Category: 1. Pakistan

KARACHI:

The Karachi Citizens’ Forum (KCF) held a press conference on Tuesday, expressing concern over recurring urban flooding that paralyses the city after every rainfall. The Forum noted that even a brief spell of rain damages property, disrupts businesses, results in the loss of lives, leads to the closure of schools, causes traffic gridlocks, and leaves citizens stranded on flooded roads.

The conference noted that, despite weather warnings by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the city, once again, remained unprepared this monsoon season. The conference recommended the establishment of a central authority, composed of urban planners and citizen stakeholders, to coordinate efforts among land-owning entities. It emphasised the need for a city plan addressing current challenges as well as future demands, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending, which it stated should be ensured through digitisation and public oversight. Further, the conference urged prioritising public welfare initiatives, such as repairing sanitation systems, completing mass transit projects, and rehabilitating water treatment facilities, rather than allocating resources to non-essential cosmetic developments.

The conference urged thorough enforcement of environmental regulations, holding negligent officials accountable, curbing illegal encroachments, and regulating the production and use of plastic bags. It concluded by stating, “Karachi deserves competent governance, honest supervision, and a sustainable development.”

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations has released $600,000 in emergency relief funds for Pakistan, the UN secretary-general’s spokesperson confirmed this week, as the death toll from deadly monsoon rains and floods across the country crossed 800. 

Monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Pakistan, damaging crops, killing livestock and destroying thousands of houses in the country. Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported 802 deaths from monsoon rains and floods since Jun. 26 and 1,088 injuries. 

Rain continues to batter several parts of the country, especially its eastern, most populous Punjab province, where rising water levels in the Sutlej and Ravi rivers have prompted authorities to evacuate over 170,000 people from vulnerable areas. 

“The [Pakistani] authorities are leading the response, with support from the United Nations and local partners,” Stéphane Dujarric, the UN secretary-general’s spokesperson, told reporters during a media briefing on Monday. 

“Over the weekend, Tom Fletcher, our Emergency Relief Coordinator, released $600,000 from the regional pooled fund to support the ongoing efforts.”

Unusually heavy rains since Aug. 15 have killed 489 people and left 348 injured. Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has reported the highest deaths since mid-August, 408 and 258 injuries according to figures shared by the NDMA. 

Dujarric said that according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Pakistanis affected by the flooding need shelter supplies, medical assistance, cash, hygiene kits, clean drinking water and education. 

Pakistan’s top economic decision-making body earlier on Tuesday approved the release of Rs3 billion ($10.8 million) in emergency funds for flood-affected families in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region. 

EVACUATIONS, RISING WATER LEVELS

Separately, the NDMA issued an advance alert to the provincial disaster agency in Punjab, the PDMA, regarding rising water levels in the Sutlej River and potential floods. The alert prompted large-scale evacuation operations in areas near the Sutlej River.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting to review the flood situation and relief operations across the country, his office said. 

Sharif directed that rescue operations in the flood-hit districts of Punjab, affected by the overflowing Sutlej river, be further accelerated, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. 

Officials informed Sharif that residents of vulnerable areas near the Sutlej River have been relocated, and that no loss of life has been reported so far.

“Rescue operations are continuing in flood-affected districts near Sutlej River and so far, 174,074 people have been safely evacuated,” the PMO said. 

The prime minister was informed that work to restore power in KP’s flood-affected areas was underway, while in Gilgit-Baltistan, a two-kilometer stretch of the National Highway remains submerged. 

“The meeting was informed that in the next 12 to 24 hours that heavy rainfall is expected in Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Rawalpindi divisions as well as in the districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and parts of Gilgit Baltistan,” Sharif’s office said. 

Officials say the ongoing monsoon spell is expected to last until at least Sept. 10, while the NDMA has warned the rains could rival the scale of the catastrophic floods of 2022, which killed more than 1,700 people and caused over $30 billion in damage.

Annual monsoon rains are crucial for Pakistan’s agriculture and water supply but in recent years have also unleashed devastation, intensified by shifting climate patterns.

Despite contributing less than 1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan ranks among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. In recent years it has endured increasingly erratic weather, including droughts, heatwaves and record-breaking rains that have caused widespread loss of life and damage to property.

Experts warn that without urgent adaptation and mitigation measures, the human and economic toll of climate change in Pakistan will only deepen in the years ahead.

