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I replaced my Ethernet cables with optical DACs and I won’t go back

I’ve been upgrading my home network lately, and while I was figuring out how some of the wired connections would go, I opted for RJ45 SFP+ modules because some of my devices have 10GbE NICs. I could have gone with a mix of Ethernet and fiber, but I wanted everything to be the same, so it’d be easier to install and have some spare parts.

I was wrong. I should have gone for the mix, because I noticed some issues with the Ethernet runs. More specifically, the ones that use RJ45 SFP+ modules, where the transceiver gets way too warm for comfort even when idle. But I’ve also noticed issues with the 10GbE NICs on my motherboards glitching. If that’s through heat, it’s not fixable; if it’s driver issues, I’m not equipped to do that either, so it’s time to add some new adapters.

I’ve never been so glad to have ATX motherboards with extra PCIe slots. I’ve added ex-enterprise networking cards and am now using SFP+ active optical DACs for the main connections around my office, and I couldn’t be happier. I’ll add more to the mix wherever I can, but I’m also looking at fiber runs with modules to have more flexibility over speeds and upgrades.

Related

4 reasons that Power over Ethernet now rules my home network

I hate cables, so fewer is better.

Ethernet is fine, really

But RJ45 transceivers get super hot and I hate it

I’m not knocking Ethernet here, as with the correct CAT specification, I could get faster speeds than I already have. It’s not about speed, at least not here; it’s about reliability and temperature. Those are intertwined anyway, as the rising temperatures of my 10GbE ports and modules are affecting the stability and reliability of my network.

How much of an effect is harder to quantify. I could set up network monitoring and see how many packets have to be re-sent, or do some deep performance analysis and get hard numbers, but I don’t have the time or inclination for my home lab. Not when I can fix the issue for a few bucks, which is what I did. If I had more than a few devices to upgrade, then I’d have run the numbers because the upgrade cost would have been more substantial.

Some of my network gear has RJ45 10GbE but not enough ports

I do have some hardware on my network with 10GbE-capable RJ45 ports, but they’re few and far betweenand are currently wired to my NAS and a Wi-Fi 7 access point. Some of my computers have 2.5 GbE ports and need a new NIC anyway, so why not get fiber-capable ones? The only piece I haven’t added yet is an all-SPF+ switch, but that’ll be the next thing that goes in, and then most of my office will be fiber runs.

It was time for a change

I now have faster speeds, and future upgrades are cheaper

While looking for replacement network cards, I prioritized reliability over all else. If some level of upgradeability was available, that would be nice, too. Going to 10GbE was already a big jump, but I didn’t want to have to upgrade again if I hit the network’s limits. I wasn’t sure if I would, as the only thing hitting anywhere near 10GbE was my RAID when dealing with big file transfers, but after not planning the last network upgrade properly, I needed to do this the right way.

10GbE SPF+ cards with one or two ports are fairly inexpensive, but they mostly use Intel chipsets, and I noticed many forum threads discussing issues. Not what I wanted to hear (or deal with!), but non-Intel cards were expensive. Or so I thought, as I headed to eBay, I found hundreds of older Mellanox adapters that were capable of 10/25GbE, with two ports, and for less than the Intel-based cards.

A couple of purchases (and days) later, I had new-to-me networking cards and active optical DACs to replace the copper wires I was using. I knew I might run into firmware issues with the cards, but I had a list of resources to flash them with the correct firmware, and it turned out I didn’t need them as they got recognized straight away.

Now I’ve got a more stable network, with less heat in my office, and optical cables that are much easier to route than the thick Ethernet cables I was using. Plus, it taught me a bit more about networking, including how enterprise hardware is easier to work with in terms of firmware flexibility, which was a nice surprise. And with every card having two ports, I can use them to link between my desktops, making it less of a hassle to run the cables.

Related

5 reasons I’m still hard-wiring Ethernet even when I have a Wi-Fi 7 AP

Wi-Fi is pretty fly but I’m a consistency guy.

Even though I love these optical DACs for my office, I still have a few Ethernet runs I can’t remove

I’ve now got the bulk of my bandwidth-hogging devices on SFP+ active optical DACs, but I can’t switch out a few cable runs because I need PoE++ to power things like access points and other switches. Eventually, I’ll pull fiber through and replace the Cat5e that’s in my walls, but that day is far off. I need time to plan where power is coming from and save up for the eventual electrician bill. But until then, I know that the devices that need fast, stable networking are all handled by lasers, and I love the thought of that.

