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- General
- Express Tribune
Railways beefs up train security
Railway Police stand guard outside the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club which was taken over by PR on Friday, PHOTO: ONLINE Pakistan Railways Police has issued instructions to all superintendent of police (SP) railways to tighten security in trains as well as at stations to avoid any untoward incident during Eidul Azha days. On the direction of Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, the department had directed all SPs Railways to depute sufficient force at exit and entry points of all railway stations and strict watch to be carried out of suspicious persons, an official in the Ministry told APP. Pakistan Railways Police Commando Force would be deputed at vulnerable installations and in trains, while bomb disposal staff would also be kept on alert for search of luggage and passengers at railway stations.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Storm alert follows hot day
People enjoy a roadside shower on a hot day thanks to a leaked pipeline of CDA. PHOTO: ONLINE The city experienced hot and partly cloudy weather on Sunday, with the Met Office forecasting similar conditions over the next 24 hours. However, officials from the department issued an alert, warning that wind, dust and thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and heavy rainfall could damage vulnerable structures such as electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels between Monday evening and Tuesday. They noted that moist currents were moving into the upper and central regions of the country, while a new westerly wave is expected to enter the western and upper areas by Monday night. Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist across most regions. However, rain, wind and thunderstorms are likely in the Potohar region, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad and northern and southeastern Balochistan during the evening and night. Isolated heavy rainfall and hailstorms may also occur in these areas. Rainfall was reported from Narowal, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Jhang, Gujrat, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Joharabad, Mangla, Jhelum, Sheikhupura, Kasur and Kotli. The highest temperature on Sunday was recorded at Nokkundi, Sakrand, Chhor and Mithi, where the mercury hit 46°C. In Lahore, the maximum temperature was 36°C. Meanwhile, Lahore's average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 58, with PM2.5 levels measured at 2.6 times higher than the World Health Organisation's recommended annual limit. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the administration and rescue officials to remain alert in view of the likelihood of storm and rain. Taking notice of the low-lying areas being submerged after rain in Rawalpindi and other cities, she directed the administration and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) officers to take immediate remedial steps and carry out field visits. She said, "All resources should be used to ensure timely drainage of water." She directed the authorities to take necessary steps in all cities to cope with the expected rains. The chief minister directed the relevant authorities, including Rescue 1122, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the district administrations to intensify the rehabilitation and relief activities, besides submitting a report on the damage.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
14 perish as massive storms pummel Punjab
As hail hammers down, a man scrambles to protect his car, mirroring scenes from the last tempest that left citizens in Islamabad counting heavy losses. PHOTO: ONLINE Listen to article Nature unleashed its wrath on Saturday as a sudden onslaught of storms and fierce winds tore through several cities, leaving at least 14 dead and over 92 injured in Punjab alone. The violent weather threw daily life into chaos, grounding flights, snapping power lines and prompting rain emergencies across multiple urban centres. According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, the fatalities occurred in Rawalpindi (1), Jhelum (2), Sheikhupura (1), Nankana Sahib (1), Lahore (3), Layyah (1), Jhang (1) and Sialkot (1), mostly due to the collapse of dilapidated structures and falling debris. Multiple mud houses were also damaged in storm-hit areas, the PDMA confirmed. Rescue operations were ramped up across Punjab, with Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed directing all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and rescue agencies, including Rescue 1122, to remain on high alert. "Affected families will receive financial compensation under the Punjab government's policy," PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said, adding that all district emergency operation centres and the provincial control room have been activated for round-the-clock monitoring. Kathia urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather, stay clear of power poles and hanging wires and ensure children do not venture near damaged buildings. "During lightning and storm activity, stay indoors and off rooftops," he advised. In case of emergencies, citizens were urged to contact PDMA via helpline 1129. Flight disruptions The storm severely impacted flight operations at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport. Several flights were either delayed, diverted, or cancelled due to strong winds and low visibility. A Karachi-bound private airline flight was rerouted to Multan, while flights arriving from Skardu (PK-454) and Guangzhou (CZ-6037) were cancelled. Another incoming flight from Karachi (9P-84) returned to its point of origin mid-air. Flights departing for Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur experienced delays, while three domestic flights to Karachi were also held up. However, as weather conditions improved later in the day, air traffic resumed. Air traffic controllers cleared both domestic and international flights for landing and takeoff. LESCO alert In the wake of the severe storm, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) declared a red alert across its network. Field teams were dispatched to restore electricity in affected areas. "The storm caused significant stress on the grid," LESCO CEO Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt said. Butt was present at the control room alongside GM Operations Ijaz Bhatti and senior engineers. Materials were dispatched from stores to aid repair work, and Butt vowed to remain in the control room until power was restored to the last affected consumer. Meanwhile, the Motorway Police reported intense storms and overcast skies across sections