Heavy rains drench Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticised Pakistan’s bureaucracy. He described it as the country’s “real and permanent rulers.” Asif said bureaucrats had remained largely beyond effective accountability during Pakistan’s 78-year history. He said politicians had faced accountability on numerous occasions. Other powerful groups had also been held accountable at different times. However, he said it was difficult to find similar examples involving senior bureaucrats. The defence minister made the remarks while sharing a social media post about alleged financial corruption involving a senior bureaucrat. Asif said the bureaucracy had gradually become a powerful and largely untouchable class. He questioned why bureaucrats had not been subjected to the same level of scrutiny as politicians. According to Asif, politicians themselves were partly responsible for the situation. He said political leaders had failed to establish an effective system to hold the bureaucracy accountable. The minister also referred to a former bureaucratic ruler while discussing the influence of senior officials in Pakistan. He said the former official used highly inappropriate and insulting language against politicians. Despite this behaviour, politicians continued to tolerate him, according to Asif. Asif’s comments highlight his criticism of the imbalance in accountability among powerful sections of Pakistani society. His remarks also raise questions about the role of the bureaucracy in governance and decision-making. The minister maintained that stronger accountability was needed for all powerful groups. He suggested that politicians could not blame bureaucrats alone for the existing system because political leaders had also contributed to its continuation.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of rain and thunderstorms in upper and central parts of the country from August 17 to 21. The weather system is expected to bring rain with strong winds and occasional heavy showers. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority said monsoon currents were continuing to move into the upper parts of the country. The Met Office also expects a westerly wave to reach northern areas on August 17, which could further strengthen the weather activity. Punjab is likely to receive rain and thunderstorms at intervals from August 16 to 21. Rawalpindi, Murree, Galyat, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Attock, Sialkot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Wazirabad are among the areas expected to be affected. Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Noorpur Thal may also experience showers and thunderstorms during the forecast period. Southern and central districts of Punjab are expected to see rain mainly on August 20 and 21. These areas include Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Layyah, Bhakkar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan. Authorities have warned that intense rainfall could trigger urban flooding in low-lying parts of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot and Lahore between August 17 and 20. There is also a risk of landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas, particularly Murree and Galyat. Tourists and travellers have been advised to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather. Farmers have been asked to adjust agricultural activities according to the forecast and protect livestock from adverse weather conditions. The PDMA has instructed district administrations to strengthen emergency arrangements and prepare risk-mitigation plans. Officials have been directed to maintain round-the-clock staffing and coordinate closely with relevant departments for a quick response. Authorities have also been told to provide timely information about safety precautions and possible evacuation plans through electronic and social media platforms. Drainage systems are to be inspected, desilted and cleared before heavy rainfall. Heavy machinery is also being positioned at vulnerable locations where blocked drainage or flooding could create emergencies. Motorway Police have been directed to issue regular traffic and road-condition updates and guide motorists during the rainy spell.

ISLAMABAD: Barrister Uzair Bhandari, representing Dr Uzma Khan, has clarified why Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was not initially named as a respondent in the contempt of court petition filed before the Supreme Court. Dr Uzma Khan, sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, filed the petition in connection with alleged non-compliance with a court order. Questions were subsequently raised over the absence of the interior minister from the list of respondents. In a statement shared on X, Bhandari explained that the respondents were selected on the basis of their alleged involvement, public statements and administrative responsibilities. He said Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar and Attaullah Tarar were included because they had publicly commented on the relevant court decision and the issue concerning the transfer. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also named, Bhandari said, in line with the legal principle established by the Supreme Court in the Yousaf Raza Gilani case. Under that precedent, the prime minister carries ultimate administrative responsibility for ensuring compliance with court orders. Regarding Mohsin Naqvi, the lawyer said the interior minister had not made any direct statement about the specific court decision at the time the petition was filed. As a result, there was no immediate basis for including him as a respondent. Bhandari, however, clarified that this does not prevent Naqvi from being added to the proceedings in the future. If relevant evidence emerges during the investigation, or if the Supreme Court considers it necessary, the interior minister could subsequently be made a party to the case. The lawyer also explained the inclusion of the Interior Secretary. Under the Rules of Business, 1973, the Interior Secretary serves as the administrative head of the Interior Division. The secretary was therefore named on the basis of the division’s legal and administrative responsibilities.