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ARY NEWS

Jahangir Khan

  • Pakistan ‘reports’ another polio case in 2025

    Pakistan ‘reports’ another polio case in 2025

    Pakistan has reported another polio case in Dimaer, GB, in 2025, ARY News reported on Monday, citing the National Institute of Health (NIH).

    According to details, the case was reported from the Diamer district, where a 23-month-old child has tested positive for the poliovirus.

    This marks the first polio case reported from Gilgit-Baltistan since 2017, when the last infection was detected in the Thore area of the same district.

    The affected child in the latest case belongs to the Gabar area of Tangir, Diamer.

    Sources from NIH revealed that the child’s sample tested positive for the YB3A4 poliovirus cluster. Genetic sequencing has shown that the virus strain is linked to Karachi, although the child has no reported travel history.

    The NIH also highlighted that routine immunization coverage in Diamer is notably low, making it one of the high-risk districts for polio in Gilgit-Baltistan.

    Read more: Nationwide anti-polio drive nears completion with 97% coverage, says NEOC

    Authorities are now investigating the case further and stressing the urgent need to strengthen vaccination efforts in the region to prevent further transmission.

    According to the NEOC report, 97% of targeted children have been successfully administered the anti-polio vaccine over the six-day drive.

    In Punjab and Sindh, 97% of children have received the vaccine, while the coverage stands at 98% in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 97% in Balochistan.

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir achieved a 98% target, and Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad exceeded expectations by vaccinating 101% of the estimated children.

    The NEOC also stated that the synchronized polio campaign in both Pakistan and Afghanistan is progressing successfully.

  • Nationwide anti-polio drive nears completion with 97% coverage, says NEOC

    Nationwide anti-polio drive nears completion with 97% coverage, says NEOC

    ISLAMABAD: The final day of the Pakistan-wide anti-polio drive is underway with full momentum, ARY News reported on Sunday, quoting the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC).

    According to the NEOC report, 97% of targeted children have been successfully administered the anti-polio vaccine over the six-day drive.

    In Punjab and Sindh, 97% of children have received the vaccine, while the coverage stands at 98% in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 97% in Balochistan.

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir achieved a 98% target, and Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad exceeded expectations by vaccinating 101% of the estimated children.

    The NEOC also stated that the synchronized polio campaign in both Pakistan and Afghanistan is progressing successfully.

    Parents are urged to ensure that all children under the age of five receive their polio drops and complete their routine immunization schedule without delay.

    Read more: President stresses mass awareness, support for success of polio vaccination drive

    Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday urged the countrymen, including the media, teachers, religious scholars and the community, to create awareness and extend their support to the polio vaccination drive and dispel the allied misconceptions to achieve a polio-free Pakistan.

    “I call on parents to open their doors to vaccinators, ensuring every child receives the life-saving polio drops. I urge teachers, religious leaders, and community elders to champion this noble cause, dispelling myths and building trust.

    I appeal to the media to amplify the truth: the polio vaccine is safe, effective, and our best weapon,” the president said in his message on the occasion of the countrywide polio eradication campaign launched on Monday targeting 45.4 million under-five children.

    He reiterated his full support to his daughter and the First Lady, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, whose tireless advocacy and efforts had galvanized Pakistan in this fight against polio.

  • Pakistan ‘reports’ two more polio cases

    Pakistan ‘reports’ two more polio cases

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has registered two more polio cases in 2025, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing sources at the National Institute of Health (NIH).

    According to details, polio cases emerged in Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    In Lakki Marwat, the virus was detected in a 26-month-old girl residing in Union Council Bakhmal Ahmad Zai, Sarai Naurang tehsil. Symptoms first appeared on April 22, according to sources.

    In Bannu, a 40-month-old boy from Union Council Sain Tanga, Sub-Division Wazir, began exhibiting polio symptoms on May 1.

    Sources added that no comprehensive polio campaign has been conducted in UC Sain Tanga since October 2023.

    Local resistance remains a significant hurdle, as many parents reportedly refuse to administer polio drops to their children, making it difficult for vaccination teams to access the area.

    Also read: Afghanistan outpacing Pakistan in polio eradication efforts: Health Minister

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to eliminate polio through collective efforts. He further said that comprehensive and effective security arrangements have been made to protect polio teams.

