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    PIMS tragedy revives questions over delayed hospit…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Almost three years after the caretaker federal government proposed appointing officers from the Pakistan Army Medical Corps to lead the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPC), the proposal remains unimplemented. Following the August 26, 2026 fire in the PIMS Mother and Child Health (MCH) Ward that claimed the lives of several newborns, questions are being raised over whether prolonged administrative delays contributed to weaknesses in   hospital management On October 9, 2023, the Ministry of National Health Services approached the Ministry of Defence seeking BS-21 officers from the Army Medical Corps for three-year deputations as Executive Directors of PIMS and FGPC. The ministry cited vacant executive positions and a shortage of eligible officers in the relevant cadre as reasons for seeking experienced hospital managers. The proposal was described as an interim measure intended to improve the management and service delivery of two of Islamabad’s busiest public hospitals. The proposal faced opposition from sections of the medical community. On October 30, 2023, the Islamabad chapter of the Pakistan Medical Association criticized the plan, arguing that bringing military officers into civilian hospitals could undermine the role of civilian doctors. Legal complications subsequently emerged. The Islamabad High Court restricted the appointment of outside deputationists as permanent heads, pushing authorities toward appointments from within the existing health system. The health ministry also maintained that appointments would ultimately be made according to established procedures and merit. Nearly three years later, the absence of permanent leadership at the hospitals has renewed criticism of the government’s handling of the issue. A senior health-sector observer argued that timely implementation of the original proposal might have improved management, reduced financial leakages and strengthened oversight of procurement, medicines, machinery, construction and renovation projects. PIMS has already faced concerns over staffing and expenditure. Figures cited in the debate include Rs22 billion allocated over three years, an alleged Rs670 million over spend against a budget of Rs6.84 billion last year, and 949 vacant positions out of 2,451 sanctioned posts at PIMS. More than 1,470 posts are reportedly vacant across four federal hospitals in Islamabad. The August 26 fire has intensified these concerns. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the incident, while Health Minister Mustafa Kamal was directed to submit a report. Health Secretary Aslam Ghauri was suspended and a high-powered inquiry was ordered. The controversy has now moved beyond the question of who should manage federal hospitals to whether those responsible for prolonged administrative shortcomings should be held accountable. Critics are questioning whether officials who managed billions of rupees in public funds should face consequences if negligence or poor oversight is established. They have also warned against allowing the inquiry to end with routine transfers, suspensions or committees without meaningful reforms. Supporters of the original proposal point to the management of military-run Combined Military Hospitals (CMHs), arguing that they demonstrate stronger discipline, cleanliness and operational management. However, opponents maintain that civilian healthcare institutions should be strengthened through transparent, merit-based appointments rather than relying on military deputations. With legal restrictions and opposition to military appointments, the government may need to move quickly toward permanent, merit-based leadership for PIMS and FGPC. The recent tragedy has made the issue more urgent. The central question is no longer simply whether the 2023 proposal should have been implemented, but whether years of administrative uncertainty contributed to systemic weaknesses. Ultimately, an independent inquiry must determine the causes of the fire and establish responsibility based on evidence. The priority now should be ensuring that Islamabad’s major public hospitals have competent leadership, adequate staffing, effective safety systems and transparent financial oversight. August 25, 2023: Health ministry stresses merit-based appointments. October 9, 2023: Defence ministry approached for Army Medical Corps officers. October 30, 2023: PMA Islamabad opposes the proposal. Late 2023–2024: Legal restrictions emerge over outside deputations. August 26, 2026: Fire breaks out in PIMS MCH Ward, resulting in multiple deaths.

