pti rift deepens
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PTI rift deepens as Salman Akram Raja, Mashal Yous…

ByJustpaste.in

ISLAMABAD: Differences within the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) have intensified as senior party figures Salman Akram Raja and Mashal Yousafzai exchanged allegations over party affairs and accusations related to the alleged sale of tickets.

Salman Akram Raja criticised those who, according to him, were unable to pursue the matter through legal channels and had instead resorted to what he described as baseless allegations against Mashal Yousafzai over ticket-selling claims.

Raja also said he did not know who had nominated Yousafzai as a senator, maintaining that the decision had been made on the instructions of PTI founder Imran Khan. He added that he did not have the authority to remove her from the Senate.

In response, Mashal Yousafzai alleged that Raja had made his recent statements after apologising to the PTI founder. She challenged the party leadership to take action against Raja if it had the authority to remove him from the party.

The dispute has also drawn comments from PTI leader Shandana Gulzar, who questioned Raja’s remarks concerning money. She raised questions over the whereabouts of millions of rupees allegedly received from the United States and said that those responsible would face serious consequences if the matter was investigated.

The exchange has added to growing tensions within the opposition party, with allegations and counter-allegations emerging as its leadership continues to grapple with internal disagreements.

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    Ishaq Dar offers special prayers for Pakistan in M…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Medina: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi ﷺ) in Madinah, where he offered prayers and prayed for Pakistan’s peace, prosperity and continued progress during his official visit to Saudi Arabia. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the deputy prime minister paid his respects at the Roza-e-Rasool ﷺ and offered Salam. He also performed voluntary (Nafl) prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites, where millions of Muslims from around the world gather every year to worship and seek spiritual blessings. The Foreign Office said Dar made special prayers for Pakistan’s economic development, national stability and the well-being of its people. He also prayed for unity, peace and prosperity across the Muslim world, expressing hope for harmony and progress among Islamic nations. As part of his visit to Madinah, Dar also travelled to Jabal Uhud, a site of immense historical and religious significance in Islamic history. He visited the resting place of Hazrat Ameer Hamza (RA), the beloved uncle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and one of the most revered martyrs of the Battle of Uhud, where he offered prayers and paid his respects. The visit reflects the spiritual aspect of Dar’s Saudi Arabia trip while highlighting Pakistan’s longstanding religious and diplomatic ties with the Kingdom. Senior Pakistani officials traditionally visit Islam’s holy sites during official engagements in Saudi Arabia, where they offer prayers for the country and the wider Muslim Ummah. The Foreign Office noted that Dar’s prayers focused on Pakistan’s future, asking for sustained peace, economic growth and national prosperity. His visit to the Prophet’s Mosque and other sacred sites also underscored the importance of faith and spiritual reflection alongside official diplomatic engagements. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan continues to seek economic stability and stronger cooperation with friendly countries, while reaffirming its commitment to unity and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah.

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    Common mood-stabilizing drug may offer hope for Alzheimer’s disease

