Category: 1. Pakistan

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued impact-based weather alerts across Pakistan ahead of severe weather expected from July 2 to 8.

The alerts highlighted the growing risk of flash floods, Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and urban flooding in different parts of the country.

The current spell of low to moderate rains is likely to continue until July 5, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which oversees the NECO, said in a statement.

An active southwest monsoon system, coupled with a westerly wave, is expected to enter the country, which would bring moderate to heavy rainfall and localised thunderstorms, it added.

The most affected regions are upper catchments of major rivers, including central and lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the northeastern parts of Punjab, particularly Lahore.

Due to the forecast, increased river flows are expected across the country. In particular, the Kabul River at Nowshera is likely to receive a surge due to swelling of its tributaries, such as the Swat River, Panjkora, Bara, and Kalpani Nullah.

Inflows into Tarbela Dam may reach the low flood limit. Flash floods in riverine areas, especially where nullahs and local streams converge, may pose threats to nearby settlements.

Simultaneously, the risks of glacial lake outburst floods and landslides have increased in Gilgit-Baltistan and KP, where ongoing high temperatures have accelerated glacier and snow melt.

The situation is further aggravated by incoming moist currents and rainfall. Vulnerable glacial valleys and narrow mountain passes may face sudden GLOF events, flash floods, road blockages, and disruptions to infrastructure and tourism.

In northeastern Punjab, including Lahore, Sialkot, and Narowal districts, local nullahs such as Aik, Deg, Bein, Basantar, and Palku may overflow, causing waterlogging and urban flooding in low-lying neighborhoods.

In DG Khan and Rajanpur, hill torrents may also be activated, causing localised low-level flooding.

The NDMA urged the public to take precautionary measures and asked residents in at-risk areas to avoid unnecessary travel, secure important belongings, and prepare for potential evacuation.

Tourists are advised against visiting high-altitude and glacial regions during this period.

Municipal and district administrations are instructed to ensure the readiness of flood response teams, the clearing of stormwater drains and nullahs, and the maintenance of rapid response capabilities.

Motorists should avoid driving through flooded roads and underpasses, which can be hazardous even at shallow water levels.

The authority encourages all citizens to stay informed through official advisories, safety instructions, and early warnings.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday made a surprize visit to inspect a field hospital near Murree.
 
During the visit, which was made while CM was returning from Murree, she thoroughly reviewed the medical facilities available at the field hospital.
 
The chief minister interacted with the doctors and medical staff of the hospital and inquired about the operational aspects of the facility. She also interacted with patients and their families, who shared their experiences regarding the medical services provided by the hospital . The chief minister specifically asked about the free provision of medical tests and medicines.
 
During her visit, a citizen while appreciating the initiative said that the hospital was greatly benefiting the people.

“The field hospital is a remarkable step as it is greatly benefiting elderly women and patients”, he said.

“We could never have imagined receiving treatment facilities at our doorstep without going through the hardship of traveling difficult routes to a hospital”, said another patient.
 
Maryam Nawaz said that for the convenience of the public, the field hospital has now reached their doorstep. She further highlighted that over 12.5 million patients have benefited from field hospitals and Clinic on Wheels.
 
CM reaffirmed her commitment to serving humanity as her party’s manifesto.
 
The Chief Minister announced plans to further expand the scope of field hospitals and Clinic on Wheels.
 
“Healthcare facilities are a fundamental right of the people, and we will fulfill our public responsibilities”, she added.

Hundreds of citizens gathered along the roadside as soon as the news of CM’s arrival at the hospital went viral.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid a surprise visit to a field hospital which was set up near Mughalabad on the Expressway during her return from Murree, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday. 

According to the officials, she inspected healthcare facilities being provided to the public. She also inquired about the provision of free medical tests and medicines.

The Chief Minister obtained details about the working of the field hospital from doctors and medical staff. 

During her visit, she inquired about the operational aspects of the hospital and spoke directly with patients and their families, who shared their experiences and feedback regarding the healthcare services being provided. Patients and citizens expressed appreciation for the initiative, especially its accessibility for the elderly and underserved populations.

Speaking on the occasion, Maryam Nawaz said the government aims to bring healthcare services directly to people’s doorsteps. “By the grace of Allah, more than 12.5 million patients have benefited so far from field hospitals and Clinic-on-Wheels,” she said.

The Chief Minister also announced plans to expand the scope of both the field hospitals and the Clinic-on-Wheels programme across the province. Chief Minister expressed that serving humanity has always been the manifesto of the Pakistan Muslim League (N). She said that access to healthcare is a basic right of every citizen, and we will continue to fulfill our responsibilities in this regard. 

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 02 (APP): In a significant breakthrough, the Islamabad Police have successfully solved 15 high-profile cases including the widely publicized murders of social media influencer Sana Yousaf and political analyst Sardar Faheem earning commendation from Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their swift and professional work.

In a special meeting held in Islamabad, Minister Naqvi met with the key members of the police teams behind the investigations. He lauded their performance, saying, “Well done, Islamabad Police, we are proud of your performance.” He further praised their effective use of modern technology and surveillance, particularly in solving the blind murder case of Sardar Faheem.

The minister met with Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Jawad Tariq, SSP Operations Muhammad Shoaib, SSP Investigation Usman Tariq Butt, SP City Suleman Zafar, SP Saddar Kazim Naqvi, ASP Ali Raza, Assistant Director Abbas Mehdi, DSP Suleman Shah, and SHOs and investigators involved in the resolved cases. Each was personally commended for their dedication and investigative acumen.

