Ibrahim Zadran stars as Jaffna Kings beat Colombo …

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has identified 741 dilapidated and dangerous buildings across the province. The disclosure was made during a meeting of the Sindh Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Karachi. The meeting was chaired by PAC Chairman Nisar Khuhro. According to an official statement, the SBCA briefed the committee about the condition of buildings across Sindh. The authority said a large number of unsafe structures were located in Karachi. Of the 741 dangerous buildings identified across the province, 588 are situated in Karachi. The figure includes 444 buildings classified as heritage structures. The SBCA also informed the committee about steps taken to deal with buildings that pose risks to residents and the public. According to the authority, approval has been granted to evacuate 59 dilapidated buildings. Permission has also been given to demolish 39 structures considered dangerous. The issue of heritage buildings also came under discussion during the meeting. The Public Accounts Committee decided to summon the Heritage Committee at its next session. It also sought a detailed report on buildings constructed illegally around the Mazar-i-Quaid. The committee expressed concern over unauthorised construction in important areas of Karachi. It directed the relevant authorities to provide complete details of such structures. The meeting also discussed illegal housing schemes operating in Karachi. The committee was informed about 58 unauthorised housing schemes in the city. The PAC directed authorities to take steps to prevent people from investing in these illegal schemes. It also ordered action against individuals and groups involved in operating them. The committee further directed officials to identify and disclose the names of people involved in the illegal housing projects. The latest disclosure has raised concerns over the safety of residents living in old and structurally weak buildings across Sindh. The authorities are now expected to take further measures to identify unsafe structures, evacuate residents where necessary and remove buildings that pose an immediate threat. The issue is particularly significant in Karachi, where hundreds of old and heritage buildings are located in densely populated areas.

Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) has issued two separate notifications regarding the retirement and subsequent contractual appointment of Professor Dr Nighat Shah, daughter of former Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. According to the university’s notifications, Dr Nighat Shah retired from government service on August 12, 2026, but was allowed to continue working at the university as a Professor of Gynaecology (BPS-21) for another three years on a contractual basis. The two notifications were issued separately. One formally announced her retirement, while the other approved her immediate appointment on a three-year contract following her retirement. According to the retirement notification issued by JSMU Registrar Dr Azam Khan, Dr Nighat Shah, who was serving as Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in BPS-21 as well as Pro-Vice Chancellor, retired from government service with effect from the afternoon of August 12. The notification also referred to an earlier order dated October 6, 2025, under which she had been appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university. Her tenure as Pro-Vice Chancellor was linked to her period of government service and was therefore due to end upon her retirement. However, a separate notification issued by the university states that, following a decision by the Sindh government and approval from the competent authority, the Syndicate, Dr Nighat Shah was permitted to continue her services at JSMU as Professor of Gynaecology for three years on a contractual basis. The new contract will take effect from August 13, 2026, just one day after her retirement from government service. The arrangement means that, according to the university’s own notifications, Dr Nighat Shah formally retired from government employment on August 12 but resumed her professional duties at the same institution without any break from August 13 under a three-year contractual appointment. The development has drawn attention because of the timing of the two notifications, with the retirement order followed immediately by the contractual appointment. Dr Nighat Shah was appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor of JSMU in October 2025. Her new contractual role, however, is specifically as Professor of Gynaecology rather than as Pro-Vice Chancellor. The three-year contract will allow her to continue teaching and providing academic and professional services at the university until the completion of the approved contractual period, subject to the terms and conditions of her appointment.

The United Kingdom has invited applications from Pakistani students, professionals and entrepreneurs for its fully funded Chevening Scholarships, Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Fellowship and Commonwealth Startup Fellowship. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the British High Commission said the programmes aim to help talented Pakistanis gain access to world-class education, strengthen professional skills and build international networks. The Chevening Scholarship offers fully funded one-year master’s degree programmes at leading UK universities for individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, professional achievements and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship is designed for mid-career academics and professionals. It provides an opportunity to conduct independent research at the University of Oxford while engaging with scholars from around the world. The Commonwealth Startup Fellowship targets promising entrepreneurs, helping them develop innovative businesses through mentorship, expert guidance and training in the UK. The programme also supports participants in preparing their ventures for future growth and expansion. British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said Pakistan has an abundance of talented individuals, and these programmes are designed to equip them with the skills, knowledge and global connections needed to lead organisations, expand businesses and address major global challenges. She advised applicants to submit original applications based on their own experiences, ambitions and ideas, warning that the use of AI-generated responses could lead to disqualification during the selection process. The High Commission said all three programmes cover major expenses, including airfare, tuition fees, visa costs and living allowances, allowing selected candidates to focus entirely on their studies or professional development. Beyond academic and career opportunities, participants will also gain international exposure, experience different cultures and establish long-term professional relationships with leaders and experts from across the globe. According to the British High Commission, Pakistan has produced more than 2,000 Chevening alumni who are serving in government, business, academia, media and civil society. Worldwide, the Chevening network includes numerous influential leaders, including several current and former heads of state and government. Applications for the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship opened on August 3 and will remain open until September 1, while applications for the Chevening Scholarship and the OCIS Fellowship are also currently being accepted through their respective official application portals.