Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal reaches International Squash final

KARACHI: A cycle ambulance service in Karachi has gained widespread attention on social media after videos of the emergency response initiative went viral, sparking both criticism and appreciation online. Several users mocked the pedal-powered ambulance, comparing it with advanced emergency services used in other countries. Some social media posts also incorrectly linked the launch of the initiative to Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab. However, the cycle ambulance programme was introduced in May 2025 by the Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services (SIEHS-1122) as a pilot project. It was designed to provide faster medical assistance in densely populated areas of Karachi where narrow streets and heavy traffic can delay conventional ambulances. The specially equipped bicycles allow trained emergency responders to reach patients quickly and provide immediate medical support before a regular ambulance arrives. Each cycle ambulance carries essential medical equipment, including first-aid supplies, oxygen masks, nebulisers and blood sugar testing devices. Responders use the equipment to stabilise patients and provide initial care during emergencies. The initiative also involved trained female volunteers, aiming to improve access to emergency healthcare services and encourage women’s participation in community rescue operations. While the project became the subject of online jokes and criticism, supporters highlighted its practical value, especially in crowded neighbourhoods where traditional ambulances may face difficulties reaching patients on time. Officials and supporters of the programme said the cycle ambulance service is not intended to replace standard ambulances but to act as a rapid-response solution for immediate assistance in areas with access challenges.

At least 11 people have died and 25 others have been injured in rain-related incidents across Pakistan during the past 24 hours. The latest casualties have pushed the nationwide monsoon death toll to 97 since June 26. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said 297 people have been injured during the same period. Punjab recorded the highest number of casualties in the latest 24-hour period. Seven people were killed and 20 others were injured. Sindh reported two deaths and two injuries. One person died and three others were injured in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Another death was reported in Gilgit-Baltistan. House collapses were the main cause of deaths. The NDMA said they accounted for more than half of the fatalities during the latest reporting period. Drowning and lightning strikes were also among the major causes. The continuing rains have damaged homes and infrastructure in several areas. The NDMA said 22 houses were damaged during the past 24 hours. Seventeen suffered partial damage, while five were completely destroyed. Eight livestock were also lost during the latest spell. Since June 26, a total of 447 houses have been damaged across the country. Of these, 338 were partially damaged and 109 were completely destroyed. The number of livestock killed has reached 269. Heavy rain and landslides have also affected roads in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Around 0.9 kilometres of roads were damaged during the latest period. Traffic has been disrupted at several locations. Authorities are working to restore affected routes. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain, strong winds and thunderstorms in several parts of the country during the next 24 hours. The department has warned of possible flash floods in hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan. Urban flooding is also possible in parts of southeastern Sindh. Rain and thunderstorms are expected in the upper catchments of major rivers. Islamabad, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan may also receive showers. Parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan are also likely to experience unsettled weather. The Met Office said flood-generating rainfall is not expected until July 28. However, another monsoon spell could begin from July 29. The expected system may affect upper river catchments, Islamabad, upper Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Authorities have continued relief and rescue work in affected areas. The NDMA said 386 relief items were distributed during the past 24 hours. Rescue teams also carried out five operations. Eight people were rescued. Since the beginning of the monsoon season, authorities have conducted 130 rescue operations. A total of 3,841 people have been rescued across Pakistan. Karachi may receive more rain Karachi is expected to remain mostly cloudy, hot and humid over the next two days. The Met Office has forecast light rain and drizzle at isolated locations. Strong winds may also occur in some areas. The city is expected to remain partly cloudy and humid on Monday and Tuesday. Occasional drizzle is also possible. A low-pressure system over southwest Rajasthan and nearby areas is currently affecting weather conditions. The system is expected to weaken by Monday. However, strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea continue to move towards southern and central Pakistan. These conditions may keep the weather unsettled. Several districts of Sindh are expected to receive thunderstorms and rain. Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar and Matiari may receive moderate rainfall. Heavy rain is also possible at isolated locations. Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Larkana and Khairpur are also likely to receive rain. Naushahro Feroze, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Jamshoro, Shaheed Benazirabad and Hyderabad may also experience showers, strong winds and thunderstorms. The Met Office has warned that lightning and strong winds could damage weak buildings and other vulnerable structures. Heavy rain may also cause urban flooding in low-lying and vulnerable areas. Residents have been advised to remain alert. People in vulnerable locations have been urged to follow official weather updates and take necessary precautions during thunderstorms. Karachi received its first major monsoon spell of the season on Friday. Rain was recorded across several parts of the city. The rainfall began in areas including Gulshan-e-Maymar, Surjani Town, Ahsanabad and Manghopir. It later spread to several other parts of the city. Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Nazimabad, Jamshed Road and DHA also received rain. Several commercial and central areas were also affected. The rainfall brought relief from the heat and humidity. However, authorities remain concerned about water accumulation if another heavy spell hits the city. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had placed the province on high alert ahead of the forecast. He directed local government bodies, the Water Board and district administrations to remain operational around the clock

MUZAFFARABAD: Dr Muhammad Mushtaq Khan has been re-elected as the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), securing a second consecutive term as the head of the party, according to an official announcement made by the party’s spokesperson. The spokesperson said Dr Mushtaq Khan will lead Jamaat-e-Islami AJK for the 2026–2029 term. His re-election reflects the party’s continued confidence in his leadership and organisational abilities. The party also confirmed that the Secretary of the Election Committee formally declared Dr Mushtaq Khan the successful candidate after the completion of the internal election process. With his re-election, Dr Mushtaq Khan will remain responsible for overseeing the party’s political strategy, organisational affairs and public outreach activities across Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the next three years. Party officials said the election process was conducted in accordance with the organisation’s constitutional procedures. They added that the formal announcement marked the completion of the party’s internal electoral process for the position of Ameer. Dr Mushtaq Khan has been associated with Jamaat-e-Islami for many years and has remained actively involved in political, religious and social activities in Azad Kashmir. During his previous term, he represented the party on various political and public issues while overseeing its organisational structure throughout the region. His second consecutive term is expected to ensure continuity in the party’s policies and organisational framework. Party leaders expressed confidence that his experience and leadership would help strengthen Jamaat-e-Islami’s role in Azad Kashmir’s political landscape.