Category: 1. Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed Pakistan’s climate change ministry to generate funds for a climate-resilient infrastructure, as the death toll from torrential monsoon rains across the country since late June surge to 300.

Sharif arrived in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit city on Monday to review the flood situation in the region and damages caused during the monsoon season, his office said. The prime minister chaired a high-level meeting attended by senior officials and ministers of the government to take stock of the flood situation there. 

Pakistan, home to more than 7,000 glaciers, ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries despite contributing less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. It has already experienced increasingly erratic weather in recent years, including record-breaking heatwaves, droughts, and severe storms.

“Many conferences are held worldwide regarding climate change,” Sharif said during the meeting. “They [climate change ministry officials] have attended several meetings. They should bring some funds, generate funds for our [climate] resilient infrastructure.”

Sharif’s office said earlier that the prime minister will meet victims of the rains and floods in Gilgit and distribute relief funds during his day-long trip to the city. 

As per the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) latest situation report, of the 300 killed since June 26 from rain-related incidents in Pakistan, 140 are children, 103 are men while 57 are females. Punjab has reported the highest number of deaths, 162, followed by northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province with 70 casualties, Sindh with 28 deaths, Balochistan with 20 casualties, GB with 10, Islamabad with eight and Azad Kashmir with five deaths. 

The Meteorological Department has warned of more rains in the country from Monday, saying that monsoon currents penetrating the country are expected to intensify from Aug. 4. The PMD had warned that heavy rains may generate flash floods in local nullahs/streams of Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, northeast Punjab and Kashmir from Aug. 5-7. 

“Landslides/mudslides may cause roads’ closure in the vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir during the forecast period,” the PMD’s report said. 

In May, at least 32 people were killed in severe storms, while a third of the country was submerged by devastating floods in 2022 that killed more than 1,700 people, affected over 30 million and caused an estimated $35 billion in damages.

GILGIT (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his heartfelt sympathy with those affected by the recent rains and floods during his visit to Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday.

Addressing a ceremony to distribute relief checks among the victims, the prime minister assured continued visits until the affected people are resettled in their homes and announced a return visit by the end of August.

The premier said that cloudbursts triggered heavy rainfall and flooding, causing significant loss of lives and property.

He also announced a Rs4 billion fund for the restoration of infrastructure and directed the Minister for Communications to immediately begin repair work.

He hoped that the federal and Gilgit-Baltistan governments will work together to manage natural disasters, calling for coordinated action from all relevant institutions.

Stressing the need for an advance warning system to prepare for such events in the future, the prime minister shared that a 100-megawatt solar power project will be completed within the current fiscal year. He said the project’s approval will also be sought from ECNEC, assuring that it will be his utmost effort to complete the project at the earliest.

The premier also announced that foundation stones for Danish Schools in Gilgit and Skardu will be laid in his next visit.

Pakistan among hardest-hit by climate change

The prime minister also shared the concern about Pakistan being ranked among the 10 most climate-vulnerable countries.

In 2022 as well, devastating rains and floods hit the country. Every year, Pakistan continues to suffer the consequences of climate change, impacting Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and other provinces.

PM Shehbaz said that all regions of the country are facing the consequences of climate change, highlighting the critical role of the Ministry of Climate Change in dealing with this challenge. He was appreciative of NDMA’s efforts for relief and rehabilitation in the flood-affected areas.

وزیراعظم کا ایک روزہ دورہء گلگت بلتستان

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف ایک روزہ دورے پر گلگت پہنچ گئے

گلگت پہنچنے پر گلگت بلتستان کے گورنر سید مہدی شاہ اور وزیرِ اعلی گلبر خان نے وزیر اعظم کا استقبال کیا.

وزیرِ مواصلات عبدالعلیم خان، وزیرِ اطلاعات و نشریات عطاء اللہ تارڑ، وزیرِ… pic.twitter.com/Bk51NyzEhV

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) August 4, 2025

Earlier, the Prime Minister was received at Gilgit Airport by Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Gulbar Khan, Chief Secretary, IGP, and Force Commander. He was accompanied by Federal Ministers Abdul Aleem Khan, Attaullah Tarar, Engr. Amir Maqam, and Dr. Musadik Malik, along with Adviser Rana Sanaullah and Coordinator Shabbir Usmani.

GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan are looking towards the federal government for support, as the devastating floods caused over Rs. 20 billion in damages.

He added that federal assistance is vital like oxygen for the region, and displaced families are awaiting relief and rehabilitation.

He welcomed the Prime Minister, calling the visit a positive and hopeful gesture for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Monsoon death toll rises

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported on Sunday that the death toll from monsoon-related incidents across Pakistan has climbed to 299, up from a previously reported 234.

The ongoing monsoon season, which began in late June, continues to bring widespread destruction.

According to updated NDMA data, at least 299 individuals have lost their lives due to torrential rains and flash floods, with 715 others sustaining injuries. Among the deceased are 140 children, 102 men, and 57 women. The injured include 239 children, 204 women, and 272 men.

The report further detailed that 1,676 houses have been damaged, of which 562 have been completely destroyed. Additionally, 428 livestock were lost due to the flooding.

Since June 26, NDMA teams have rescued and evacuated 2,880 people from affected areas. Relief operations are actively ongoing, with over 13,000 essential items distributed so far. These include nearly 2,000 tents, more than 1,100 food packs, over 1,200 kitchen kits, hundreds of blankets, mattresses, life jackets, hygiene kits, and de-watering pumps.

