Education
Sports
KPK
Moazzam Butt Urges Return of Edwardes College Control to Church
Shahzad Rasheed
Peshawar: Renowned lawyer, Chairman of Moazzam Law Associates, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Moazzam Butt, accompanied by Father Shahid Younis, General Secretary of the Diocese of Peshawar, addressed a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Thursday. He called on the provincial government to return the administrative control of Edwardes College Peshawar to the Church, arguing that this would help restore the institution’s academic excellence and reputation.
Moazzam Butt said that the ongoing legal dispute between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government and the Governor over the administrative authority of Edwardes College has severely damaged the institution. He stated that Edwardes College, once recognized worldwide for its academic excellence and distinguished legacy, has suffered a significant decline in its reputation due to the prolonged conflict. According to him, the quality of education has deteriorated, and many students are leaving the college in favor of other institutions.
He further claimed that the college is facing serious financial difficulties and has become administratively unstable. According to Butt, uncertainty surrounding the administration and ongoing litigation have discouraged principals from serving at the institution, resulting in a lack of stable leadership and negatively affecting its overall functioning.
He urged the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to resolve their differences and end the dispute over the institution’s administration. He called for all administrative powers of Edwardes College to be handed back to the Church so that the college could regain its academic standards, effective governance, and longstanding tradition of promoting quality education and interfaith harmony.
Moazzam Butt further stated that, in his view, the quality of the faculty has declined, some academic programs have ceased to function, and the continued legal battles have created uncertainty among students and parents, adversely affecting admissions.
He also appealed to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to play an active role in restoring the prestige and academic standing of Edwardes College.
National
Al-Shifa Trust says heat, humidity increase eye health risks
Doctors urge hydration and timely eye care
PROVINCE REPORT
RAWALPINDI: Doctors at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital have warned that persistent heat and high monsoon humidity are contributing to a rise in dry eyes, irritation, redness and blurred vision, urging people to take preventive measures as temperatures remain above normal.
According to eye specialists, the combination of intense heat, humidity, dust, pollen, smoke and prolonged exposure to fans or air conditioners can disrupt the eye’s natural tear film, leading to irritation and discomfort. People who work outdoors, drive for long hours or spend extended periods in air-conditioned environments are particularly vulnerable.
Dr. Tayyab Afghani, Head of the Orbit and Oculoplastic Department at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, said dry eye disease is more than a minor irritation. Repeated dryness can cause burning, excessive watering, a gritty sensation and difficulty focusing, while frequent rubbing of the eyes may further damage the eye surface and increase the risk of complications.
He said office workers, students, older adults, contact lens users and people living with diabetes or allergies are more likely to experience symptoms during the current weather conditions.
Dr. Afghani urged patients recovering from eye surgery, particularly cataract, glaucoma, corneal or retinal procedures, to take extra care by using their prescribed eye drops regularly and attending follow-up eye examinations as advised by their doctors.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast above-normal temperatures across much of the country from July to September 2026, with prolonged heatwave conditions possible in parts of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.
Dr. Afghani advised people to stay well hydrated, wear sunglasses, avoid rubbing their eyes and minimise exposure to dust and smoke. He also recommended taking regular breaks from digital screens, blinking more frequently, removing contact lenses if the eyes become dry, and using lubricating eye drops only on the advice of an eye specialist.
He urged people not to ignore persistent redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, discharge or sudden blurred vision, saying these symptoms require prompt medical evaluation to prevent complications.
He added that children, outdoor workers and older adults should be monitored closely during periods of extreme heat and humidity, as they are more susceptible to dehydration and weather-related eye irritation.
