Category: 1. Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 03 (APP): Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, has reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s higher education sector under Vision 2047, with a strong focus on accessibility, technology integration, and institutional development.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Ahmed stated that the government aims to ensure modern educational facilities for 1.5 million youth. Under the P-10 project, the top ten universities in the country will be selected for targeted quality enhancement. In the first phase, 100 smart classrooms have already been established, while 200 more are under construction.

Highlighting the significant progress since the formation of HEC in 2001, he noted that the number of universities has grown from 59 to 370 (both public and private), and the student population has increased from under 3.5 million to over 8.5 million. Yet, he stressed that this number is still insufficient given Pakistan’s growing youth population. “Our target is to expand access and capacity further, especially in underserved regions,” he said.

One of the most remarkable statistics he shared was that approximately 48% of university students in Pakistan are female, a figure he called “a surprise to the world” and a testament to the country’s evolving education landscape.

Dr. Ahmed emphasized the importance of technology in education. Under the High-Performance Computing (HPC) initiative and cloud computing, students can now attend classes remotely, and teachers can deliver lectures from home a shift that ensures academic continuity during emergencies. He added that the reliance on expensive computing infrastructure is being reduced, making education more accessible.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Only 28% of university faculty hold PhDs, up from a previous 24%, and efforts are underway to increase this ratio. Over 6,000 students have been sent abroad on scholarships, reflecting the country’s focus on building a skilled academic workforce.

He also acknowledged resistance from some Vice Chancellors regarding the implementation of the Higher Education Data Repository (HEDR), a system meant to improve digital governance in higher education.

The Chairman stressed that academic-industry linkages are being promoted, with two universities recently recognized internationally for producing globally competitive graduates. Meanwhile, the $400 million World Bank-funded Higher Education Development Project (HEDP) is supporting faculty development, research, innovation, infrastructure upgrades, and strengthening the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE).

Dr. Ahmed concluded by stating that the HEC is not only enhancing higher education in urban centers but is also extending resources to backward regions to ensure equal opportunities for all. He emphasized that instead of merely increasing the number of institutions, the focus will remain on improving the quality and governance of existing universities.

ISLAMABAD:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide weather alert, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and the possibility of flooding across Pakistan from July 6 to July 10.

According to the NDMA, cities in provinces will experience significant weather disturbances. Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Lahore, Kasur, and Okara are expected to see rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms.

In southern Punjab, heavy winds with rain are predicted in Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is also at risk, with regions like Dera, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Battagram, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Malakand, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Haripur, Bannu, and Kohat likely to see thunderstorms and heavy rain.

In the northern areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, heavy rainfall is anticipated in Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Diamer, Ganche, Shigar, Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Haveli, and Bagh, with a high risk of flooding in these regions.

Meanwhile, the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan are not exempt from adverse weather conditions. Cities such as Sukkur, Nawabshah, Kashmore, Hyderabad, Karachi, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Thatta, Badin, Mithi, Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Larkana, Jacobabad, and Dadu are expected to receive heavy rain, with the urban flooding expected.

In Balochistan, areas like Quetta, Zhob, Ziarat, Kalat, Khuzdar, Awaran, Barkhan, Jafarabad, Kohlu, Sibi, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Lasbela, and Naseerabad are on alert for rainfall.

Read More: Flash floods, heavy rain kill 64 in a week

The NDMA has cautioned the public to stay away from weak structures, brick walls, electric poles, and billboards during storms and heavy winds, as they pose a significant risk.

It also warned that visibility could be reduced, leading to potential accidents. Flash floods may occur, especially in local streams, so the public is advised to exercise caution.

“Authorities have been instructed to ensure preparedness for any emergency situations,” an NDMA spokesperson said. “Citizens are encouraged to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert App for updates and guidance on the weather conditions and potential hazards.”

As Pakistan braces for severe weather, the NDMA is urging citizens to stay informed and follow safety guidelines to minimise the risk of casualties and damage from storms, flooding, and other weather-related hazards.

Also Read: Construction along Swat River diverted water flow, leading tourists into danger: report

Flash floods and heavy rain have killed 64 people and injured 117 in a week across the country, a government agency said on Wednesday.

The highest toll was in K-P, with 23 dead including 10 children, the National Disaster Management Authority said. Fourteen of the victims were swept away in a flash flood in the Swat Valley last week, local media reported.

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

CHILAS: Kolouchova Klara, a climber from the Czech Republic, lost her life while summiting Nanga Parbat after falling from a height between Camp 1 and 2, according to a Diamer official.

Klara Kolouchova, 46, was part of a seven-member expedition team, including her husband, that had arrived in Pakistan on June 15 and reached base camp two days later.

Diamer Additional Deputy Commissioner Nizamuddin said Klara teammates confirmed her death after returning to base camp, but her body remains at the fall site.

