Karachi washroom birth exposes maternal care gaps
ISLAMABAD, June 21: A childbirth incident at Karachi’s Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) has exposed serious weaknesses in Pakistan’s maternal healthcare system. A woman in labour was reportedly denied proper medical assessment, including an ultrasound, and told to walk around. She later delivered her baby in a hospital washroom, according to reports. Videos of the incident went viral, triggering public outrage and prompting the Sindh Health Department and JPMC to form an inquiry committee. Preliminary findings reportedly point to negligence, including the absence of a resident medical officer and failure to properly examine the patient. The case has been described as part of wider systemic failures in Pakistan’s healthcare system, which continues to record high preventable maternal and newborn deaths despite international commitments to improve outcomes. The report also references earlier investigations into malpractice and unsafe medical practices in public hospitals, including infection control violations and outbreaks affecting children. (IANS)
UK PM condemns islamophobic attacks in Scotland
LONDON, June 21: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned a series of violent attacks in Edinburgh, Scotland, which police say were motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. The attacks on Friday injured five men and triggered a major police response, with Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland now leading the investigation. Police said a 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested after reports of threats, robbery, vandalism, and stabbings across multiple locations in Edinburgh, including Sighthill, Telford Road, and Leith Walk. Officers armed with tasers detained the suspect around 9:30 pm. Starmer called the violence “absolutely appalling” and said the suspect would face the full force of the law, expressing sympathy for the injured and praise for emergency services. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also condemned the attack, saying there is “no place for hatred and violence against Muslims.” Authorities confirmed ongoing patrols and investigations, while community groups reported that several victims were Muslim. Scottish leaders also denounced the incident and stressed there is no place for racism or religious hatred in society. (AP)
Indian man charged with fatal stabbing in London
LONDON, June 21: Navjot Singh, a 20-year-old Indian national, has been charged with the murder of 26-year-old Gurbhej Singh after a fatal stabbing in Southall, west London, on June 10. He also faces charges of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. Another man, aged in his 30s, was injured in the attack but has since been discharged from hospital. Singh appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court and has been remanded in custody. He is due to appear at the Old Bailey as police continue their investigation. (PTI)
