KARACHI: Professor Tahir Saghir, Executive Director of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), has stressed that schools lacking playgrounds should not be allowed to operate, as sports activities directly impact children's health and overall development. Speaking at an awareness session for journalists, followed by a free health screening camp at the Karachi Press Club on Saturday, Prof. Saghir noted that the government has already barred schools with less than 1,000 yards of covered area or without playgrounds. He praised institutions such as Habib Public School and BVS Parsi School for maintaining large playgrounds and actively encouraging student participation in sports. Highlighting the role of physical activity in preventing cardiovascular diseases, Prof. Saghir said healthier lifestyles from an early age are key to reducing long-term health risks. The session also featured Dr. Khawar Abbas Kazmi, Head of Preventive Cardiology, and Ms. Sidra Raza, Acting Head of the Department of Nutrition & Food Services at NICVD, who spoke on the importance of balanced diets, regular exercise, and preventive care in maintaining heart health.