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ARY NEWS

Jahangir Khan

  • Sindh ‘reports 93,002 malaria cases’ during past week

    Sindh ‘reports 93,002 malaria cases’ during past week

    Sindh has reported a sharp spike in malaria cases as the province has reported over 93,000 cases of the disease during the last week, ARY News reported on Wednesday, citing well-placed sources.

    According to NIH sources, as many as 93,002 cases of malaria were reported across Sindh during the past week.

    The highest 10,427 malaria cases were reported in Larkana, while Khairpur remained second on the list with 7,858 cases.

    Qambar reported 7,525 malaria cases, Mirpurkhas, 5,655, Dadu 5,980, Badin 4,204 , Sanghar 5,488 , Tharparkar 4,099, Tando Allahyar, 4,130, Sukkur 4,249, Naushehro Feroze 3,682 , Shikarpur 4,186 and Umerkot reported 3546 malaria cases.

    According to NIH sources, Karachi reported over 1,000 cases during the past week including 566 cases from Malir, 204 in district West, 161 in Central, 140 in East, 68 in Korangi, 41 in Karachi South and 24 cases of vector-borne disease were reported in Kemari.

    Last month, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amin Gandapur’s Health Adviser Ehtesham Ali took notice of 54,000 cases of malaria reported from different parts of the province this year.

    Read more: KP CM Gandapur’s aide takes notice of 54,000 Malaria cases

    He directed all the District Health Officers (DHOs) of the respective districts to take immediate measures for malaria control and submit a report to his office.

    The Health Adviser said that the southern districts were currently under the grip of the disease and emergency measures were being taken in this regard, adding that due to climate change the vector-borne diseases were increasing rapidly.

    Referring to a report of the health department, he said that district Khyber remained most affected where 10,000 cases of malaria were registered from January 2024 to August. Similarly, 6,000 were reported from Shangla for the first time, 3,000 from Battagram, 4,000 from DI Khan, 2,000 from Tank and Karak and 3,000 from Lakki Marwat.

  • Karachi reports alarming surge in chikungunya, dengue cases

    Karachi reports alarming surge in chikungunya, dengue cases

    KARACHI: Karachi reported an alarming surge in cases of chikungunya, dengue, and malaria, along with other viral infections, ARY News reported.

    According to provincial health ministry, the Sindh province has seen a notable increase in suspected chikungunya cases, with 411 reported and 153 confirmed in Karachi alone.

    The dengue cases are also on the surge, with 1,724 cases reported in Sindh this year, including 1,484 from Karachi. Unfortunately, one death related to dengue has also been reported in the province.

    Malaria cases are also on the rise, with a staggering 2,22,239 cases reported in Sindh, including 1,768 from Karachi. Medical experts in Karachi are seeing a high volume of patients daily, with symptoms including fever, body aches, and swelling in the feet.

    The increasing number of suspected chikungunya cases is a concern, but the high cost of diagnostic tests is a barrier for many citizens seeking testing.

    On the other side, Sindh reported a sharp spike in malaria cases as the province reported over 100,000 cases of the disease during last week.

    READ: Sindh ‘reports 106684 malaria cases’ in last week

    As many as 106,684 cases of malaria were reported across Sindh during the past week.

    The highest 11588 malaria cases were reported in Larkana, while Khairpur remained second on the list with 10681 cases.

    Qamar reported 7998 malaria cases, Mirpurkhas, 7230, Dadu 6045, Badin 5948, Sanghar 5703, Tharparkar 5126, Tando Allahyar, 4809, Sukkur 4673, Naushehro Feroze 4590, Shikarpur 3970 and Umerkot reported 3546 malaria cases.

    According to NIH sources, Karachi reported 779 cases during the past week including 155 cases from District West, 135 from East, 82 from Korangi, 52 from South and six malaria cases from Kemari.

  • Sindh ‘reports 106684 malaria cases’ in last week

    Sindh ‘reports 106684 malaria cases’ in last week

    Sindh has reported a sharp spike in malaria cases as the province has reported over 100,000 cases of the disease during last week, ARY News reported on Monday, citing well-placed sources.

