Health experts say Nipah virus poses no immediate threat to Pakistan

Infectious disease experts have dispelled fears about the Nipah virus in the wake of some cases reported in India. They said only a limited number of cases are reported globally each year and that Pakistan currently faces no direct threat from the virus, as no case has so far been detected anywhere in the country. The experts expressed these views during a roundtable conference on the Nipah virus, held at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Associate Chief Medical Officer AKUH and infectious disease specialist Dr Faisal Mahmood, along with Section Head of Infectious Diseases Dr Nosheen Nasir, briefed participants on the global situation of the virus, possible risks for Pakistan, and preventive measures. They informed the conference that only 10 cases of Nipah virus were reported worldwide last year, while cases detected in eastern India and Bangladesh do not pose a direct risk to Pakistan. The current situation, they said, provides an important opportunity to review national preparedness for dealing with potential epidemics. Read More: Pakistan tightens border surveillance over Nipah virus threat as India confirms two cases Dr Nosheen Nasir said Nipah virus is a zoonotic infection, transmitted from animals to humans, adding that human-to-human transmission is limited, which is why the number of reported cases remains low. She said most cases have been reported in eastern India, Bangladesh, and Singapore. The virus was first identified in Malaysia in 1998, where it spread from pigs to humans and was named after the area where it was discovered. She said two cases have been reported in India this year, which the World Health Organization has classified as surviving cases. No case has been reported in Pakistan so far. Dr Nasir added that early symptoms of the disease resemble those of flu, while severe cases can lead to encephalitis, seizure-like episodes, and other neurological complications. Dr Mahmood said that there was no immediate need for Nipah virus screening in Pakistan, as it was unlikely that cases could be present without being reported. He added that no testing facility for the virus is currently available in the country; however, in the event of a suspected case, samples would be sent to the National Institute of Health (NIH), which has the capacity to diagnose rare infections. Also Read: Overall risk of Nipah outbreak in Pakistan remains low, NIH informs high-level meeting He said that the virus could be transmitted through bats, saliva of infected animals, and contaminated fruits. He stressed the need to use N95 masks, but there is no need at present to establish separate wards for the disease. Although bats are present in Pakistan, he said, the spread of Nipah virus is not easy. The experts further stated that there are no pig farms in Pakistan, though the virus has previously been detected in horses in a few countries. The disease can spread among people living in close contact with infected animals, and if it were to emerge in Pakistan, rural areas would be more vulnerable. Stressing the need for preventive measures, the experts advised people to wash their hands regularly, wash fruits before consumption, and avoid eating partially cut fruits. They cautioned that the disease is not limited to common cold symptoms and can also cause breathing difficulties. Dr Mahmood said that measles, chickenpox, HIV, and Hepatitis C currently pose far greater public health challenges in Pakistan. He warned that while measles and chickenpox spread rapidly, they are preventable through vaccination. He added that HIV is no longer confined to specific groups and is increasingly spreading in the general population, calling it a serious public health issue.    

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Senator questions PIFD VC's tenure, Rs2b fund release

Senator Bushra Anjum Butt on Wednesday questioned the tenure of the Vice Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) and the release of more than Rs2 billion in institutional funds, while criticising the federal education minister for repeatedly missing meetings of the Senate Standing Committee on Education and disregarding its directives. The senator accused the minister of ignoring the committee’s rulings in a dispute involving the tenure of Hina Tayyaba, the vice chancellor of PIFD. Speaking during a session of the Senate body this week, Butt said the education minister had failed to take the committee seriously. “I just want to bring this matter to everybody’s attention, and to the chairperson of the Standing Committee for Education. I feel it’s time that the education minister needs to take the Senate seriously. I have been attending the meetings but the minister has never been present,” she said. She said the committee had held six to seven meetings on the matter, during which questions were raised about “misuse of power and financial embezzlement.” According to Butt, the committee ruled that Tayyaba’s tenure had ended in December and that she should step aside, with any inquiries conducted “in transparent manner.” Despite the ruling, the senator alleged that the minister not only appointed Tayyaba as interim vice chancellor but also elevated her to professor and authorised the release of more than Rs2 billion in institutional funds under her authority. “So I feel this is ridiculing the Senate Standing Committee. I would appreciate it if this matter is transferred to the Privilege Committee, and I also want to refer it to the Finance Committee,” she said. “If the standing committee’s role is merely a formality, then tell me — or if it is a platform where people knock on the door and ask for justice — so I can work accordingly,” she added, stating that she wanted the minister to explain why he did not follow the committee’s ruling. The senator further alleged that officials from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) had taken the position that the Senate had no authority to question a vice chancellor’s tenure. “We need to get this house in order,” she concluded.

