in earlier. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS Following the tragic collapse of a five-storey residential building in Lyari's Baghdadi area that claimed 27 lives, the authorities have launched a demolition drive targeting other dangerous structures in the vicinity. Teams from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) have begun tearing down dilapidated buildings identified as hazardous. According to Building Inspector Zulfiqar Shah, two buildings are currently being demolished in phases after evacuation, while a survey is underway for a third structure. Assistant Commissioner Lyari Shehryar Habib confirmed that all three buildings have been completely evacuated and temporary arrangements have been made to relocate the displaced residents to community centers and KMC-run schools. He added that it may take up to 10 to 15 days to completely demolish a single building. Meanwhile, affected residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response and warned of protests if they are not compensated and provided permanent housing. They demanded clarity on the government's plan for their rehabilitation and vowed to raise their concerns at the Chief Minister's House, Governor House, and the Sindh Assembly. Security and rescue teams remain stationed in the area to oversee ongoing operations. Lyari collapse claims 27 lives as rescue operation concludes A 50-hour-long search and rescue operation in the Baghdadi area of Lyari - where a five-storey residential building collapsed on Friday morning - concluded on Sunday, with 27 confirmed deaths and 10 injuries. "Twenty-seven people lost their lives in the Lyari tragedy, while eleven others were injured. Among the deceased are eleven women and sixteen men, including a one-and-a-half-year-old girl," confirmed the Civil Hospital administration. The report states that 26 bodies were brought to the hospital, while 55-year-old Fatima succumbed to her injuries during treatment. "Of the injured, ten people were discharged after receiving medical treatment. However, 30-year-old Sanatia remains under treatment," it stated. The list further noted that most of the injured sustained head injuries in the incident. Many of the deceased belong to the Hindu community. According to rescue officials, the final body was recovered - after 48 hours of digging through debris - was that of 15-year-old Muhammad Zaid, found trapped near the building's staircase. His body was moved to Civil Hospital for legal formalities. Zaid's elder brother, who survived the collapse, told reporters he had tried to pull his younger sibling out of the building when the structure began to crack but lost his grip during the escape. Tragically, Zaid, their father, and two other brothers died in the collapse. According to Rescue 1122 officer Hasnain and Edhi Foundation volunteer Farooq, Zaid's body was found at a location from which five other bodies had previously been taken out. However, his was buried too deep under the rubble to be immediately detected. After renewed efforts by family members, search teams returned to the location and recovered Zaid's body using specialised equipment. During the operation, cash, cheques and jewellery were recovered from three separate locations and handed over to the local union council chairperson. Rescue 1122 South In-Charge Hameer Wahid told Express News that 95% of the debris had been cleared, and no further victims were believed to be trapped. "No families remain at the site waiting for missing persons," he said. He further added that rescue operations were deliberately prolonged to ensure careful recovery of bodies. Several rickshaws and motorcycles parked beneath the building were also destroyed. Locals said the area underneath the structure was routinely used for parking.
Express Tribune
06-07-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Death toll rises to 27 in Lyari building collapse, rescue efforts ongoing
Rescuers scramble through rubble after a multi-storey residential building crumbles in Karachi, raising fresh questions over construction standards. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS Listen to article A five-storey structurally unstable building in Baghdad Colony, Lyari, collapsed more than 48 hours ago, leaving at least 27 people dead, officials said on Sunday. Dr Sabir Memon, Executive Director of Benazir Bhutto Trauma Center, confirmed the death toll. One injured person remains under treatment at the hospital. According to Rescue 1122 officials, the deceased include nine women, 15 men, a 10-year-old boy, and an 18-month-old girl identified as Muqaddas. Another deceased was identified as Shoaib by family members. Many of the deceased belong to the Hindu community. As more debris was cleared, more deceased were retrieved from under the rubble. Rescue teams, assisted by scanning equipment, are continuing efforts to locate more survivors or deceased. During the operation, cash, cheques and jewellery were recovered from three separate locations and handed over to the local union council chairperson. The Edhi Foundation confirmed that the deceased have been transferred to the cold storage facility at Lyari Musa Lane. South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khosa told The Express Tribune that operations are being carried out with utmost care to avoid endangering anyone trapped alive. He noted that the densely populated area has made rescue work difficult. But the teams are equipped with advanced technology, he added. Rescue workers have employed sniffer dogs and heavy machinery as they search the rubble. Resident volunteers along with the police are assisting in the search operation. Read: Most Lyari building collapse victims belong to Hindu community Structural damage Another seven-storey residential building in Lyari's Agra Taj Colony was evacuated late Saturday night after a joint operation by the district administration, Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and the police. The building was declared dangerous after signs of structural leaning were identified. Severe cracks had appeared in the structure after the recent monsoon spell. Read more: Hope fades as Lyari building collapse toll hits 23 An inspection by SBCA engineers declared the building uninhabitable, prompting emergency evacuation. The residents resisted at first but agreed to leave after successful negotiations. According to South Deputy Commissioner, the building housed 12 flats with 57 residents from 11 families. The building has now been sealed, its power supply has been disconnected and the water tank has been demolished to prevent further danger. 'Unfit for living' Speaking to Express News, Lyari Municipal Officer Hammad ND Khan said that the Sindh government has decided to evacuate all hazardous buildings in Lyari. He said that a formal operation will be decided on Monday during a meeting chaired by the Sindh chief minister. It is expected that all dangerous buildings will be evacuated in phases and demolished. He added that the provincial government will develop a policy to provide alternative housing for the residents of these unsafe structures. Arrangements for temporary accommodation have been made in community centres and hotels for the victims of the collapsed and evacuated buildings, he said. However, most of the affected residents have chosen to stay with their relatives or on-site, he said, adding that TMC Lyari is providing food and other necessities for them. According to Khan, the rescue operation is likely to be end on Sunday. Legal action will be taken under the law against all those involved in illegal constructions in Lyari, he said. One affected woman said the temporary shelter at a KMC school in Lyari was "unfit for living". Demanding accountability for endangered lives, affected residents have accused SBCA officials of accepting bribes, both during and after the building's construction, and ignoring clear violations. After the evacuation, SBCA registered a case at Kalri Police Station against the builder and an unnamed contractor. The FIR states that substandard materials and illegal construction methods were used, putting residents' lives at serious risk, thereby necessitating the sealing of the building. The deputy commissioner said that if any government officials are found complicit in the building's construction, legal action will also be taken against them. He added that residents will be supported in recovering their financial losses from the builder.