ISLAMABAD:

The government on Tuesday approved a subsidy of Rs11 billion for the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) — one-third to be disbursed immediately, to offset the losses it would sustain due to the withdrawal of Rs35 in monthly fee charged through electricity bills.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet considered a summary submitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for a supplementary grant of Rs11 billion in favour of PTV for tariff adjustment and net metering, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance.

It added that the ECC approved Rs3.8 billion while the remaining would be released on a quarterly basis for payment of salaries, pensions and operational expenses of the state broadcaster.

While approving the request, the ECC underscored that it was imperative for PTV to reduce reliance on budgetary support and chart a path towards self-sustainability, the finance ministry said.

The government had abolished the per electricity connection fee of Rs35 from bills last month as part of efforts to lower the cost of electricity for end-consumers. However, this created financial issues for the firm, which is heavily dependent on state dole-outs.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed to discontinue the collection of TV licence fee, which the information ministry stated strained PTV’s financial position, resulting in pending liabilities, including unpaid salaries and pensions for three months as well as other expenses.

The PM then directed the Finance Division to allocate a grant of Rs11 billion to PTV for fiscal year 2025-26, which would be released in quarterly tranches, ensuring uninterrupted broadcasting services. For the next three quarters, PTV will receive Rs2.4 billion each quarter.

The ECC meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, also approved guidelines to reduce electricity prices for consumers to the extent of additional money collected on the use of gas by captive power plants (CPPs). As per the guidelines, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) will revise prices downwards through the monthly fuel price adjustment mechanism.

The finance ministry stated that the ECC approved the mechanism proposed by the Power Division to pass on the benefit of the levy collected from captive power consumers to electricity grid consumers.

Parliament has enacted Off the Grid (Captive Power Plants) Levy Act, 2025 to impose a levy on natural gas-based captive power plants to facilitate their transition to the electricity grid.

The law provides that the concerned divisions shall calculate the rate of levy considering the difference of electricity tariff of the industrial B-3 category notified by Nepra and the self-power generation cost of the captive power plant at the gas tariff notified by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra).

In accordance with the Act, the levy rate is set initially at a 5% fixed margin above the power tariff, which has increased to 10% from August 1, 2025. From February 1, 2026, the rate will be 15% and from August 1, 2026, it will be 20%.

The Power Division will submit information to Nepra with the request to allow it to be passed on to electricity consumers and accordingly Nepra will issue the determination each month after necessary due diligence.

The benefit of the levy collected in a month will be passed on to power consumers with a lag of two months. Nepra will evaluate the monthly data and determine the per-unit rate of monthly levy benefit for the entitled consumers as per the approved mechanism.

The ECC also considered a summary seeking the review of tariff determination for the Machike-Thalian-Taru Jabba White Oil Pipeline project being developed on a government-to-government basis with Azerbaijan, and approved the terms and conditions proposed by the Petroleum Division to enable the launch of the strategic project. It will further strengthen bilateral friendship, trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, the finance ministry said.

The ECC reviewed a summary submitted by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and States and Frontier Regions regarding the release of funds for flood relief in Gilgit-Baltistan in line with the prime minister’s directives during his recent visit to the affected region.

It approved the release of Rs3 billion for timely provision of tents, medicines, food and other essential supplies for the affected families, as well as for the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and early recovery measures to support the affected communities.

ISLAMABAD: In a major push towards modernising the country’s road infrastructure, Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Tuesday ordered the immediate removal of barriers from all motorways, aligning the system with international standards.

Chairing a high-level meeting, he also called for the expansion and strengthening the E-Tag system to enhance efficiency and reduce congestion.

He announced that an Artificial Intelligence-based monitoring system will be launched in the first phase on M-1 and M-2 motorways. The new system will automatically detect violations such as over-speeding and send instant alerts via SMS to vehicle owners.

Khan was blunt in his criticism of current enforcement methods, directing that Motorway Police officers must stop stepping in front of speeding vehicles – a dangerous practice he said risks lives unnecessarily.

“Human life is far more valuable,” he remarked, urging police officials to prioritise both their own safety and that of motorists. Turning to toll operations, the minister ordered the replication of the open auction model used for toll plazas across other contracts.

He stressed the need for a uniform commercial policy on both sides of the highways and pushed for 100 percent digitisation of revenue collection. He also encouraged real-time public feedback to improve transparency and service delivery.