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Kasim accuses govt of 'deliberately refusing' to process visas, obstructing meeting with Imran

Kasim Khan, the son of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, on Wednesday again accused the government of deliberately refusing to process his visa and that of his brother to prevent the siblings from meeting their father. Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023, currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. In addition, he faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the protests of May 9, 2023. The party has expressed concern in recent days over Imran's health and demanded treatment by his own team of doctors. Last year, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan had told reporters that Sulaiman Khan and Kasim would participate in a protest movement planned for August 5, 2025. Later, it was reported that Imran had stated his sons would not be coming to Pakistan to join the protest. The brothers had later held meetings with key individuals in the United States. Read More: Son voices fears for Imran's safety However, the issue has drawn reactions from the government as well. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah warned that Imran's sons, who reside in the United Kingdom with their mother Jemima Goldsmith, would be arrested if they participated in the protest. In a post on X today, Kasim said: "My brother and I are trying to travel to Pakistan to see our father. For 914 days, he has been held in solitary confinement while his health deteriorates and he is denied access to independent medical care. Now the government is deliberately refusing to process our visas." He said that denying a prisoner treatment was cruel and denying his children the right to see him was collective punishment. "I call on international human rights organisations and governments to speak out and act before irreversible harm is done." My brother and I are trying to travel to Pakistan to see our father. For 914 days, he has been held in solitary confinement while his health deteriorates and he is denied access to independent medical care. Now the government is deliberately refusing to process our visas.… pic.twitter.com/L23ZRmRDZj — Kasim Khan (@Kasim_Khan_1999) February 4, 2026 Two days earlier, the PTI alleged, citing a report, that the government had decided to withhold visa approvals for Imran’s sons to prevent access to him. It claimed according to a source in the interior ministry, “they will not be given visas. The decision has been made. The government only wants to delay the decision as long as possible without actually announcing the decision.” The report claimed the government planned to deny the visas on technical grounds — such as a failure to disclose recent travel to the United Arab Emirates — rather than issuing an outright rejection. Sulaiman and Kasim have previouly appealed for international attention to what they describe as their father’s “inhumane” incarceration, calling particularly on US President Donald Trump to use his influence to support his release. Also Read: Imran being kept in ‘poor conditions’ The brothers previously said they were compelled to speak out due to the desperate circumstances surrounding their father’s detention. 

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SC acquits former minister in OGDCL recruitment case

The Supreme Court on Monday acquitted former federal minister Anwar Saifullah in a case relating to alleged illegal recruitment in the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), after allowing his review petition and setting aside his conviction. The court ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove the allegations against the former minister. The case was heard by a three-member bench headed by Justice Hashim Khan Kakar. It is worth noting that the trial court had sentenced former minister to one year's imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs5 million.

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Maryam Nawaz urges public to celebrate Basant safely

