Pakistan discovers lithium in underground brine

  Islamabad: The Pakistan SMA Symposium 2026, organised by STRIVE – Strive Eradication of Disability Foundation, was held at Serena Hotel Islamabad, bringing together leading doctors, professors, researchers, medical experts, academics, civil society representatives, volunteers and families affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The symposium focused on raising awareness about SMA, promoting early diagnosis, discussing modern treatment options, genetic screening, medical research and the challenges faced by patients and their families. The gathering also provided an important platform for medical professionals and researchers to exchange views on the future of SMA care and research in Pakistan. Chief Health Sector Reforms Unit (HSRU) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Syed Ejaz Ali Shah, Chairman Zakat and Ushr Council Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Imtiaz Khan, and Chairman STRIVE Muhammad Yasir Khan were among the prominent participants. Doctors, medical specialists, researchers, representatives of civil society, SMA-affected families and people associated with different walks of life also attended the event. A notable feature of the symposium was the participation of professors, heads of departments and academic experts from various universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The experts shared their views on SMA, genetic disorders, medical research, recent developments in treatment and the future direction of medical science. Researchers working on SMA at the international level also participated in the symposium. Experts and researchers from Poland, the United Kingdom and other European countries joined the gathering, giving the Pakistan SMA Symposium an international academic and research dimension. The participation of foreign researchers provided an opportunity to strengthen links between ongoing efforts in Pakistan and international research and developments in the field of SMA. Participants stressed the importance of greater cooperation between Pakistani institutions and international research communities to improve knowledge, diagnosis and care for people living with rare diseases. Addressing the gathering, Chief HSRU Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Syed Ejaz Ali Shah paid tribute to parents and families of SMA patients for their continued struggle and resilience. He said the efforts of families working for the better lives and futures of their children deserved recognition and appreciation. Dr Shah emphasised that awareness about complex and rare diseases such as SMA must be accompanied by effective support for patients and their families. He highlighted the importance of collective efforts involving healthcare professionals, families, government institutions and other stakeholders. Chairman STRIVE Muhammad Yasir Khan said SMA was not merely a medical condition but had become a wider struggle requiring the combined efforts of patients, parents, doctors, researchers, government institutions, media, civil society and social organisations. He said STRIVE was working to take awareness about SMA to different parts of the country, promote early diagnosis, encourage research and help create better pathways for patients to access treatment and necessary healthcare facilities. Yasir Khan also announced that STRIVE would organise a major SMA Summit on October 30 and 31, 2026, at Tulip Marquee Islamabad. He said the proposed summit would be one of the largest gatherings of its kind in Pakistan and would bring patients, parents, doctors, medical specialists, national and international researchers, policymakers, universities, civil society organisations, volunteers and other relevant stakeholders together under one roof. During the symposium, speakers discussed the symptoms of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, the importance of timely diagnosis, genetic screening, modern treatment, patient care, research and future strategies for addressing SMA in Pakistan. Doctors and researchers emphasised that early diagnosis, proper medical guidance and access to modern treatment can play an important role in improving the quality of life of children and individuals affected by SMA. They also stressed the need for greater public awareness so that families can recognise the condition and seek appropriate medical advice at an early stage. Participants observed that Pakistan requires further efforts in public awareness, medical facilities, genetic diagnosis, research and policymaking related to SMA. Strengthening these areas, they said, could help provide better support to children living with the condition and their families. The symposium also highlighted the importance of building stronger cooperation between universities, healthcare institutions, researchers, policymakers and international organisations. Such collaboration, participants said, could help Pakistan benefit from global scientific developments while encouraging local research into rare diseases. At the conclusion of the event, participants expressed their commitment to expanding awareness, research and advocacy for the rights and needs of people affected by SMA. They stressed the importance of developing stronger links between government institutions, universities, the medical community, media, civil society, patients and their families. The organisers said the Pakistan SMA Symposium 2026 was more than a single event, describing it as an important step towards creating a collective voice and sustained movement for greater awareness, research, early diagnosis and improved support for SMA patients in Pakistan. The gathering also reflected growing efforts by medical professionals, researchers, families and civil society organisations to place rare diseases on the national health agenda and to promote a more informed, inclusive and supportive healthcare environment for affected individuals and their families.

  Investigators have obtained the mobile phone data records and forensic report related to the death of Mir Raza Ali as the investigation into the mysterious case continues. According to officials involved in the inquiry, digital evidence collected from his mobile phone has provided important leads, although authorities say it is still too early to reach a final conclusion about the circumstances surrounding his death. According to the investigation team, Mir Raza Ali sent a message to one of his friends on the night of July 28. The content of this communication is being examined as part of the broader investigation to determine his state of mind and the events leading up to his death. Officials also stated that Mir Raza Ali’s complete medical report has not yet been received. His family has expressed dissatisfaction with the preliminary medical report, saying it does not fully address their concerns. The initial report identified the cause of death as a gunshot wound, but investigators emphasize that further medical findings are awaited before drawing any definitive conclusions. The family has alleged that Mir Raza Ali’s body bore signs of physical assault and burn marks, raising questions about whether additional injuries may have been inflicted before his death. Investigators have said that if the family requests a second medical examination or another post-mortem review, the authorities are prepared to facilitate it in order to ensure transparency and address all concerns. As part of the investigation, officials have recorded statements from 15 individuals including the online taxi driver who was reportedly connected to the case and the person who first informed authorities about the body. These statements are being cross-checked with forensic findings, digital evidence, and other available information to establish a clear timeline of events. Investigators stressed that they are carefully examining every aspect of the case to determine whether Mir Raza Ali’s death was a suicide or a homicide. They said no possibility has been ruled out, and all available evidence is being analyzed thoroughly before reaching a final conclusion. Mobile phone data has also revealed that Mir Raza Ali had contacted a friend requesting a loan of Rs. 30 million (3 crore). According to investigators, he reportedly told his friend that he was facing serious difficulties and was in urgent need of money. This information has prompted investigators to explore whether financial stress may have played a role in the events leading up to his death. Further examination of Mir Raza Ali’s mobile records suggests that he owed money to multiple individuals. Authorities are now reviewing his financial dealings, communications, and personal relationships to understand whether these debts could have contributed to the incident or whether they point toward another motive. Investigators also disclosed that Mir Raza Ali’s fiancée sent him continuous messages between 3:10 a.m. and 3:50 a.m. on the night in question. However, according to the mobile data, Mir Raza Ali did not respond to any of her messages. Officials are examining the timing of these communications alongside other digital evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events before his death. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities awaiting the final medical report and additional forensic analysis. Officials have reiterated that all evidence—including witness statements, forensic findings, mobile phone records, and financial information—will be carefully reviewed before determining the exact cause and manner of Mir Raza Ali’s death. They have assured the public that the inquiry will be conducted impartially and that every possible angle will be investigated to ensure the truth is established.