Category: 1. Pakistan

PESHAWAR: Peshawar High Court on Wednesday expressed displeasure over recent deaths of 17 persons due to flooding and summoned divisional commissioners, regional police officers, director general of Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and other relevant officers along with seeking a detailed report from provincial government.

A bench consisting of PHC Chief Justice Syed Mohammad Attique Shah and Justice Mohammad Faheem Wali adjourned the proceedings till today (Thursday) with the direction that all the relevant officers should appear in person.

The PHC chief justice expressed annoyance over the Swat incident, while hearing a petition filed against encroachments near riverbeds and alleged failure of authorities concerned to promptly come to the rescue of the drowned tourists.

The petition is filed by Advocate Naeem Ahmad Khattak, seeking directives of court for government to remove all the obstacles and encroachments near rivers. During course of hearing the PHC chief justice remarked that negligence of administration led to loss of precious lives.

PHC also seeks report from KP govt on the incident

The petitioner’s counsel Mohammad Nasir Khan informed the court that the tragic incident occurred in Swat recently, where 13 tourists lost their lives due to flooding in the Swat River.

He claimed that encroachments were rampant in Swat while government acted like a silent spectator. He added that hotel owners had constructed illegal structures, setting up spaces for tourists along the riverbank, which often led to accidents.

Moreover, he said that hotels and other shops had been built along the Swat River, causing frequent accidents.

He alleged that people holding key government positions had also built large hotels along the river.

The bench questioned why measures were not taken to protect tourists and who was responsible for monitoring the rivers. The bench also wondered why drones were not used to provide life jackets to tourists.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa advocate general, Shah Faisal Uthmankhel, informed the court that an operation against encroachments in Swat was initiated and an air ambulance was also available.

However, he said, due to time constraints the air ambulance couldn’t be used.

When the PHC chief justice asked who was responsible for monitoring the rivers, the AG stated that government had issued warnings for safety measures. He stated that several officials had been suspended.

The bench then decided to summon divisional commissioners, RPOs, PDMA director general and other officers and also sought report from provincial government regarding the Swat incident.

Meanwhile, the bench summoned relevant officers of National Highway Authority in a petition filed against the deteriorating condition of Indus Highway. The bench observed that the deteriorating condition of the road resulted in loss of precious lives.

It observed that Indus Highway resembled a jungle where motorists had not been following any rules and entering the road from wherever they chose. An official of NHA informed the court that work was ongoing and would be completed soon.

The bench directed him to show through videos what work was actually being done there. The AG requested the court for time, assuring that relevant officials would prepare and submit a detailed report.

The bench adjourned hearing till today (Thursday) and summoned high-ups of NHA and Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2025

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Wednesday warned district administrations across the province about the possibility of flash floods, urban flooding and landslides due to a new spell of monsoon rains from July 5 to 11.

In an advisory issued to the deputy commissioners across the province, the PDMA quoted the Pakistan Meteorological Department as revealing that moist currents are penetrating into most parts of the region and likely to intensify in the next couple of days.

“A westerly wave is also expected to approach on July 5 evening and night. Under the influence of the new weather system, showers along with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds, with isolated and scattered heavy rainfalls, are expected in Haripur, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Buner, Malakand, Battagram, Shangla, Kohistan, Kolai-Pallas, Torghar, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Hangu, Bannu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank and North and South Waziristan from July 5 to 11 with occasional gaps,” it said.

The PDMA warned that heavy to very heavy rains could generate flash floods in nullahs and streams of Galiyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Abbottabad, Buner, Bajaur, Battagram, Buner, Hangu, Torghar, Haripur, Karak, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Khyber, Kohat, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Peshawar, Shangla, Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Malakand, Mansehra, Mohmand, Orakzai, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Tank during the forecast period.

Urges authorities to take measures to minimise damage

It also said that urban flooding was very likely to happen in low-lying areas of Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan, while there’s a likelihood of riverine flooding in Chitral, Swat, Panjkora and Kabul rivers.

