Mounting public health challenges blamed on Karachi’s ill-planned growth
This patch of University Road has turned into a deathtrap.
Fahim Siddiqi/ White Star
Media Source: Dawn (Pakistan)
Date: 19 October 2026
Dr Zafar Fatmi, Professor and Section Head, Environmental, Occupational Health and Injuries at Aga Khan University (AKU), told a Karachi panel that Sindh's health policy was only recently updated after stagnating since 2010. He urged academia and government to jointly frame problem statements and proposed health-communication…
Dr Zafar Fatmi, Professor and Section Head, Environmental, Occupational Health and Injuries at Aga Khan University (AKU), told a Karachi panel that Sindh's health policy was only recently updated after stagnating since 2010. He urged academia and government to jointly frame problem statements and proposed health-communication workshops for journalists. Speaking at a session titled ‘Climate Change, Urban Issues and Health Management,’ at the 8th Biennial Conference, Dr Zafar Fatmi said, “Academia’s primary output is publication, but policy impact requires academia and government to jointly frame problem statements,” he explained, emphasising the need to bridge the multi-sectoral policy gaps within state institutions.