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July 6, 2025
The 5 Best High-Protein Foods for Gut Health
Yogurt, cheese, fish, poultry and beans are beneficial for your gut health.

Protein foods that contain pre- or probiotics, omega-3s and fiber can improve the microbiome.

Balancing protein foods with other macronutrients is best for an overall healthy eating pattern.
When it comes to gastrointestinal health, there’s often a focus on eating probiotic-packed foods. However, all of the other foods you eat—including proteins—can influence the composition of the bacteria in your gut microbiome, too. Some are more beneficial than others. Learn about our registered dietitians’ top picks for digestion-friendly protein and keep reading to find out how dietary protein influences your gut health.

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is a concentrated source of protein that comes with beneficial live cultures (aka probiotics), such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. When consumed regularly, dairy products like yogurt may support the bacterial balance in the gut by increasing Lactobacillus bacteria. Enjoy yogurt on its own, add it to smoothies, fruit parfaits or make frozen yogurt cake and frozen yogurt popsicles.

2. Fermented Cheese

Whether you love Cheddar, Swiss or Parmesan, these cheeses are a good source of protein, and aged cheeses in particular may contain probiotics. Shred these cheeses and add them to salads—like this Apple & Cheddar Side Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette—or a wrap, or add pieces of cheese to a Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich.

3. Fish

Fish—especially fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines—are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats have anti-inflammatory properties and can benefit your microbiome by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract. Certain types of fish, such as salmon, also contain vitamin D, an essential nutrient that may influence the type of bacteria in the intestines, as well as protect intestinal lining from inflammation and injury. Kristen White, RDN, CLT, owner of Food Sensitivity Dietitian, says that fish is also generally easier to digest than red meat, which may be beneficial if you experience digestive issues. Check out our Healthy Fish Recipes for easy-to-prep meal ideas.

4. Poultry

Chicken and turkey are excellent sources of lean proteins. They contain amino acids such as glutamine and tryptophan, known to support a healthy microbiome. For example, tryptophan is metabolized by intestinal bacteria that may help make the intestinal lining strong and durable and reduce inflammation, says , Lina Begdache, Ph.D., RDN, a dietitian and assistant professor of Health and Wellness Studies at Binghamton University, State University of New York. In addition, poultry contains B vitamins that play a role in the production of butyrate, which also supports a healthy intestinal barrier.

5. Beans

Beans are a good source of fiber, an important nutrient that helps promote regular digestion and increase healthy bacteria in the GI tract. One cup of canned black beans provides about 17 grams of this important nutrient and 15 grams of protein. Beans are an excellent source of prebiotics, a nutrient that helps gut bacteria flourish, and research shows that eating more beans improves the growth of good bacteria in the GI tract. Check out all of our healthy bean recipes for inspiration.

Protein and Gut Health

Research reveals that dietary protein may influence the makeup of the microbiome in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as how it functions. The theory is that not all dietary proteins get digested, and as undigested protein arrives in the colon, some bacteria may use the amino acids (building blocks of proteins) as an energy source, producing byproducts called metabolites. These metabolites may then play a role in metabolism and our immune system.

Are you going for plant- or animal-based protein? That makes a difference in this discussion. Animal proteins are complete proteins, meaning they provide all the essential amino acids in proportions needed for health, says White. These amino acids are crucial for a range of bodily functions, including tissue repair and immune system support.

“Animal proteins are generally well-tolerated and easily digested by most people. [Animal proteins] can be particularly beneficial for individuals with digestive issues or sensitivities, as they are less likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort than some plant-based proteins,” White explains.

Although animal proteins are complete, some plant-based and vegetarian proteins, like tofu and quinoa, are also complete proteins. You can still get all of the amino acids you need if eating primarily plant-based proteins, like beans and nuts, but it’s important to eat a wide variety of options to meet your needs. Animal proteins are easy to digest for most people, although many plant-based proteins provide other benefits, such as fiber and healthy fats. Eating a wide variety of protein options is recommended to provide a range of nutrients.