According to the PDMA, landslides may cause roads closure in the vulnerable hilly areas of Abbottabad, Battagram, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Khyber, Kohistan, Kolai-Pallas Kohistan, Kurram, Malakand, Mansehra, Mohmand, Orakzai, Shangla, Swat, Torghar and North Waziristan districts.

Also, heavy rainfall and windstorms and lightning could damage weak structures like mud houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels during the period.

The PDMA urged deputy commissioners of all districts to take all precautionary measures against downpours and floods to minimise damage to public life and property and livestock.

It also asked authorities to assess and plan deployment of additional resources and exercise control over traffic leading to and in the vicinity of vulnerable and tourist areas and securing by physical means and keeping people away from loose structures such as buildings under construction, advertisement hoardings, electric poles and solar panels to prevent damages and save lives.

In the advisory, the PDMA said authorities should keep monitoring rivers, streams, local and rainfed nullahs, ensure drainage systems are clear from obstacles to facilitate the efficient flow of water and minimise the risk of urban flooding, coordinate with relevant municipal administrations to ensure mitigation and preparedness measures for landslides and urban flooding, and secure or remove billboards and hoardings in view of wind, dust, thunder and hailstorms.

It urged farmers to take all necessary measures to prevent damage to their crops.

The PDMA said cattle and sheep herders should undertake necessary mitigating and precautionary measures to protect their livestock from wind, dust, thunder and hailstorms.

It said that people travelling on provincial and national highways in at-risk and affected areas should be forewarned of adverse conditions and detoured to safe waiting areas under guidance of authorities, national highway and motorway police, law-enforcement agencies.

The PDMA asked people to seek shelter in safe areas such as sturdy buildings or underground structures during wind, dust, thunder and hailstorms and avoid objects that posed a risk of failing or being struck by lightning.

It stressed the need for the availability of emergency services personnel and equipment in areas at high risk of urban and flash flooding and landslides, immediate stocking of basic commodities like medicines in regions that are likely to be cut off from other regions during landslides.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2025

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab on Wednesday issued a report highlighting a rise in water levels in all rivers and hill torrents in Punjab, as heavy monsoon rains are expected to trigger flooding across the province from July 5.

Meanwhile, the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of the National Disaster Management Authority has also issued multiple impact-based weather alerts for various regions of Pakistan in light of forecasted severe weather conditions expected from July 2 till July 8.

According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, with water levels in major rivers and hill torrents expected to rise sharply, flash floods are likely in Dera Ghazi Khan and urban flooding is anticipated in major cities of the province, including Lahore.

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia issued the alert and directed all deputy commissioners (DCs) and disaster response teams to remain alert.

NEOC issues alert for severe weather conditions till July 8 as monsoon system pairs with westerly wave

The Provincial Control Room is operating round-the-clock, and emergency services like Rescue 1122 have been put on high alert, he added.

Farmers have been advised to manage their activities accordingly, while tourists and travelers have been urged to avoid risky routes, especially in landslide-prone areas such as Murree and Galliyat.

The disaster authority has warned people against staying in weak structures, venturing near floodwaters, or ignoring weather advisories.

Lightning strikes and roof collapse pose additional risks, it warns, saying children are particularly vulnerable near accumulated rainwater or floodwater.

It also issued a weather alert warning of intensified monsoon rains across the province from July 5, forecasting heavy-to-very heavy rainfall in most districts until July 10.

The advisory highlights risks of flash floods, urban flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable areas like Murree, Galliyat, and DG Khan mountains.

According to the Met Office, strong monsoon currents, coupled with a westerly wave, will trigger widespread rains, windstorms and thunderstorms, with the heaviest downpours expected in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Sargodha.

It warns that the low-lying areas in major cities, including Lahore and Rawalpindi, may face urban flooding, while hill torrents in DG Khan and northeastern Punjab could overflow.