    Besides, he emphasized the importance of public awareness and mobilization in the fight against the poliovirus.

    The Prime Minister also extended his gratitude to international partners, including the World Health Organization and the Gates Foundation, for their continued support in the government’s efforts to eradicate polio from Pakistan.

  • 24 state-owned enterprises to be privatised in three phases, NA told

    24 state-owned enterprises to be privatised in three phases, NA told

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan National Assembly recently received a list of 24 nationalized enterprises scheduled for Privatization, approved by the Cabinet Committee on  Pakistan Privatization.

    According to the decision finalized in a meeting on August 2, 2024, highlights a three-phase privatization strategy.

    Ministry of Privatization has categorized the privatization into three phases, in which the entities which fall in the first phase will be privatized within one year, while the entities falling in Phase two within one to three years, and Phase three within three to five years.

    List of Entities Phase wise

    Phase One:

    • Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
    • First Women Bank
    • House Building Finance Corporation
    • Agricultural Development Bank
    • Pakistan Engineering Company (PECO)
    • Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO)
    • Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO)
    • Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO)
    • Sindh Engineering Limited

    Read More: PIA issues advisory for passengers amid Indo-Pak tensions

    Phase Two:

    • State Life Insurance Corporation
    • Pakistan Reinsurance Company
    • Central Power Generation Company
    • Jamshoro Power Company
    • Northern Power Generation Company
    • Lakhra Power Generation Company
    • Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO)
    • Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO)
    • Hazara Electric Supply Company
    • Hyderabad Electric Supply Company
    • Peshawar Electric Supply Company
    • Sukkur Electric Supply Company

    Phase Three:

    • Postal Life Insurance Company

    Upon a question raised by a member, Bashir Khan, during a National Assembly session about the completed privatizations and revenue generation, the Parliamentary Secretary responded that PIA’s privatization is likely to be completed this year by October-November 2025.

    Moreover, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif mentioned that the government is strategic alliance for PIA, but if not successful, it may be executed with the complete sale of the Roosevelt Hotel in New York.

    According to recent reports, 25 state-owned enterprises are ready to be privatised. Included in the list is the top name of PIA’s Roosevelt Hotel in New York. The list also contains name of power generation plants and insurance companies.

    In the last 32 years, a total of 178 government-owned companies have been privatized, resulting in 6.49 trillion Pakistani rupees being generated.

  • President Zardari, Chinese envoy discuss Indian aggression

    President Zardari, Chinese envoy discuss Indian aggression

    President Asif Zardari has expressed concern over the recent irresponsible and aggressive rhetoric by the Indian Government, saying that such actions threaten regional peace and stability.

    He was talking to Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong who called on him in Islamabad.

    The Chinese Ambassador reaffirmed the enduring and time-tested friendship between China and Pakistan, describing the relationship as one of ironclad brothers who have always supported each other in challenging times.

    He thanked President Asif Zardari for sharing Pakistan’s perspective, and underlined that China would always support Pakistan to achieve the common desire of both countries to secure peace and stability in South Asia.

    The president conveyed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the Chinese Government for its consistent support to Pakistan.

    Read more: UN Security Council meets today on post-Pahalgam regional tensions

    Following Pahalgam attack, India started blaming Pakistan without evidence. Pakistan has denied the Indian allegations with proofs and also offered cooperation in impartial inquiry of the Pahalgam incident.

    The United Nations (UN) Security Council is scheduled to convene on Monday (today) to discuss the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India in the wake of the Pahalgam incident.

    According to the President of the UN Security Council, the growing conflict in South Asia is a matter of grave concern.

    Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated that India’s aggressive actions are endangering peace and security not only in South Asia but beyond.

    Pakistan will formally brief the UN Security Council on the latest developments in the region, highlighting India’s provocative military posture, inflammatory statements, and in particular, its unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which Pakistan deems illegal.

  • PMDC ‘finalizes’ order to reduce medical college fees

    PMDC ‘finalizes’ order to reduce medical college fees

    The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has finalized an official directive to reduce medical education fees, ARY News reported on Tuesday, citing sources.

    According to details, the fee reduction order will be sent to provincial governments for implementation. The fee structure was determined by the Medical Education Committee formed under the directive of the prime minister, the sources said.