On the environmental front, the minister directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to promote large-scale tree plantation along motorways using non-traditional methods.

He urged involvement of the private sector in plantation, maintenance, and preservation, framing the move as essential for long-term sustainability.

The minister also instructed the NHA to revise No Objection Certificate (NOC) fees for commercial land, with rates to be determined by city and business type, aiming to create a more rational and business-friendly policy.

During the meeting, the minister was briefed by NHA Chairman Muhammad Shahryar Sultan and senior officials on operational matters. He later visited several departments at the NHA headquarters to review ongoing reforms and infrastructure improvements.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

ISLAMABAD  –  The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday rejected the agreement between the heirs and the accused through the video link in a murder case. A three-member bench headed by Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the issue of consent between the accused and heirs in a murder case.

During hearing, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi remarked that it cannot be confirmed through video link whether the heirs of the deceased entered into the consent under pressure or of their own free will. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan remarked that unless the relatives of the deceased appear in the sessions court in person and confirm the consent, there is no consent. 

If the process of confirming consent through video link is started, the entire system will be compromised, he said. The court adjourned the hearing of the Asif Ali vs State case for a month. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday sought complete details of a private company’s shares in writing and adjourned hearing for three weeks in a case pertaining to sale and purchase of shares, and election of company’s board of directors.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the case related to the purchase and sale of shares of a private company and the election of its board of directors. The bench also includes Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb.

During hearing, Lawyer Ahsan Bhawan said that a miscellaneous application consisting of hundreds of pages has been filed. Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan remarked that is this the same case in which the director of the company was removed in the US after harassment was proven, a case of this kind has come before my bench.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan said that a case of action was taken in the Sindh High Court after harassment was proven. Orders were issued to summon the citizens of Thailand and the US in person in the court proceedings.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan inquired whether this is the same man who filed the case in the Sindh High Court to take action against the persons living in America and Thailand. I don’t know what image we are creating for Pakistan. The lawyers replied that yes, this is the same man.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan asked whether Ziauddin Chishti was currently in the courtroom. He remarked that all the cases pending in the Supreme Court are consolidated. Combining all the cases will help in understanding good intentions and malice. 

Shahzad Shaukat said that it was not theft but robbery. Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb said that the complete details of the company’s shares should be submitted in writing.

ISLAMABAD  –  The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Tuesday once again reserved its verdict in a petition seeking court’s directions for the constitution of Judicial Commission to probe the death of Arshad Sharif (late). A single bench of IHC comprising Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Minhas conducted hearing of the petition filed by journalist Hamid Mir and Arshad Sharif’s widow, Javeria Siddique. The petitioners have been demanding formation of an independent judicial commission to probe the circumstances leading to Sharif’s death on October 24, 2022. During the hearing, Hamid Mir’s counsel, Barrister Shoaib Razzaq, submitted that the court had earlier reserved its decision on August 27 last year, but no tangible progress had been made since then. He contended that clarity was needed on why multiple FIRs were registered against Sharif, why he was compelled to leave Pakistan, and how he ended up being killed abroad.

Razzaq stressed that the public had the right to know the truth, which, he argued, could only be uncovered through an impartial and empowered judicial commission. He further requested that the commission be authorized to travel to Kenya to pursue the investigation. The counsel reminded the court that when Hamid Mir himself was attacked in the past, the Supreme Court had formed a commission to investigate the matter. “Arshad Sharif devoted 25 years to journalism—his case deserves transparent and open inquiry,” he maintained. Justice Minhas remarked that how a high court can decide a case when the matter is already pending before the Supreme Court. In response, the counsel argued that even so, a commission is ultimately responsible for the investigation, adding that the court can take a decision when reports are submitted by different institutions.

DIG Awais Ahmed informed the court that Pakistan is in the process of mutual legal assistance with Kenya, and that an FIR has already been registered. He explained that the case challan has been submitted while two suspects have been declared absconders. Mir’s counsel pointed out that despite the passage of three years, the case remained unresolved, and action has been limited to filing reports. Later, the IHC bench reserved its decision after both sides concluded their arguments. Earlier, a single bench of IHC comprising then Chief Justice of IHC Justice Aamer Farooq had reserved the judgment after hearing the argument of both the sides last year. Through the instant petition, the petitioner sought direction to the respondents for constitution of Judicial Commission to probe the death of Arshad Sharif (late), who was killed in Kenya on 24.10.2022.