Severe weather conditions

Meanwhile, the NEOC said in a statement that these alerts highlight the growing risk of flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and urban flooding in different parts of the country.

Low to moderate rainfall was likely to continue until July 5, after which an active southwest monsoon system, coupled with a westerly wave, was expected to enter the country triggering moderate to heavy rainfall and localised thunderstorms.

The most affected regions include upper catchments of major rivers including central and lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Due to this forecast, increased river flows were expected across the country.

In particular, Kabul River Nowshera is likely to swell due to rising tributaries such as Swat, 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 risk of glacial lake outburst floods and landslides had increased in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where ongoing high temperatures had accelerated glacier and snow melt.

The situation was further worsened by incoming moist currents and rainfall. Vulnerable glacial valleys and narrow mountain passes may face sudden glacial lake outburst floods, flash floods, road blockages, and disruptions to infrastructure and tourism.

The National Disaster Management Authority has has urged the public to take precautionary measures.

It asked residents in at-risk areas to avoid unnecessary travel, secure important belongings, and prepare for potential evacuation.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2025

• Meets Governor Kundi, ANP chief to discuss possibility of unseating PTI-led provincial govt
• Tasks Kundi with engaging opposition MPAs to explore options for forming a new govt
• Aimal Wali warns against dissolving KP govt, advises PM to ‘let it collapse on its own’

ISLAMABAD: Amid reports of possible efforts afoot to bring a ‘regime change’ in Khyber Pakht­un­khwa (KP), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met two key leaders from the province, ostensibly to get a handle on the political situation.

The PML-N-led ruling coalition in the Centre believes that the PTI government in KP has failed to deliver for over a decade, and recent events had further cemented their conviction that the provincial government is failing to safeguard the lives of the people.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan called on the PM, where they discussed the prevailing political scenario.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ameer Maqam, Minister for Public Affairs Unit Rana Mubashar Iqbal, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Power Abdul Rehman Kanju and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Talha Barki were also present on the occasion.

A source close to Governor Kundi told Dawn that the issue of possible change of KP government was thoroughly discussed.

“Yes, we discussed the matter,” the source quoted Mr Kundi as saying. A press release issued by the governor’s spokesperson said the PM tasked Mr Kundi to start a campaign for forming a new government in KP and hold consultation with opposition members of the provincial assembly.

Mr Kundi and federal minister Ameer Muqam have also been tasked to meet JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for further consultation.

But others offered different counsel. When contacted, ANP chief Aimal Wali Khan told Dawn that the issue was discussed during his meeting with the PM. However, he said he had advised the premier against dissolving the KP government through ‘external means’.

“I told the PM that let the KP government die its own death. If you (PM) remove the provincial government, you will give an easy escape to the PTI-led regime, which has completely failed to deliver,” Mr Aimal said.

He said KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has no other way but to leave the government and if the Centre made any attempt to topple the PTI-led regime in KP, it would be a welcome move for the CM. “I told PM that Ali Amin Gandapur has taken maximum benefits after becoming CM and it will be a blessing for him if he is removed and sent home,” he added.

He further said the prime minister was ultimately convinced that forcefully removing the provincial government would be a mistake. “We are already suffering due to the trend of toppling governments and now how can we do it by ourselves,” he said.

Saudi peace efforts

PM Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday appreciated the efforts by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for peace in the Middle East as well as its significant role in the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India.

The prime minister said this in a meeting with the ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, while fondly recalling his warm and cordial telephone conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince on June 24.

The PM told the ambassador that as Pakistan had assumed the rotating Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of July, and it would count on Saudi Arabia’s support to ensure that its tenure was conducted smoothly and successfully.

PM to visit Baku

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office announced the PM would attend the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) in Baku, Azerbaijan, starting on July 3.

In a statement, it said the PM will “share Pakistan’s perspective on key regional and global challenges, reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025, and advocate for enhanced intra-regional trade, transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and sustainable development”.

