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LAHORE: The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a fresh warning about possible flooding in several parts of the province as the fourth spell of monsoon rains is expected to continue until August 5. The authority said that water levels in most of Punjab’s major rivers remain within the normal range. However, low and moderate flooding has been reported at a few locations, prompting authorities to remain on high alert. According to the latest monitoring report, the Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej rivers are flowing normally. In contrast, the Indus River is experiencing low-level flooding at the Kalabagh and Chashma stations due to an increase in water discharge. Officials also reported moderate flooding at Nala Palkhu near Wazirabad, while low-level flooding has been observed in Nala Basantar and Nala Bein in Narowal district. Water flow in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, however, remains within safe limits. The PDMA warned that continued rainfall in the upper catchment areas could raise water levels in eastern rivers and seasonal streams over the next few days. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have directed district administrations to stay prepared for any emergency. PDMA Director General Saif Anwar said there is a possibility of urban flooding in major cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Multan, if heavy rainfall continues. He also cautioned that hilly areas such as Murree and the Galiyat region could face landslides because of persistent rain. Residents living near riverbanks, seasonal streams and other flood-prone areas have been advised to relocate to safer places without delay. Rescue and emergency teams have been instructed to remain on standby to respond to any developing situation. The Punjab government has established flood relief camps in vulnerable areas to provide shelter and assistance to affected families if required. Authorities have also urged the public to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.

Controlling the rise in federal government administrative expenses has become a major challenge. Despite repeated claims of reducing expenditure and implementing austerity measures, the cost of running federal government affairs has increased by 15.91 per cent. The rise has raised concerns over the government’s efforts to control its administrative spending. The increase comes despite measures announced by the government to reduce unnecessary expenditure and promote financial discipline. According to the available details, spending on running government affairs has exceeded both the official target and the revised estimates. This means that actual administrative expenditure has remained higher than the levels projected by the government. The increase in spending also highlights the difficulties faced by the federal government in keeping its administrative costs under control. The government has been under pressure to reduce non-development expenditure and improve the efficiency of public spending. Authorities have introduced various austerity measures in an attempt to limit government expenditure. These measures were aimed at reducing unnecessary costs and ensuring better management of public resources. However, the latest increase indicates that controlling administrative spending remains a significant challenge. The higher-than-target expenditure could also put additional pressure on the government’s overall fiscal position. The development comes at a time when the federal government is seeking to maintain fiscal discipline and reduce unnecessary spending. Higher administrative costs could make it more difficult to achieve these objectives. The government is expected to face continued pressure to review its spending patterns and identify areas where expenditure can be reduced

PESHAWAR: Two police personnel sustained minor injuries after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near a police vehicle in Peshawar on Sunday, officials said. The blast occurred near Pir Zakorhi Bridge, close to the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway toll plaza, where a police van was travelling on routine duty. The explosion damaged the vehicle and left the driver and a police constable with minor injuries. Rescue teams and law enforcement officials quickly reached the site and shifted the injured officers to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities said both policemen were in stable condition and suffered only minor wounds. The Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) launched a search operation in the surrounding area after the explosion. Initial findings suggested that the explosive device had been planted along the roadside in a green belt and was detonated as the police vehicle passed by. Security personnel thoroughly scanned the area to ensure no additional explosive devices were present. Police cordoned off the scene and began collecting evidence to determine those responsible for the attack. An investigation has been launched, while officials are examining the nature of the explosive and the method used in the incident. The latest attack comes amid a surge in militant violence across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In recent days, several security personnel have lost their lives in separate terrorist attacks and counterterrorism operations in different parts of the province.