ISLAMABAD: May 09 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacting with the families of Martyrs at an event commemorating the unfortunate riots of 9 May 2023
ISLAMABAD: May 09 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacting with the families of Martyrs at an event commemorating the unfortunate riots of 9 May 2023
ISLAMABAD: May 09
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacting with the families of Martyrs at an event commemorating the unfortunate riots of 9 May 2023
ISLAMABAD: May 09
Over 50pc Pakistani women of reproductive age suffering from PCOS: Experts
By Rehan Khan
ISLAMABAD, May 9 (APP):Over 50 percent women of reproductive age are suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder which can disrupt ovulation, making it difficult for women to conceive naturally.
This could lead to a rise in infertility rates and increased demand for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in-vitro fertilization (IVF), health experts and gynecologists warned on Thursday.
Terming the high prevalence of PCOS as a serious public health issue for Pakistan women, they further warned that it would not only strain healthcare systems due to the need for diagnosis, treatment, and management of symptoms but can also cause emotional distress due to irregular periods, weight gain, infertility, and other symptoms.
This could lead to a rise in anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life for many women.
They were speaking at Pakistan’s First International PCOS Summit 2024 held here at a local hotel which was attended international and local gynecologists from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and different cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who called for creating awareness school and college girls as upto 70 percent of women of reproductive age remain undiagnosed and suffer for their entire life.
Renowned gynecologist Prof. Saqib Siddiq said there’s no single definitive cause for PCOS, but some factors might contribute to its high prevalence in Pakistan including genetic predisposition but increased sugar intake, refined carbohydrates, and a lack of physical activity are potential risk factors.
“Diet and lifestyle are becoming more prevalent in Pakistan due to changing lifestyles as youngsters are interested more in eating junk food. Physical inactivity is also on the rise as people especially women are don’t exercise or play any games. Exposure to environmental toxins could also be a contributing factor, but more research is needed”, Prof. Siddiq added.
Urging young women having irregular periods, he said it is a hallmark symptom, with women experiencing infrequent, prolonged, or absent periods in case of PCOS and urged them to immediately consult gynecologists instead of visiting dermatologists and endocrinologists.
“Women suffering from increased levels of male hormones (androgens) can lead to symptoms like acne, excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism), and male-pattern baldness. Similarly, PCOS can disrupt ovulation, making it difficult to conceive naturally”, he added.
Another senior gynecologist Prof. Dr. Shamsa Rizwan said many women with PCOS experience weight gain and difficulty losing it, adding that such women may also have insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Urging people, especially women to modify their lifestyle, eat high protein diet and avoid carbohydrates and fat rich diets, she urged women and adolescent girls to regularly take vitamin D and consume fruits and vegetables to overcome Zinc, Manganese, and other vitamins.
Another senior gynecologist Prof. Dr. Rizwana Chaudhry said there no cure for PCOS, saying treatment focuses on managing symptoms and addressing potential complications. She called for healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management are crucial for managing PCOS symptoms and improving overall health.
Other senior health experts said birth control pills or medications like metformin can help regulate periods, reduce androgen levels, and improve insulin sensitivity, adding that if pregnancy is desired, medications can help stimulate ovulation.
They said medications or therapies might be used to address specific symptoms like acne or excessive hair growth, saying early diagnosis and proper management of PCOS are essential for Pakistani women. Left untreated, PCOS can lead to complications like infertility, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer, they warned.
Syed Jamshed Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of Pharmevo said increased awareness among women and healthcare professionals about PCOS is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention and added that ensuring access to affordable and quality healthcare services, including gynecologists and endocrinologists, is vital for women with PCOS.
“Promoting healthy lifestyle habits through education and community programs can help prevent or manage PCOS effectively”, by addressing these concerns, Pakistan can work towards improving the lives of women affected by PCOS.
He maintained that they were working for a healthier society by providing access to quality medicine in Pakistan.
The conference was also addressed by Prof. Zeba Manzoor, Prof. Dr. Amara Takreem, Prof. Faresa Waqar, Prof. Viqar un Nisa, Dr. Shaheen Zafar and others while a lot of young gynecologists and medical students attended the conference.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah poses for a photo with the family members of Shuhdas at Paigham-e-Aman – 9th May organised by the Sindh Information dept
KARACHI: May 09 –
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah speaks on the floor of the Sindh Assembly
KARACHI: May 09 –
Activists of Pak Civil Soldier Organization Sindh holding rally in favour Pakistan Army at Press Club
KARACHI: May 09 –
KARACHI: May 09 – Activists of Pak Civil Soldier Organization Sindh holding rally in favour Pakistan Army at Press Club. APP/SDQ/TZD
Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori addressing a press conference at Governor House
KARACHI: May 09 –
CPEC helps Pakistan expand economic base, enhance regional connectivity over past decade: Ahsan Iqbal
BEIJING, May 9 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof Ahsan Iqbal said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has helped Pakistan expand its economic base and enhance regional connectivity over the past decade and as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has achieved multiple milestones and contributed to Pakistan socio-economic development.
