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Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
City marks Youm-e-Takbeer
The city comes alive as Mayor Murtaza Wahab leads a Youm-e-Takbeer rally through Bagh-e-Jinnah, showcasing unity and patriotism. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS This year's Youm-e-Takbeer was celebrated with more pride and pomp owing to the success of the operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that May 28 is a symbol of Pakistan's defence sovereignty and national dignity. The CM said that Youm-e-Takbeer reflects national determination and the tireless efforts of our scientists. He said, "Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of Pakistan's nuclear programme after India's nuclear tests in 1974 and declared we will build the atomic bomb." At a ceremony hosted by MQM-P near its Bahadurabad centre, Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said May 28 marks the fulfilment of Pakistan's foundational promise. He commended Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, calling him "a son of Karachi and the man who gave Pakistan an invincible defence." On appeal by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rahman, the JI Karachi chapter observed May 28 as Dr Abdul Qadeer Day on Wednesday. Camps were setup and banners were fastened in all union councils and towns to pay a rich tribute to the nuclear scientist. The Pakistan Markazi Muslim League held three major rallies across the city, attracting large public participation. The processions passed through key neighbourhoods including Tower, Orangi, Korangi, and Sohrab Goth, culminating at Mazar-e-Quaid. Pakistan Sunni Tehreek chief Shadab Raza Naqshbandi, addressing Fatah Mubeen seminars in several cities, said the 1998 nuclear tests restored strategic balance in South Asia. "We honour Dr Khan as a national hero," he said. Jamaat Ahle Sunnat Pakistan also held a convention in Lines Area, where Amir Allama Shah Abdul Haq Qadri highlighted the role of the nuclear scientists and armed forces. The event included expressions of solidarity with the people of Kashmir and Palestine.
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Korangi harbour to make $100m in 5 years
Fishing boats seen anchored at the Karachi Fish Harbour following the ban imposed on coastal activities ahead of cyclonic storm Biparjoy over the Arabian Sea. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI / EXPRESS Listen to article The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has launched an ambitious project to modernise Korangi Fish Harbour (KOFHA), aiming to generate over $100 million in direct and indirect economic activity over the next five years. The initiative, spearheaded by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, is part of Pakistan's broader strategy to unlock the potential of the blue economy. According to an official statement issued on Wednesday, the project will revitalise KOFHA through strategic infrastructure upgrades, aimed at increasing seafood exports, creating jobs, and improving operational efficiency. The minister said the initiative is expected to create more than 3,000 jobs across construction, logistics, fish processing and fishing-related services, while enhancing seafood processing capacity by 50%. "This strategic move will make a meaningful contribution to Pakistan's $375 billion GDP, strengthening the maritime economy and supporting long-term national growth," Chaudhry said. A central feature of the project is the complete redesign of the fish auction hall, which will be equipped with modern facilities to enhance efficiency, hygiene, and transparency. The upgraded hall will comply with international food safety standards and export certification protocols, facilitating increased global seafood trade. The minister also announced the addition of a floating jetty to the harbour's infrastructure, which will improve vessel handling, reduce turnaround time, and support a higher volume of fishing activity. This will be complemented by a comprehensive overhaul of the existing jetty, incorporating technology-driven solutions and accessibility improvements. Sustainability is a key component of the project. The upgrades will include environmentally responsible practices to protect marine biodiversity and ensure the long-term viability of the fisheries sector. Chaudhry said that upgrading the Korangi Fish Harbour into a model fisheries hub is a strategic step toward economic transformation. "This is not just an infrastructure upgrade it represents a pledge to unlock Pakistan's full maritime potential," he said.
Express Tribune
14-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Naanbais threaten to increase roti price
Get ready for fresh loaves at fresh prices! The city commissioner has announced new prices for naan and chapati, with strict warning against overcharging. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRES The Naanbai Association has threatened to raise the prices of bread, naan and paratha after the price of a sack of flour and white flour increased by Rs300 to Rs500 in the wholesale and open markets. The association demanded that if prices are not reduced, the cost of these items will increase next week. A meeting of the Price Control Committee has also been convened to discuss this matter. Shafiq Abbasi, the central president of the Naanbai Association, says the price of a 79kg sack of red flour has surged from Rs5,250 to Rs5,750. After including loading and unloading transportation charges, the cost of this sack reaches Rs5,850 by the time it reaches the tandoors. Meanwhile, the price of a sack of white fine flour has increased from Rs6,400 to Rs6,700.
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Cambridge exams cancelled in AJK, Punjab
Students dive into their Intermediate exams with determination and focus at APWA Government College for Women. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS The Cambridge International Examination (CIE) and the British Council have cancelled Cambridge O Level, IGCSE and International AS & A Level exams scheduled for today (Friday) in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur cities of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Islamabad and Punjab province. In a statement issued on Thursday it said the difficult decision was taken in consultation with authorities after reviewing the current security situation. "Our priority is to support the safety of students and staff, and help students progress with their education," it said. It said that exams scheduled to take place elsewhere in Pakistan on Friday, May 9 will go ahead as planned if the security situation remains unchanged. "We will keep everyone updated if there are any changes." "Where exams are cancelled, we use our expertise and well-established processes to make sure we can award fair grades so that students can progress," the statement added. It urged the concerned individuals to keep following and checking the Cambridge and British Council Pakistan official pages only for any official updates. "If you have any questions, please contact your school, or British Council Customer Services if you are a private candidate," it added.
Express Tribune
02-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Intermediate exams schedule announced
Female students put their learning to the test as they tackle their Secondary School Certificate (Matric) exams at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School-1 Jacob Lines examination centre. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS Listen to article The first phase of Karachi's annual intermediate examinations for 2025 is set to begin on Monday, May 5, with over 126,500 students expected to appear across various science and home economics groups. According to the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK), over 126,500 students are expected to appear in the exams, which will run until Thursday, May 29, in both morning and evening shifts. More than 92,000 students from Pre-Medical, Pre-Engineering, and Home Economics groups will take their exams in the morning shift from 9am to 12pm. Meanwhile over 34,500 candidates from the General Science group will appear in the evening shift from 2pm to 5pm. A total of 182 exam centres have been established across the city — 122 for the morning shift and 60 for the evening. Of these, 36 centres have been declared highly sensitive. BIEK Chairman Prof. Ghulam Hussain Sohoo said that all arrangements for fair and transparent exams have been finalised. Two central monitoring cells have been established at the Karachi Commissioner's Office and BIEK to oversee the process and prevent cheating. In addition, complaint cells will operate from Deputy Commissioners' offices in each district, staffed with board representatives. Considering the heatwave forecast during the examination period, the board has written to the Sindh Emergency & Rescue Service 1122 requesting two ambulances for the central control room. The Sindh Health Department has also been requested to set up first aid camps and ensure that first aid kits and ambulances are available outside each exam centre.