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    Gold nears record high as investors set sights on …

    ByJustpaste.in

    International gold prices could move back toward the $5,000-per-ounce level in the coming weeks as investors closely monitor inflation, US Federal Reserve policy and growing demand for safe-haven assets. Spot gold fell 0.5 percent to around $4,643 per ounce on Wednesday after reaching its highest level since mid-May earlier this week. Meanwhile US gold futures settled at approximately $4,700.70. Despite the slight decline, the recent rally has strengthened expectations that gold could make another attempt at the psychologically important $5,000 mark. The precious metal has benefited from renewed investor demand as market participants look for protection against economic and financial uncertainty. Market attention is now turning toward developments that could influence the direction of gold prices. Investors are particularly watching trade conditions in the Gulf and the impact of inflation on major economies and businesses. Another important catalyst will be a speech by US Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh on Friday. His comments could provide fresh clues about the central bank’s monetary policy outlook and potentially influence gold prices in the short term. Gold could also gain further support if concerns about the sustainability of US government finances increase. Rising concerns over government debt and fiscal stability can encourage investors to seek alternative stores of value including precious metals. With gold already trading close to record levels, several major market events could determine its next move. Inflation data and signals from the Federal Reserve are likely to remain among the most important factors for traders. If upcoming economic data strengthens expectations of easier monetary policy gold could regain upward momentum and move closer to the $5,000-per-ounce level in the near term. Lower interest rates generally make non-yielding assets such as gold more attractive to investors. At the same time continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty could further support demand for the precious metal. For now, traders will be watching the Federal Reserve’s signals inflation trends and broader market conditions closely. A combination of softer inflation and expectations of monetary easing could provide the catalyst needed for gold prices to resume their rally toward the closely watched $5,000 level.

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    Kriti Sanon responds to Kangana Ranaut’s critici…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has responded to criticism surrounding a jewellery company’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement after the campaign sparked controversy over her outfit. The advertisement featured Sanon celebrating Raksha Bandhan a Hindu festival during which sisters traditionally tie a sacred thread, known as a rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists. In the campaign Sanon was shown wearing a top and skirt while taking part in the festival celebrations. The advertisement was removed following criticism from some sections of social media users who considered the actress’s outfit inappropriate for a traditional Hindu festival. Responding to the criticism Sanon said that culture and traditions are part of a woman’s heart rather than being determined by the neckline of her clothing. The controversy intensified on Tuesday after Bollywood actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut criticized the advertisement. Although Ranaut did not directly mention Sanon’s name in her social media post, her comments appeared to be directed at the actress and the campaign. Ranaut questioned why a woman would choose to wear what she described as a bikini while tying a rakhi to her brother when women have many different clothing options available to them. Her comments quickly attracted attention online with some social media users agreeing with her criticism of Sanon’s outfit. Several users argued that clothing choices should be more sensitive to the cultural and religious significance of traditional festivals. One social media commentator described Sanon’s top as too short and argued that there should be clear limits when portraying Hindu festivals in advertising. The debate has since expanded beyond the advertisement itself raising broader questions about women’s clothing, cultural traditions and the way religious festivals are represented in commercial campaigns. Sanon’s response has also added another dimension to the discussion with the actress emphasizing that cultural identity and traditions should not be judged solely by a woman’s clothing. The controversy highlights the growing influence of social media on advertising campaigns in India where brands can face significant public pressure over the representation of religion, culture and social values. As the debate continues the Raksha Bandhan advertisement has become a wider discussion about personal choice, cultural sensitivity and the expectations placed on women’s appearance during traditional celebrations.

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    One rangers personnel martyred, another injured in…