Read also: Low-lying areas flooded as heavy rain lashes Lahore

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), meanwhile, has issued a fresh alert for more rainfall across the country. Between August 4 and 7, northern and central regions are expected to receive rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with occasional heavy downpours.

GlOF Alert (August 04, 2025)#PMD #pmdweather #GLOF #alert #Gilgit #heavyrainfall #flasflood #landslides #StormPreparedness #monsoon #StaySafeStayPrepared pic.twitter.com/6yDbhdfco9

— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) August 4, 2025

Rainfall is forecast in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad during this period, while Gilgit-Baltistan is expected to receive rain beginning August 5. Balochistan will likely see hot and humid conditions, although northeastern and southern parts may receive showers on August 6. Sindh is predicted to experience similar weather, with light rain and cloudy skies along coastal areas.

 

Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima declared that Pakistan has won the technology war against India. She said Pakistan has also secured a strong global position in technology. The minister spoke at the launch event of TikTok’s ‘STEM Feed’ in Islamabad. She noted a significant increase in internet usage across Pakistan since last year. This growth shows the rapid expansion of Pakistan’s IT sector and digital connectivity.

Shaza Fatima emphasized the need to equip young people with technology skills to meet today’s challenges. She urged youth to learn new skills through social media platforms. Moreover, she highlighted TikTok’s potential as a powerful learning tool. The minister said the app must be used to educate and empower young Pakistanis. She stressed the importance of promoting digital education across the country.

The minister also mentioned the importance of creating digital identities for every child in Pakistan. She said digital services will help develop a strong digital economy in society. This step will improve access to online services and financial tools. Shaza Fatima assured that the government is working to resolve internet speed concerns. Meanwhile, internet usage continues to rise despite these challenges.

Furthermore, the minister praised Pakistan’s progress in technology and digital innovation. She confidently stated that Pakistan has beaten India in this competitive field. This achievement highlights Pakistan’s growing influence on the global technology stage. The government plans to further support IT growth and innovation. Such efforts will benefit the economy and create new job opportunities.

Shaza Fatima’s speech reinforced the importance of technology for Pakistan’s future. She encouraged youth to embrace digital skills and learning platforms. The government remains committed to expanding digital infrastructure and services. This vision will help Pakistan build a strong digital economy. Ultimately, Pakistan aims to become a leading technology hub in the world.

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 4th Aug, 2025) The Police martyrs’ day was observed with solemnity and reverence across Punjab on Monday,

including in the provincial capital, to honour the ultimate sacrifices of police personnel who laid down

their lives in the line of duty.

According to a Punjab Police spokesperson, special ceremonies were held in all districts of the province, while smartly turned-out police contingents presented guard of honour at the memorials and graves of the martyrs. Wreaths were laid and Fateha was offered for the departed souls.

The spokesperson said that senior police officers visited the families of martyrs, met with their children and paid tribute to the heroes while expressing solidarity.

Rallies and special events were also organised to highlight their sacrifices.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr Usman Anwar, in his special message on the occasion, said

that August 4 was a day to renew the pledge with the martyrs of Punjab Police.

“Nations that honour their heroes never forget them,” he stated.

The IGP added that Punjab Police observed police martyrs day with national spirit every year to pay homage to over 1,700 brave officers and personnel who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty.

“They sacrificed their present to secure the future of the nation,” he said.

Dr Usman also paid heartfelt tribute to the mothers and families of the martyrs, stating that the department stood by them in every moment whether in joy or sorrow.

The Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain has written to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, urging him to take suo motu notice of an alleged sugar industry scandal in which mills reportedly profited by Rs300 billion due to recent price fluctuations.

In a letter addressed to the CJP, Vice Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar called for the formation of a commission under Article 184(3) of the Constitution to investigate suspected policy manipulation and regulatory failures.

Khokhar requested that the issue be urgently referred to a three-member committee or that the letter be treated as a formal petition to initiate judicial proceedings.

“The future of the country’s economic stability and citizens’ trust in governance hinges on prompt and decisive action,” the letter added.

It further highlighted that the Public Accounts Committee was informed on Tuesday, July 29, that sugar mills had earned Rs300 billion through recent rate hikes.

CCP reschedules hearing

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has postponed the hearing of the sugar cartel case after over 70 sugar mills requested a delay, citing the unavailability of legal counsel due to the Supreme Court’s summer recess.

In a statement issued on Monday, the CCP announced that the hearing will now take place from September 22 to 25. The decision follows multiple adjournment pleas submitted by sugar mills.

More than 50 mills have also filed appeals in the Supreme Court challenging the tribunal’s decision directing the CCP to rehear the case.

The commission clarified that the hearing has been deferred once to fulfil the requirements of a fair trial. However, it emphasised that no further delay or adjournment would be granted.

The CCP stated that the case proceedings will be conducted daily.

Read: CCP to hear sugar pricing case today

Earlier in May, the Competition Appellate Tribunal had returned the case to the CCP for rehearing after announcing its verdict on the appeals filed by the sugar mills and the association against a Rs44b fine.

The tribunal instructed that the case be reheard under the supervision of the CCP chairperson or any other member who was not previously involved in the hearings.

The tribunal also ordered the commission to complete the rehearing and issue a verdict within 90 days.

In 2021, the CCP imposed a Rs44 billion fine on the PSMA and its member mills for forming a cartel to fix sugar prices and engaging in other anti-competitive practices.