of M-4, M-5 and the National Highway. Light showers and strong winds were reported from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem and from Multan to Rahim Yar Khan. Similar conditions were seen from Lahore to Chichawatni and onward to Lodhran. Authorities urged motorists to drive cautiously, maintain safe distances between vehicles and avoid speeding. A special public awareness campaign on safe driving during storms is currently being run by the Motorway Police in Central Region. K-P Similarly, the PDMA in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa issued an alert forecasting rain and thunderstorms in most districts, including Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Kohat and Waziristan. The inclement weather is expected to continue intermittently through Sunday (today). Authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant, ensure the availability of machinery for debris clearance, and issue safety advisories in local languages. Farmers have been advised to factor in weather conditions while planning activities, and tourists have been urged to check updates before traveling. The PDMA helpline 1700 remains active for public assistance. In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the storm marked a dramatic end to an extended heatwave. By late morning, dark clouds engulfed the skies and strong winds swept through the twin cities, followed by heavy rain and hailstorms. Temperatures dropped significantly, and power outages were reported in several areas. A rain emergency was declared in Rawalpindi to manage the aftermath.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Leadership's 'strategic foresight' wins field marshal's praise
Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir honours Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with a souvenir at a dinner celebrating the unity of political leadership, military resolve and the people's unbreakable spirit during Marka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. PHOTO: ONLINE Listen to article Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir has expressed "profound gratitude to the political leadership for their strategic foresight" during Marka-e-Haq (The Battle of Truth), the name given to Pakistan's decisive military response to India's military misadventure earlier this month. On May 10, Pakistan's military launched retaliatory strikes against India's reckless missile strikes, precisely targeting multiple Indian military locations, including airbases, airfields, weapon depots, and missile stockpiles in an operation named 'Bunyanum Marsoos' (The Formidable Wall). The shock and awe of the Pakistani response forced the Indian leadership to approach US President Donald Trump's administration with a request to mediate a ceasefire. Army chief Gen Munir lauded the "seamless inter-services coordination that ensured operational success in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, according to a statement issued by the military's media wing. The field marshal was speaking at a dinner hosted by him to honour the political leadership, steadfast commitment of the armed forces, and the indomitable spirit of the people of Pakistan as demonstrated during the confrontation with India, the ISPR added. The dinner reception came a day after Gen Munir formally received the "Field Marshal Baton" at a ceremony organised at the Presidency. He was promoted to the highest military rank "in recognition of his brilliant military leadership, courage, and bravery, ensuring Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and courageous defence against the enemy," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement on May 21. While speaking at the dinner, Field Marshal Munir also acknowledged the "unwavering role of Pakistani youth and media in countering the disinformation campaign waged by India, describing them as a 'steel wall' against malign propaganda." He also commended the outstanding contributions of Pakistani scientists, engineers, and diplomats, whose professionalism and resolve proved critical during the conflict. Attendees at the dinner included President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the deputy prime minister, Senate chairman, National Assembly speaker, federal ministers, governors, chief ministers, chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, air chief and naval chief, senior leadership of major political parties, high-ranking government officials, and senior officers from the three services. "Participants paid tribute to the sagacious leadership that steered the nation through a defining moment, hailed the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces, and commended the resolute patriotism of the Pakistani people," according to the ISPR. "The evening stood as a powerful affirmation of national unity and the collective resolve to advance with renewed strength and cohesion," it added.
Express Tribune
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
1.3 million Afghans repatriated since November, NA told
Afghan nationals wait beside their belongings at the Torkham border's transit point as Pakistan steps up its deportation of undocumented migrants, sending over 2,239 Afghans back across the frontier. PHOTO: ONLINE/ File Listen to article The government has repatriated approximately 1.3 million Afghan refugees in a deportation drive launched since November 2023, Parliamentary Secretary Mukhtar Ahmad Malik said on Wednesday, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. The government initially said it was first focusing on expelling foreigners with no legal documentation and other categories, such as Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) — a document launched in 2017 to grant temporary legal status to Afghan refugees — would be included later. Responding to a question raised by lawmaker Anjum Aqeel Khan during a parliamentary session, Malik said around 3 million Afghan refugees were residing in Pakistan. 'Of these, 813,000 hold Afghan Citizen Cards (ECC) while 1.3 million possess Proof of Registration (PoR) cards,' he was quoted as saying. He highlighted that Afghan nationals who wish to enter Pakistan for medical treatment, education, or business purposes are welcome to do so provided they obtain a Pakistani visa and carry valid documentation with them. Earlier this year, the country's interior ministry asked all 'illegal foreigners' and ACC holders to leave the country before March 31, warning that they would otherwise be deported from April 1. Authorities subsequently started deporting thousands of Afghan nationals from all parts of the country. In total, Pakistan has hosted over 2.8 million Afghan refugees who crossed the border during 40 years of conflict in their homeland.