He made these remarks while delivering a keynote speech at a seminar-themed Decade of CPEC and BRI and Beyond organized by the Belt and Road Center of NDRC in Beijing.
The academics and scholars associated with renowned think tanks, Chinese universities and representatives of various SOEs participated in the seminar.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has emerged as a transformational project for Pakistan, helping the country address immediate needs of infrastructure development and frequent power outages by adding 8,000 MW to power generation.
He said that the 5-Es framework i.e. Export, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy and Equity envisioned by the Government of Pakistan is in line with the new five corridors of growth, livelihood, innovation, green energy and inclusive regional development for CPEC Phase II outlined by the Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng last year.
He said the people of Pakistan consider the Chinese in Pakistan as esteemed guests and added that Pakistan has taken extra measures to ensure the security and safety of Chinese institutions, personnel and projects in Pakistan.
The minister stressed the need to conduct evidence-based joint research by the academics and scholars of the two countries to showcase multiple success stories of CPEC and BRI.
Ahsan Iqbal said that the Government of Pakistan is undertaking structural reforms to improve resource mobilization and cut losses. The creation of the Special Facilitation Investment Council (SIFC) will synergize decision-making efforts by bringing all stakeholders to one table and facilitating the investors.
He shared that Pakistan is actively engaging various Chinese institutions for exploring efficient and affordable energy management system along with a detailed green energy transition plan.
In this regard, he extended an invitation to various SOEs and private enterprises to study Pakistan energy system and share its recommendations with the Government.
He underscored that Pakistan, with its unique geographical location and rich cultural heritage, stands as a bridge between civilizations and expressed his firm confidence that through CPEC and the BRI, both countries can promote cultural exchanges, people-to-people contacts, educational collaborations and tourism.
He said the priority of the new government in Pakistan is to revive the same momentum of CPEC projects as in Phase I.
Under Phase II, we envisage greater industrial cooperation by inviting Chinese industries to relocate to SEZs being developed in Pakistan. From G2G, we are promoting B2B linkages for a greater private sector role in CPEC.
He said Pakistan offers great investment opportunities in agriculture, energy, services, industries and technology sectors.
Pakistan’s stock market has set a new record showing the growing confidence of the investor community in the policies of the government.
ISSI hosts “Next-Generation Strategic Cohort 2024”
ISLAMABAD, May 09 (APP): The India Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a one-day workshop, titled “Next-Generation Strategic Cohort 2024” as part of the series of events aimed at engaging young academics and scholars in the policy discourse relating to foreign policy and strategic issues in South Asia.
The workshop was attended by more than 28 young researchers and experts from various think-tanks and Universities from different parts of Pakistan, a news release said.
In his opening remarks, Director India Study Centre Dr. Khurram Abbas welcomed the participants and introduced the theme, objectives and pattern of the event. The workshop was divided into two working sessions.
In his remarks on the occasion, Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood lauded the young scholars for their enthusiastic participation in the event. He highlighted that the ISSI’s new vision prioritised youth engagement and that the Institute was now proactively drawing the next generation experts into the process with new ideas and fresh perspectives.
He stressed the importance of developing a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the intricate issues at hand, making more informed and insightful evaluations, and suggesting more innovative approaches to addressing the longstanding challenges and realizing the emerging opportunities.
The first session consisted of three lectures, viz. ‘India-Pakistan Bilateral relations: Prospects and Challenges for Normalization’; ‘Understanding Indian Strategic Culture and Political Thought Process’; and ‘Emerging Technologies and Comprehensive National Security’.
In the second session, the young scholars were divided into six groups with each group tasked to debate various issues — ranging from security and foreign policy to trade and non-traditional threats in South Asia — and propose a way forward.
The ‘Mentors’ for the young scholars in this session included Altaf Hussain Wani, Chairman Kashmir Institue of International Relations; Ambassador Riffat Masood, former Ambassador of Pakistan to Iran; Dr. Neelum Nigar, Director Centre for Strategic Perspectives (ISSI); and Dr. Shaheen Akhtar, Professor Department of IR, National Defence University (NDU).
The Mentors lauded the efforts of young academics and researchers and emphasized the importance of in-depth and rigorous thinking on issues of national security and foreign relations.
Chairman Board of Governors ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, delivered concluding remarks. Certificates were distributed among participants as a token of appreciation for their active participation.