AJK polling postponed in LA-27 after landslides

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of an elevated flood risk in several parts of Pakistan as heavy monsoon rains continue across the country. The authority has placed relevant departments on alert and warned that the next 24 to 48 hours could bring flooding in riverine, urban and mountainous areas. The NDMA said medium-level flooding has been recorded in the Chenab River at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. The Palkhu Nullah in Wazirabad is also experiencing medium-level flooding. Low-level flooding has been reported at several other locations. These include Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa on the Indus River. Marala and Trimmu on the Chenab are also experiencing low-level flooding. Similar conditions have been observed at Balloki and Sidhnai on the Ravi River and Nowshera on the Kabul River. The situation along the Chenab remains a major concern. The NDMA said water levels are expected to rise further over the next 24 hours at Marala, Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Water levels at Trimmu Barrage are also expected to reach medium flood levels during the same period. The authority has warned of possible flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan, seasonal streams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of northern Balochistan over the next two days. Several cities are also facing the risk of urban flooding due to continued heavy rainfall. The areas at risk include Gujranwala, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Jhang, Multan, Hafizabad and Lahore. The NDMA has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas. Motorists have been urged to check weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling. The authority has directed provincial and district administrations to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable locations. Emergency response teams have also been asked to remain ready for immediate deployment. Authorities have been instructed to restore roads quickly if flooding or other weather-related incidents cause closures. The NDMA also warned about landslides, debris flows and sudden flash floods in mountainous areas. People have been advised to stay away from riverbanks, steep slopes and narrow mountain passages where landslides or falling rocks could occur. Citizens have also been warned against attempting to cross flooded roads, streams or rapidly moving water. The authority stressed that even shallow floodwater can sweep away vehicles and people. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued similar warnings. It said most major rivers are currently flowing at normal or low flood levels, while the Chenab at Qadirabad and Chiniot remains at medium flood level. The weather department also warned that southeastern Sindh could face urban or rainwater flooding over the next 24 to 36 hours. Flash flooding is also possible in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Balochistan.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat has expressed support for the creation of new provinces in the country. Speaking to the media in Multan, Marwat said smaller administrative units were necessary for a fairer distribution of resources. He argued that the existing administrative structure should be reviewed to ensure that people in different regions receive their due share of development resources. According to Marwat, creating additional provinces could also bring governance closer to local communities. He said people living in smaller administrative units would have greater opportunities to participate in decision-making and manage their own affairs. The lawmaker stressed that local representation was important for effective governance. He maintained that smaller provinces could help authorities understand and address the specific needs of different regions. Marwat also called for support for the movement seeking the creation of smaller administrative provinces. He said the proposal should be considered as part of efforts to improve governance and ensure a more balanced distribution of resources. The debate over creating new provinces has remained a longstanding political and administrative issue in Pakistan. Supporters argue that smaller provinces could improve administration, strengthen local representation and reduce regional disparities. Opponents, however, have raised concerns about the political, constitutional and financial implications of creating new administrative units.