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Express Tribune
03-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Lyari football stadium inaugurated; women bike rally flagged off
With engines roaring, flags flying and Ajrak-clad women bikers took to the streets in a spirited rally organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism, celebrating Independence Day and Marka-e-Haq. PHOTO: INP The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) put on display both its urban development agenda and patriotic celebrations on Sunday, with key events in the metropolis marking civic progress and national pride. At the inauguration of the Malir Union Football Stadium, Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani said the PPP is committed to inclusive urban development, not just in rural strongholds but across all major cities of Sindh. "Projects worth billions are under way in Karachi and will be completed within this financial year," he said, adding that several other community centres and infrastructure schemes were also launched the same day in Malir. Earlier in the day, Ghani joined Sindh Tourism and Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah to flag off a 29-kilometre women's motorbike rally, part of province-wide Independence Day celebrations. Starting from Quaid-e-Azam House and ending at the historic Chaukhandi Tombs, the rally saw hundreds of women bikers celebrating national unity and empowerment. Minister Zulfiqar Ali Shah hailed the event as a tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto's legacy, adding that Aseefa Bhutto is now carrying the torch of women's leadership.
Express Tribune
02-08-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
New monsoon spell expected in Punjab from Aug 5
A view of vehicle passing through flooded road during heavy monsoon rains in Rawalpindi on July 17. Photo: INP Listen to article The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has warned that the sixth spell of monsoon rains is forecast to begin on August 5, raising concerns over potential flooding across the province. In a fact sheet issued on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the PDMA confirmed rainfall was recorded in several districts over the past 24 hours, including Rawalpindi, Bahawalnagar, Murree, Chakwal, Sahiwal, Narowal, Okara, Attock, and Lahore. Further rain is expected in most districts in the coming 24 hours. PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia directed local administrations to remain on alert, stressing the need for precautionary measures. He said water flow remains normal in major rivers, including Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej, as well as in hill torrents and connecting streams. Low-level floods were reported in the Chenab River at Khanki and in the Indus River at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa. Tarbela and Mangla Dams are currently 89% and 61% full, respectively. Water storage in Indian dams stands at 43%, the fact sheet added. The PDMA reported that 162 people have died and 571 others have been injured in monsoon-related incidents in the province this year. A total of 214 homes were affected, and 121 livestock animals perished. Financial assistance is being provided to the affected families on the chief minister's orders. The public has been urged to stay cautious, avoid water channels during rains, and keep children away from low-lying areas and canals.
Express Tribune
26-07-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Weather alert: Rain, flash floods forecast from July 27
A view of vehicle passing through flooded road during heavy monsoon rains in Rawalpindi on July 17. Photo: INP Listen to article The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted widespread rain with wind-thundershowers and isolated heavyfalls across much of the country from July 27 to 31, warning of flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides in several vulnerable areas. According to the PMD, weak monsoon currents are currently penetrating upper and central parts of Pakistan and are likely to intensify from July 28. More rains predicted in coming days from today (July 25, 2025) #pakistanweatherr#monsoon2025#rainyweather — Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) July 25, 2025 A westerly wave is expected to approach by July 29, further strengthening the weather system. Rain with isolated heavyfalls is expected in Kashmir (including Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, and Mirpur) and Gilgit-Baltistan (including Skardu, Astore, and Hunza) from July 27 to 31. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, districts such as Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, and Peshawar are likely to receive rain and thunderstorms from July 28 to 31. Punjab and Islamabad will see rain with scattered heavyfalls from July 28 to 31, affecting areas such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, and Sialkot. Rain is also likely in southern Punjab (DG Khan, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan) from July 29 to 31. Balochistan's northeastern and southern districts, including Quetta, Barkhan, and Zhob, may receive rain from the night of July 29 to July 31. In Sindh, hot and humid weather will persist, though rain is forecast for July 30 and 31 in districts such as Tharparkar, Sanghar, Sukkur, and Larkana. The PMD has warned that heavy rain could trigger flash floods in hill streams of Chitral, Swat, and other northern regions. Urban flooding is likely in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot. Landslides or mudslides may occur in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, and Kashmir. Strong winds and lightning may damage weak infrastructure, including kacha houses, electric poles, solar panels, and billboards. The public, travellers, and tourists have been advised to stay informed and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas. Authorities have been urged to remain alert and take precautionary measures. The latest weather updates are available on the PMD website and the Pak Weather mobile app.
Express Tribune
21-07-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
PDMA readies plans for flood emergency
A motorcyclist makes his way through rain in Balochistan's capital, which faces a perennial shortage of water. PHOTO: INP Amid heightened flood threats during ongoing monsoon, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan has launched a province-wide emergency readiness plan, aiming to safeguard lives and property from potential flooding and rain-related disasters. Speaking to APP, PDMA Director General Jahanzaib Khan confirmed that the government had activated district disaster management authorities, empowered local administrations, and stockpiled vital relief supplies to respond swiftly across vulnerable regions. Khan emphasised that the Balochistan government was fully committed to ensuring swift and effective emergency response across all vulnerable districts. The PDMA and the Irrigation Department have taken proactive measures to safeguard canals and prevent flooding in the region, he said. "In light of recent heavy rainfall and changing weather patterns, the PDMA has activated district-level emergency teams, chaired by deputy commissioners (DCs), with participation from key line departments," he said. Khan said that these teams were tasked with leading rescue and rehabilitation efforts during flooding or other emergencies. He assured immediate release of the disaster management funds and pledged the deployment of PDMA-owned heavy machinery to the districts as needed. "The DCs, who also head district disaster management authorities (DDMAs) will the authority to utilise the funds in emergency during a crisis," he said. He confirmed that the DCs had been authorised to hire private machinery for rescue operations, while PDMA's own equipment will also be dispatched. Khan highlighted that the Balochistan government had approved a contingency plan on June 12, reflecting its proactive stance on disaster preparedness. "Relevant departments including district administration, police and others have been instructed to remain on high alert. The PDMA has advised the DDMAs to coordinate closely with these agencies to ensure the availability of emergency personnel, inventory and essential supplies at vulnerable locations. To bolster readiness, the PDMA has stockpiled relief items for over 300 families in each district. "These items include tents, blankets, groceries, fuel, and machinery," he said, adding that the food supplies would be provided on an emergency basis wherever needed. "The government will provide all necessary resources to ensure effective disaster response." He stressed for the need to ensure protection of lives and properties of the people while maintaining efficiency of the concerned departments and agencies during calamities. He said the leave of the PDMA officials had been cancelled and all personnel were on high alert to respond to emergency situations.
Express Tribune
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Naqvi vows deeper ties with Iran
: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi calls on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran to discuss ties boost. PHOTO: INP Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, Pakistan-Iran relations, and bilateral cooperation were discussed in detail. Mohsin Naqvi congratulated President Pezeshkian on Iran's great victory in the war. He also conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's message of goodwill and best wishes to President Masoud Pezeshkian. President Pezeshkian stated that Iran attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan. He emphasised that Iran will never forget the support extended by Pakistan during the war.