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has thanked citizens for their enthusiastic response to Basant festival and appealed people to strictly follow safety measures during the celebration. In an official statement issued from the Chief Minister's Office, she said the permission for Basant was granted only in Lahore for a period from February 6 to 8, while kite flying remained banned in rest of the province. She added that the response to the Basant pilot project has exceeded expectations and possibility to allow celebration in other cities will be reviewed after assessing its success in Lahore. Calling Basant a traditional festival of Punjab, the CM urged citizens to celebrate with joy while also ensuring their own safety and that of others. She said all departments had made concerted efforts to make Basant safe across the provincial capital. Maryam announced that travel on 419 buses, metro bus services, the Orange Line train and 6,000 Yango rickshaws would be free during the festival. She said more than 700,000 motorcycles in Lahore had been fitted with safety rods for which free installation camps had been set up. She outlined kite specifications, stating that the size would be 35×30 inches and 40×34 inches, while only cotton string consisting of nine threads would be allowed. Metallic wire, chemical string and other prohibited materials would invite strict legal action. She added that kites and strings could also be sourced from outside Lahore if required. The CM said kite flying would not be allowed in civil aviation areas and only registered manufacturers, sellers, traders and associations would be permitted to supply QR code–embedded kites and strings. Read More: Historic Lahore rooftops booked for Basant She added that thermal drone surveillance would be conducted across all areas, including at night, with real-time monitoring in place. She said the government did not want to punish people but enforcement of the law was necessary for public safety. She added that QR codes on every kite and spool would enable real-time tracking. The CM said emergency arrangements have been finalised, including the deployment of ambulances, fire brigade vehicles and motorcycle rescue units, while assistant commissioners have been tasked to head quick response teams in every tehsil of Lahore. She added that dangerous buildings had been surveyed and fitness certificates obtained. She said violations of the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act and its rules could result in imprisonment ranging from five to seven years and fines of up to Rs5 million. Lahore has been divided into three zones, high-risk, yellow and green, with dedicated safety camps established in each zone. Maryam said that Basant had boosted economic activity worth billions of rupees, benefiting kite manufacturers, restaurants and hotels. She said the festival was gaining international recognition and the government aimed to promote Punjab’s culture globally while ensuring a safe environment. LESCO submits Basant safety plan to LHC Meanwhile, the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) submitted a 27-point plan to the Lahore High Court to ensure uninterrupted power supply and public safety during the Basant festival. According to the report, a Central Control and Command Centre will be established at LESCO headquarters to address electricity-related complaints. In addition, a control room will be set up at the commissioner’s office to maintain close coordination with the provincial government. The control rooms will remain operational round the clock, with officials deputed in three shifts for constant monitoring. LESCO has placed all operational and field staff on high alert for the Basant period. For public safety, executive engineers will remain present at 132kV grid stations, while the complaint number 111 will remain fully operational across Lahore. For immediate coordination, the contact numbers of all 136 XENs and SDOs have been shared with the relevant assistant commissioners. LESCO emphasised that infrastructure stability and public safety would be the top priorities. The report stated that no staff member would remove kite strings from live lines without first switching off the power supply to prevent accidents. The utility informed the court that surveys had been conducted in high-risk areas, including Shah Alam Market, Liberty Market, Ichhra Bazaar, and Moon Market to remove damaged wiring. As part of preventive measures, 46 high-risk electricity poles were replaced in these areas.

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197 terrorists killed, 22 security personnel martyred in Balochistan operations so far: state media

