From diarrhoea and typhoid to dengue, malaria and now chikungunya, local’s in the port city must always remain prepared for yet another outbreak. “When I reached the nearest hospital, the doctors, upon looking at the symptoms, diagnosed it as chikungunya. Similarly, Sadia Khatun, another chikungunya patient disclosed that two of her children too had acquired the disease. The highest number of cases are being reported from the Eastern, Central and South districts of Karachi. So far, 153 cases of chikungunya have been reported after PCR test confirmation.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has unveiled a stringent set of conditions as part of its $7 billion rescue package for Pakistan, reflecting a tough but expected approach. To achieve these aims, the government has committed to a comprehensive overhaul of its tax system, energy sector reforms, and deregulation. This move, while aimed at fostering fairness, poses challenges for attracting foreign investment, particularly from China, which has been a significant player under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The conditions set forth by the IMF, particularly regarding the elimination of incentives for foreign companies, may hinder the government’s plans to attract investment, especially from China. The coming months will be pivotal in determining the country’s economic trajectory and the success of the IMF’s program.

Erdogan reiterated his harsh criticism of Israel over its military campaign in the Gaza Strip and of the Western countries for their support to Israel. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has said Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip was a genocide. The blatant aggression that befalls the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip today is the most barbaric, heinous, and extensive aggression, he said. The international community must join a massive relief effort to deliver food, clean water, medicine, and other vital supplies to the Gaza Strip, where nearly a year of war has triggered unprecedented suffering. Our world has failed politically, but our humanity must not fail the people of Mideast any longer.

Fans Rally To Save Netflix's Kaos After Cancellation Outrage and petitions flood social media following abrupt season cut of the mythological comedy starring Jeff GoldblumNetflix’s decision to cancel Kaos, the series reimagining Greek mythology with Jeff Goldblum as the notorious god Zeus, has sent ripples of disappointment throughout its fanbase. Despite Kaos generating online conversations and enthusiasm among its fans, traditional viewership metrics proved to be the decisive factor. Notably, the abrupt announcement of cancellation left Kaos fans devastated. Securing high-profile series entwined with mythological plots appears to be challenging if viewer numbers do not pan out. Total numbers or statistics aside, fans question the future direction of streaming platforms.

The arrival of foreign dignitaries has started in the country to take part in an all-important session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Sources said the four-member delegation of India, 76-member team of Russia and 13-member delegation of China have arrived. Also, the two-member delegation of Iran and four-member delegation of Kyrgyzstan have also reached just ahead of the SCO moot. According to the foreign office spokesperson, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would preside over the SCO meeting. Also, Iran’s Vice President and India’s foreign minister would come to Pakistan to take part in the session.

Punjab Flour Mills Association has increased the prices of flour on the claim that wheat prices have gone up, forcing them to hike the flour rate by Rs1 per kg. Flour prices have risen by Rs250 per 20kg flour bag due to the increasing wheat price. Wheat stock is also running out in the markets, the Punjab Flour Mills Association (PFMG) said. The wheat price in Rawalpindi has surged to Rs3,200 per 40 kg against the government-notified maximum retail price of Rs2,950. Similarly, flour millers in Lahore are purchasing wheat at Rs3,000 per 40 kg against the notified price of Rs2,900.

A low-pressure system developing over the Arabian Sea has intensified into a tropical depression as of Sunday. If this system further strengthens into a tropical storm, it will be named “Dana,” a name proposed by Qatar. The depression is anticipated to strengthen into a tropical cyclone as it moves across the central Arabian Sea on Monday and Tuesday, October 14 and 15. The first potential path would see the system moving westward towards the central Arabian Sea and then making landfall along the Oman coastline. The second trajectory would take the system west-southwest towards the central Arabian Sea, eventually heading toward Socotra Island, Yemen.