ISLAMABAD:

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has blocked a move to immediately declare digital currencies as legal in the country, cautioning that allowing transactions without a regulatory framework could create serious challenges.

At its maiden meeting on Monday, the board of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) sought to withdraw existing orders that prohibit the use of cryptocurrencies.

However, officials said the SBP opposed the proposal, stressing that premature approval would be problematic without a legal and licensing structure in place.

The meeting was chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Crypto, Bilal bin Saqib, and attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Although not a member of the board, Aurangzeb joined deliberations as a special invitee.

The SBP governor, federal secretaries of IT and Law, the FBR chairman, the SECP chairman and representatives from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) were also in attendance.

According to a Finance Ministry statement, “The Board deliberated on the withdrawal of BPRD Circular No. 3 of 2018, issued by the State Bank of Pakistan, which had directed financial institutions to refrain from dealing in virtual currencies and tokens”.

The 2018 instructions not only declared dealings in cryptocurrencies illegal but also required banks to report such transactions as suspicious to the Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU).

The circular stated that digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Pakcoin, OneCoin, DasCoin, Pay Diamond, or ICO tokens were not legal tender and were neither issued nor guaranteed by the government. It further clarified that the SBP had not authorised any entity to issue, trade or invest in such assets in Pakistan.

The directive binds all banks, development financial institutions, microfinance banks, payment system operators and payment service providers to refrain from processing, using, holding, promoting, or investing in cryptocurrencies.

The central bank’s circular further directed the financial institutions against facilitating their customers and account holders to transact in these currencies, asserting that any transaction in this regard shall immediately be reported to the FMU as a suspicious transaction.

During Monday’s session, sources said the SBP governor opposed lifting the ban, arguing that withdrawal of the circular without a proper framework could create serious problems.

Under an ad-hoc legislation, any person or company intending to offer virtual asset services in or from Pakistan must be licensed by the PVARA. A structured licensing regime will be introduced, with specific requirements for incorporation, operational capacity, compliance frameworks and reporting obligations.

Some of the participants of the meeting were of the view that it may take six to eight months to put in place an effective regulatory and licensing regime, said the sources.

Last Saturday, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb warned that Pakistan risks slipping back onto the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force due to unregulated digital transactions being carried out by roughly 15% of the population.

“If certain level of activity is happening and happening at this scale, it’s only a question of when, not if, that we are going to get into trouble as a country, as a sovereign again,” said Senator Aurangzeb last week

Aurangzeb shared that over 25 million people or 10-15% of the country’s population, especially youth, is involved in digital businesses and this cannot be ignored. In this context, Aurangzeb said that the increased activity has to be regulated due to the danger of international sanctions.

The Ministry of Finance’s handout stated that the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority’s first board meeting was attended by Muhammad Aurangzeb as a special invitee, the governor of the SBP, federal secretaries of the ministries of Information Technology and Law and Justice, Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and representatives from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

It added that the board approved the creation of a complaint portal, developed in collaboration with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), to address concerns related to virtual assets and provide timely redressal.

The finance minister emphasized the authority’s critical role in positioning Pakistan as a leader in the global virtual assets economy.

The press note added that the board deliberated on key priorities, including operationalizing PVARA to align with international Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) standards, recommending independent directors with expertise in virtual assets for approval, and establishing the Authority’s core framework.

The board agreed to form dedicated committees focused on sandbox experimentation, taxation policies, regulatory drafting, and international engagement. A draft of the proposed licensing framework was also shared with the members for consultation, which will be finalised in the coming days.

Additionally, PVARA will hold bi-monthly meetings for the first six months to ensure robust feedback and stakeholder consultation.

Chairman Bilal bin Saqib remarked that the PVARA will safeguard financial integrity while fostering innovation, investment, and opportunity in the virtual assets space. “Our goal is to build trust domestically and enhance Pakistan’s credibility as a forward-thinking player in the global virtual assets’ economy,” he added.

ISLAMABAD/ RAWALPINDI:

In a calculated gambit to maintain resolve amid political woes, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday decided to boycott the upcoming by-elections across the country and pull out from all standing committees of parliament – a move the party frames as a stand against an uneven political playing field.