    ByJustpaste.in

    MUZAFFARABAD: One Rangers personnel was martyred and another seriously injured after an armed group opened fire during a road clearance operation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), according to security sources. The incident occurred during a clearance operation on the Sarsawa-Tatrar-Khal road, where security personnel were working to clear the route and facilitate the reopening of blocked roads for local residents. According to security sources, the armed group targeted the Rangers personnel with sniper fireduring the operation. The sudden attack resulted in two personnel sustaining gunshot wounds. The sources said Sepoy Shahnawaz, a Rangers soldier, was struck by a bullet in the chest and succumbed to his injuries. Another Rangers personnel, Lance Naik Bilal, was shot in the shoulder and suffered serious injuries. Following the attack, security personnel took steps to secure the area and deal with the situation. Further details regarding the attackers and their whereabouts were not immediately available. Security sources said the martyred Rangers personnel, Sepoy Shahnawaz, belonged to Khairpur, Sindh. His death has added to the concerns surrounding the security situation during operations to reopen roads in the region. The clearance operation was reportedly launched following strong demands from local residents, who had called for blocked routes to be reopened. The operation was aimed at removing obstacles and ensuring that transportation could resume on roads used by residents of the affected areas. The attack occurred while security personnel were carrying out their duties, highlighting the risks faced by law-enforcement and security forces during road clearance and security operations. According to the sources, the use of sniper fire made the attack particularly dangerous, as personnel involved in the clearance operation were exposed to gunfire while attempting to restore access to the road. The injured Rangers personnel, Lance Naik Bilal, was reportedly in serious condition after sustaining a bullet wound to his shoulder. Further information regarding his medical condition and treatment was not immediately available. Authorities are expected to take further security measures in the area following the incident. The identities and motives of those involved in the attack have yet to be officially disclosed. The road clearance operation itself was being conducted in response to demands from residents who wanted the closed routes reopened. Such roads are important for the movement of local communities, particularly in areas where residents depend on road links for transportation and access to essential services. The incident has also raised concerns over the security challenges faced by personnel deployed to clear and reopen routes in areas where tensions or unrest may be present. Security officials have not yet provided details about whether any arrests have been made or whether the attackers were identified. It was also not immediately clear if the clearance operation would continue following the attack. The martyrdom of Sepoy Shahnawaz and the injury to Lance Naik Bilal underline the dangers faced by security personnel while carrying out operations intended to restore road access for civilians. Authorities are likely to assess the security situation before proceeding with further clearance activities. Meanwhile, efforts to restore normal movement on the affected road remain a key concern for local residents. Further developments are expected as authorities investigate the attack and determine the circumstances surrounding the sniper firing.

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    Lahore custody deaths: Punjab police says women di…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Punjab Inspector General Rao Abdul Karim has said that there is no evidence of physical torture or police violence in the deaths of two women who died after being taken into custody at a Lahore police station. The two women 17-year-old Amna and 22-year-old Anmol were sisters-in-law. They were arrested on August 4 in connection with a case involving alleged theft and fraud and were taken to Township Police Station in Lahore. According to police both women developed health problems within a few hours of their detention. They were subsequently taken to hospital, where they died. Speaking to the media on Tuesday night Punjab IG Rao Abdul Karim said a transparent and impartial investigation had been conducted into the incident. He claimed that a medical board had found no evidence of physical torture external injuries or wounds on the bodies of either woman. He also said that a separate magisterial inquiry conducted under Section 176 of the Code of Criminal Procedure found no evidence of police torture. The investigation included a detailed review of available CCTV footage while statements from police officers and witnesses were also recorded according to the Punjab police chief. The IG further said that the initial medical examination found multiple injection marks on the women’s arms. According to him, the marks were consistent with repeated use of injectable substances. The Punjab Forensic Science Authority collected the necessary forensic samples for further investigation and the forensic report has now been received. Citing the forensic findings, the Punjab IG claimed that both women were habitual users of different types of drugs. He said the medical board had concluded that their deaths resulted from cardiac arrest caused by a drug overdose. The police chief also claimed that both women had previous criminal cases registered against them in Lahore and Gujrat in connection with alleged fraud and cheating. He added that a review of CCTV footage showed that the women’s clothes had already been torn before they were taken into police custody. The deaths have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the women’s detention and the events that occurred before they were taken to hospital. While the Punjab police has ruled out torture based on the available medical, forensic and investigative findings the case has attracted significant public attention. The findings of the medical and forensic investigations are expected to remain central to any further legal or public scrutiny of the Lahore custody deaths.