Considerations When Choosing Protein
- Change up your proteins: Eat a variety of animal- and plant-based proteins for balanced nutrition. Along with the animal proteins on this list, check out these plant-based foods that have more protein than an egg.
- Think about cooking methods: “How these proteins are prepared can significantly impact their effects on gut health,” says White. Both White and Begdache recommend cooking methods such as grilling, baking, poaching and steaming to retain more nutrients and support heart and overall health.
- Go for natural proteins over supplements: Protein powders and shakes have their place, and they can help you meet your protein needs. However, there’s a benefit to choosing food when you can, including a wider array of nutrients.
- While protein may play a key role in gut health, Begdache advises not to consume protein foods in large amounts without sources of fiber-rich carbohydrates, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains or legumes.
- A high-protein, low-fiber diet may change the gut microbiome by altering the types of metabolites produced by intestinal bacteria. “The healthy microbes that live in the GI tract feed on undigested complex carbohydrates like fiber,” Begdache explains. “High-protein foods, [generally] tend to lack these complex fibers; therefore, their presence in the gut may change the composition of the gut microbiota into a less health-favorable one,” she says. Conversely, a high-fiber diet that includes complex carbohydrate foods may help protect the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation.
- Begdache also indicates that protein digestion in the stomach differs from one person to another. “People with low stomach acid or pancreatic problems may not digest proteins effectively. Consequently, the more undigested proteins enter the colon, the less advantageous these proteins are,” she adds.
Top Rated Gut-Friendly Protein Recipes to Try

Our Expert Take

What you eat—including protein choices—may influence the health and balance of your gut microbiome. Eating a wide variety of protein sources, particularly gut-healthy options like yogurt, fish, poultry, beans and fermented cheese, can help diversify and maintain the concentration of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
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July 6, 2025
Local mobile production up, sales down

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KARACHI:

Despite growing local manufacturing, Pakistan’s mobile phone market continues to face headwinds, as locally manufactured and assembled handset sales declined by 8% year-on-year during both the first five months of 2025 and the broader 11-month period of FY25, according to data released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Despite a 4% year-on-year rise in production during April and May 2025, reaching 4.84 million units, overall demand remains subdued compared to 2024, when sales were buoyed by pent-up consumer buying following the easing of import restrictions, noted Sunny Kumar of Topline Securities.

Local mobile phone companies manufactured or assembled 4.84 million units during April and May 2025, reflecting a 4% year-on-year increase compared to 4.65 million units produced in the same period of 2024, according to PTA. This brings the total number of locally assembled units in 11MFY25 to 26.09 million, which, however, marks an 8% decline in sales compared to the corresponding period last year. Similarly, for the first five months of 2025, locally manufactured or assembled sales stood at 12.05 million units, also down 8% year-on-year.

Industry sources attribute the decline in overall mobile phone sales to several factors. Firstly, there is a high base effect from 2024, when the industry experienced exceptional growth due to pent-up demand after the lifting of import restrictions. Secondly, the average mobile replacement cycle has extended from 2.5 years to 3.5 years, driven by a lack of compelling new model launches. Lastly, persistently high inflation and weaker rural consumer demand have dampened overall spending on mobile devices.

Despite the volume decline, Pakistan has significantly increased its reliance on local assembly. In the first five months of 2025, 94% of mobile phone demand was met through local manufacturing and assembly, compared to the five-year (2020-2024) average of 77% and the nine-year (2016-2024) average of 52%.

Of the 12.05 million units assembled during the first five months of 2025, 54% (6.53 million) were 2G feature phones, while the remaining 46% (5.52 million) were smartphones. The top 10 locally assembled brands included Infinix (1.34 million units), VGO Tel (1.33 million), itel (1.07 million), Vivo (0.96 million), Samsung (0.67 million), Xiaomi (0.65 million), G’Five (0.64 million), Tecno (0.62 million), Nokia (0.52 million), and QMobile AL (0.5 million).

Within the listed companies, Air Link Communication (AIRLINK), which assembles Tecno and Xiaomi phones, stood out as a key player, with both brands ranking among the top 10 during the first five months of 2025.

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July 5, 2025
England playing catch-up – what went wrong in France defeat?

The bulk of England’s issues seemed to stem from midfield as Georgia Stanway and Walsh were overrun and their opponents were devastating on the break.

Wiegman admitted sloppiness in possession played into France’s hands as they pressed hard and took advantage of individual errors.

Captain Leah Williamson was visibly frustrated at full-time and described the errors as “some cheap sort of emotional defending”.

France winger Sandy Baltimore won her individual battles with her Chelsea team-mate Lucy Bronze – the England defender losing six duels, the most by any player.

And until Walsh’s 87th-minute strike, the Lionesses had not achieved a shot on target.

“I think we played like we were a little bit scared,” said Carter.

