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Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Climate
- Business Recorder
New heavy countrywide monsoon likely
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Monday, issued a fresh warning of heavy monsoon rain spell countrywide as the nationwide death toll from ongoing flash floods, landslides and mudslides has reached 281 while those injured of the 675 since the start of the current monsoon season on June 26, 2025. The NDMA in its advisory said that a fresh spell of intense monsoon rain is to hit northern Pakistan in the next 72 hours, posing risks of urban flooding, glacial surges and landslides across Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Chitral Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). The death toll from the ongoing monsoon rains across Pakistan has climbed to 181, with two more fatalities reported in the past 24 hours as a fresh spell of heavy rainfall is set to lash several parts of the country until July 31, the NDMA reported. Out of 281 nationwide flood-related deaths with 151 confirmed deaths and 536 injuries, Punjab is on top, followed by KPK with 64 deaths and 79 injuries, Sindh 27 deaths and 40 injuries, Balochistan 20 deaths and four injuries, G-B nine deaths and four injuries, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) eight deaths and three injuries, AJK two deaths and 10 injuries. According to the NDMA's latest situation report, at least 675 people have been injured and 1,557 homes damaged, of which, 537 fully destroyed and 1,020 partially damaged, since the start of the monsoon season. G-B with 533 damaged houses, of which, 342 fully destroyed and 191 partially damaged is on the top, followed by AJK with 299 damaged, of which, 58 fully and 241 partially; KPK with 293 damaged houses, of which, 91 fully and 202 partially; Punjab, 209, of which, one fully and 208 partially; Sindh 87 33 fully and 54 partially; Balochistan, 80, of which, 11 fully and 69 partially; ICT 56 including one fully and 55 partially. The flooding has also resulted in the deaths of 372 livestock, of which, 135 in KPK, 121 in Punjab, 85 in Sindh, 17 in G-B and 14 in AJK. The NDMA said that the flash floods have also damaged 651 kilometres of road infrastructure countrywide, of which, 634.33km in KPK, 13.61km in G-B, 1.5km each in Balochistan and AJK, while 13 bridges have also swept away in rain water, of which eight in G-B, one in Balochistan and three in ICT areas. The NDMA has advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, avoid non-essential travel and strictly follow official guidance. For real-time alerts and safety protocols, citizens are encouraged to use the 'Pak NDMA Disaster Alert' mobile app and monitor updates from NDMA and local administration channels. NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued flood alerts for several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK, urging timely preparedness amid worsening weather conditions. According to NEOC, rain is expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, and Shigar areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Bagh in AJK during the forecast period. These rains may lead to flooding, while heavy showers in hilly regions may also trigger landslides. In Chitral Valley, Buni and Reshun areas, rainfall combined with melting glaciers may result rise in the water flow of River Chitral. Urban flooding is also likely in Muzaffarabad and Bagh due to heavy downpours. NDMA has directed all relevant departments and agencies to take proactive measures, ensure the readiness of personnel, machinery, and rescue teams, and remain vigilant to deal with any emergency situation. Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and local administrations have been instructed to take timely preventive actions. According to the NDMA data, the authority has distributed a total of 8,467 relief items in flood-hit areas from June 26 to July 28, according to official data. The distribution included 1,070 tents, with Sindh receiving the highest number at 500, followed by Gilgit-Baltistan with 337 tents, Balochistan with 200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 20, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir with 13. Flash flood-hit areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received one ration bag. A total of 390 blankets were allocated, including 327 for Gilgit-Baltistan, 37 for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 26 for AJK. Gilgit-Baltistan also received 500 sandbags to mitigate flood risks. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
19 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PM asks provinces, AJK & GB to partner for cashless economy