“Islamabad Police have demonstrated exceptional professionalism and commitment, solving complex and sensitive cases in record time,” said Naqvi. “The speed and precision with which these crimes were resolved are a testament to the force’s capabilities.”

Among the cases highlighted were the murder of Sana Yousaf, which had sparked widespread public concern, and the killing of Sardar Faheem, an incident that raised alarms within the capital’s security circles.

IG Islamabad Police Ali Nasir Rizvi took the opportunity to spotlight the efforts of Constable Rana Waseem, a long-serving member of the force who played a crucial role in the investigations. Minister Naqvi, acknowledging Waseem’s 21 years of service at the same rank, instructed the IG to promote him in accordance with departmental rules.

The event was also attended by Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry, Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and Deputy Commissioner Islamabad.

Minister Naqvi expressed confidence that the Islamabad Police would continue to uphold the highest standards of service and remain steadfast in protecting the lives and property of citizens.

The National Disaster Management Authority said on Wednesday that flash floods and heavy rain across the country have killed 64 people and injured 117 in a week.

The highest toll was in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 23 dead, including 10 children, the authority said.

Fourteen of the victims were swept away in a flash flood in the Swat Valley last week.

Flash floods and homes collapsing in heavy rain killed 21 others in Punjab, including 11 children, the authority said. In Sindh, 15 people were killed, while five people died in Balochistan.

Separately, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast a significant intensification of monsoon activity across the country beginning from the evening of July 5, with widespread rain, thunderstorms and the possibility of flash floods and urban flooding in several regions.

According to the Met Office, moist monsoon currents were continuously penetrating the country and would likely strengthen over the weekend.

A westerly wave was also expected to approach the upper parts of the country on July 6, further enhancing the rainfall.

As per the regional forecast highlights, rain-wind/thunderstorms with scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall are expected from July 5-10 in multiple areas, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Swat, Dir, Malakand, Kohistan, Chitral and others.

Gilgit-Baltistan’s areas, including Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit and Astore, may also experience similar conditions from July 6 to 10.

In Punjab and Islamabad, widespread rain and thunderstorms with heavy falls are expected from July 5-10 in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and several other districts. Southern Punjab regions, including Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, will receive rain between July 6-8.

About Balochistan, the PMD forecast that rain-thunderstorms are likely in Loralai, Khuzdar and Lasbella from July 3-4 and again from July 6-8.

Sindh’s regions, such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Tharparkar and Sukkur, may experience moderate rainfall during July 3-4, with chances of isolated heavy falls in southeastern parts.

As per possible impacts and public advisory, heavy to very heavy rains may generate flash floods in local nullahs and streams of Murree, Galliyat, Manshera, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, northeast Punjab, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Balochistan from the night of July 5-8.

Heavy downpours may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera and Peshawar from July 6-8.

Landslides and mudslides may lead to road closures in vulnerable hilly areas of KP, Murree, Galliyat, AJK and GB during the wet spell.

Heavy rainfall, strong winds and lightning may damage weak structures such as roofs and walls of mud houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels during the forecast period.

The PMD advised farmers to manage their agricultural activities keeping in view the weather forecast.

The public, travellers and tourists were strongly advised to avoid unnecessary exposure in vulnerable areas and stay updated on weather developments to prevent any untoward situations.

All authorities were also instructed to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to mitigate any potential risks.

In May, at least 32 people were killed in severe storms as the country experienced several extreme weather events in the spring, including strong hailstorms.

Pakistan is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and its 255 million residents are facing extreme weather events with increasing frequency.

In 2022, monsoon floods submerged a third of the country and killed 1,700 people.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday warned that any form of complacency in meeting revenue and economic targets for the new fiscal year will not be tolerated, vowing to personally oversee the implementation process to ensure full accountability and performance.

The premier made these remarks while chairing a high-level weekly review meeting on the digitisation and reform agenda of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

During the meeting, it was revealed that reforms and enforcement of new tax laws enabled the government to collect an additional Rs865 billion in revenues compared to the previous year, an eightfold increase. The federal revenue-to-GDP ratio also improved significantly, reaching 11.3%, a 1.5% rise over last year.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz applauded the Ministry of Finance and the tax-collection authority for achieving a historic 42% increase in federal tax revenues during the fiscal year 2024-25 — the highest surge in the past decade.

He instructed FBR to treat taxpayers with dignity and respect and called upon all public sector institutions to extend full cooperation with the revenue authority. The prime minister also stressed the need to broaden the tax net through digitalisation and enforcement.

He also issued key directives including expansion of the Track and Trace Digital Production System to cover all stages of production and distribution in order to bring untaxed production into the tax net, mandatory digitisation of production processes for tax non-compliant businesses and industries, widening the Point of Sale (POS) system in the retail sector to strengthen documentation and transparency and ensuring business facilitation by keeping FBR accessible to the business community and taxpayers.

The prime minister also congratulated the meeting participants on the successful passage of the upcoming fiscal year’s budget and reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring Pakistan’s bright economic future.

It was informed during the briefing that the Track and Trace system has already been fully implemented in sugar, tobacco, and fertilizer sectors, and will soon be expanded to cement and other industries.