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Chehlum and Fateha Khawani Held in Karachi for Veteran Journalist Munawar Naqvi

KARACHI: The Chehlum and Fateha Khawani of the late Syed Munawar Hussain Naqvi, one of Pakistan’s most senior and respected journalists, were held on Sunday at Imam Bargah Yasrab, Phase IV, DHA Karachi. The veteran journalist had passed away in Islamabad on August 31, 2025. The solemn ceremony was organized by his son Muhammad Abbas Naqvi (Shani) and his brother Manzar Naqvi, Executive Editor of The Financial Daily International.

The gathering was marked by profound reverence and remembrance of the late journalist’s lifelong services to Pakistani journalism. A large number of prominent personalities from the fields of media, literature, academia, diplomacy, and civil society attended to pay their respects and offer condolences to the bereaved family.

Allama Syed Ammar Ali Shah Naqvi, Trustee of Shah-e-Najaf Imambargah Martin Road, delivered an insightful address during the Majlis-e-Chehlum, reflecting on the moral and spiritual values that define a purposeful human life. He emphasized the importance of sincerity, humility, and service to humanity — qualities that, he noted, were deeply embodied in the life and character of Syed Munawar Hussain Naqvi.

Renowned Marsiya Khawan Syed Masood Rizvi recited a heart-touching Marsiya, while famous poets of Farsh-e-Aza — Abbas Naqvi, Kamal Amrohvi, and Maisam Naqvi Amrohvi — presented soulful Salam and Nauha in tribute to the departed soul. Senior journalist Qaisar Masood Jafri and Amir Kazmi of Fizza Multimedia also spoke briefly about the late journalist’s remarkable career, his dedication to truth, and his unwavering journalistic integrity.

The event was attended by several distinguished personalities, including Mubasher Mir, President Karachi Editors Club; Aqeel Jafri, senior advertising professional; Iqbal Jamil, veteran sports journalist and PTV Sports personality; Brigadier Karar Hussain; G.H. Thaver, senior banking professional; Ali Zeb, Senior Vice President National Bank of Pakistan; former Ambassador Hassan Habib; and corporate lawyer Shaharyar Zaidi, along with many other notable figures from different walks of life. They joined together to pay tribute and express their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

A large number of ladies also attended the Majlis-e-Aza, offering prayers for the Eesal-e-Sawab of the late Munawar Hussain Naqvi.

The ceremony concluded with special prayers led by Allama Syed Ammar Ali Shah Naqvi for the maghfirat and bulandi-e-darajat (elevation of ranks) of the departed soul.

Family members, including his son Muhammad Abbas Naqvi and brother Manzar Naqvi, personally received condolences from friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. Participants fondly remembered Munawar Naqvi as a humble, honest, and pioneering figure in English journalism whose decades of service left an indelible mark on Pakistan’s media landscape.

The proceedings of the event were gracefully conducted by renowned poet Abbas Naqvi, who led the ceremony with heartfelt devotion and dignity.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.