    As per the order, the annual tuition fee for MBBS and BDS programs at private colleges has been capped at Rs1.8 million.

    The fee cap will apply uniformly across all academic years of MBBS and BDS programs.

    Starting with the 2025 session, there will be a maximum annual increase of 5% in fees. From the 2026 session onward, any increase will be linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

    Read more: PMDC ‘okays’ fee reduction plan for private medical and dental colleges

    Colleges that have charged excess fees will be required to refund or adjust the extra amount, the directive states.

    No private medical college will be allowed to charge fees beyond the set limit without prior approval from PMDC.

    Colleges seeking to justify higher fees must submit complete financial details to the PMDC for consideration. Legal action will be taken against institutions that fail to comply with the new fee regulations.

    In 2012, the PMDC capped annual fees for private medical colleges at Rs500,000 with a five per cent annual increase, but this regulation was disregarded by many institutions.

    It may be noted that in July last year, the PMDC approached the health ministry seeking its legal opinion to bring uniformity to the fee structure. However, even after almost six months, the issue of exorbitant fees could not be addressed.

  • Punjab Drug Regulatory Authority issues alert on ‘THESE’ medicines

    Punjab Drug Regulatory Authority issues alert on ‘THESE’ medicines

    LAHORE: A medical product alert has been issued by the Punjab Drug Regulatory Authority concerning seven substandard medicines, which include antibiotics and anti-allergic drugs, and have been found below quality standards.

    The Punjab Drug Testing Laboratory affirmed the substandard nature of these medicines, highlighting an urgent crackdown.

    The Punjab Drug Regulatory Authority mentioned that the affected medicines did not pass ASSA test standards, and their samples had foreign particles and adulteration.

    According to details, pharmaceutical companies based in Lahore and Rawalpindi manufactured these substandard medicines.

    Three batches of Methylcobalamin injections and tablets, one batch of anti-allergic medication, and two batches of antibiotics, among these affected medicines, were found to be substandard.

    Specific flagged medicines include:

    • Neocobal Injection (Batch S-2455)
    • Meclomine Tablets (Batch 8440, 8482)
    • Amekoran Injection (Batch BK-019)
    • Aqua-P Sterile Water (Batch 669)
    • Ortizin Tablets (Batch 241268)
    • Dorcip Antibiotic Drip (Batch DC-121)

    The Punjab Drug Regulatory Authority has emphasised that the Punjab government take emergency actions to prevent the distribution of these flagged medicines.

    Controlling forces have been directed to raise market surveillance and conduct an in-depth inspection into the supply chain of these substandard drugs.

    The sale of these medicines has been strictly ceased for pharmacies and distributors. If found, they must report the suspicious lots.

    The Punjab Drug Regulatory Authority has advised the public to remain alert and warned that the use of these substandard medicines can negatively impact treatment outcomes.

    Read More: DRAP intensifies crackdown on counterfeit medicines

    Earlier, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) launched a nationwide campaign to combat the illegal sale, manufacturing, and distribution of spurious and counterfeit medicines.

    In Lahore, the DRAP apprehended individuals selling unlicensed Urografin 76% Injection and unregistered Lipiodol Ultra Liquid. The authority also seized illicit articles, sealed premises, and initiated formal investigations.

    DRAP took decisive action against the illegal manufacturing of unregistered medical devices. The illegally manufactured devices were seized, and the facility was sealed.

  • WHO extends travel restrictions on Pakistan

    WHO extends travel restrictions on Pakistan

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to extend travel restrictions on Pakistan due to concerns over polio for three months.

    The decision was taken in WHO Emergency Committee’s 41st meeting held on March 6, during which authorities from polio-affected countries participated via video link.

    According to WHO, the committee reviewed the global spread of polio, as well as the situation in Pakistan and the government’s efforts to control the virus.

    The committee’s findings state that Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to pose a threat to global polio eradication efforts. Both countries have been held responsible for the ongoing international spread of the poliovirus.

    While the WHO expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s anti-polio initiatives and showed confidence in the quality of its campaigns, the committee noted that there is still room for improvement at the provincial and district levels.