The twin decisions came after extensive deliberations in a meeting of PTI’s political committee, which unanimously endorsed the boycott and resolved that party lawmakers in the National Assembly would resign from their committee memberships in line with instructions from the party’s founding chairman Imran Khan.

According to party sources, the meeting was convened to chart out PTI’s electoral strategy in the wake of recent disqualifications that have created vacancies for national and provincial assembly by-polls. Members were explicitly asked to give their views on whether the party should contest the elections.

Insiders revealed that most members advised against participation, citing the prevailing political climate and compromised conditions for a fair contest.

The proposal to boycott was unanimously approved, with senior leaders, including Sanaullah Masti Khel, Barrister Gohar, Sheikh Waqas Akram and Amir Dogar, strongly supporting the move, calling it consistent with the guidance of PTI’s founder chairman.

The decision followed days of reported internal debate over whether the party should enter the fray to protect its political turf, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where looming disqualifications could undermine its numbers.

Until recently, many within PTI considered contesting the by-elections a necessary measure, despite reservations about transparency and fairness.

However, the incarcerated party founder had repeatedly signalled that PTI should avoid legitimising the “flawed process”. He had earlier directed the political committee to revisit the matter and collect detailed feedback from members. After consultations, the committee concluded that PTI will stay away from the upcoming polls.

On Tuesday, PTI leaders said the boycott reflects the party’s principled stance against a compromised electoral process and growing state pressure. They argued that participating in elections “lacking transparency” would run contrary to PTI’s position on electoral integrity.

Resignations trickle in

Shortly after the decision landed, in a parallel development, Faisal Amin Khan, the brother of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, resigned from three parliamentary committees on the instructions of the PTI founder.

Faisal Amin stepped down from the Standing Committees on Economic Affairs, Food Security and the Parliamentary Task Force, and submitted his resignation to Chief Whip Amir Dogar.

“I have resigned on the instructions of the PTI founder,” Faisal Amin confirmed.

Party sources said more resignations from standing committees are expected in the coming days, in line with the founder’s directive and the political committee’s decision.

‘I will not bow, I will not deal’

Meanwhile, speaking to the media earlier in the day after a meeting with her brother, Aleema Khan announced that Imran has maintained his resolve, saying that solitary confinement and intimidation will not break his resolve.

He reiterated his determination that he “will neither bow down nor strike any deal”.

Aleema Khan said she and her sisters were grateful to PTI workers who had stood by them for months.

“For the past three months, we were being denied a meeting. Today, by the grace of Allah, we finally met him. After four months, all the sisters were allowed to meet together. His lawyers, including Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Gohar and Ali Zafar, were also given access,” she said.

She confirmed that the PTI founder was in good health overall but noted that he had developed an eye problem. “We are moving the court for his treatment,” she said, adding that doctors from PIMS hospital would examine him soon.

‘Judiciary responsible for injustices’

The former premier held the judiciary responsible for prevailing injustices in the country, saying that “if judges had a conscience, such injustice would never have been allowed”.

Quoting him, his sister Aleema Khan said Imran declared that “the entire responsibility for these injustices lies with the judiciary”. He was also informed about the arrests of his nephews, Shershah Khan and Shahrez Khan, over which he expressed concern.

Speaking about legal cases against him, Imran remarked that punishments and disqualifications of this kind had never before been witnessed in Pakistan. He further alleged that the mainstream media had lost credibility because its voice was being suppressed and controlled.

He also opposed fresh military operations in Waziristan, warning that a military operation would only create instability.

He also criticised the forced expulsion of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. “Driving Afghans out is against Islamic traditions. I feel ashamed about their forced return.”

The PTI founder expressed grief over the devastation caused by floods in Buner and other areas, adding that the public should now recognise the value of the Billion Tree project initiated during his tenure.

Regarding political strategy, Imran instructed his party to resign from all parliamentary committees. He further directed Barrister Gohar Khan and Salman Akram Raja regarding the party’s position on the upcoming by-elections.

“The party must not take part in by-elections,” he said. “Participating would give legitimacy to a process that is already compromised.”

Aleema Khan told reporters that Imran had rejected the resignation of Salman Akram Raja from his party position.

“He has instructed the political committee to reconvene today. The founder will make a final decision after consulting the party. His clear stance is that by-elections must not be legitimised, though he is open to reviewing differing opinions within the party,” she added.

She also said Bushra Bibi was in good health and that the court atmosphere during her appearance today had been “positive”.