    According to NIH sources, as many as 106,684 cases of malaria were reported across Sindh during the past week.

    The highest 11588 malaria cases were reported in Larkana, while Khairpur remained second on the list with 10681 cases.

    Qamar reported 7998 malaria cases, Mirpurkhas, 7230, Dadu 6045, Badin 5948, Sanghar 5703, Tharparkar 5126, Tando Allahyar, 4809, Sukkur 4673, Naushehro Feroze 4590, Shikarpur 3970 and Umerkot reported 3546 malaria cases.

    According to NIH sources, Karachi reported 779 cases during the past week including 155 cases from District West, 135 from East, 82 from Korangi, 52 from South and six malaria cases from Kemari.

    Last month, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amin Gandapur’s Health Adviser Ehtesham Ali took notice of 54,000 cases of malaria reported from different parts of the province this year.

    Read more: KP CM Gandapur’s aide takes notice of 54,000 Malaria cases

    He directed all the District Health Officers (DHOs) of the respective districts to take immediate measures for malaria control and submit a report to his office.

    The Health Adviser said that the southern districts were currently under the grip of malaria disease and emergency measures were being taken in this regard, adding that due to climate change the vector-borne diseases were increasing rapidly.

    Referring to a report of the health department, he said that district Khyber remained most affected where 10,000 cases of malaria were registered from January 2024 to August. Similarly, 6,000 were reported from Shangla for the first time, 3,000 from Battagram, 4,000 from DI Khan, 2,000 from Tank and Karak and 3,000 from Lakki Marwat.

  • Pakistan to ‘dissolve’ two authorities of Health Ministry

    Pakistan to ‘dissolve’ two authorities of Health Ministry

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has announced plans to dissolve two authorities under the Health Ministry, ARY News reported citing sources.

    According to source, the decision will be taken to ensure cost-cutting measures and streamlining healthcare services.

    Sources said that the Islamabad Blood Transfusion Authority and the Human Organ Transplant Authority will be merged with the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority, resulting in a significant reduction in staff.

    Earlier today, the Pakistan government decided to dissolve the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON).

    The SAFRON ministry will be merged into the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), following recommendations from the Rightsizing Committee.

    Read more: Pakistan govt decides to ‘dissolve’ SAFRON ministry

    The administrative wing of the Ministry of SAFRON will be dissolved, and a special committee will be formed to decide the future of Jammu & Kashmir State Properties.

    As per sources, the sale of state properties will occur as needed, and the revenue generated will be spent on the welfare of Azad Kashmir and GB.

    Additionally, the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) of Kashmir and GB will undergo a review, with plans to transfer control to the Azad Kashmir government.

    DHS funding for GB will be managed in consultation with the Ministry of Health, the sources said.

    The Jammu and Kashmir Refugee Rehabilitation Organization is also set to be dissolved, and staff reductions will take place in the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Councils, as well as in the Chief Commissioner’s Office for Afghan Refugees.

  • Pakistan govt decides to ‘dissolve’ SAFRON ministry

    Pakistan govt decides to ‘dissolve’ SAFRON ministry

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government has decided to dissolve the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), ARY News reported on Monday, citing well-placed sources.

    As per details, the SAFRON ministry will be merged into the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), following recommendations from the Rightsizing Committee.

    The administrative wing of the Ministry of SAFRON will be dissolved, and a special committee will be formed to decide the future of Jammu & Kashmir State Properties.

    As per sources, the sale of state properties will occur as needed, and the revenue generated will be spent on the welfare of Azad Kashmir and GB.

    Additionally, the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) of Kashmir and GB will undergo a review, with plans to transfer control to the Azad Kashmir government.

    Read more: Planning Ministry recommends dissolution of CPEC Authority: Senate Committee informed

    DHS funding for GB will be managed in consultation with the Ministry of Health, the sources said.