    Alarmingly, there has been a significant rise in polio-positive environmental samples in Pakistan, with a twelvefold increase in cases reported between 2023 and 2024.

    This year alone, 628 polio-positive environmental samples have been reported across the country, with new districts also affected by the wild poliovirus.

    The active circulation of the YB3A4A B-cluster of the poliovirus in Pakistan remains a concern, particularly in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, and Balochistan.

    Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta have become hotspots for the wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), which continues to spread in central areas of Pakistan and southern KP.

    Read more: Poliovirus detected in Rawalpindi’s environmental sample

    The WHO expressed deep concern over the spread of WPV1 in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, noting that globally, the virus is now largely confined to these two countries.

    The organization also raised questions about the immunization standards in Pakistan, especially given the troubling spread of the virus during the low transmission season and the anticipated rise in cases during the high transmission period.

    The WHO has urged Pakistan to ensure effective campaigns in vulnerable areas and emphasized that cross-border transmission between Pakistan and Afghanistan continues, particularly from southern KP and the Quetta block.

    The spread is further exacerbated by the movement of displaced persons and refugees.

    The committee called for improved vaccination efforts at Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossings and stressed the need for strengthened bilateral cooperation. Simultaneous anti-polio campaigns in both countries, especially in border areas, were deemed essential.

  • Magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolts Islamabad, KP cities

    Magnitude 5.5 earthquake jolts Islamabad, KP cities

    ISLAMABAD: An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale jolted Islamabad and cities of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), ARY News reported on Saturday.

    The National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) said that tremors were felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi Swat, Mansehra, Swabi, Mardan, Lakki Marwat and other KP cities.

    The tremors were also felt in Karak, Chiniot, Mianwali, Hafizabad, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala. Sangla Hill, Safdarabad, Pindi Battian and Attock.

    “The center of earthquake was in the north west of Rawalpindi and depth was 12 kilometers.

    Following the tremors, people came out of their houses in fear by reciting Kalma-e-Tayyaba.

    However, no loss of life or property was reported in its wake.

    Read More: Myanmar earthquake toll crosses 3,000; heat and rains fuel disease risk

    Meanwhile, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake, one of Myanmar’s strongest in a century, jolted a region home to 28 million, toppling buildings such as hospitals, flattening communities and leaving many without food, water and shelter.

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    The World Health Organization flagged a rising risk of cholera and other diseases in the worst-affected areas, such as Mandalay, Sagaing and the capital of Naypyitaw, while it prepared $1 million of relief supplies, including body bags.

    “Cholera remains a particular concern for all of us,” said Elena Vuolo, the deputy head of its Myanmar office, pointing to an outbreak last year in Mandalay.

    The risk was worsened by damage to about half of healthcare facilities in the quake-hit areas, including hospitals destroyed by the earthquake in Mandalay and Naypyitaw, she added.

  • DRAP intensifies crackdown on counterfeit medicines

    DRAP intensifies crackdown on counterfeit medicines

    ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has launched a nationwide campaign to combat the illegal sale, manufacturing, and distribution of spurious and counterfeit medicines, ARY News reported.

    Over the past 15 days, DRAP has conducted successful enforcement actions, resulting in substantial seizures, facility sealings, and legal proceedings, a press statement issued here read

    In Lahore, the DRAP apprehended individuals selling unlicensed Urografin 76% Injection and unregistered Lipiodol Ultra Liquid. The authority also seized illicit articles, sealed premises, and initiated formal investigations.

    Similarly, in Islamabad, DRAP took decisive action against the illegal manufacturing of unregistered medical devices. A surprise inspection at a facility in the Industrial Triangle, Kahuta Road, revealed the unlawful production and storage of plastic urine collection containers without the mandatory Establishment License. The illegally manufactured devices were seized, and the facility was sealed.

    Read More: DRAP issues warning against THESE skin brightening injections

    The DRAP has also issued an urgent alert regarding the presence of falsified Propylene Glycol (PG) in the market, which contains toxic Ethylene Glycol (EG). The authority has advised rigorous raw material screening and urged citizens to report suspicious activities related to counterfeit or substandard medicines and medical devices.

    The DRAP urged citizens to report any suspicious activity related to potentially counterfeit or substandard medicines and medical devices via its official channels.