diphtheria claims children
| |

Diphtheria claims 13 children in Sindh as suspecte…

ByJustpaste.in

Karachi: Health authorities have raised concerns over the increasing number of diphtheria cases in Sindh after 13 children died from the infectious disease at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital in Karachi’s NIPA area this year.

The latest figures have intensified public health concerns, coming amid a rise in other infectious diseases across the province. According to hospital data, 30 diphtheria cases have been reported at the Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital so far in 2026, with 13 children succumbing to the illness.

Nationwide surveillance data shows that Pakistan recorded 308 suspected diphtheria cases between January and June this year. Sindh reported 113 suspected cases, the highest among all provinces, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 87 cases, Balochistan with 64, Punjab with 35, Islamabad with seven, and Gilgit-Baltistan with two.

Health experts describe diphtheria as a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads from person to person, particularly among children who are not fully vaccinated. The disease primarily affects the throat and airways and can become life-threatening if left untreated.

Early symptoms include swollen glands in the neck, the formation of a thick gray membrane in the throat, high fever, severe sore throat, and difficulty breathing. Doctors warn that these symptoms should not be ignored, as delayed treatment can lead to serious complications or death.

Medical experts are urging parents to ensure their children receive routine vaccinations and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of diphtheria appear. They also stress the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment to reduce the risk of severe illness and prevent further spread of the infection.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while encouraging the public to remain vigilant and follow recommended immunization schedules.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Wildfires keep Spain and France on alert amid extr…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Firefighters battling wildfires across Spain and France warned Wednesday that the risk of additional blazes remains very high in the coming days, even as a major fire in Spain’s central Guadalajara province eased enough to allow some residents to return home. Wildfires have already scorched more land across Europe this year than the continent’s average over the past two decades, according to available data, as the world’s fastest warming continent endures its third stifling heatwave in close succession this year. In France, where two firefighters died Tuesday after their truck became engulfed in flames in the southwestern Gironde region, authorities urged residents in areas affected by the heat to avoid using barbecues, stressing that nine out of ten wildfires start as a result of human activity, whether accidental or not. Meanwhile, in the Western Balkans, the nature of the threat has shifted from heat to hailstorms, with several people injured in North Macedonia and eastern Kosovo. Scientists say human driven climate change continues to intensify heatwaves, droughts and wildfires, while also creating conditions that can trigger sudden and destructive storms. Real time data from a climate monitoring tool showed the average high temperature across Western Europe is forecast to reach 26.6 degrees Celsius, about 3 degrees above the historical norm for July 22 based on the 1961 to 1990 reference period. Spain’s most severe wildfire so far this year has burned an estimated 32,000 hectares in the Guadalajara region. The fire began to stabilize Tuesday after forcing evacuations across 34 municipalities and confinement orders in 14 others. Castilla La Mancha’s regional fire service, INFOCAM, said residents of five villages have been allowed to return home, though other restrictions remain in place. Visiting the affected region Wednesday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain has already experienced 22 major wildfires this year. He said the country has already surpassed 100,000 hectares burned before even reaching the most critical period of the wildfire season, noting that figure matches Spain’s annual average over the past decade. He added that more action is needed to prevent future fires. Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, said wildfire danger remains very high or extreme across most of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands and is expected to climb further in the coming days. The agency urged extreme caution as the ongoing heatwave combines with dry thunderstorms and Saharan dust blowing into the region. While temperatures are expected to ease slightly in some areas Thursday, forecasters expect a dry westerly wind to drive a fresh surge of heat into Mediterranean regions, where highs of 42 to 44 degrees Celsius could be recorded in some locations. The back to back heatwaves and wildfires this summer add to a growing pattern of extreme weather events across southern Europe, with officials in both Spain and France continuing to stress prevention measures as the region moves deeper into what is traditionally its most dangerous period for wildfire activity.

  • | | | |

    Pakistan-US relations strengthen as PM Shehbaz Sha…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed a bipartisan delegation from the United States Congress in Islamabad, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across key economic and strategic sectors. The meeting underscored the growing momentum in Pakistan-US relations and highlighted the importance of continued dialogue between the two countries. The U.S. congressional delegation included Representatives Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch, and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker. During the discussions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the visiting lawmakers and described their visit as a positive step toward deepening cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. He also congratulated the American people on the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and conveyed his best wishes to President Donald Trump. The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for President Trump’s role in helping reduce tensions between Pakistan and India during the 2025 crisis. Referring to the ceasefire reached in May 2025, Shehbaz Sharif said diplomatic engagement helped prevent further escalation and contributed to regional stability. This reflects the Prime Minister’s stated position regarding the events. Highlighting future opportunities, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is keen to enhance collaboration with the United States in trade, investment, agriculture, information technology, mining, minerals, and energy. He emphasized that stronger economic cooperation should remain a cornerstone of the bilateral partnership. The visiting U.S. lawmakers thanked the Prime Minister for the warm hospitality extended during their visit. They noted that President Trump’s positive relationship with Pakistan’s leadership has had a favorable impact on bilateral engagement. They also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability. Both sides agreed on the importance of increasing exchanges between lawmakers from Pakistan and the United States. They said more frequent parliamentary visits could strengthen mutual understanding and support long-term cooperation. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted a reception for a delegation of U.S. corporate executives visiting Pakistan. The business delegation included representatives from the information technology, technology, energy, mining, manufacturing, and other industries. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to building a stronger economic partnership with the United States. He encouraged American companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan and emphasized the valuable role of the Pakistani-American community in fostering closer ties between the two nations. The meeting reflects both countries’ interest in maintaining constructive diplomatic engagement while expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and regional stability.

