Senate orders probe into customs seizure of 11 trucks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s disaster management authorities have issued a fresh flood alert as intensified monsoon rains continue to push water levels higher in major rivers, raising concerns over flooding in several parts of the country. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said river flows are expected to increase significantly between August 2 and 4, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas and remain alert to changing weather conditions. According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), high flooding has been observed in the Lehri River at Head Gogi, while Nullah Palkhu near Wazirabad is experiencing medium-level flooding. The Indus River is currently witnessing low-level flooding at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur, while similar conditions have been reported at Head Nari on the Nari River. The NDMA warned that the Chenab River is likely to experience high water flows at Marala, with low to medium flooding anticipated at Khanki and Qadirabad. Water levels are also expected to rise in the Jhelum, Ravi and Kabul rivers and their tributaries as monsoon activity intensifies. Officials cautioned that streams connected to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers could swell to medium or high levels. Meanwhile, water flows in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers will largely depend on releases from reservoirs across the border. The authority also expressed concern over the possibility of flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, as well as seasonal streams in central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan. In addition, urban flooding and waterlogging remain a serious threat in several cities, including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta and other parts of Sindh due to continued heavy rainfall. The NDMA advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, monitor weather updates before travelling, and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. It also encouraged the public to use the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for real-time weather warnings and emergency information. Separately, the Prime Minister’s Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its 10th consecutive daily review meeting to assess the country’s monsoon situation. The meeting, chaired virtually by Planning Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal, brought together federal ministries, provincial governments, disaster management authorities and senior administrative officials. During the briefing, the NDMA presented the latest updates on weather conditions, casualties, infrastructure damage, rescue operations and rehabilitation efforts. Officials informed the committee that deputy commissioners in all high-risk districts had already been directed to remain fully prepared for any emergency. The committee was told that recent heavy rains had caused flooding in multiple regions, with coordinated rescue and relief operations continuing through federal, provincial and district authorities. Weather experts also forecast more rainfall across northern and central Pakistan in the coming days, while isolated showers are expected in southeastern Sindh. The NDMA highlighted that relief activities are being carried out with the support of both national and international humanitarian organisations. Officials further noted that most monsoon-related fatalities this season resulted from the collapse of unsafe and poorly constructed buildings, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations and greater public awareness. The ERC commended the efforts of government institutions, provincial administrations, district authorities, the armed forces and rescue teams for their ongoing response. It directed all relevant departments to strengthen coordination, maintain maximum preparedness, accelerate relief and rehabilitation work, and take preventive measures to minimise the impact of future weather emergencies.

  Islamabad – Federal Minister for Energy Awais Leghari held a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghaddam, in Islamabad to discuss energy cooperation, trade expansion, and regional stability. The talks marked another step in the growing partnership between the two neighbors. Ambassador Amiri Moghaddam announced that work on the second Pakistan-Iran transmission line will begin soon, a project long awaited by both sides. He also revealed that both countries are considering expanding the existing 100-megawatt electricity supply agreement, which currently powers parts of Balochistan. “Energy security is a shared goal. The second line will boost our capacity and open doors for deeper cooperation,” he said. He further invited Pakistani companies to attend the upcoming joint commission meeting in Tehran, aimed at exploring new business and investment opportunities. Federal Minister Awais Leghari emphasized that regional peace and stability are in the mutual interest of both nations. He stressed that uninterrupted electricity supply is critical for Gwadar’s development, which serves as a key hub for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. “Gwadar cannot progress without stable power. Any disruption affects local communities and our broader economic vision,” he stated. He also highlighted that electricity trade with Iran will become even more significant in the future, given Pakistan’s rising energy demands and limited domestic resources. Ambassador Amiri Moghaddam praised the current state of Pakistan-Iran relations, describing them as having reached new heights. He commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s military leadership for their peace efforts in the region, calling them commendable and constructive. “The vision shown by both sides is remarkable. We are committed to turning this goodwill into tangible outcomes,” he added. He also expressed Iran’s interest in expanding cooperation beyond energy into agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and border trade. Both sides agreed to fast-track procedural formalities for the second transmission line and explore long-term energy purchase agreements. They also discussed barter trade mechanisms to overcome financial challenges. The upcoming joint commission meeting in Tehran is expected to produce concrete results, benefiting businesses and communities on both sides. With work on the new transmission line nearing start and expanded electricity trade under consideration, Pakistan and Iran appear set to enter a new phase of cooperation built on shared interests, mutual trust, and a vision for regional connectivity. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to transform political goodwill into practical economic gains for both nations.

  LAHORE: Cities across Punjab were illuminated with decorative lights and religious-themed displays as the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) arranged special decorations to mark Eid Milad-un-Nabi, filling public spaces with festive and spiritual displays. As part of its annual celebrations, the PHA installed illuminated signs, decorative structures and religious motifs across all 21 districts under its administrative jurisdiction. Public parks, green belts and other prominent locations were decorated to reflect the religious significance of the occasion while adding a festive appearance to major urban areas. In Lahore, the authority carried out extensive arrangements, including the installation of specially designed billboards and religious-themed displays. Digital campaigns were also launched along important city routes, particularly The Mall and Gulberg, where illuminated decorations attracted public attention. Similar arrangements were made in several other major cities of Punjab. Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Khushab and Rahim Yar Khan were among the cities where parks and public spaces were decorated with colourful lighting and religious artwork. Illuminated domes, Islamic calligraphy, floral arrangements and other decorative features were used to create a festive atmosphere in honour of Eid Milad-un-Nabi. PHA district offices were also decorated with lights and buntings, giving government buildings a distinctive green appearance associated with the sacred occasion. The decorations were prepared ahead of the celebrations, with horticulture teams working to ensure that the installations were completed on time. PHA Director General Ahmad Usman Javaid described the celebrations as a significant honour and blessing. He said the authority had begun preparations several weeks before the occasion, with its horticulture and field staff working extensively, including overnight, to complete the arrangements. The celebrations were accompanied by discussions on the future administrative and financial direction of the authority’s newly established district agencies. During a separate meeting, Director General Javaid instructed the district agencies to prepare individual revenue-generation plans aimed at improving their financial sustainability. The initiative is intended to help reduce the agencies’ dependence on government funding while allowing them to generate resources according to the economic potential of their respective areas. The meeting reviewed the operational performance of the district agencies, administrative arrangements and progress in organisational development. Officials highlighted the importance of establishing financially sustainable institutions capable of meeting part of their expenses through locally generated revenue. Javaid directed the agencies to identify potential sources of income within their districts and develop strategies according to local commercial conditions. He stressed that all revenue-generating activities must remain within the relevant legal and regulatory framework. According to the PHA chief, Punjab’s districts have different economic and commercial characteristics, meaning that a uniform revenue model may not be suitable for every area. He said agencies should instead develop plans based on the opportunities available locally. For instance, districts with substantial commercial activity could generate revenue through the regulation of outdoor advertising. Other districts may have greater opportunities to lease underutilised government land or develop public-private partnerships for the construction, operation and management of parks. The PHA leadership said the objective was to create stronger and more financially independent district institutions while continuing to improve public parks, green spaces and horticultural services across Punjab. The Eid Milad-un-Nabi decorations and the accompanying administrative initiatives reflected the authority’s efforts to combine public-space beautification with longer-term institutional development.