Pakistan’s leaders unite to reimagine climate-resilient cities, communities

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aga Khan University’s (AKU) Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) has brought together Pakistan’s leading architects, planners, public health experts, development specialists, and government representatives to address one of the country’s most pressing national challenges: how to redesign homes, neighbourhoods, and public systems to withstand intensifying climate pressures in both urban and rural settings. 

The dialogue unfolded at IGHD’s Annual Conference on Climate Change and the Built Environment, hosted in partnership with Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Pakistan, under the leadership of Professor Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Founding Director of IGHD. This year’s theme, “Climate Change and the Built Environment: Promoting Resilience & Adaptation in Low-Income Settings,” set the stage for a day focused on evidence, solutions and innovative approaches. 

Underscoring the gravity of the issues being addressed at the conference, His Highness the Aga Khan, in a statement read at the event, emphasized that, “Climate change is one of the greatest threat multipliers of our era. Its impacts intensify disease, malnutrition, displacement, learning loss, and poverty. These burdens fall disproportionately upon women, children, older adults, and marginalized communities. Addressing them is not optional; it is imperative for equity, stability, and sustainable development.” 

His Highness further stressed that, “Progress in addressing climate change will depend on partnership,” and welcomed many of collaborators attending from across Pakistan, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. 

The inaugural session welcomed Chief Guest His Excellency Tariq Khan, High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, followed by a Special Message from Honourable Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan, who joined the conference virtually. “Canada is helping countries like Pakistan confront climate-driven vulnerabilities,” said His Excellency Tariq Khan. 

“The ideas shared at this conference can help shape a more sustainable future for millions of people.” Delivering a special message via Zoom, Honourable Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the national urgency for climate adaptation. 

“Pakistan’s future will depend on how boldly we reimagine our cities, homes, and public institutions in the face of climate change. Building resilience is not optional, it is a national development priority. Conferences like this help translate research into policies that enable safer, more inclusive, and climate-adaptive environments for all Pakistanis.” 

The conference’s opening day featured keynote presentations by Professor Sajida Haider Vandal (THAAP), Christopher Burman and Joseph Augustine (UCL), and Dr Zahra Hussain (Laajverd), showcasing climate-smart architecture, indigenous design approaches, and community-led adaptation innovations. 

“Pakistan’s future will depend on how boldly we reimagine our cities, homes, and public institutions in the face of climate change,” said Chief Guest Professor Ahsan Iqbal, underscoring the national urgency for climate action. “Building resilience is not optional, it is a national development priority. Conferences like this help translate research into policies that enable safer, more inclusive, and climate-adaptive environments for all Pakistanis.” 

Addressing the audience, Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of AKU, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing climate resilience, saying, “Climate change is reshaping every aspect of life in Pakistan. Our responsibility as a university is to help the country design smarter, safer, more resilient environments. AKU is committed to generating evidence, solutions, and partnerships that support climate adaptation at scale.” 

 The inaugural session concluded with reflections outlining a pathway for the remainder of the conference, which will explore rural adaptation models, climate-resilient health systems, indigenous solutions, community-led innovations, and a high-level national policy panel.

Voices from Roof of the World to launch Season 4

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW), the internationally recognized documentary series highlighting the far-reaching impact of environmental change across Central and South Asia, is set to launch its fourth season. The new season amplifies urgent climate narratives, focusing on air pollution, rising heat, glacier retreat, water scarcity, and the resilience of communities confronting these challenges in the third pole, also known as the ‘Roof of the World’. 

This region’s glaciers provide life-sustaining water to an estimated 1.6 billion people living downstream. As Pakistan faces one of the most severe environmental periods in its history, the climate crisis has become a daily reality. 

In recent years, the country has felt the force of climate change most vividly through the surge in intense rainstorms that have triggered devastating floods and landslides, causing widespread loss of life and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. These events have been compounded by the rapid melting of glaciers, which has increased the scale and severity of flooding. 

Alongside these disasters, Pakistan is facing an ever-deepening air pollution emergency that harms every form of life. The country ranks among the five most polluted in the world, and millions in Punjab are seeking treatment for respiratory illnesses, especially children. It’s widely recognized that developing countries contribute the least to global CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and industry, yet bear the brunt of the impacts. 