ISLAMABAD: In a clear message to the provinces, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed all provincial governments, including those of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), to fully cooperate with the federal government in advancing the ambitious plan for the digitisation of the economy and the promotion of a cashless economy. The prime minister, while chairing a weekly review meeting on the transition to a cashless and digital economy, warned that the transformation plan must not be treated as an optional exercise. He underscored that digitisation was not merely a matter of convenience – it was a matter of national transparency, economic efficiency, and global competitiveness. Govt pushes for cashless economy 'The aim is to make citizens' lives easier, not costlier,' the prime minister said, as he emphasised that the masses must not bear any financial burden during the transition. But behind the soft phrasing was a firm directive: federal plans must move forward swiftly, and all governments – central or provincial – must fall in step. Signalling impatience with bureaucratic foot-dragging, Sharif called for 'meaningful consultation' with stakeholders to be institutionalised – not delayed under the guise of process. He said that clear timelines must be met and insisted that collaboration across federal and provincial lines was non-negotiable. Officials briefing the prime minister said that the groundwork for the digital economy architecture was nearly complete. The National Digital Commission and Pakistan Digital Authority have been established, and rules of operation have been finalised. Appointments to the authority are said to be in their final stages. In what appears to be a signal that the plan is entering an operational phase, the Merchant Onboarding Framework – a critical step for enabling digital payments – was formally launched on July 25. The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning Minister AhsanIqbal, IT Minister Shaza Fatima, and State Minister for Finance Bilal Kayani, as well as chief secretaries from all provinces and territories, and senior government officials. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
AJK govt 'failed to shoulder' Kashmir cause: Gilani
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has failed to shoulder the "higher burden of responsibilities" regarding the Kashmir dispute and the ongoing freedom movement in the valley. These views were expressed by Dr Syed Nazir Gilani, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Council for Human Rights, in a special conversation with this correspondent here on Sunday. He noted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were the primary party in the plebiscite, with Pakistan as the second party. He added that the 1974 Act, essentially amounted to the annexation of AJK to Pakistan. Unfortunately, the AJK government has "miserably failed" to extend this annexation to the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), he added. Dr Gilani argued that if the AJK government had succeeded in uniting people from all segments in IIOJK, particularly Kashmiri Pandits, Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists, around the demand for the right to self-determination, it would have facilitated the annexation of the entire Jammu and Kashmir region to Pakistan through a vote. This, in turn, would have expanded Pakistan's influence among Kashmiris and been reflected in the plebiscite with a vote in Pakistan's favour. However, he maintained that the AJK government not only failed to fulfil its responsibilities regarding the freedom of IIOJK, but also fell short in expanding the scope of the Kashmiris' affiliation with Pakistan.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Tributes paid to Capt Sarwar Shaheed
Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, the first recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, embraced martyrdom at Tilpatra in AJK in 1948. PHOTO: ISPR The Armed Forces of Pakistan and the nation paid rich tributes to Capt Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, the first recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, on his 77th martyrdom anniversary on Sunday. "His supreme sacrifice in the line of fire remains an enduring symbol of valour and patriotism," said an ISPR news release. "His life epitomised the core military values of duty, honour, and ultimate sacrifice," it added. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in their separate messages, paid rich tributes to Captain Sarwar, acknowledging his courage, perseverance, and supreme sacrifice.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Nishan-e-Haider Captain Sarwar Shaheed remembered
Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, the first recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, embraced martyrdom at Tilpatra in AJK in 1948. PHOTO: ISPR Listen to article Pakistan's armed forces solemnly commemorate the 77th martyrdom anniversary of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider. The first recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed laid down his life on 27 July 1948 during the First Kashmir War at Tilpatra (Azad Kashmir), leading his men with extraordinary courage, tactical brilliance, and unflinching devotion to duty. His supreme sacrifice in the line of fire remains an enduring symbol of valour and patriotism, stated the ISPR release. The armed forces honour his timeless legacy and salute his unparalleled heroism, which continues to inspire generations of officers and soldiers. His life epitomised the core military values of duty, honour, and ultimate sacrifice, it added. On this solemn occasion, the nation pays tribute to its gallant son whose selfless act of courage became a foundational pillar of the Pakistan Armed Forces' spirit of sacrifice and martial ethos. The armed forces reaffirm their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan, drawing strength from the noble legacy of martyrs like Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider), the ISPR release concluded.