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    Why is the risk of an India-China clash rising in …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Tensions along the India-China border remain a major security concern, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh despite recent efforts by both countries to improve relations and maintain peace along their disputed frontier. India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Kumar Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently held talks in Beijing on the long-running border dispute. The meeting marked the 25th round of discussions between the two countries special representatives on the boundary issue. Following the talks China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Wang Yi emphasized the importance of stable relations between China and India. He described the two countries as important neighbours and emerging economies arguing that improved and stable bilateral relations are in the fundamental interests of both populations. According to the Chinese statement Wang called for a strategic and long-term approach to bilateral relations stronger communication and efforts to reduce differences. He also urged both sides to remove obstacles and promote cooperation as good neighbours and friendly partners. Doval also struck a conciliatory tone during the discussions. According to the Chinese statement he said India and China are ancient civilizations with large populations and important economies adding that the two countries should be viewed as partners rather than rivals. Doval reportedly said that under the guidance of the leadership of both countries India-China relations had returned to the right track. He also said overall peace had been maintained in border areas and that exchanges and cooperation in several fields were making progress. However, the disputed border remains a sensitive issue. Arunachal Pradesh is particularly important because China claims large parts of the Indian-administered territory and refers to the region as “Zangnan” or southern Tibet. India firmly rejects China’s territorial claims and considers Arunachal Pradesh an integral part of the country. The two sides have previously experienced serious confrontations along the Line of Actual Control making border management and military deployments highly sensitive. During the latest talks both sides discussed advancing negotiations on boundary demarcation strengthening border management mechanisms improving procedures and expanding cross-border cooperation. Although the latest diplomatic engagement indicates that both countries are seeking to prevent further escalation unresolved territorial claims and military activity continue to create the possibility of confrontation. The key challenge for India and China will be to maintain dialogue while managing their competing territorial claims and preventing local disputes from developing into a broader military crisis.

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    Rs22 Billion allocated to PIMS, 14 newborns dead

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: A deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on August 26 resulted in the deaths of at least 14 newborns, raising serious questions about safety standards, hospital management and the use of public funds. The tragedy has brought renewed attention to the financial resources provided to the country’s major public hospitals. Federal government records show that approximately Rs22 billion was allocated to PIMS over the past three years. Despite these substantial allocations, the hospital continues to face staff shortages, maintenance concerns and problems with essential equipment Official budget figures show that PIMS received an allocation of Rs6.84 billion during the previous financial year. However, the hospital spent approximately Rs7.51 billion, exceeding its approved budget by around Rs670 million.The institution also received an additional Rs660 million in supplementary funds during the year.For the current financial year, the government’s allocation for PIMS has been increased to approximately Rs7.63 billion. Questions have also been raised over funds allocated for repair and maintenance. The federal government had previously provided Rs500 million under this category, while only Rs230 million has been earmarked for the current year. These figures have prompted concerns over whether available resources are being effectively utilised and whether sufficient priority is being given to basic safety, maintenance and patient care. Despite receiving billions of rupees in government funding, PIMS is reportedly operating with a significant shortage of staff. Hospital data indicates that 949 sanctioned positions remain vacant. These include 385 doctors, 363 nurses and 201 paramedical staff. Such shortages can place additional pressure on existing employees and affect the hospital’s ability to provide timely care. Understaffed wards can also make emergency response more difficult, particularly in critical departments where patients require continuous monitoring. The PIMS fire has therefore intensified questions about whether staffing gaps and inadequate resources played any role in the tragedy. Determining the exact causes, however, will require a transparent and independent investigation. The concerns surrounding PIMS are part of a broader debate over safety and accountability in Pakistan’s public hospitals. A review of reported incidents between 2016 and 2026 has highlighted several cases involving alleged negligence and failures in healthcare facilities across the country. In June 2025, 20 children, including 15 newborns, reportedly died at DHQ Hospital Pakpattan, with oxygen shortage cited as a possible factor. In October 2020, seven patients died at Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar following an oxygen supply failure. In November 2024, a three-year-old child reportedly fell into an open manhole inside Children’s Hospital Lahore. Other reported incidents across different cities have involved alleged treatment delays, incorrect injections, oxygen-related problems and unsafe hospital infrastructure. The PIMS tragedy has once again raised questions about whether increasing government allocations are producing meaningful improvements in public healthcare. The government has ordered an inquiry into the fire, which is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify any negligence or safety failures. For the families who lost their newborns, however, no investigation can undo the loss. The central question now is whether the billions allocated to PIMS have been used effectively and whether hospital authorities maintained adequate staffing, equipment, fire-safety systems and infrastructure. If a major public hospital receiving billions in government funding cannot guarantee basic safety for vulnerable patients, accountability must extend beyond temporary suspensions or administrative changes. The tragedy has highlighted the urgent need for stronger oversight, transparent financial management, adequate staffing and enforceable safety standards across Pakistan’s public healthcare system.