Pakistan is just one stark example. Against this backdrop, “Color of Smog,” one of VRW season one’s films directed by Jawad Sharif, showcases Lahore’s spiraling smog emergency. Once known for its gardens, Lahore now ranks high among the world’s most polluted cities. 

“Smog in Lahore is not just a figure but a daily reality that shapes how people breathe, move, and imagine their futures. Behind every air quality reading are families trying to protect their health and dignity. Through VRW and films like Color of Smog, we hope audiences can clearly see how the climate crisis is already unfolding around us and why meaningful action can no longer wait,” the Director, Jawad Sharif, reckoned. 

The VRW’s Executive Producer Andrew Tkach, eight-time Emmy Award winner who brings over 30 years of experience, is also mentoring young filmmakers and helping them shape their ideas into impactful stories. 

"The VRW was created to highlight the climate emergency from the perspective of the people who live it every day. In Season 4, we shed light on communities confronting melting glaciers and vanishing forests, but also more hopeful stories of saving falcons and reviving ancient water canals. These stories make one thing clear: the environment is changing faster than we are responding,” Andrew Tkach revealed. 

The series has won numerous honours and awards including Columbia University Journalism School’s John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism. The VRW episodes have been selected and screened at over 50 international film festivals worldwide. 

“The VRW’s unique expression of local realities highlights the impact of climate change on the lives and the cultures of the vulnerable communities whilst narrating the story of a changing era. These films are not distant warnings, they are reflections of the challenges communities are facing right now across Pakistan and the region,” Laila Naz Taj, Director AKDN Pakistan Communications, explained. 

The VRW is a joint initiative of the Aga Khan University (AKU), the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), the University of Central Asia (UCA), and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), made possible through the generous support of Ross Beaty, the Jenabai Hussainali Shariff Family, the Sitka Foundation, Gulshan Kassamali Jiwa Family, and Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment. Across three seasons, VRW has produced 30 documentaries from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Nepal and beyond, available in English, Urdu, and Russian, with Arabic versions also planned.

Court validates Zakir Ali Khan panel’s victory in AMUOBA elections

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The court has issued a detailed judgment on November 21, 2025 in suit number 8838-2025, ruling in favour of Akbar Ali Khan. The petition filed by Irshad Khan, Farrukh Nizami, Javed Anwar, and Munawar Hussain seeking the appointment of an administrator has been fully dismissed. The elections held on February 26, 2025 have also been declared free and fair. 

The victory of the Zakir Ali Khan panel has been officially endorsed by the higher judiciary. In its detailed judgment released on November 21, 2025, the court has ruled that the February 26, 2025 elections were conducted in a completely transparent and lawful manner. 

The court upheld the stance of Akbar Ali Khan, Chancellor of Sir Syed University, ruling decisively in his favour. All petitions submitted by the plaintiffs, Irshad Khan, Farrukh Nizami, Javed Anwar, and Munawar Hussain, were rejected in their entirety. 

The court observed that the objections raised were irrelevant, ineffective, and lacked evidentiary support, making the request for appointment of an administrator unacceptable. 

According to the judgment, the current elected executive committee will continue to perform its duties as before, while all objections related to the voters’ list, membership, and election procedures have been dismissed by the court. 

It is noteworthy that the Zakir Ali Khan panel has remained undefeated since 2015, and following this judicial verdict, the voter confidence in the panel has reportedly further strengthened. 

The court’s confirmation of electoral transparency has reinforced the panel’s public support. With this landmark judgment, the Zakir Ali Khan panel’s emphatic victory has been formally validated by the higher judiciary, reaffirming the organization’s legal, democratic, and constitutional standing

Pakistani researchers named among world’s top scientists

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Over two dozen scholars from the Aga Khan University (AKU) have been named among the World's Top 2% Scientists List for 2024 by the Stanford University. The list includes faculty members and alumni from Pakistan whose research continues to shape health, education and other critical sectors in the developing world. 

The annual list, considered one of the most respected global benchmarks, identifies leading researchers across a wide range of disciplines. These include health care services and delivery, education, climate science, economics, mental health, and the well-being of vulnerable groups such as women and children. 

The rankings are based on standardized citation data from Elsevier’s Scopus database, which assesses the influence of scientists through academic citations and the quality of the peer-reviewed journals where their work appears. 