Separately, PTI lawyer Salman Akram Raja also confirmed that Imran had not accepted his resignation.

“Khan Sahib did not accept my resignation,” he said while speaking to reporters after meeting Khan in Adiala Jail.

Raja added that the political committee would meet again in the evening to deliberate on elections.

“Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz are already fighting their cases in courts. For the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s name has been reiterated by Khan Sahib. In line with his directions, the political committee will take a final decision on the elections.”

Published on: August 27, 2025 5:45 AM

NAROWAL: One hundred and thirty-seven people were rescued from the floodwater of the Ravi River in the Narowal area where thousands of acres of agricultural land has been submerged by the high-level flood after India released water into the Ravi. People have started shifting to safer places after the Ravi and rainwater drains of Auj, Bayan and Dek inundate villages.

On Tuesday, a woman died and more than 15 people were injured when roofs and walls of houses collapsed due to heavy rain. Rescue 1122 identified the woman as an 80-year-old woman, Sardar Bibi, a resident of Lakhnoor Amrial village, while the injured included Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Dawood, Ayesha Nasir, Shamim Akhtar, Bilal, Muhammad Aslam, Munir Ahmed, Muhammad Shahbaz who were buried under the debris of roofs and walls.

According to the irrigation department, the Ravi River has a capacity of 150,000 cusecs of water while it is flowing at 155,000 cusecs at Kot Nain in tehsil Shakargarh. The rainwater drain Auj is flowing at 56,000 cusecs while rainwater Bayan has 25,446 cusecs. Rainwater Dek is flowing at a flood level of 63,762 cusecs. All three of them have high-level flooding.

District Emergency Officer Engineer Muhammad Aurangzeb told Dawn that rainwater from drains of Auj, Bayan and Dek had entered the crop fields while the citizens were facing difficulties due to the continuous heavy rainfall for the past 24 hours and they had started shifting to safer places.

137 rescued; one dies, 15 injured in roof, wall collapses during 24-hour rain

“The rescue control room received emergency calls for help from the villages, including Pachwalian, Talwandi Bhindran, Mardwal, Nadala, Lakhnoor Amrial, Darhiwal, Sajuwal, Pir Kandhala, Jarmian Singha, Madu Gol, Dawood Bhanian, Lahri and Sikmal as well as from four different places along the Pakistan-India Border,” Mr Aurangzeb said and added that the callers informed about people being trapped in the high level flood and the rescue teams carried out rescue operations using boats, life jackets, life rings and other equipment. He said that during the rescue operation, more than 120 people were rescued and shifted to safer places.

Mr Aurangzeb said the rescuers rescued animals, including dozens of goats, trapped in the floodwater and shifted them to safer places.

Farmers Muhammad Yaqub and Sharafat Hussain said thousands of acres of agricultural land had been submerged by the flood that caused severe damage to the rice crop and animal fodder. The floodwater entered the animal shelters and the homes of the citizens. The markets and streets of Narowal, Shakargarh and Zafarwal were inundated by about two feet of water.

Narowal Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza, Engineer Muhammad Aurangzeb DEO Rescue, officials of the irrigation department and other officers visited the weak protective embankments of the Ravi and rainwater drains. The DC has ordered the department to strengthen the weak protective barriers on a priority basis.

The Hanjali Bridge connecting Zafarwal and Sialkot was washed away by the floodwater while roads, rails and bridges were damaged in the Narowal area. The villages, including Kot Nina, Fatehpur, Bara Manga, Walipur, Kotla and Fatochak, have been flooded. They have been disconnected. The small bridge connecting the village Junday Langah, Ali Langah and more than a dozen of villages in Shikargarh tehsil has been broken.

In Chiniot, the district disaster management authority directed the people in low-lying areas to evacuate as the Chenab River water level is increasing. As flood is expected to hit the Chiniot area on Tuesday night, an emergency meeting with Deputy Commissioner Safiullah Gondal in chair directed the departments to maintain attendance of their personnel at flood relief camps in parts of districts.

It is worth mentioning that the farmers have set up farmhouses and built houses in low-lying areas to keep their cattle and grow crops on the banks of the Chenab. About 500-1000 people have been shifted to safer places from these areas along with their cattle and valuables on self help basis.

(Aurangzeb Malik from Chiniot also contributed to this report)

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2025