    ByJustpaste.in

      Medical researchers have suggested that lithium, a widely available and inexpensive medication commonly prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, may also hold promise as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Although the findings are encouraging, scientists stress that much more research is required before lithium can be recommended as a treatment for patients with Alzheimer’s. According to previous studies researchers found that people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease tend to have lower levels of lithium in their brains compared to healthy individuals. This observation led scientists to investigate whether restoring lithium levels could help protect the brain from the damage caused by the disease. To explore this possibility, researchers conducted laboratory experiments using mice genetically modified to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that administering very low doses of lithium significantly improved the animals’ memory performance. In addition, the treatment reduced the harmful effects of brain cell damage that are typically associated with Alzheimer’s. These findings suggest that even small amounts of lithium may have protective effects on brain function. Scientists believe lithium works by helping to preserve the health of neurons, the specialized brain cells responsible for memory, learning, and thinking. The drug may also support communication between different regions of the brain by maintaining the connections between nerve cells. Since Alzheimer’s disease gradually destroys these connections, researchers believe lithium could potentially slow the progression of cognitive decline if administered during the early stages of the disease. Further support for this idea comes from a research paper published in the medical journal Translational Psychiatry. In the article, experts emphasized the need for more comprehensive studies to investigate the safety and effectiveness of low-dose lithium therapy for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. They argued that while the initial findings are promising, larger clinical trials involving human participants are essential before any firm conclusions can be drawn. Experts from Alzheimer’s advocacy organizations have also responded cautiously to the research. Dr. Richard Oakley, Director of Research at the Alzheimer’s Society, said the findings contribute to the ongoing scientific discussion about lithium’s potential role in Alzheimer’s treatment. However, he warned that there is currently no conclusive evidence showing that lithium can prevent dementia or serve as a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Oakley further explained that the human clinical trials conducted so far have been limited in size and scope. As a result, the available evidence is not yet strong enough to support the routine use of lithium for Alzheimer’s patients. He emphasized that larger, well-designed clinical studies are needed to determine the drug’s long-term benefits, possible side effects, and the most effective dosage. Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the world’s leading causes of dementia, affecting millions of people and placing a significant emotional and financial burden on families and healthcare systems. While current treatments can only help manage symptoms, researchers continue to search for therapies that can slow or stop the disease. If future studies confirm the benefits of low-dose lithium, this affordable and widely available medication could become an important addition to Alzheimer’s treatment. Until then, experts advise patients and caregivers not to use lithium for Alzheimer’s without medical supervision, as scientific evidence is still developing.

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    Senate health subcommittee discusses A-Level, FSc …

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    Pakistan’s Senate Health Subcommittee held an important meeting to discuss concerns surrounding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), the country’s medical education policies, and the increasing number of students pursuing medical education abroad. The session was chaired by Senator Samina Zehri, the convener of the subcommittee, and attended by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, Senator Anusha Rahman, Senator Shahzaib, and officials from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). During the meeting, Senator Samina Zehri highlighted the significant differences between Pakistan’s FSc (Faculty of Science) education system and the internationally recognized A-Level qualification. She remarked that Pakistan’s education system is well known for its challenges and that the disparity between the two academic streams should not be overlooked when formulating admission policies for medical colleges. Responding to these concerns, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that the MDCAT examination is designed in a way that does not favor either A-Level or FSc students. He explained that the test includes questions that can be answered by candidates from both educational backgrounds, ensuring fairness in the admission process. According to the minister, the examination aims to assess students’ knowledge and aptitude rather than the curriculum they have studied. Mustafa Kamal further suggested that a detailed analysis should be conducted to determine how students from different educational backgrounds perform in the MDCAT. He pointed out that approximately 95,000 students had passed the examination and proposed collecting data from the past five years to determine how many successful candidates came from A-Level and FSc backgrounds. Such data, he said, would provide evidence-based insights for future policy decisions. The minister also assured members of the committee that the details of the assessment committee responsible for the MDCAT would be submitted within 24 hours. In response, Senator Anusha Rahman stated that the Senate committee was currently assisting the ministry in reviewing the admission process and therefore required complete information about the committee members involved in preparing and evaluating the examination. Following the discussion, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal formally assured the committee that all requested information regarding the assessment committee would be provided within the promised timeframe. During the meeting, Senator Anusha Rahman also called for a review of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) current policies. She emphasized the need to reassess regulations to ensure they effectively address the concerns of students and maintain the credibility of Pakistan’s medical education system. Senator Shahzaib raised another important issue regarding Pakistani students who intend to pursue higher medical education abroad. He questioned why graduates of Pakistani universities who plan to enroll in medical institutions overseas are still required to take the MDCAT. Referring to a recently issued advertisement, he noted that the existing policy appears to require these students to pass the admission test even if they have no intention of studying medicine within Pakistan. In response, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal acknowledged the concern and assured the committee that the policy would be reviewed. Senator Anusha Rahman added that while reviewing the policy, authorities should also ensure that students planning to study abroad avoid enrolling in institutions that have been identified as “red-flag” universities or those lacking proper accreditation. The Chairman of the PMDC Reforms Committee informed the meeting that students intending to study medicine overseas are required to register with the PMDC before leaving the country. This registration process, he explained, helps the regulatory body monitor students and maintain standards for foreign medical qualifications. Highlighting another major concern, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that around 40,000 Pakistani students travel abroad each year for medical education, taking an estimated US$800 million out of the country. He stressed that this represents a significant financial outflow and underlined the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s own medical education system. However, Senator Anusha Rahman offered a different perspective, arguing that many of these students eventually return to Pakistan after completing their education and contribute to the country’s economy through their professional earnings. She suggested that while the government should improve local opportunities, it should also recognize the long-term benefits that internationally educated professionals can bring back to Pakistan.