    The Jammu and Kashmir Refugee Rehabilitation Organization is also set to be dissolved, and staff reductions will take place in the Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Councils, as well as in the Chief Commissioner’s Office for Afghan Refugees.

    Earlier, Secretary Planning Commission told the Senate Committee hearing that the planning ministry has recommended dissolution of the CPEC Authority.

    “A summary has been forwarded by the planning commission to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for dissolution of the authority”.

    The prime minister has authorized the right-sizing committee to dissolve the authority”, a planning commission official told the body.

  • PIMS, other hospitals to be ‘handed over’ to Islamabad administration

    PIMS, other hospitals to be ‘handed over’ to Islamabad administration

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to hand over administrative control of several hospitals in Islamabad to the district administration, ARY News reported citing sources.

    According to sources, the hospitals include Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMs), Federal General Hospital, National Rehabilitation Center, and Poly Clinic.

    Sources revealed that the District Health Office, basic, and rural health centers will also be handed over to the district administration. The transfer of administrative control is expected to take place within a year.

    A plan for the transfer of administrative control is being prepared by the Ministry of Health and the Islamabad administration. This move is aimed at improving the healthcare services in the capital city, sources added.

    READ: Govt to outsource diagnostic lab of PIMs hospital: sources

    Earlier, sources revealed that the Ministry of Health is preparing to outsource the diagnostic lab of the country’s largest government hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMs).

    Sources close to the development disclosed that preparations underway to initiate the process of running PIMs under a Public-Private Partnership model, with planned that the hospital be outsourced in a ‘phase-wise’ manner.

    In the initial phase, it is reported that the Department of Radiology and Laboratory Services at PIMS will be outsourced, meanwhile, in the second phase, additional sectors of PIMS are slated for privatization, sources said.

    Meanwhile, in the third phase, sources suggested that a decision regarding the utilization of PIMS’ substantial land assets, valued at trillions, is anticipated.

  • NIH gets technical report of sixth Monkeypox case in Pakistan

    NIH gets technical report of sixth Monkeypox case in Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Tuesday received technical report of the sixth Monkeypox case detected in Pakistan, ARY News reported, citing sources.

    According to sources the report compiled by Border Health Services stated that 44-year-old Farooq, a resident of Punjab’s Gujrat, reached Pakistan from Riyadh on September 14.

    The patient was isolated over suspected signs of monkeypox after screening. After the test result, monkeypox virus was confirmed in the man, while testing of his family was underway, the sources within NIH said.

    Read more: Pakistan reports fifth case of Monkeypox

    Its important to note here Pakistan has reported six case of monkeypox including, five from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

    What is Monkeypox virus?

    Mpox is a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus. Although the natural reservoir of the virus remains unidentified, African rodents and non-human primates (such as monkeys) are suspected to harbor the virus and transmit it to humans.

    The disease typically manifests with a rash that appears 1 to 3 days following the onset of fever, starting on the face and then spreading to other areas of the body. The rash progresses through several stages: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs.

    Additional symptoms may include headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period generally ranges from 7 to 14 days but can vary between 5 and 21 days. The illness usually lasts between 2 and 4 weeks.

  • Mosquito nets worth Rs 300m ‘stolen’ from govt’s warehouse

    Mosquito nets worth Rs 300m ‘stolen’ from govt’s warehouse

    QUETTA: In a shocking incident, mosquito nets worth Rs 300 million have been stolen from a government warehouse in Quetta, ARY News reported citing sources.

    According to sources within the health ministry, the 368,000 stolen mosquito nets, which were donated by international donors, were meant to be distributed in three districts of Balochistan, where 1.8 million nets are still being distributed by the NGO.

    The theft was discovered by an NGO, whereas the CMU team has visited Quetta to investigate the matter and an investigation is underway, sources added.

    However, efforts are being made to cover up the theft, sources added.

    Read more: Wheat worth millions missing from govt warehouses

    In a separate incident, earlier thousands of metric tons of wheat vanished from Sindh government warehouses.