“Maybe we weren’t aggressive enough, maybe we were worrying about their threats in behind and what they can do rather than doing what we can do.

“We didn’t do as well on the ball, or off the ball. The only positive to take is the last 10 minutes. I really believed we would get a [second] goal.”

England’s level seemed to surprise French media, who had largely written off their side’s chances when key centre-back Griedge Mbock was ruled out through injury.

“I didn’t think the French could play at this level already and I didn’t think England could be so disappointing like they were for an hour,” French journalist Julien Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live.

France manager Laurent Bonadei admitted England’s explosive start, that saw Lauren James create a handful of chances, took them by surprise. But he felt his side controlled proceedings after that and “physically it was not easy for England”.

James’ apparent free role certainly looked exciting at the start – but did it leave her side exposed in midfield?

Wiegman’s response to that question was emphatic.

“[James] didn’t have a total free role. We got exposed by losing balls in moments where we didn’t want to lose the ball,” she said. “That was the main topic we wanted to find a solution for.”

Following the introductions of Chloe Kelly, Grace Clinton and Michelle Agyemang, the Lionesses responded, but too late to change the outcome, and former midfielder Karen Carney was far from impressed.

“It wasn’t good enough. We were bullied all over the pitch. We didn’t win enough duels. We looked like we’ve never played together,” she told ITV.

“This is our trophy and that wasn’t good enough. We played into their hands a little bit too much.”

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July 5, 2025
Owens-Delerme and Brooks lead close contests in Talence | REPORT

Puerto Rico’s Ayden Owens-Delerme and USA’s Taliyah Brooks lead after the first day of action at Decastar, but it’s all to play for at the World Athletics Combined Events Tour Gold meeting in Talence.

Owens-Delerme amassed 4469 points on Saturday (5) to hold an overnight lead of 117 points over Kendrick Thompson of The Bahamas in the men’s decathlon. But several athletes in the field, including 2019 world champion Niklas Kaul and European champion Johannes Erm, have the potential to produce big scores on day two, so nothing is guaranteed.

The situation is similar in the women’s heptathlon; Brooks – a strong day-one performer – has a 59-point lead with her current score of 3850. But just 84 points separate the next six athletes in the standings.

Owens-Delerme took an early lead in the decathlon with a 10.48 run in the 100m, but Thompson moved into the lead after the long jump, leaping 7.70m to Owens-Delerme’s 7.44m.

The Puerto Rican regained pole position thanks to a 16.13m heave in the shot put, but again it was short-lived as France’s Teo Bastien jumped to the top of the standings after clearing 2.06m in the high jump.

Owens-Delerme ended his day with a meeting record of 46.43 in the 400m to finish the day with a leading tally of 4469. Thompson covered a lap of the track in 48.56 to move into second place. Erm’s 48.13 was one of the fastest of the day and the Estonian currently sits in fourth behind Bastien.

Kaul ended the day in seventh overall, but is only marginally behind his pace from Götzis, where he went on to score 8575, so the German is certainly one to watch on Sunday.

The women’s heptathlon got off to a strong start with Michelle Atherley equalling the meeting record of 12.88 in the 100m hurdles. US compatriot Brooks was marginally behind in 12.91 with defending champion Martha Araujo also breaking 13 seconds (12.97).

World U20 champion Jana Koscak moved up the standings after the high jump with her 1.82m leap being the best of the day, but a 1.79m clearance from Brooks kept the world indoor bronze medallist in the lead. Araujo and Atherley were third and fourth overall, within touching distance of Koscak.

Koscak took a brief lead after the shot put, thanks to the Croatian’s throw of 13.91m. Brooks threw 13.39m and held on to second place overall, ahead of Araujo (13.55m). 2019 world bronze medallist Verena Mayr (14.70m) and Germany’s Vanessa Grimm (15.03m) were among the leading performers in the shot put and they moved into fourth and fifth overall.

Brooks regained her lead in the final discipline of the day, the 200m, running a solid 23.87 to bring her leading tally to 3850. Araujo ended with 24.11, giving her a score of 3791 – slightly ahead of her pace from Götzis, where she set her recent PB. Koscak’s 24.94 kept her in contention, while Lithuania’s Beatrice Juskeviciute (23.64) and Atherley (23.66) made up some ground in the 200m.

Heading into day two, Brooks may well be able to hold her own in the long jump, but the javelin could be the turning point as Araujo appears to have the advantage there. Atherley, meanwhile, is capable of making up ground in the 800m.

