سندھ

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

The vice chancellors of eight public-sector universities in Sindh have reportedly begun efforts to secure extensions as their first terms in office are set to expire over the coming months. The development follows the reported extension granted to Professor Dr Nusrat Shah, vice chancellor of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University Larkana and daughter of former Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. According to reports, the first four-year term of Dr Nusrat Shah is due to end on January 1, 2027. Sources at the Sindh Chief Minister’s House said a summary seeking her extension has reached the chief minister while reports suggest that approval may already have been granted. However, the reported approval has not been independently confirmed. The extension issue is expected to become a major challenge for the Sindh government which serves as the controlling authority for public universities in the province. Sources said that the reported development regarding Dr Nusrat Shah has encouraged other vice chancellors whose tenures are also approaching completion to seek extensions. The vice chancellors of several universities are expected to complete their current terms between January and March 2027. Among them are Dr Iqbal Uddin Aijaz of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro and Dr Zahid Hussain Khand of Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage Sukkur. Their five-year terms are expected to end on January 1 and January 19, 2027, respectively. Sources said summaries concerning their possible extensions could also be forwarded to the provincial government soon. The report also mentions a controversy involving Dr Iqbaluddin Aijaz with questions reportedly being raised over multiple gold medals awarded to his son at the university. The issue could potentially affect consideration of his extension, according to sources. Other university heads whose terms are approaching completion include Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro University Vice Chancellor Arabela Bhutto, IBA Sukkur Vice Chancellor Dr Asif Sheikh, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Vice Chancellor Dr Taha Hussain, Nusrat Bhutto Women University Sukkur Vice Chancellor Tehmina Nungraj and Dawood University of Engineering and Technology Karachi Vice Chancellor Dr Samreen Hussain. The provincial government has recently extended the tenure of only one vice chancellor, Dr Amjad Siraj Memon of Jinnah Sindh Medical University. Meanwhile, extension proposals for Dr Khalid Iraqi and Dr Farooq Hassan have reportedly been rejected. The emerging situation is likely to place further attention on the Sindh government’s policy for appointing and extending the terms of public university vice chancellors.

A young girl undergoing cancer treatment was reportedly caught in a Karachi traffic jam while her family was taking her to a hospital for a medical check-up on Thursday. According to local media reports, the girl and her family became stuck near Essa Nagri after residents staged a protest over prolonged electricity and water outages in the area. The demonstration resulted in severe traffic congestion and long queues of vehicles on surrounding roads. The girl’s family said they were taking her to hospital for a scheduled check-up when they became trapped in the traffic. According to the family, the child is suffering from chest cancer and had a urine bag attached to her at the time, making the delay particularly distressing. Residents said they had been facing shortages of both electricity and water for around 15 days. Frustrated by the prolonged disruption, they took to the streets to demand an improvement in basic services. The protest caused significant disruption to traffic movement in the area. The road connecting Gharibabad to Hasan Square was reportedly closed to traffic, with vehicles being diverted through Liaquatabad No. 10, Karimabad and an internal bypass near Gharibabad. Traffic heading from the Hasan Square U-turn was also diverted towards University Road and NIPA. Meanwhile, motorists travelling from Hasan Square towards Liaquatabad faced further congestion and delays. The incident has drawn attention to the difficult balance between residents’ right to protest over essential services and the impact such demonstrations can have on emergency and medical journeys. For the affected family, the traffic jam created an especially difficult situation because of the child’s medical condition and the need to reach the hospital on time. The case also highlights the broader consequences of prolonged civic service disruptions, which can affect not only daily commuters but also patients requiring urgent or scheduled medical care. Residents maintain that repeated power and water outages have left them with little choice but to protest. Authorities, meanwhile, face the challenge of resolving the underlying service complaints while ensuring that major roads remain accessible, particularly for ambulances and people travelling for medical treatment. The situation has once again highlighted Karachi’s traffic and infrastructure challenges, as protests and road closures can quickly cause widespread congestion across major routes.

Karachi police have arrested a man accused of stealing Rs. 36 million in cash from his friend’s house, successfully recovering the entire amount during a targeted operation. According to District West Police, the suspect had hidden the stolen money beneath a pile of sand and gravel at his home. Police spokespersons said the burglary was reported by complainant Fayaz Khan, a mobile phone trader. At the time of the incident, Khan was at work while his family had traveled to their hometown, leaving the house unoccupied. The suspect allegedly took advantage of the situation and broke into the residence, making off with a large amount of cash. Following the report, investigators collected evidence from the crime scene and launched an inquiry. During the investigation, police received confidential information that led them to the complainant’s close friend, identified as Zeeshan. After questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the burglary. Based on the suspect’s disclosure, police conducted a search of his residence. During the operation, officers recovered the full Rs. 36 million in stolen cash, which had been concealed beneath sand and gravel in an apparent attempt to avoid detection. The successful recovery brought the investigation to a significant breakthrough. According to police, the recovered money has been taken into custody as evidence and will be returned to its rightful owner after the completion of legal formalities. Authorities described the operation as the result of timely investigation, evidence collection, and intelligence-based policing. The arrested suspect has been handed over to the investigation wing for further questioning. Police are now examining whether anyone else assisted in planning or carrying out the burglary. Investigators are also trying to determine how the suspect obtained detailed knowledge of the victim’s home and the cash stored inside. Police have advised residents to avoid keeping large amounts of cash at home whenever possible and to strengthen home security measures, especially when houses are left vacant. They also urged citizens to be cautious about sharing personal or financial information, even with close acquaintances. The case serves as a reminder that crimes can sometimes involve people known to the victim. Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings.