From Pakistan, over 20 esteemed individuals from the AKU feature on this year’s elite list. Among them are Dr Zulfiqar A Bhutta, Dr Salim S. Virani, Dr Romaina Iqbal, and Dr Jai Kumar Das; scholars whose work has made a lasting impact on the quality of life for the people in Pakistan and abroad. Many hold leadership positions at various national and international agencies and represent the multitude of scholars at the AKU who are contributing at the highest level internationally. 

Collectively, the AKU’s research has influenced 5,347 policy documents in 25 countries, including the WHO, World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization and UNICEF. 

Their work has advanced standards of care, strengthened evidence-based policymaking, and inspired generations of professionals dedicated to serving their communities and pushing the boundaries of health, education and research. 

“These rankings reflect not only the incredible talent housed within AKU but also the University’s steadfast dedication to fostering an environment of excellence. We have consistently invested in state-of-the-art research facilities and fostered collaborations with world-leading institutions to encourage the pursuit of quality and innovation in our research,” Dr Salim S. Virani, Vice Provost, Research, and Professor of Medicine, at the AKU, observed. 

The recognition also highlights Pakistan’s growing presence in global research and the calibre of scientists the country continues to produce through research-led institutions like the AKU. 

By appearing in such global rankings, the AKU strengthens its ability to attract collaborations, funding, and top talent, all of which help fulfil its mission of advancing education, health and development in Pakistan and the developing world.

Greenwich University represents Pakistan in Russian Festival for third successive year

By Iqbal Jamil

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Driven by its vision to project Pakistan’s image as a centre of creativity, culture, and innovation, the Greenwich University once again took Pakistan to the global stage by proudly representing the country at the Admiralty Needle International Fashion, Art & Design Festival held in St. Petersburg, Russia. 

The Greenwich University has earned the distinction of being the only university from Pakistan having represented the country successfully in Russia for three consecutive years. 

Organized by the Saint Petersburg State University of Technology and Design, the prestigious festival brought together leading designers, artists, and academic institutions from around the world under the theme ‘Conscious Elegance’ which was widely hailed. 

The Greenwich University delegation was led by Eesha Ali Alvi, Head of Global Communications and Cultural Diplomacy, who participated as an International Juror and also delivered a lecture on ‘The Importance of Cultural Diplomacy in Strengthening Global Ties through Art and Fashion.’ 

In her address, she emphasized how fashion and cultural exchange serve as bridges of understanding between nations, spotlighting Pakistan’s creative identity, artistic legacy, and craftsmanship on an international platform. 

Joining the delegation was Pakistan’s iconic designer, Deepak Perwani, an alumnus of Greenwich University, whose showcase captivated audiences, and celebrated the diversity and artistry of Pakistani fashion. 

His collection stood out among presentations from Russia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Tajikistan, Namibia, and India, earning admiration for its sophistication and cultural depth. 

This international representation underscores Greenwich University’s ongoing commitment to advancing Pakistan’s soft power through education, art, and cultural diplomacy. 

By fostering global collaborations and cross-cultural dialogue, Greenwich continues to play a pivotal role in building Pakistan’s positive image worldwide, strengthening people-to-people connections, and empowering creative expression as a means of diplomacy.

World Polio Day: Aziz Memon confident of eradicating deadly disease

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

With the World Polio Day set to be celebrated globally on October 24, Aziz Memon, National Chair, Pakistan PolioPlus Committee, has expressed the hope that, with the combined efforts of all stakeholders, the deadly disease is on the way to extinction and it’s a matter of time to make the world polio free at last. 

Aziz Memon, a senior Rotarian of over three decades standing, has been associated with the Rotary Club of Karachi, the biggest and oldest Rotary club of District 3271, established 92 years ago. He was a Trustee of The Rotary Foundation (2020-2024), and is also currently a member of the International PolioPlus Committee. He is credited to have championed the cause of polio eradication. 

“Pakistan continues to report wild poliovirus cases, with 74 cases recorded in 2024 but the figure has gone down to one third this year, reflecting progress in containing the spread of disease. These are primarily in high-risk districts of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Karachi remains a critical battleground also,” he remarked while talking to PNFS on the eve of the World Polio Day 2025.

“Conflict, illiteracy, migration patterns and disinformation have been persistent challenges. The solution lies in unyielding political will, community engagement, and the unwavering efforts of organizations like Rotary,” he added. 

Pakistan remains only one of two countries in the world where the devastating disease of poliomyelitis still exists with the other country being Afghanistan. Pakistan has overcome many hurdles over the years in its fight to eradicate polio, but total eradication has still not been possible. 

