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Pak cable ops call off strike
MUMBAI: Pakistan cable operators called off their three day agitation on Tuesday evening, and have decided not to press for the resumption of transmission of banned channels in the country.
ACable operators in Pakistan had gone on a week long agitation protesting the government’s ban on Indian satellite channels, which are very popular across the border.
Operators across the country, owing allegiance to the All Pakistan Cable Operators Welfare Association, blacked out all foreign and local private channels in most parts of the country, but the government stuck to its stand saying that Indian channels would not be allowed. While operators showed only the four PTV channels, PTI reports said that the government was also considering revoking the licenses of cable ops who continued to resort to a blackout, as a punitive measure. Last evening, however, the operators called off their strike and resumed transmission of a number of channels to their viewers.
According to the daily Dawn, a spokesman for the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority welcomed the step and said Pemra would help in the resolution of their “genuine” problems within the parameters of Pemra Ordinance and as per policy of the government. “We will facilitate between the channel providers and cable operators in determining rates for foreign channels and also ask Wapda and civic bodies to extend cooperation to cable operators,” a spokesman of the Authority said.
While the cable ops have dropped the demand for resumption of transmission of banned Indian channels, accordingt to the Dawn, the associaton representing the cable ops has now outlined major problems including high rates of foreign channels available on decoders, difficulties in availing poles facilities of bodies like Wapda, the absence of a uniform policy of civic bodies and relay of ads on VCDs. Pemra is scheduled to hold a public hearing shortly on the issue of fixing rates of foreign channels, the Dawn says.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