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July 5, 2025
World records for Chebet at 5000m and Kipyegon at 1500m in Eugene – worldathletics.org
1. World records for Chebet at 5000m and Kipyegon at 1500m in Eugene worldathletics.org
2. Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet shatters women’s 5,000m world record France 24
3. Hull the standout Australian at Diamond League in US inkl
4. Faith Kipyegon sets 1,500 world record at the Prefontaine Classic itemonline.com
5. ATHLETICS: History at the Pre Classic with historic13:58.05 world record by Chebet and 3:46.68 from Kipyegon among nine world leads! The Sports Examiner
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July 5, 2025
‘Emergency’ at Afghan border as migrant returns from Iran surge ahead of deadline – World

ISLAM QALA: Tens of thousands of Afghans streamed over the border from Iran in the days before a return deadline set for Sunday, the United Nations said, sparking an “emergency” situation at border points.

In late May, Iran said undocumented Afghans must leave the country by July 6, potentially impacting four million people, out of the six million Afghans Tehran says live in the country.

Numbers of people crossing the border have surged since mid-June, with a peak of more than 43,000 people crossing at Islam Qala in western Herat province on July 1, the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Friday.

The UN migration agency IOM said more than 250,000 Afghans returned from Iran in June.

Over 230,000 Afghans left Iran in June ahead of return deadline: IOM

UNICEF country representative Tajudeen Oyewale said this was an “emergency” situation in a country already facing a “chronic returnee crisis”, with 1.4 million Afghans returning from traditional hosts Iran and Pakistan this year.

“What is concerning is that 25 percent of all these returnees are children… because the demographics have shifted” from individual men to whole families, crossing the border with scant belongings and money, he told AFP on Thursday.

He noted Islam Qala could accommodate the vast numbers but was inadequately equipped in terms of services, saying, “When you start hitting more than 20,000 people (a day) that is completely beyond the planning scenario that we have”.

The agency has engaged emergency processes to ramp up water and sanitation systems built for 7-10,000 people a day, along with vaccinations, nutrition and child-friendly spaces.

Many people crossing reported pressure from authorities or even arrest and deportation.

“Some people are so afraid that they don’t leave the house themselves… They send their young children out just for a piece of bread, and even those children get arrested sometimes,” said 38-year-old Aref Atayi of the pressures Afghans face in Iran.

“Even if I have to beg in my own country, it’s still better than staying in a place where we’re treated like this,” he told AFP on Saturday, as he waited at the IOM-run reception centre for some support to help his family resettle.

Massive foreign aid cuts have impacted the response to the crisis, with the UN, international non-governmental groups and Taliban officials calling for more funding to support the returnees.

The UN has warned the influx could destabilise the country already grappling with entrenched poverty, unemployment and climate change-related shocks and urged countries not to forcibly return Afghans.

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July 5, 2025
Diogo Jota: Trent Alexander-Arnold tribute as Real Madrid win at Club World Cup – ‘He was with me today’

“As hard as it was to do it, I had to push myself to focus on what my job and role was. I tried to do it as best as I could, but it was difficult and I am not going to lie about that.

“[Jota] was one of my close friends – and I am sure that’s what he would have wanted me to do. I’m sure we would have had a laugh and joke about the assist as well. He was there with me, I am sure.”

Alexander-Arnold said the Portuguese forward was “someone who lit up the room when he was in it”.

“I shared the dressing room with him for five years – amazing memories on and off the pitch,” he added.

“It goes without saying he will never be forgotten by anyone. He will live long in all our memories for the amazing man and the player he was.”

Alexander-Arnold said it had been “very emotional and heartwarming to see the footballing world come together to show their love and support for [Jota], his brother and their family”.

“I’ve been around him, his brother, his family, his amazing wife, his amazing parents and his amazing children. It’s truly, truly heartbreaking to wake up to news like that,” added the England international.

“It’s something you never expect.”

Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe was among the players who paid tribute to Jota on Saturday, with the France forward indicating number 20 after scoring an acrobatic late goal, in recognition of Jota’s Liverpool shirt number.

Frenchman Ousmane Dembele also paid a tribute to the Portuguese by copying his Fifa gaming celebration after sealing a 2-0 win for Paris St-Germain against Bayern Munich, which set up a last-four meeting with Real Madrid.