    According to the letter, written to Secretary Food for action by District Food Controller Nowsheru Feroze, more than one lac sacks weighing 100 kg each pack and total of 13 thousand metric ton wheat worth of 7 crores has been missing from 8 warehouses.

    A committee was also established to investigate the case.

  • DRAP advises antibiotics be given on doctor’s prescription only

    DRAP advises antibiotics be given on doctor’s prescription only

    The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) in a letter to provinces urged to make sure that antibiotic medicines are sold only on prescription by registered medical practitioner, ARY News reported, citing sources.

    The directive has been issued to the health departments of all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).

    The DRAP officials on Friday said the advisory had been issued to fight the increasing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as well as control the perilous practice of self-medication.

    They said self-medication could lead to misuse and overuse of antibiotics, aggravating resistance and weakening the efficacy of important drugs.

    A significant concern is the irrational use of these antibiotics, with over 70% to 80 % prescribed and consumed unnecessarily for self-limiting conditions, leading to a serious threat of AMR. This misuse makes antibiotics ineffective against disease-causing microorganisms, posing a major public health risk.

    The DRAP chief maintained that as antibiotics and antibacterials were sold on prescription only all around the world, Pakistan too had no choice but to restrict their sale to prevent self-medication.

    Read more: Sale of antibiotics sans prescription banned in THIS Pakistan province

    In 2021, an estimated 66% increase in cumulative consumption of antibiotics was observed Lahore as compared to the year 2019.

    According to NIH, a 78% increase in oral and 35% increase in intravenous consumption of antibiotics was observed from 2019 to 2021.

    Cumulative consumption indicated a significant increase in consumption of macrolides, cephalosporins, penicillin, and quinolones. Among quinolones, moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin were the most commonly used antibiotic in Region 4 throughout the study period.

  • Hafiz Naeem warns to extend Rawalpindi JI sit-in to across country

    Hafiz Naeem warns to extend Rawalpindi JI sit-in to across country

    ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman warned to extend the Rawalpindi sit-in to across Pakistan, ARY News reported.

    Addressing the sit-in, the JI chief said “No one willingly leaves their homes and businesses to sit on the streets, the government has left the people with no other choice but to protest peacefully.”

    The JI chief criticized the government’s failure to provide relief and accused the parliament of being a rubber stamp.

    Rehman highlighted the plight of ordinary citizens, especially those living in small houses, who are finding it difficult to pay their electricity bills. “How can a poor man educate his children when he is struggling to pay even the rent?”

    He also demanded a transparent audit of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) agreements, alleging that these deals have been made at the expense of the common people. Rehman accused the government of favoring a select few and neglecting the needs of the majority.

    Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) accepted the government’s offer to hold talks for ending its sit-in staged against inflation and other burning issues.

    The development came after a government delegation comprising Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry arrived at the sit-in to hold talks with JI’s delegation led by Liaquat Baloch.

    Prior to this, the JI refused to engage in negotiations until the release of its arrested workers. The JI had demanded that all arrested workers must be released before any talks can take place, the sources said.

    READ: JI accepts govt’s talks offer, vows no compromise on demands

    However, the JI refused the government’s request to end the sit-in immediately. Negotiations between the two sides are scheduled to begin on Sunday, with the time and place to be decided then.

    Atta Tarar said that they came to invite the JI for negotiations, adding tha tthey will sit and talk on Sunday. Liaquat Baloch said that the JI will form a committee to hold talks with the government.

    ‘Will not comprise on demands’

    Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the JI Ameer, said that the party will hold talks with the government but no compromise will be made on its demands. The sources said that Hafiz Naeemur Rehman will hold a press conference on Sunday to announce the future course of action.

    Addressing the sit-in participants, the JI Ameer demanded that the government take action against the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) that have been involved in falsification.

    Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also demanded a forensic audit of the IPPs and a reduction in the levy on petrol.

    He said that 70 to 80 percent of the IPPs are local and can be controlled if the intention is genuine. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also criticised the government for only being concerned about ‘saving the power’.

    The JI chief warned that their sit-in could last for months, if their demands are not met.