The Sindh College Education Department has officially announced the merit list for Intermediate admissions in government colleges across Karachi, marking an important step for thousands of students seeking admission after completing their matriculation. The newly published lists include the names of students who have successfully secured seats in various government colleges based on merit. According to the department, admissions have been granted strictly on academic performance, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process. Students who have been selected are advised to review the merit list carefully and complete all remaining admission formalities within the given deadline. Officials have confirmed that more than 160,000 applications were received for Intermediate admissions from across Sindh this year. Karachi alone accounted for the largest share, with 98,646 students applying for admission to government colleges. The high number of applications reflects the growing demand for quality public education in the city. The Directorate General of Colleges has instructed all selected students to confirm their admission no later than July 31. Candidates who fail to complete the confirmation process within the deadline may lose their allotted seats, which could then be offered to other eligible applicants under the merit system. Students are encouraged to check their admission status through the official admission portal or by visiting their allocated college. They should also ensure that all required documents are submitted on time to avoid unnecessary delays in the admission process. The education department has emphasized that admissions are being conducted entirely on merit, with students placed in colleges according to their academic scores and available seats. Those who were not selected in the first list may still have an opportunity if additional merit lists are released after the confirmation period. Education experts advise students and parents to stay updated with official announcements and complete every admission requirement before the deadline. Timely confirmation is essential for securing a place in the preferred college and beginning the new academic session without complications. With thousands of students preparing to start their Intermediate education, the release of the merit list represents a significant milestone in the annual admission process. Applicants should act promptly to secure their seats and ensure a smooth transition into the next stage of their academic journey.

Karachi Police have arrested a woman allegedly involved in a series of motorcycle thefts during an operation in the Soldier Bazaar area. The suspect, identified as Sehar Batool, was taken into custody after police acted on intelligence and analyzed CCTV footage. Her husband, who is also wanted in connection with the case, managed to flee and remains at large. According to police officials, the couple is suspected of carrying out numerous motorcycle lifting incidents across different parts of Karachi. Investigators believe they worked together to target parked motorcycles before fleeing the scene with the stolen vehicles. Authorities said CCTV footage played a crucial role in identifying the suspects. The recordings reportedly captured the husband and wife taking away motorcycles, providing investigators with key evidence that led to the woman’s arrest. During the operation, police also recovered a motorcycle from the suspect’s possession. Officials are verifying whether the recovered vehicle matches any of the motorcycles reported stolen in recent cases. A criminal case has been registered against the arrested woman and her absconding husband under the relevant legal provisions. Police have launched a search operation to locate the fugitive suspect while continuing their investigation to determine whether other individuals were involved in the alleged theft network. Law enforcement authorities have urged motorcycle owners to take preventive measures, including parking their vehicles in secure locations, using reliable locking systems, and reporting suspicious activity to the police. Officials say public cooperation, along with surveillance technology, continues to play an important role in tackling vehicle theft across the city. The investigation remains ongoing, and police expect further developments as efforts continue to apprehend the remaining suspect and recover additional stolen motorcycles.

Karachi police say the alleged suspect in the abduction and murder of a six-year-old girl was killed during a shootout in the city’s Keamari district after reportedly opening fire on officers attempting to arrest him. According to police, the case was registered at Jackson Police Station under charges related to kidnapping for ransom and murder following the disappearance and killing of the young girl. Investigators relied on CCTV footage collected from multiple locations, along with technical and forensic evidence, to identify and trace the suspect. Police said they received credible intelligence about the suspect’s location in the Mubarak Mosque area within the limits of Jackson Police Station. When officers arrived to carry out the arrest, the suspect allegedly opened fire on the police team. Officers returned fire, and the suspect sustained gunshot wounds. He later died from his injuries, according to the police statement. Following the incident, authorities secured the scene, collected evidence, and initiated legal and forensic procedures. Police said a separate case regarding the exchange of fire is also being registered, while investigations into the girl’s abduction and murder continue. The body of the six-year-old victim was recovered from bushes in Karachi’s Manora area. Police Surgeon Dr. Sumaiyya Syed said the child had been subjected to sexual assault and that multiple injuries were found on her body. Forensic samples have been collected, while the final cause of death will be determined after laboratory reports are completed. Investigators said they are continuing to examine CCTV footage, forensic findings, medico-legal reports, and other technical evidence to establish all circumstances surrounding the crime and determine whether anyone else may have been involved. The tragic case has sparked widespread concern over child safety and violent crimes against minors, with many calling for swift justice and stronger measures to protect children from such offences.