Pakistan’s security forces have killed a total of 197 terrorists belonging to the banned 'Fitna al-Hindustan' militant group in continuing counterterrorism operations in Balochistan for the past three days with 22 security personnel having been martyred, state media reported on Tuesday. The government has designated the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militant group and other Baloch groups as “Fitna al-Hindustan”, alleging they are acting as proxies of India to destabilise Pakistan through hybrid warfare. In a post on X, state broadcaster PTV News said, quoting security sources: "197 terrorists of Fitna al-Hindustan have been killed in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations for the past three days. Some follow-up and sanitisation operations against these terrorists are still ongoing." It said 22 security personnel from the army, Frontier Corps, police, and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency were martyred while protecting civilians and the country. Meanwhile, it said 36 civilians, including women and children, had lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. گزشتہ تین دنوں سے جاری دہشت گردی کے خلاف آپریشنز میں فتنہ الہندوستان کے 197 دہشت گرد جہنم واصل ہو چکے ہیں، سیکیورٹی ذرائع ان دہشت گردوں کے خلاف کچھ تعاقبی اور سینیٹائزیشن آپریشنز اب بھی جاری ہیں، سیکیورٹی ذرائع مادر وطن اور معصوم شہریوں کی حفاظت کرتے ہوئے پاکستان کے 22… pic.twitter.com/GwqAW34Ffw — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 3, 2026 According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, terrorists had launched coordinated attacks at several locations on Saturday, targeting security installations and civilian areas across Quetta, Mastung, Noshki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar and Pasni. Security forces responded with sustained clearance operations and standoffs, killing 92 terrorists on the first day. The military said 18 civilians were also killed, while 15 security personnel “fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom” during the operations. A day ago, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan needed to deploy large numbers of troops in Balochistan because of the province’s vast geography amid the serious security situation and recent spate of attacks. Speaking in the National Assembly (NA) on the matter, Asif said: "Balochistan constitutes over 40% of Pakistan geographically ... to control it is much difficult than a populated city or area and it needs deployment of massive forces. Our troops are deployed there and are in action against them (terrorists) but they are physically handicapped by guarding and patrolling such a big area." The defence minister said the government tightened enforcement to curb smuggling, triggering a major protest at the Chaman border. He said some people argue the state should negotiate with nationalist movements, but claimed the protest movement was driven by commercial interests rather than politics or nationalism. Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti had described the operation as one of the most extensive intelligence-led actions conducted in such a short timeframe. He said the crackdown followed a series of coordinated assaults claimed by the BLA. Asif said on Sunday that Pakistan’s findings showed that “all the linkages point towards India” in the recent attacks. Security sources had also claimed that Indian media outlets and India-linked social media accounts amplified support for Fitna al-Hindustan during the attacks, which they described as part of a coordinated hostile information campaign. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had also directly held India responsible on Saturday, alleging that New Delhi was involved in planning and backing the incidents and vowing to expose what he described as its role before the international community. The attacks were unanimously condemned by the country's political stakeholders with resolutions against them passed in the Senate and NA.

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Sanaullah throws hat behind restoration of Imran's meetings 'if no new date given' post-Feb 8 protest

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said on Monday that the meetings of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan with his family and relatives should be allowed subject to the condition that no new date or call was given for a protest after February 8. Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023, currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. In addition, he faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) related to the protests of May 9, 2023. Meetings with his family members, which typically occur on Tuesday, have not been allowed. Meanwhile, the PTI has announced a wheel-jam and shutter-down strike on February 8 to mark two years since the 2024 general elections. Speaking in an interview on programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath' on a private media broadcaster, Sanaullah said a meeting tomorrow with one of Imran's sister could be possible, but, he said nothing to that effect was discussed in talks between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. He supported the jail administration's decision to not allow meetings if Imran "wants to pour fuel over fire" before Feb 8. "If no new date is given after Feb 8 then it should happen and there is no grounds to not allow a meeting." However, Sanaullah said that press conferences or stances against institutions and their heads in the after match of the meetings was "unacceptable". Also Read: K-P CM Afridi, PM Shehbaz discuss thorny issues in ice-breaking meeting “A narrative against institutions who are sacrificing their lives can’t be tolerated. PTI must step back from this. If PTI wants to continue all this, then it must do so against the government or political parties,” he said. On Imran’s health, Sanaullah said he was receiving the best possible medical care “according to his position”, and described claims to the contrary as baseless propaganda. Commenting on the meeting between PM Shehbaz and CM Afridi, Sanaullah said the discussion took place in a pleasant atmosphere and focused on a two-point agenda. “We both have different parties, ideologies and approaches, therefore we will not condition anything to other matter — put this matter aside, let’s come and discuss on Pakistan,” Sanaullah quoted the prime minister as saying. Also Read: Defence minister urges large-scale troop deployment in Balochistan On the recent attacks in Balochistan, Sanaullah said the government had a comprehensive counter-terrorism policy and that the army was fully capable and in control of the situation. He said all the attackers had been killed. “The only purpose of the attacks is to destabilise the country and damage the reputation of Pakistan as a state,” he added.

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