Latest news with #KarachiPressClub
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
President Zardari's ex spox unveils explosive memoirs
Former senator and spokesperson to President Asif Ali Zardari Farhatullah Babar launched his memoir "Zardari presidency - now it must be told" at the Karachi Press Club on Monday. The 500-page book chronicles key moments from Zardari's 2008-13 presidency, offering a rare insider's account of a tumultuous period in Pakistan's history. "This is not a biography of President Zardari," Babar clarified, "but a first-hand account of bizarre and dramatic events that impacted both the presidency and the nation." The memoir recounts more than 80 episodes, including the discovery of Osama Bin Laden, civil-military tensions, the Memogate scandal, and the fallout over Raymond Davis. It also sheds light on Zardari's strained ties with the judiciary and military, including a moment when troops surrounded the Presidency to pressure a defiant president. The book discloses for the first time the draft charge sheet for General Musharraf's impeachment and reveals backchannel diplomatic efforts such as a failed nuclear no-first-use proposal to India and secret talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Babar describes Zardari as a resilient but deeply political figure - misjudged, underestimated, and often vilified. "Zardari has been sinned against far more than he has sinned," he said, likening his endurance to that of Sonya in Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. Babar maintained he did not seek permission from Zardari or the PPP to write the book, which he called a duty to history. "This is the account of a president walking a tightrope between allies, judges, and generals," he said, "written by someone who witnessed it all - pen in hand."
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
89pc Pakistani patients fail to achieve controlled blood pressure: experts
KARACHI: A staggering 89 percent of Pakistanis diagnosed with hypertension are unable to bring their blood pressure under control, even while on prescribed medication, sparking fresh alarm among public health specialists who warn the unchecked 'silent killer' is tightening its grip across the nation. Speaking at a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) to mark World Hypertension Day, leading cardiologists and public health officials expressed deep concern over the growing number of Pakistanis, especially young individuals, suffering from uncontrolled blood pressure, a condition often dubbed the 'silent killer.' Dr Javed Akbar Sial, Executive Director of the Sindh Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (SICVD), revealed that only 11 percent of those taking antihypertensive medication are successful in managing their blood pressure. 'Even in the United States, just around 14 percent of patients achieve effective control. This is a global crisis, but in Pakistan, it's growing at an alarming rate,' he warned. According to Dr Sial, over 40 to 50 percent of the adult population in Pakistan is hypertensive, and the disease becomes increasingly prevalent and dangerous with age. 'The most fatal diseases globally are cardiac in nature, and hypertension is the biggest contributing factor. Most people don't even realize they have it until it causes severe complications,' he said, adding that half the rural population remains unaware of their condition. The press conference was jointly organized by SICVD, the Alkhidmat Foundation Sindh, and Discovering Hypertensiona joint initiative targeting early detection and community awareness. Officials from all three organisations signed an agreement to launch comprehensive screening programs for blood pressure and other diseases across thirty districts in Sindh. Dr Masood Javed, Head of Discovering Hypertension, shared troubling findings from a pilot project conducted in seven districts including Naushero Feroze, Qambar, Ratodero, Dadu, and Tharparkar. 'We screened over 5,000 people. Shockingly, 50 percent of the newly diagnosed patients had previously stopped taking medication, believing they had recovered. Among those still on medication, 74 percent had uncontrolled blood pressure,' he said. Only 26 percent of patients were both compliant with their medication and successfully managing their condition. Dr Masood emphasised that individuals with uncontrolled hypertension remain at constant risk of heart attacks and strokes. He highlighted lifestyle habits such as excessive consumption of sugary drinks, lack of physical activity, and frequent intake of unhealthy street food as key contributors to the worsening situation. 'Even in villages, the shift from jaggery to refined sugar and the growing availability of cold drinks are aggravating the crisis,' he noted. Dr Tabassum Jafri, President of Alkhidmat Foundation Sindh, stressed the need to integrate hypertension and diabetes care in community health programs. 'Our three mobile units provide screening services in several districts of Sindh. But awareness is critical. People must understand what hypertension is, and how to prevent it,' he said. 'We must take healthcare to people's doorsteps and change our collective lifestyle to reverse this trend.' Discovering Hyperten-sion's Project Director, Mujtaba Alam, said their mission is to find patients who are unaware of their health status. 'Just last year, we identified 10,000 people with hypertension who had no idea they were living with this condition,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
From Lyari to world stage
Aaliya Soomro, a proud daughter of Lyari, has proven that no obstacle can stand in the way of true passion. Defying stereotypes and breaking barriers, she has shattered the myth that sports are defined by gender. Aaliya made history by knocking out a Thai opponent in just 45 seconds during a World Boxing Fight in Bangkok. Speaking to the media, Aaliya said, "I belong to a poor family and a remote area, but my determination brought me this far. People told me that boxing was not for women but I proved that girls can do anything." She shared that despite her achievements, she received no support from sponsors, companies, or institutions. "No one supported me. I was ignored, but I accepted the challenge when selected," she said. Aaliya has now been selected for the Women's International Boxing Association title, and her next fight is expected in August against an Indian boxer in Dubai. "So far, I have not lost a fight since starting professional boxing," she added. Aaliya revealed her passion for boxing began at the age of six. "When I started, no one stood by me. Now that I have won, everyone is with me. I am happy to have the support of the public and media." A ceremony was held at the Karachi Press Club in honour of Pakistan's first female boxer, Aaliya Soomro. The event was organised by the Pakistan Association of Press Photographers to celebrate the achievements of the 19-year-old world boxing champion. Journalists, photographers, and other distinguished guests attended the event held in the club's boardroom. Officials of the Pakistan Association of Press Photographers and other participants at the ceremony emphasised that with proper support from the government and private sector, Pakistan's sports talent can shine globally. Veteran journalist GM Jamali, while addressing the event, praised Aaliya Soomro's dedication and perseverance. "Coming from a resource-deprived area like Lyari to earning recognition on the global stage is an extraordinary achievement. Aaliya's journey represents the empowerment of women in Pakistan and the beginning of positive change," he said. "Her success is a beacon of hope for young women, and we are proud of her." At the end of the ceremony, participants paid tribute to Aaliya Soomro and presented her with commemorative shields in recognition of her accomplishments.
Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Patriotic fervor sweeps city amid war fears
In a wave of national pride and unity, Karachi echoed with chants, national songs, and celebrations as citizens and leaders commemorated what they termed a decisive military and diplomatic victory over India. From the Karachi Press Club to Mazar-e-Quaid and beyond, Karachiites rallied behind their armed forces, with political leaders emphasising strength, peace, and the urgent need for international accountability. A Thanksgiving Day event was held outside the Karachi Press Club on Saturday under the banner of the "Meri Pehchan Pakistan" party to celebrate what was described as a historic Indian defeat. The gathering saw participation from people with disabilities, senior citizens, and women, all proudly waving the national flag and holding portraits of Army Chief General Asim Munir. National singer Amjad Rana electrified the crowd with a rousing patriotic performance. Speaking at the event, Meri Pehchan Pakistan leader and former Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan declared that the Pakistan Army had shattered the arrogance of the Modi government. He accused India of falsely blaming Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident in an attempt to provoke war - an effort he claimed was thwarted by Pakistan's military strength. "When our army showed its might, the Modi administration, which had been avoiding negotiations, was compelled to return to the dialogue table," said Ishrat-ul-Ebad. He called for immediate restoration of Pakistan's water rights and demanded the formation of an independent international commission to investigate the Pahalgam episode. "My identity and that of every Pakistani is Pakistan," he concluded. "May our country always thrive!" 'Triumph for the region' Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, calling it "a triumph for all who desire stability in the region." He emphasised the importance of de-escalation and urged India to engage in sustained, peaceful negotiations to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir. PML-N's torch rally lights up Karachi The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) organised a torch rally from Numaish Chowrangi to Mazar-e-Quaid on Saturday, where participants waved flags and shouted slogans in support of the armed forces.
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Karachiites unfazed by India's 'loitering munitions'
Citizens from all walks of life unite against Indian aggression during a rally organised by the MQM, chanting slogans and waving the national flag in support of the armed forces. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI / EXPRESS Unfazed by the Israeli-made armed drones, called "loitering munitions", sent by India over multiple cities of Pakistan, including Karachi, residents of the metropolitan city poured onto the streets in an extraordinary wave of solidarity with the armed forces. In an emotional and defiant response to external threats, a diverse cross-section of society - including political leaders, religious clerics, lawyers, and even the often-marginalised transgender community - voiced unwavering support for the nation's defence. A grand demonstration was organised by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) at the Karachi Press Club against Indian aggression and in support of the Pakistan Armed Forces. While addressing the participants, senior central leader Dr Farooq Sattar said that the Modi government and the Indian army will soon receive a big surprise for this misadventure. Today, once again, it has been proven that our forefathers' decision to create Pakistan was absolutely right. There will be more 'Pakistans' formed within India, and the Hindutva ideology of Akhand Bharat (Undivided India) will be shattered by the Pakistan Armed Forces. Today, once again, the two-nation theory is rising from the Bay of Bengal. India had imposed its agent Hasina Wajid on Bangladesh, but the brave people of Bengal have thrown her out. Transgender community protest The transgender community of Karachi demonstrated a protest against India at the Karachi Press Club on Thursday. On this occasion, Jaya Foundation Executive Director Bindiya Rana said, "We pay tribute to the Pakistani forces for their befitting reply to India. Modi's India has resorted only to drone attacks." She added, "The Pakistani nation is having fun with India's war tall claims. We are not a nation that is afraid of drone attacks. The transgenders stand by the side where the youth of Pakistan stand." Lawyers rally behind armed forces Lawyers took out the Istehkam-e-Pakistan rally in Karachi City Court on Thursday. The rally participants raised slogans like "Pakistan Zindabad" and "Pak Army Zindabad." Former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Yaseen Azad, and Muneer A Malik led the rally. Yaseen Azad said in his speech that India had shown cunning by attacking the civilian population, resulting in the martyrdom of innocent people, including children and women. Be prepared Central leadership of Jamaat Ahle Sunnat Pakistan has issued directives to the Sunni community, workers, and local representatives for immediate and effective measures to ensure unity, discipline, and the protection of national security. Shah Abdulhaq Qadri said that Jamaat Ahle Sunnat, as a patriotic religious organisation, has always been at the forefront in defending the nation and serving the people. In the current situation, this role will be further strengthened and carried out in an organised manner. The statement clearly instructed collective prayers after Fajr prayers daily for the safety of the country. Youm-e-Azam today Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar has announced to observe Youm-e-Azam (Determination Day) today (Friday) against cold blooded Indian aggression, following a false flag operation in occupied Kashmir. The JI leader announced this at a press conference, held at Idara Noor-e-Haq, the JI Karachi headquarters, on Thursday.