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    Sindh empowers Deputy Commissioners to manage Evac…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Sindh government has expanded the powers of deputy commissioners by appointing them as administrators of evacuee trust properties in their respective districts. According to a notification issued by the Sindh Minorities Affairs Department all deputy commissioners in the province have been given additional responsibilities to oversee and protect evacuee trust properties. Under the new arrangement deputy commissioners will supervise commercial, agricultural and religious properties located within their districts. They will also be responsible for ensuring the proper management protection and regulation of these properties. The move is aimed at strengthening the administrative oversight of evacuee trust properties and ensuring that such assets are properly managed at the district level. The notification gives deputy commissioners specific powers to regulate and protect these properties. They will also be required to establish district-level committees to assist with the administration and management of evacuee trust properties. The Sindh government’s decision is expected to provide a more centralized administrative mechanism for dealing with properties under the relevant trust arrangements. District administrations will now have a greater role in monitoring these assets and addressing issues related to their management. The new powers cover different categories of properties including commercial agricultural and religious assets. Deputy commissioners will oversee these properties within their respective jurisdictions and take administrative measures under the authority granted by the provincial government. The notification further states that the new orders will take effect immediately. The decision comes as provincial authorities seek to strengthen the protection and regulation of properties that fall under the evacuee trust framework. By assigning these responsibilities to deputy commissioners the government has placed district administrations at the center of the property management process. The formation of district-level committees is also expected to help deputy commissioners carry out their new responsibilities and improve coordination between relevant departments. The Sindh government has not indicated that the new arrangement is temporary. With immediate effect deputy commissioners across the province will exercise their newly assigned administrator powers and oversee evacuee trust properties within their districts. The development represents a significant expansion of the administrative role of deputy commissioners in Sindh and gives district authorities greater responsibility for the protection regulation and management of evacuee trust properties

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    GB to auction hunting permits for Markhor, blue Sh…