  • | | |

    Security forces kill 10 militants in two Khyber Pa…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Security forces have killed 10 militants of Fitna al-Khawarij in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The first operation was conducted in the Azam Warsak area of South Waziristan district after a group of militants attacked security forces’ check posts. According to ISPR, security personnel responded effectively to the attack, resulting in an exchange of fire. Eight militants were killed during the operation. The second operation was carried out in Dir district, where security forces killed two more militants. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the possession of the slain militants. ISPR said the militants killed in the operations had been involved in several terrorist activities in the area. The military’s media wing said security forces are continuing intelligence-based counterterrorism operations under the government’s vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam” to eliminate terrorism and maintain peace and stability in the region.

  • |

    Lahore High Court rules abused women retain dower rights following divorce

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Lahore High Court has ruled that a woman who seeks a divorce on the grounds of her husband’s cruelty, abuse, or marital misconduct is not automatically deprived of her right to receive her unpaid dower, known as haq mehr. Delivering the judgment, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani dismissed a petition filed by a man challenging lower court decisions in Toba Tek Singh that awarded 50 percent of a deferred dower to his former wife, Nisha Shahid. The petitioner argued that under family law provisions, the court lacked a legal basis to grant dower following a khula dissolution. However, the High Court drew a clear distinction between a standard khula, where a woman seeks separation solely due to personal incompatibility, and a judicial dissolution triggered by a husband’s mistreatment. The court clarified that abuse encompasses physical violence as well as psychological, emotional, verbal, and economic misconduct, noting that a wife is not required to present formal medical reports or police filings to establish her claim. The ruling directed Family Courts to assess the underlying causes of a marital breakdown rather than stripping a woman of her dower rights purely because the separation is categorized as a khula. Additionally, the Lahore High Court recommended that the Punjab government and the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan update relevant family laws to ensure clear determinations of fault in dower disputes.

  • |

    Viral 1970s PTV clip reignites debate over changing TV standards

    ByJustpaste.in

    A vintage clip from a 1970s Pakistan Television (PTV) drama has gone viral on social media, reigniting conversations about how the country’s television industry and cultural standards have changed over the decades. PTV, Pakistan’s oldest television network, first went on air in November 1964 and quickly became known for producing memorable dramas, educational programs, and family-oriented entertainment. Many of its productions from the 1960s and 1970s are still remembered for their strong storytelling, talented actors, and high production quality. Over the years, however, the broadcaster’s programming evolved alongside Pakistan’s changing political and social landscape. The recently resurfaced clip is from the classic PTV play Parchaiyaan. In the scene, several female characters are seen wearing elegant sarees paired with sleeveless blouses, a fashion choice that has caught many younger viewers by surprise. The attire, which reflected the style of that era, has sparked widespread discussion online, with many people saying such costumes would be unlikely to appear on mainstream Pakistani television today. The video quickly gained traction across social media platforms, where users compared the fashion and creative freedom of the 1970s with modern television standards. Many viewers expressed surprise that such scenes were once broadcast on the country’s state-owned television network. Some social media users described the clip as evidence that Pakistani television once embraced a more modern and progressive visual style. Others questioned whether the footage was authentic, with one user asking if it had really aired on PTV. Another remarked that the television industry of the time appeared far more liberal than many people assume today. Not everyone viewed the clip positively. Some users argued that the clothing shown in the scene was too revealing by today’s standards, while others said the discussion highlighted how cultural expectations and public attitudes have shifted over the decades. Several viewers, however, praised the actresses featured in the clip for carrying the traditional outfits with grace and elegance. One user admired the woman dressed in a black saree, saying she wore the outfit confidently despite the short-sleeved blouse. Others pointed out that sarees were a common part of formal fashion in Pakistan during that period, particularly among urban families and in television productions. The viral discussion has also revived broader conversations about the evolution of Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Many users reflected on how television content has changed over time due to shifting social values, cultural preferences, and broadcasting policies. Some believe earlier productions offered greater artistic freedom, while others argue that changing audience expectations naturally influenced the direction of television programming. As the clip continues to circulate online, it serves as a reminder of how fashion, media, and public opinion evolve across generations. Whether viewed as a symbol of artistic expression or simply a reflection of its time, the decades-old scene has once again placed PTV’s rich television history at the center of public conversation.

  • | |

    Two women allegedly harassed on Karachi streets

    ByJustpaste.in

    Two separate videos showing alleged harassment of women on the streets of Karachi have surfaced, raising concerns about women’s safety in public places. In the first incident, a motorcyclist allegedly harassed a woman who was walking along a road in Orangi Town. The suspect reportedly approached the woman, committed the alleged act and fled the scene. According to the footage, the incident took place at around 9am. The video has circulated widely and reportedly shows the suspect’s face clearly enough to assist with his identification. A similar incident was reported in the Al-Falah area of Malir. In that case, a motorcyclist allegedly harassed a woman while she was walking on the road. CCTV footage of the incident surfaced a day earlier. The two incidents have sparked concern over the safety of women in Karachi. The circulation of the videos has also prompted calls for authorities to identify the suspects and take appropriate legal action. No suspect has been arrested in either case so far. There is also no confirmed report of a formal complaint being registered by either of the affected women. Authorities have yet to provide further details about the incidents or confirm whether investigations have been formally launched.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *