Latest news with #UmarFarooq
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Pre-monsoon drain desilting drive launched
Machinery is being used to speed up the process of desilting of canals in order to provide farmers timely supply of water for their crops. Photo: Express As part of pre-monsoon preparations, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has launched a major desilting operation of the 22-kilometer-long Nullah Leh and 13 major stormwater drains across Rawalpindi. Of total estimated cost of the project is Rs140 million, Rs80m will be spent on the complete desilting and realignment of Nullah Leh, while Rs60m is allocated for the storm drains. The Punjab government has approved the budget for this project. The desilting of Nullah Leh and the storm drains is scheduled for completion by June 30. The flood season for Nullah Leh is expected to run from July to September 15. Following Eidul Azha, a full-scale flood rescue drill will be conducted in low-lying areas like Javed Colony and Nadeem Colony. This exercise will include teams from the 111 Brigade, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and local police to simulate the evacuation of residents in case of flooding. The 111 Brigade will also be placed on red alert once the flood season begins. From June 15, a centralised Flood Control Room will be activated under the supervision of the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner. This control room, located at the Civil Defence Headquarters, will have representatives from all 12 relevant departments. The Cantonment Boards of Rawalpindi and Chaklala will be responsible for cleaning the 11-kilometer stretch of Nullah Leh and associated storm drains that fall within their jurisdiction. A special survey by the Civil Defence Department has identified 20 high-risk locations along Nullah Leh and the storm drains. These include Javed Colony, Nadeem Colony, Arya Mohalla, Chah Sultan, New Katarian, Amar Pura Drain, Dhok Dalal Lai Bridge, Dhok Najoo, Mohalla Raja Sultan Drain, Hazara Colony, Ratta Amral, Mohanpura, Gawalmandi, Dhok Chiragh Din, Tench Bhatta Chowk, Dhok Khabba, Arya Mohalla (again), and Sadiqabad. The department has recommended enhanced monitoring and deeper desiltingby an additional two to three feetat these vulnerable points. According to the WASA spokesperson and Director of Administration, Umar Farooq, the cleanup is being treated as a top priority. Both heavy and light machinery is being used, and this year, even hard-to-reach areas in narrow, congested streets will be cleared. The desilting will improve water flow in both Nullah Leh and the storm drains. Moreover, the operation will continue beyond the initial cleanup until the end of the flood season.
News18
23-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Pakistan Senator Questions Islamabad On Operation Sindoor: 'How Did India Manage To...'
Last Updated: Umar Farooq expressed concern over security breaches, stating, "How did India manage to penetrate so deeply inside and kill us?" Pakistan senator Umar Farooq publicly criticized the country's security and intelligence agencies following India's Operation Sindoor. His remarks challenged established narratives by Islamabad and questioned the efficacy of Pakistan's defense. He referenced Operation Sindoor- launched in response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam- in which India conducted a series of precision strikes against terror infrastructure and even some military targets deep within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Umar Farooq expressed concern over security breaches, stating, 'How did India manage to penetrate so deeply inside and kill us? India even bombed the Chaklala airbase… Our army's GHQ was nearby. No one is asking how India got so deep inside." He then extended an open challenge, adding, 'If anyone wants to get angry, they should come and discuss these issues directly." While Pakistan has officially downplayed the extent and impact of India's operations, Umar Farooq's statements suggest a recognition of significant incursions. He also questioned Pakistan's consistent accusations against India for attacks in Balochistan. Turning the scrutiny towards Islamabad, Umar Farooq asked, 'What are our agencies and forces doing? Why aren't we questioning our own forces? No bombs or people come from India. The attackers are our own people there." He also highlighted that people in Balochistan are being arrested, hinting at internal dissent and crackdowns. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 23, 2025, 10:33 IST
Business Recorder
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Seven soldiers martyred in Balochistan IED attack: ISPR
Seven soldiers, including an army subedar, were martyred in a improvised explosive device attack in Balochistan's Kachhi district on Tuesday, with the military accusing India-backed militants of carrying out the 'cowardly' attack, according to a statement from the military's media wing. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) identified the fallen soldiers as 'Subedar Umar Farooq (age 42 years; resident of Karachi), Naik Asif Khan (age 28 years; resident of District Karak), Naik Mashkoor Ali (age 28 years; resident of District Orakzai), Sepoy Tariq Nawaz (age 26 years; resident of District Lakki Marwat), Sepoy Wajid Ahmed Faiz (age 28 years; resident of District Bagh), Sepoy Muhammad Asim (age 22 years; resident of District Karak) and Sepoy Muhammad Kashif Khan (age 28 years; resident of District Kohat).' The military's media wing said that sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorist present in the area, and perpetrators of this heinous and cowardly act will be brought to justice. It added that security forces 'remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan.' The ISPR directly implicated India in the attack, asserting: 'Nefarious designs of India and its proxies operating on Pakistani soil will be defeated by the valiant security forces, LEAs and the brave nation of Pakistan, InshaAllah.' The attack comes amid heightened Pakistan-India tensions following the Pahalgam attack, suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty suspension and border skirmishes. Balochistan has seen increased violence in recent months, with Islamabad repeatedly accusing New Delhi of supporting separatist groups.
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Club Eighteen concludes golf tournament
ISLAMABAD: The 'CLUB EIGHTEEN' on Sunday concluded its premier two-day Golf Tournament with an impressive closing ceremony attended by key personalities from the business community, government sectors and media industry. The tournament showcased remarkable sportsmanship and fierce competition across multiple categories, culminating in the awarding of trophies and substantial prizes. Umar Farooq delivered an outstanding performance to claim the Stroke Play Gross Champion title, while Yasar Najib emerged as the Stroke Play Net Winner. The Longest Drive honors went to Sikandar Khan on Day 1 and Dr Kamran Aslam on Day 2. Precision was on full display as Ali Ijaz and Sikandar Khan secured Closest to the Pin victories on their respective days. In addition to the main event happening over challenging 9-holes of the course, participants also enjoyed state-of-the-art facilities, including Trackman 4 simulator rooms, a double storey driving range, and a dedicated putting range—adding to the immersive and competitive atmosphere. Players expressed pride and enthusiasm, with one finalist remarking, 'The thrill of each swing, the energy of the competition, and the camaraderie made this event unforgettable.' Speaking at the closing ceremony, Tarek Hamdy, CEO of EIGHTEEN, emphasized the importance of sports in fostering unity and wellness. He stated, 'At EIGHTEEN, we believe that sports like golf build not just strong individuals but vibrant communities. Our commitment to such events reflects our broader vision of creating a balanced, healthy lifestyle for all residents and partners of EIGHTEEN.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
30-04-2025
- Express Tribune
3 held for travelling on fake documents
Three passengers who had arrived from the Maldives were arrested for traveling on fake documents the FIA Faisalabad Zone. A team arrested Umar Farooq, Naila and Ashraf Mahmood and started interrogating them. The suspects had arrived in Pakistan from the Maldives on a flight, but initial investigation showed that they had used fake travel documents, including Portuguese passports. They had traveled abroad through illegal means and had been deported from the Maldives after the discovery of the forged documents during their stay there. The suspects were allegedly in contact with an agent named Arshad who resides in the United Kingdom (UK). They had paid him Rs600,000 for the arrangements related to international travel. The travel arrangements, including the provision of fake passports and boarding passes, had been managed by a local agent from Faisalabad, Muhammad Umair. The Federal Investigation Agency Faisalabad team also arrested a member of a human trafficking gang that forced people to beg. The suspect, Zahoor Ahmed, was arrested at the Sialkot International Airport on his return from Saudi Arabia. Initial investigation showed that Zahoor was part of a gang. Other suspected members of the gang include Muhammad Ghafoor and Sharif. The group smuggled innocent people to Saudi Arabia by promising them Umrah and jobs abroad. Upon reaching Saudi Arabia, the victims were intimidated and deceived into begging and forced labour. The group had recently smuggled five women to Saudi Arabia by promising them Umrah visas and forced them into begging.