He said efforts are underway to confirm the exact spot where the mountaineer fell before starting a recovery operation.

According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the incident occurred around 4am local time.

Rescue officials and high-altitude porters have been dispatched to the area, though recovery efforts are complicated by the mountain’s extreme terrain.

Karrar Haidri, vice president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, expressed deep sorrow over the Czech climber’s death, calling her an “inspiration to climbers worldwide”.

“We are devastated by the loss of Klára Kolouchova, an extraordinary mountaineer who had conquered some of the world’s highest peaks,” Haidri said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and the global climbing community during this painful time.”

Haidri confirmed that the Alpine Club was coordinating with local authorities to assist in recovery efforts.

Kolouchová gained international recognition as the first Czech woman to summit both Everest and K2, two of the world’s tallest peaks.

Her attempt on Nanga Parbat — Pakistan’s second-highest mountain at 8,125 meters — was part of her quest to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks.

Nanga Parbat is the third-most dangerous 8,000-meter peak, with a death rate of around 22% of climbers. The “Killer Mountain” — as it is titled — has claimed more than 60 lives.

It is one of the most prominent peaks of the Himalayas range after Mount Everest. Nanga Parbat has a big vertical relief over the local terrain in almost all directions.

Its south ‘Rupal face’ is referred to as the highest mountain face in the world, which rises 4,600m (about 15,090 ft) above sea level. It’s North ‘Rakhiot Flank’ is one of the 10 greatest elevation gains in such a short distance on earth. It rises 7,000m (about 23,000 ft) above sea level.

Preparations for local government elections in Punjab are progressing as key amendments to the proposed local government law near finalisation.

A major reform under consideration is the replacement of Deputy Commissioners with elected public representatives as heads of district-level authorities, a move aimed at enhancing democratic governance and accountability.

Sources indicate that the revised draft law also includes provisions for the direct election of women and minority representatives to ensure more inclusive and effective representation.

These proposals were discussed during a recent session of the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on Local Government, chaired by Pir Ashraf Rasool.

Felbous Christopher, a ruling party MPA and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs, strongly advocated for the direct election of minority representatives in local bodies. He argued that this change would foster authentic leadership and enable more efficient resolution of community issues.

The committee approved the proposal by a majority vote.

The draft local government bill had been sent to the committee for review in light of the approaching elections. Christopher noted that a broad consensus already exists within the assembly regarding direct elections for minority seats.

The committee is expected to present its final report on the proposed legislation in its upcoming meeting for formal approval.

KARACHI:

Almost 50,000 police personnel will be deployed for the security of Muharram processions in Sindh, said Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon addressing a press conference on Thursday.

The tense geopolitical situation of the region compounded by collaboration of anti-state elements with the hostile neighbour warrants heightened security for the mass gatherings of Muharram.

Sharjeel assured that the Sindh government has made foolproof security arrangements for Muharram.

Most important was the unity of Ummah to defeat the designs of enemies of the country to use Muharram days to fan sectarian hatred and violence.

The senior minister stated that the Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah held meetings with scholars from various schools of thought to assure harmony and reviewed the security plan for gatherings and processions.

Sharjeel told the media that 14,546 police personnel would be deployed for gatherings and 35,116 for Muharram processions, with over 14,000 additional personnel assigned to ensure the security of all events.

He announced that a total of 49,662 police personnel will be deployed across Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad from the 8th to 10th of Muharram to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain peace.

He emphasised that while the Sindh government tolerates criticism, it will not allow anyone to dictate its policies. He added that the government had also proposed allocating a large designated area for protests to ensure that public life remains unaffected.

Traffic plan for three days of Muharram

The Traffic Police have announced a special traffic plan for 8th, 9th, and 10th of Muharram. Under the plan, MA Jinnah Road will remain closed from Guru Mandir to Tower on all three days due to security concerns. The main Muharram processions will begin from Nishtar Park and conclude at Hussainia Iranian Imambargah, passing through its designated routes. Vehicles bearing special stickers issued for the procession will be allowed to join.

As per the announced plan for traffic, commuters from Nazimabad can travel through Lasbela Chowk via Nishtar Road and Garden. Those coming from Liaquatabad can turn right at Teen Hatti towards Lasbela Chowk or to left towards Central Jail and Martin Road.

Motorists coming from Hassan Square and heading to the PP Chowrangi can use Kashmir Road under Jail Flyover, Society Light Signal, Sharah-e-Quaideen, and Nishtar Road via Teen Hatti and Lasbela Chowk.

Commuters from Sharea Faisal towards Sharah-e-Quaideen and Noorani Kabab to Numaish can take a right turn at Society traffic light towards Kashmir Road. Those heading to Guru Mandir or MA Jinnah Road via Jail Gate or Jamshed Road can take Bahadur Yar Jang Road and pass through Soldier Bazaar. Similarly, those at Garden Zoo heading to MA Jinnah Road will be diverted via Anklesaria to either Gul Plaza or Coast Guard, near Holy Family Hospital.