LAHORE - The Punjab Health Department confirmed on Saturday that 149 new cases of dengue have been recorded across the province in the last 24 hours. Rawalpindi remains the hardest hit with 134 cases, followed by Bahawalpur with 3 cases, and Lahore reporting 2 cases. Over the past week, 997 new cases have been identified, bringing the total number of Dengue cases in Punjab for 2024 to 3,285. In light of the rising cases, the Health Department has issued an advisory urging the public to maintain clean and dry surroundings to prevent the spread of the Dengue virus. For those seeking treatment or information, or to register complaints related to Dengue, the Health Department has set up a free helpline at 1033.

KARACHI - US Navy Ship USS O’ Kane visited Karachi and participated in a bilateral exercise at North Arabian sea with Pakistan Navy Ship BABUR. The exercise was aimed to enhance interoperability and demonstrate PN-USN resolve towards regional maritime peace, a Pakistan Navy news release said. During the visit, Commanding Officer of USS O’ Kane met Commander Pakistan Fleet Rear Admiral Abdul Munib to discuss matters pertaining to interoperability of both Navies and tactical proficiency in Maritime Operations. The visit and bilateral exercise reflect Pakistan Navy’s commitment towards regional peace, stability and maritime order in collaboration with seasoned global partners. Visit of US Navy Ship to Pakistan is a manifestation of deep rooted bilateral ties between both navies in general and nations in particular.

LAHORE - The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 in five districts for three days over security concerns. The districts include Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Kot Addu. The decision, effective from October 12 to October 14, aims to address security concerns and maintain law and order. The government highlights the potential risks associated with public assemblies, which could become targets for terrorist attacks. The Punjab Home Department has issued an official notification regarding the restrictions.

The “mirage” of democracy comes from widespread misconceptions about this political system, despite clear misgivings from the most illustrious political thinkers of the past. The most important fallacies about democracy are that elected representatives are generally loyal and honest, and that the electorate is generally informed and rational with regard to politics. Though democracy might sometimes seem to work well, the never-ending economic, social, demographic, and technical changes to society make such impressions short-lived. Additionally, political tensions also arise if the ruling minority pushes a political agenda that disregards or even antagonises the majority. Thus, democracy, in particular, is subject to constant swings of political tensions due to its inherent lack of fairness: the losing side of an election is not represented.

Pakistan will be hosting the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which will be held from the 15th to 16th of October. Since its initiation, the SCO has maintained its focus on issues of terrorism and regional security. The SCO summit provides a platform for Islamabad to strengthen its diplomatic ties with member countries, especially China, Russia, and the Central Asian states. In this regard, Pakistan can propose the introduction of a common currency among SCO member states, which could significantly enhance regional trade and economic cooperation. Undoubtedly, while the SCO presents opportunities, it also brings a plethora of challenges.

BUDAPEST: Hungary’s goalkeeper Denes Disbusz gets down to save a free kick during the UEFA Nations League, League A Group A3 football match against Netherlands at the Puskas Arena here on Oct 11, 2024. — AFPPARIS: Deniz Undav scored twice as Germany defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 to edge closer to the Nations League quarter-finals on Friday as 10-man Netherlands rescued a 1-1 draw in Hungary. Bosnia hit back with 20 minutes remaining when 38-year-old former Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko headed in from a corner for his 67th international goal. The win moves Germany onto seven points from three games, two ahead of the Netherlands with the heavyweights facing each other on Monday in Munich. “I did think we were going to score.”Wales squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Iceland in Reykjavik.

This signifies a significant commitment from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan’s economic development. The government’s efforts to attract such investment, including the creation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, are crucial steps in the right direction. The government’s efforts to attract such investment, including the creation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, are crucial steps in the right direction. Rebuilding investor trust is vital for Pakistan’s economic progress and long-term prosperity. By addressing these challenges, Pakistan can position itself as an attractive destination for foreign investment, leading to sustainable economic growth and development.

It is not a certain individual’s responsibility to maintain peace but everyone’s duty. When we maintain peace and harmony, things will continue to run smoothly without any delay. We can maintain peace at different levels in many ways. Thus, we must all try our level best to maintain peace and harmony. At least maintain peace for the SCO summit.