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July 5, 2025
Barbra Banda, the Big Boss is here

Published:
Sunday, 06 July 2025

Under the floodlights of a roaring Stade Olympique de Rabat in Morocco, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) got underway. But amidst the packed stadium, it was a voice from the south that broke the rhythm. That of Barbra Banda.

Expected to shine like the star that she is, targeted like a threat, sometimes heckled, the Zambian striker never lowered her gaze. For her very first appearance in a TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON finals, the Copper Queens’ captain wasted no time in making her mark. A goal in the opening 58 seconds, an unforgettable performance, and a bossy outing crowned her perfect debut. The 2-2 result against the host nation may not paint the entire picture, but it sends the essential message – Banda is here. And she intends to leave her mark. She wants to stay.

The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, finally

It is an almost paradoxical event. Barbra Banda, a global star of African Women’s Football, had never played a single minute at the WAFCON – the most prestigious competition on the continent. From the very first minute, the Zambian number 11 commanded attention. Everything was directed to her. Positioned upfront, but constantly mobile, she harassed the Moroccan defense, dropping back to emerge better, and relentlessly provoked one-on-ones. “She is a complete player, a true leader. Her presence gives courage to the whole team,” explained Zambia’s coach Nora Häuptle before the match.

A draw snatched with courage

Facing Jorge Vilda’s Morocco, spurred on by a home crowd wholly behind them, Zambia could have given in. Twice they took the lead and twice they conceded equalizers and then battered in transition but yet the Copper Queens held firm. And at every key moment, Banda was there. With the first opportunity, Banda struck. Barely a minute into the game: a lightning transition triggered by Margaret Belemu in an aggressive run forward resulted into a sharp, low left-footed shot that nestled in the side netting. The roar of the Olympic Stadium was cut short. Morocco had just been caught cold. Banda, for her part, barely celebrated. Her gaze was fixed and focused. She knew the fight was only just getting started.

A presence, a style, a weight

There is something inevitable about Banda. A gravitas. She attracts play, she attracts fouls, she attracts attention. Against Morocco, she was the most fouled player in the match (five fouls drawn), and the one who attempted the most shots (six shots). But beyond the statistics, it is her attitude that remains impressive: calm, determined and always focused. “She perfectly embodies the evolution of African Women’s Football,” said Ireen Lungu, one of her teammates on the national team, before the match. “She plays at a higher pace, and she forces her team to raise their level.”

An AFCON to make history

The 24-year-old, now shining with Orlando Pride in the NWSL, has already experienced almost everything: the Olympic Games (with her six goals in Tokyo including back-to-back hattricks), the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, national and regional titles. But the WAFCON remained a thorn in her flesh. A gap. This July 5 in Rabat, she ticked that box with authority.

So, what’s next? Zambia will face Senegal and then the Democratic Republic of Congo in a bid to reach the quarterfinals. “We still have a lot to improve but this match shows that we are ready to fight until the end,” she said at the post-match press conference, holding the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match trophy. Banda did not just put in a great performance; she has made her mark on the WAFCON from the very first day. She will now be a force to be reckoned with. Above all, for her opponents, they will have to try and stop her going forward.

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July 5, 2025
25 people rescued after Indus surge

ATTOCK:

Rescue authorities on Saturday safely evacuated 25 people, including women and children, who were stranded in the Indus River near Shadi Khan, Attock, after a sudden surge in water levels due to monsoon rains and the opening of Tarbela Dam’s spillways.

According to rescue officials, the group became trapped when the river’s flow intensified unexpectedly, leaving them isolated and unable to return to safety.

The operation, which lasted five hours, was carried out by emergency teams who acted swiftly to prevent any casualties. Livestock also stranded in the river was secured during the operation. Rescue sources stated that the rise in water level at the Shadi Khan point was triggered by the monsoon-fed release of water from Tarbela Dam’s spillways.

The prompt response ensured that all individuals were moved to a secure location without injury.

A day ago, amid relentless rainfall in the upper regions and the water level in Tarbela Dam surging, prompting authorities to open the dam’s spillways to manage the inflow. The authorities had warned that the spillway release was likely to result in flood-like conditions in the Indus River.

According to a spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the opening of the spillways could cause the flow of water to increase significantly, ranging between 260,000 to 270,000 cusecs. The authority strongly advised residents in adjacent regions to stay clear of riverbanks and water channels.

Tourists visiting scenic spots near the Indus River have also been urged to exercise caution and cooperate with local authorities to avoid any untoward incidents.

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July 5, 2025