Poliomyelitis, or polio in short, is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects children under age of five. But it can also infect an unvaccinated person of any age. The poliovirus attacks the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of few hours. Irreversible paralysis, usually of the leg, occurs in about one in 200 cases. And among those paralyzed, 5 to 10% die when breathing muscles become immobilized. 

“No cure for polio has been discovered yet. But fortunately, it can be prevented through vaccination, which needs to be during Routine Immunization, which is at birth, then six weeks, 10 week and 14 weeks. Due low Routine Immunization in most parts of the country, we need to administer polio vaccine drops multiple times, which offers protection and builds immunity against the polio virus,” Aziz Memon revealed. 

“Polio has perhaps existed for thousands of years, although it was recognized as a virus-caused contagious disease only in the past 100 years or so. Until about the mid-1980s, polio was prevalent throughout the world, even though the first polio vaccine, was developed in 1955. As global vaccination vastly increased, the incidence of wild poliovirus decreased by over 99% since 1988, from an estimated 350 000 cases in more than 125 countries, to two endemic countries at the moment-Afghanistan and Pakistan,” he recalled, adding that the virus is spread mainly through the oral-fecal route or, through contaminated water or food, multiplying rapidly in the intestine. 

“The global war against polio has been led from the start by Rotary International, a global, not-for-profit humanitarian organization, which is 120 years old this year. Rotary launched a global effort for immunization of the world’s children in 1985. World Polio Day was first observed by Rotary International on October 24, 1985, to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Jonas Salk, the scientist who developed the first effective polio vaccine in 1955. And that is how the World Polio Day came about,” he narrated. 

“After this start in 1985, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) was established in 1988 with Rotary as a founding partner, alongside WHO, UNICEF, the U.S. CDC, and later the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. At that time, polio was paralyzing more than a thousand children globally, every single day,” he continued. 

“Since then, Rotary has contributed more than US$3 billion towards polio eradication, mobilized over 1 million volunteers, and vaccinated nearly 3 billion children across 122 countries. Rotary has contributed close to US$500 million dollars in Pakistan for Polio eradication. As a result of close cooperation between more than 200 countries and the untiring work of some 20 million volunteers, over 20 million children are able to walk today, instead of being paralyzed,” Aziz Memon shared. 

“The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, supported by Rotary and GPEI partners, is one of the most extensive public health campaigns in the world. More than 339,000 health workers, many of them women, go door-to-door across Pakistan to ensure that every child under five is immunized. And today we are very close to eradicating a disease globally from our planet. When this happens, it will be only the second time in human history that a disease has been forever eliminated, followed by the eradication of smallpox in 1980,” Aziz Memon hoped. 

“The World Polio Day is also a call to honour the tireless vaccinators working in some of the most difficult conditions. Several have laid down their lives for the cause, as have many law enforcement personnel, protecting them on duty. The final steps are always the hardest, but history will remember those who refused to give up. The eradication will be a victory for humanity; proof that collective action, global solidarity, and the simple act of caring for children can change the course of history. And as Rotarians, we take pride in knowing that polio eradication is Rotary’s gift to the world, and it is within our grasp to make it permanent,” he concluded.

APP pensioners made to run from pillar to post for securing dues

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The retired employees of the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), a state-owned news agency working under the umbrella of the Federal Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, have been made to run from pillar to post over the years to secure their outstanding dues from the organization they served for many decades. 

Despite having obtained the desired approval from the parliament followed by the formal announcement by the federal government, the pension amount has yet not been revised. 

The reliefs announced but not extended to APP pensioners include the 17.5 per cent hike announced in 2023, 15pc in 2024, and 7pc in 2025, whereas during the same period, parliamentarians, ministers, judges and senior officials have received substantial upward revisions in their salaries and privileges. 

Unlike these influential groups, many of whose members are believed to be having other income streams, the retired employees of APP remain totally dependent on their modest pensions, with no additional perks or benefits. 

The continued delay from the concerned authorities in releasing the due payment has left the APP retirees, battered by soaring inflation and a weakening currency, without even the minimal relief they are seeking for the past three years. 

The former employees of APP, who served the organization with dedication for decades, have a right to feel hard done by the concerned departments who have yet not released their overdue payments despite repeated meetings, follow-up messages and appeals.