He will also hold bilateral meetings with other ECO leaders on the sidelines of the summit to discuss matters of mutual interest, the statement added.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2025

ISLAMABAD:

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has decided to reduce power tariff by Rs1.15 per unit, offering a big relief to consumers, using 100 to 500 units per month, according to a notification sent to the government for final approval and implementation.

Nepra has issued its decision to reduce the basic price of electricity for the entire country. As per the decision, the maximum tariff for domestic consumers will be Rs47.69 per unit. However, the tariff for domestic lifeline consumers, using up to 50 units per month has been maintained at Rs3.95 per unit.

According to the Nepra notification, tariff for lifeline consumers, using 51 to 100 units per month, is Rs7.74.

A rate of Rs10.54 per unit has been approved for protected domestic consumers using 1-100 units and Rs13.01 for protected domestic consumers, using 101-200 units.

For the non-protected domestic consumers, Nepra fixed the tariff at Rs22.44 for 1-100 units per-month category; Rs28.91 for 101-200 units; Rs33.10 for 201-300 units; Rs37.99 for 301-400 units; Rs40.20 for 401-500 units; Rs41.62 for 501-600 units; Rs42.76 for 601-700 units and Rs47.69 for above 700 units.

According to officials, Nepra has sent its recommendations to the federal government for the implementation of the new rates. After the approval of the Nepra recommendations, the government would announce the reduction of the power tariff, they added.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday appreciated the efforts by Saudi Arabia for peace in the Middle East as well as its significant role in the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India.

The prime minister said this in a meeting with Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad Nawaf bin Saeed Al Malkiy, while fondly recalling his warm and cordial telephone conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince on June 24 to discuss the regional situation.

He conveyed his respectful regards to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The prime minister told the ambassador that as Pakistan had assumed the rotating Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of July, it would count on Saudi Arabia’s support to ensure that its tenure was conducted smoothly and successfully.

The Saudi ambassador thanked the prime minister for Pakistan’s role in peace and stability in the region.

FBR

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday applauded the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for achieving a historic 42% increase in federal tax revenues during the fiscal year 2024-25 – the highest surge in the past decade.

The prime minister chaired a high-level weekly review meeting on the digitization and reform agenda of the FBR, whereas during the briefing, it was revealed that reforms and enforcement of new tax laws enabled the government to collect an additional Rs 865 billion in revenues compared to the previous year, an eightfold increase.

ISLAMABAD:

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Wednesday held a detailed discussion on the alleged Rs40 billion scam in Kohistan, expressing serious concerns over financial irregularities and a lack of departmental cooperation.

Chairing a meeting after a month-long break, PAC Chairman Junaid Akbar said that when the committee raises audit objections, the department concerned fails to cooperate effectively.

In May, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government launched an investigation into the mega corruption scandal in Kohistan district, where an estimated Rs40 billion had allegedly been siphoned off from the provincial treasury.

The account was meant for retention money by contractors for schemes of four departments including communication and works, local government, irrigation and public health engineering departments. The scandal came under intense scrutiny during a meeting of the PAC, chaired by K-P Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati.

Officials from the finance department and the Accountant General’s office admitted during the session that billions had been misappropriated from government funds.

While an official embezzlement figure of Rs24 billion had been confirmed, the PAC members expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided by finance secretary and the accountant general.

On Wednesday, the audit officials revealed that there had been a misuse of cheque book, with fraud committed by three individuals who have now been arrested. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is currently investigating the matter.

The auditor general disclosed that despite sending three letters to the finance department, no disciplinary action had been taken against any of their officials. The committee demanded complete details of the case and directed that all relevant records be submitted.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will lead Pakistan delegation at the 17th Summit of the ECO which is being held in Baku on July 3-4.

“During the Summit, the Prime Minister will share Pakistan’s perspective on key regional and global challenges, reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to the ECO Vision 2025, and advocate for enhanced intra-regional trade, transport connectivity, energy cooperation, and sustainable development,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The prime minister will also hold bilateral meetings with other ECO leaders on the sidelines of the summit to discuss matters of mutual interest.

