Petrol pumps shut nationwide from August 15

Professor Dr Nigat Shah, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), has clarified that her contract-based employment extension will not affect the posting or promotion of any associate professor. Speaking to the media, Dr Shah said several gynaecology units at JPMC had remained closed since 2013. She said one of the closed units was revived in 2022 to expand medical services and provide treatment to patients. She added that the department is continuing patient care alongside postgraduate training and research. According to Dr Shah, the hospital needs more specialised doctors, and she has no objection to the appointment of any qualified medical professional. Dr Shah stressed that her objective was not to create obstacles for another doctor’s appointment or career progression. She said her contract extension should not be viewed as an attempt to block the posting or promotion of any associate professor. The clarification comes after senior associate professors at Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) reportedly raised concerns over Dr Shah’s reappointment. Several affected professors wrote to the Sindh chief minister, Sindh health minister and the federal ombudsman, expressing reservations about the decision. In their letter, the professors claimed that the second paragraph of a Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) notification issued on May 19 had been overlooked. They further maintained that the reappointment could affect the promotions of six associate professors who are awaiting advancement to higher positions. The professors have sought the authorities’ attention to the matter and called for the relevant rules and regulations to be considered while deciding appointments and promotions.

A 45-year-old woman was found dead inside an apartment in Rawalpindi’s Lalkurti area, with her hands tied behind her back and a wire around her neck. The woman, identified as Hina Javed, was discovered in the bathroom of a second-floor apartment at Askari Apartments on Thursday morning. According to the police complaint, the incident came to light after Hina’s father-in-law contacted her brother, Fahad Javed Malik, and informed him that an emergency had occurred at the residence. Malik and other family members then reached the apartment and found Hina dead. The family told police that Hina’s hands had been tied with cloth and that her mouth was gagged. A wire was also found around her neck and connected to the bathroom shower. Police collected evidence from the scene as part of the investigation. Hina’s relatives have accused her husband, Faisal Asghar Imam, his domestic worker Zeeshan Arshad and his father, Asghar Ali Fayyaz, of being involved in the alleged killing. Police have not yet established the responsibility of any suspect, and the allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation. Hina had married Faisal in November 2025. Her brother told police that she had previously complained about domestic violence and alleged that she had faced repeated physical and psychological abuse after her marriage. The family also alleged that Hina’s husband had previously subjected another wife to abuse, which they believe may be relevant to the case. Hina was employed by a semi-government organisation, while her husband had reportedly faced periods of unemployment, according to her family. Police registered a murder case under Sections 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Section 302 deals with murder, while Section 34 concerns acts carried out by multiple people with a common intention. The woman’s body was shifted to Benazir Bhutto Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Police said evidence from the apartment was being examined and efforts were underway to locate the suspects. Civil Lines police said the investigation was continuing and that no arrests had been made at the time of reporting. Authorities said further action would depend on the findings of the investigation and forensic examination. The complainant also alleged that Hina had faced severe physical violence and torture during her marriage. He further claimed that her husband had allegedly abused his previous wife, who later obtained a divorce. Police registered the case at Civil Lines police station under Sections 302 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The provisions relate to murder and acts allegedly committed by several people with a common intention. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Hina’s death. Police are expected to rely on forensic evidence, the post-mortem examination and statements from family members and other witnesses to determine the actual cause of death and establish responsibility. The case has once again highlighted concerns over violence against women and domestic abuse in Pakistan. Rights advocates have repeatedly called for stronger protection mechanisms and timely action when women report threats or violence within their homes.