    ByJustpaste.in

    GILGIT: The Parks and Wildlife Department of Gilgit-Baltistan is set to auction hunting permits for three Astore markhors, 14 blue sheep and 100 Himalayan ibexes under the region’s Trophy Hunting Programme for the 2026-27 season. The base price for an Astore markhor permit has been fixed at $200,000, making it the most expensive permit on offer. The minimum price for a blue sheep permit has been set at $25,000, while permits for Himalayan ibex will start at $11,000. According to the auction notice, four Astore markhors are included in the exportable quota. However, one permit from the previous hunting season has been carried forward, leaving three fresh permits to be auctioned this year. The open auction will take place on September 10 at the Forest Complex in Jutial, Gilgit. The trophy hunting season will begin on October 15, 2026, and continue until April 10, 2027, in accordance with the GB Trophy Hunting Guidelines 2019. Hunting will be permitted only within officially designated conservation areas. The department said the annual hunting quota has been determined following wildlife population surveys conducted by experts. GB Chief Conservator Parks and Wildlife Zakir Hussain said that the department collected approximately Rs350 million through permit auctions last year against a target of Rs550 million. He said several permits remained unused during the 2025-26 season, including those for two Astore markhors, five blue sheep and 10 exportable Himalayan ibexes. The unused permits resulted in an estimated revenue loss of around Rs200 million. According to officials, the cancellation of hunting plans by American and other international hunters was linked to the law-and-order situation following violent protests in Gilgit and Skardu. Local business owners and tourism operators have expressed concern over repeated increases in trophy hunting permit prices. They argue that higher baseline rates have discouraged foreign hunters and negatively affected businesses connected with hunting tourism. Ikram Beg, a local business owner who sells hunting equipment, said the trophy hunting programme was facing significant challenges. He claimed that the Wildlife Department had increased baseline prices by more than 300 per cent over the past two years without adequately incorporating recommendations from major stakeholders. According to Beg, excessive price increases could make Gilgit-Baltistan less competitive in the international trophy hunting market. He warned that declining international participation could reduce government and community revenues while weakening incentives for local residents to participate in wildlife conservation. Beg stressed that trophy hunting should primarily serve as a conservation mechanism rather than simply becoming a source of increased government revenue. He said the programme’s long-term success depends on reasonable pricing, international participation, transparent administration and meaningful financial benefits for local communities. Local stakeholders have called for a review of the permit rates and greater consultation with communities, conservation specialists and industry representatives. They have also demanded transparency and strict adherence to applicable rules and regulations. Although trophy hunting remains controversial internationally, its supporters argue that regulated hunting can generate funds for conservation, discourage illegal hunting and provide financial benefits to communities living near wildlife habitats. In Gilgit-Baltistan, the programme began with community participation in Bar Valley, Nagar, in 1990. Under the existing revenue-sharing model, approximately 80 per cent of licence revenue goes to local communitiesfor wildlife protection and conservation activities. The region’s challenging terrain and harsh weather also make trophy hunting highly demanding. Hunters must navigate steep and rugged mountain slopes while dealing with extremely cold conditions. Gilgit-Baltistan is home to diverse wildlife because of its varied ecosystems and climate. Species found in the region include Marco Polo sheep, ibex, markhor, urial, blue sheep, lynx, snow leopards, brown and black bears, wolves, foxes and golden eagles. However, wildlife experts and conservationists continue to face concerns over illegal hunting, inadequate wildlife management and the effects of climate change, all of which pose long-term threats to the region’s biodiversity.

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    Rs1.52 billion still unpaid by Chanar Sugar Mills,…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: Outstanding payments owed by M/s Chanar Sugar Mills Limited have reached approximately Rs1.518 billion, with liabilities accumulating across four crushing seasons, according to official data updated on August 24, 2026. The figures show that the amount determined by the Directorate General of Food/CCPb against the sugar mill for the crushing seasons from 2022-23 through 2025-26 totals Rs2.103 billion. Of this amount, around Rs1.518 billion remains unpaid. The latest data indicates that the largest outstanding liability relates to the 2025-26 crushing season. The mill has yet to clear Rs802.19 million determined for that season, representing the entire amount recorded against it. For the 2024-25 season, Rs588.14 million was determined, while approximately Rs341.94 million remains outstanding. Similarly, against Rs552.17 million determined for the 2023-24 season, around Rs347.63 million is still pending. The oldest outstanding amount relates to the 2022-23 crushing season. Against Rs160.25 million determined for that period, Rs26.73 million remains unpaid. The figures highlight the continuing issue of delayed payments within the sugar sector, where outstanding dues can create financial pressure for growers and other stakeholders dependent on timely settlements. The accumulation of unpaid liabilities across multiple crushing seasons has also raised concerns about the timely clearance of dues ahead of the next crushing cycle. Stakeholders have called for effective enforcement and prompt settlement of outstanding amounts to protect the interests of farmers and support the smooth functioning of the sugar industry. The latest official figures underline the scale of the pending liabilities and place renewed focus on the mechanisms available to authorities for ensuring that assessed payments are recovered within the prescribed timeframe.