KARACHI: In a major achievement on the economic front, the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign reserves jumped by $5 billion to reach $14.51 billion end of the last fiscal year (FY25), surpassing the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) target of $13.9 billion. Economists noted that this milestone was made possible through the joint efforts of the SBP and the federal government as they successfully stabilized the external sector by implementing prudent macroeconomic policies and securing timely external inflows.

According to provisional data released on Wednesday, SBPs foreign reserves rose by $5.12 billion during the last fiscal year. With the current increase, the foreign exchange reserves held by the SBP reached the $14.51 billion mark on 30 June 2025 increased from $9.39 billion as on June 30, 2024.

This surge is attributed to substantial foreign inflows received last week from international financial institutions and lenders. The State Bank received $3.1 billion in commercial loans on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, along with over $500 million in multilateral funding, significantly boosting the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

SBP’s reserves drop over $2bn in a week on major debt repayments

Governor SBP Jameel Ahmed in January this year projected that despite massive external debt servicing, State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves will cross the $14 billion mark at the end of FY25.

Economists said that this significant surge reflects strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals, driven by an improved current account balance, higher home remittances inflows, and disciplined fiscal management. “The recent inflows are expected to further boost confidence in Pakistan’s economic recovery and support ongoing efforts to ensure external stability and sustainable growth”, they added.

Muhammad Sohail, CEO of Topline Securities, said that thanks to the strong performance of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the government, the country’s foreign exchange reserves have exceeded the IMF’s target of $13.9 billion-a major achievement.

He described this as a positive signal for Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability, adding that the milestone reflects improved external account management, rising remittances, stronger exports, and disciplined policy implementation under IMF guidance.

It may be mentioned here that during the week ended on Jun 20, 2025, SBP foreign reserves decreased by $ 2.657 billion to $ 9.064 billion due to government of Pakistan’s external debt repayments, mainly repayment of commercial borrowing. However, SBP has successfully maintained the reserves by bringing over $5 billion inflows in a week.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab has begun finalising its protest strategy in the light of directives issued by PTI’s Patron-in-Chief Imran Khan, which is expected to be launched after Ashura “to resist the ongoing human rights violations in the country and to restore constitutional and legal order”.

According to the PTI Punjab, meetings are underway across different regions of the party under the supervision of Chief Organiser Punjab Aliya Hamza. Regional leadership is being consulted, and practical, on-the-ground strategies are being devised. To mobilise party workers, organisational office-bearers at the district, tehsil, and regional levels have been assigned responsibilities.

“In the face of this oppression and injustice, protest is now our only remaining option. The inhumane treatment and cruelty being inflicted upon PTI founder Imran Khan is condemnable and intolerable; detaining a political leader under such severe restrictions and in clear violation of human rights is the worst form of state oppression and political revenge,” it added.

According to the party, Khan is kept confined for 22 hours a day in a small, dark cell with no sunlight or fresh air. This is not merely imprisonment, but it is systematic mental and physical torture. As a result of this inhumane treatment, he is rapidly losing weight, and his health is deteriorating. Yet the extent of state oppression is such that he is not even allowed to meet his physician. To make matters worse, Khan has been completely isolated from his family, legal team, and party leadership. This represents a grim image of authoritarianism in Pakistan.

“This treatment of Pakistan’s greatest national hero is not only a clear violation of the Constitution of Pakistan and the Pakistan Prison Rules 1978 but also of the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules. According to these regulations, every prisoner has an inalienable right to natural light and air, a balanced diet, daily exercise and walking, regular medical checkups, and meetings with family, lawyers, and associates. If a globally renowned leader, a former Prime Minister, and a national hero can be deprived of these basic rights, it raises a painful question for the entire world: is Pakistan truly a democracy or has it become a political torture chamber,” it said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025