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    Pakistan eyes bigger share in global islamic economy

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    Pakistan has significant room to expand its presence in the global Islamic economy by introducing innovative Shariah-compliant financial products, strengthening regulatory frameworks and developing specialized professional expertise, Secretary General of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) Yousef Hassan Khalawi has said. Speaking at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Talk Series on Islamic finance, Khalawi highlighted Pakistan’s structural advantages and said the country was well placed to capture a larger share of the rapidly evolving global Islamic economy. He noted that Pakistan has a large Muslim population, a substantial overseas Pakistani community and an expanding Islamic finance sector. The country also has a growing base of professionals working in banking, capital markets and other financial services, providing a foundation for further development of the industry. However, Khalawi stressed that Pakistan would need to move beyond conventional Islamic finance offerings if it wanted to compete more effectively in international markets. He encouraged financial institutions and regulators to focus on developing innovative products capable of addressing emerging domestic and global demand, particularly through financial technology. Fintech seen as key driver According to Khalawi, fintech could play an important role in making Islamic financial services more accessible, efficient and affordable. Digital platforms can potentially reduce transaction costs while allowing Shariah-compliant products to reach customers who remain underserved by traditional financial institutions. He also emphasized that Islamic finance should not be viewed solely as a mechanism for structuring financial transactions. Instead, he said, the sector should play a wider role in supporting economic growth, social welfare and productive investment. One area with considerable potential is Waqf-based investment. Khalawi suggested that professionally managed and transparent listed Waqf structures could enable individuals to make relatively small contributions that could collectively generate financing for projects in key social sectors. Such models, he said, could help channel funds towards education, healthcare and infrastructure while creating a more organized framework for mobilizing charitable and community-based capital. Agriculture offers untapped potential Agriculture was also identified as an important sector where Islamic finance could make a greater contribution. Khalawi called for the development of specialized Shariah-compliant financing instruments tailored to the needs of farmers, agribusinesses and other participants across the agricultural value chain. Greater technical expertise would also be required to design products that address the specific risks and cash-flow patterns associated with agriculture. Expanding access to appropriate financing could help unlock investment and support productivity in the sector. Interest-free lending and financial inclusion The discussion also examined Qard Hassan, an interest-free lending mechanism that can provide financing to individuals without imposing conventional interest charges. Khalawi said technology could help make Qard Hassan arrangements easier to administer and more accessible to potential borrowers. Digital platforms could reduce administrative expenses, improve transparency and facilitate the distribution of small-scale interest-free loans. He further highlighted the importance of establishing common Shariah standards to promote consistency across the Islamic finance industry. Differences in interpretation and product structures can create challenges for institutions seeking to operate across markets, making greater standardization important for the sector’s international growth. Professional training was another key area highlighted during the discussion. Khalawi stressed that the continued expansion of Islamic finance would require professionals with expertise in both financial markets and Shariah principles. For Pakistan, strengthening regulatory capacity, expanding specialized training and encouraging innovation could help create an ecosystem capable of supporting new Islamic financial products. The SECP discussion underscored the broader opportunity for Pakistan to position Islamic finance as a tool not only for financial-sector development but also for investment, entrepreneurship, social welfare and sustainable economic growth.

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    Supreme Court reserves verdict on diyat amount

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    The Supreme Court of Pakistan has reserved its decision on an important legal question concerning the determination of diyat, or blood money, in murder cases. A bench of the apex court reserved the verdict while hearing an appeal filed by convict Nadeem Khan. The case focuses on the amount of diyat payable and the point in time that should be used to determine its value. During the hearing, the convict’s lawyer argued that his client had already completed his prison sentence for the murder conviction and was now serving additional imprisonment because he had not paid the required diyat. Prosecutor Arshad Hussain told the court that the case was the first of its kind and that a High Court judgment already exists regarding the determination of the amount. He informed the court that the current diyat amount stands at around Rs197 million (Rs19.7 million). Justice Hashim Kakar asked whether the diyat should be calculated according to its value at the time of the offence, the accused’s arrest, or the time of conviction and sentencing. Justice Salahuddin remarked that making the financial consequences of murder more serious might discourage people from committing such offences. He also noted that Saudi Arabia continues to use 100 camels as the traditional basis for diyat. Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim observed that delays in deciding cases reflect shortcomings in the justice system and said an accused should not suffer because of institutional delays. In response, Prosecutor Arshad Hussain argued that certain legal matters, such as determining a person’s age, are assessed from the time of arrest, suggesting that a similar principle could apply in determining the relevant period for diyat. The Supreme Court directed all prosecutors concerned to submit their written arguments on the matter. After receiving the submissions, the court will issue its decision on how and when the amount of diyat should be determined.

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    Just minutes of intense exercise may offer greater health benefits

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      A new study by American scientists has revealed that just a few minutes of extremely intense exercise may provide greater health benefits than spending hours doing light or moderate physical activity. The study examined how different levels of exercise affect proteins and biological processes in the human body. Researchers found that short bursts of high-intensity exercise produced significantly greater changes in health-related proteins in the blood compared with cycling at a normal pace. As part of the research, participants performed intense cycling on an exercise bike in 30-second bursts. Each high-speed cycling session was followed by a four-minute recovery period. Researchers observed positive changes in 714 proteins associated with health and bodily functions after the intense exercise. In comparison, cycling at a normal pace affected only seven proteins highlighting the potentially powerful biological response triggered by short periods of vigorous physical activity. One of the most interesting findings involved a molecule known as Lac-Phe, which has been linked to appetite regulation and metabolism. According to the researchers, intense exercise increases levels of Lac-Phe in the body. The molecule may help regulate hunger and appears to influence fat metabolism. The researchers also found that intense physical activity activated more than 1,600 genes in fat cells, potentially increasing the body’s ability to burn or process fat. These findings suggest that high-intensity exercise may trigger a much broader metabolic response than previously understood. To further examine the possible long-term health implications, the scientists analyzed data from more than 53,000 people. Their analysis showed that several of the proteins activated by intense exercise were associated with a lower risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. The researchers also found connections between these biological changes and processes related to aging. This suggests that intense physical activity may potentially help slow some of the biological effects associated with aging, although further research is needed to fully understand these relationships. Dr. Paul Cohen, the lead researcher of the study, said the findings were particularly interesting because they demonstrated how the body can produce a powerful positive response after only a few minutes of intense exercise. He noted that the discovery could be particularly useful for people with busy lifestyles who struggle to find enough time for lengthy workouts. Instead of spending several hours exercising, short periods of high-intensity activity may provide substantial biological benefits. The findings add to growing scientific evidence that the intensity of exercise may be just as important as its duration. While regular physical activity remains essential for maintaining overall health, the study suggests that brief periods of vigorous exercise could be an efficient way to stimulate important metabolic and cardiovascular responses. However, intense exercise is not necessarily suitable for everyone. People who are new to exercise or have existing health concerns should consider their fitness level and consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning high-intensity workouts. Overall, the study offers an encouraging message for people who find it difficult to dedicate long hours to exercise. A carefully structured routine involving short bursts of intense activity may potentially produce significant health benefits, making exercise more practical for people with demanding daily schedules.

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