All heavy and commercial vehicles from Super Highway or Gulberg towards MA Jinnah Road will be diverted from Liaquatabad No10 to Nazimabad Chowrangi No2, and then proceed via Habib Bank Flyover, State Avenue Road, and Shershah to Mauripur. The same route will apply for return.

Heavy traffic coming from National Highway will take Sharea Faisal or Rashid Minhas Road, Stadium Road, Sir Shah Suleman Road, Hassan Square, Liaquatabad No10, and Nazimabad Chowrangi No2 towards Mauripur, and will follow the same route back.

The Traffic Police spokesperson clarified that no small or large vehicles will be allowed beyond Guru Mandir Chowk on the procession route. All such traffic will be diverted towards Bahadur Yar Jang Road and Soldier Bazaar. Vehicles with stickers will be allowed entry from Sharah-e-Quaideen via Society Light Signal.

Participants arriving from Nazimabad may enter via Lasbela, Al-Bela, Garden Jamaat Khana, Soldier Bazaar No3 traffic light to Numaish. Those from Liaquatabad, Teen Hatti, Jehangir Road, Guru Mandir, Society signal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, University Road, Old Sabzi Mandi, Kashmir Road can also through Numaish.

Vehicles distributing niaz or tabarruk will only be allowed entry into the procession from Tower near Memon Masjid. No vehicle will be permitted to park along the procession route.d

PESHAWAR:

An inquiry report by the Malakand commissioner into the tragic incident in Swat River has been submitted to the Provincial Inspection Team on Thursday. The report sheds light on the circumstances surrounding the event that claimed multiple lives.

Last week, flash floods triggered by a sudden surge in the Swat River and other streams in the district following heavy monsoon rains claimed the lives of at least 12 people.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) described the flood level as “very high,” while officials said dozens of people were trapped as authorities scrambled to deal with the aftermath of two days of relentless downpours.

According to the investigation, construction work along the river had diverted the water flow, resulting in lower water levels at the accident site. This reduction in the water level led the tourists to enter the river, unaware of the potential dangers.

The report revealed that heavy rainfall caused the water level in Swat River to rise to 77,782 cusecs. The preliminary findings indicate that 17 tourists were trapped in the flood, with 10 hailing from Sialkot, six from Mardan, and one local resident.

Read More: Sudden water surge caused Swat tragedy

The affected tourists arrived at a local hotel at 8:31 am and entered the river an hour later at 9:31 am. The hotel’s security guard attempted to stop them, but the group bypassed the hotel’s front entrance and entered from the back. Just 14 minutes later, at 9:45 am, rising water levels prompted a rescue call.

Authorities reached the site at 10:05 am, 20 minutes after the distress call. All relevant departments had been alerted about the risk of flooding, with several weather warnings issued by concerned agencies.

Emergency personnel had been pre-designated for action in case of an emergency. Prior to the flood, a decision had already been made to address encroachments along the riverbank. On June 2, Section 144 was imposed in the Malakand Division for one month.

The report noted that on June 24, Section 144 was extended to prohibit swimming and boating in Swat River. Of the 17 trapped tourists, four were rescued, 12 bodies were recovered, and search efforts for one person are still ongoing.

Also Read: DC Swat removed, four officials suspended

The report further revealed that 75 people were swept away in various parts of Swat. As a result, several key officials, including the DC, ADC, and AC of Babuzai and Khwazakhela, were suspended. The district emergency officer and tehsil municipal officer of Swat were also relieved of their duties.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, on June 28, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary visited the site and imposed a complete ban on all mining activities.

Meanwhile, a report by the K-P irrigation department revealed earlier that the flow of the Khwazakhela River surged dramatically by 71,044 cusecs — from 6,738 to 77,782 cusecs — within a few hours on June 27. The sudden rise left a family stranded on the riverbed with no opportunity to return to safety.

According to the report, the irrigation department issued an early warning at 8:41 am, alerting all relevant departments. Deputy commissioners of Swat, Charsadda, and Nowshera were informed in advance, and regular updates were shared via WhatsApp. A formal flood alert was issued at 10:30 am.

The department claimed it repeatedly sent alerts to Swat DC, PDMA, ADC Relief, and other relevant officials. The tourists reportedly entered the middle of the Khwazakhela River when the water level was stable, but became trapped as it began to rise. They waited for the water to recede, but the level continued to increase rapidly.

The report recommended equipping Rescue 1122 with flood rescue tools and urged hotel owners to restrict tourist movement to safe areas. It also called on the local administration to develop a comprehensive plan to manage tourist movement and suggested the installation of telemetry gauges in Madian and Kalam for better flood monitoring.