India’s Education Minister resigns amid exam controversy

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has said that around 11 million people in Pakistan are living with hepatitis C, while a large number of cases remain undiagnosed because many people have not undergone screening. Addressing a ceremony in Karachi, the minister highlighted several major public health challenges facing the country. He said around 80% of people in Sindh do not have access to clean drinking water. Kamal said approximately 11,000 mothers die every year during childbirth, while around 400,000 children die annually. He also claimed that one in every three people in the country suffers from diabetes. He expressed concern that Pakistan is still recognised as a polio-affected country. According to the health minister, nearly 68% of diseases are linked to the consumption of contaminated water, highlighting the need for improved water and sanitation facilities. Speaking about healthcare services in the area, Kamal said the site where the ceremony was held previously operated as a federal government dispensary. The facility currently provides medical services from 8am until noon. He said telemedicine services had been introduced at the dispensary as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare. Doctors can now examine patients remotely through online consultations. The minister announced that the dispensary would be upgraded into a secondary-care hospital. He said it was the fourth location where the federal government had laid the foundation for a secondary hospital. The new facility will have 40 beds and will provide a range of medical services. Kamal said the hospital would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs660 million and was expected to be completed within four months. The hospital will also provide emergency services around the clock, he added. Kamal said residents would no longer need to travel long distances for X-rays and other essential medical services once the hospital becomes operational. The federal health minister acknowledged that securing approval and funding for development projects from the federal government was not an easy process. He said the private sector would also be brought on board to improve the management of the healthcare facility. Kamal further said the federal government had allocated Rs2.86 billion for plans to expand and upgrade dispensaries across the country. The announcements are part of the government’s efforts to expand basic healthcare services and improve access to medical facilities, particularly in areas where residents have limited access to hospitals and diagnostic services.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has resumed hearing a case seeking the cancellation of bail granted to 49 suspects allegedly linked to the suicide attack on Chinese engineers in Bisham. A prosecution appeal has been filed before the top court. It seeks the cancellation of bail granted to the suspects in the case. During the hearing, Justice Naeem Akhtar asked whether the suspects were regularly appearing before the trial court. The judge also asked whether the suspects wanted to engage lawyers to represent them in the proceedings. The court directed the suspects to appear at the next hearing with their lawyers. It made it clear that failure to comply with the order could result in the cancellation of their bail. The court did not cancel the bail at the latest hearing. Instead, it gave the suspects an opportunity to ensure their appearance and legal representation. The Supreme Court then adjourned the proceedings until August 20. The case relates to the suicide attack in Bisham, where Chinese engineers were targeted. The incident had raised serious security concerns and prompted investigations into those allegedly involved in the attack. The prosecution has challenged the bail granted to 49 suspects and wants the Supreme Court to overturn the relief provided to them.