تازہ ترین

Heavy monsoon rains continue to cause widespread devastation across Pakistan, with Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) suffering significant casualties and damage. According to disaster management authorities, at least 43 people have lost their lives and 177 others have been injured due to rain-related incidents, while officials have warned that more heavy rainfall and possible flooding are expected in the coming days. In Punjab, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported 21 deaths and 154 injuries linked to the ongoing monsoon season. Lahore has been among the worst-hit cities, receiving approximately 343 millimeters of rainfall over the past 48 hours. The intense downpour flooded roads, underpasses, and low-lying neighborhoods, causing severe traffic disruptions and exposing weaknesses in the city’s drainage infrastructure. Emergency drainage operations were launched across the provincial capital to remove accumulated rainwater. Most fatalities in Punjab resulted from roof and building collapses, which claimed 15 lives. Additional deaths were caused by lightning strikes, electrocution, and drowning. Authorities also reported damage to dozens of homes, highlighting the vulnerability of aging structures during extreme weather conditions. A tragic incident occurred in Lahore when a 19-year-old motorcyclist was critically injured after being electrocuted while riding through flooded streets in the Chungi Amar Sidhu area. The victim was immediately shifted to Lahore General Hospital for emergency treatment. Heavy rainfall also forced the closure of several underpasses and roads in DHA and other parts of the city due to waterlogging, while traffic was diverted through alternative routes. In addition, rain damaged an 11kV electricity line, causing temporary power outages in affected areas. The city also witnessed the formation of multiple sinkholes after continuous rainfall weakened road surfaces. Traffic authorities sealed off the affected locations, redirected vehicles, and coordinated with municipal departments to begin urgent repair work. Earlier, two teenage brothers lost their lives when their motorcycle skidded on a rain-soaked road near Lahore while traveling toward Kasur. Officials attributed the accident to slippery road conditions and urged motorists, particularly motorcyclists, to reduce speed, wear helmets, and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa recorded 22 deaths and 23 injuries in rain-related incidents. The victims included men, women, and several children. The province also suffered damage to 37 houses, with eight completely destroyed and the remaining partially damaged. The affected districts include Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Bajaur, Swabi, and several others. The K-P PDMA stated that rescue teams, district administrations, and emergency services are working together to provide relief and assistance to affected families. Although river water levels currently remain within normal limits, authorities have placed all districts on high alert due to forecasts of continued heavy rainfall. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that another spell of widespread rain is expected across Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Kashmir over the next 24 hours. Officials fear urban flooding, flash floods in local streams, and landslides in hilly regions such as Murree and Galiyat. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from damaged buildings and flood-prone areas, and follow official safety advisories to minimize further loss of life and property.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has urged the international community to build on recent diplomatic progress in the Gulf region, emphasizing that the opportunity to achieve lasting peace should not be wasted. Speaking at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting in Manila, Dar stressed the importance of continued dialogue, diplomacy, and constructive engagement to maintain regional stability. Dar, who arrived in the Philippines with a high-level delegation, is attending the ARF Plenary Meeting and holding bilateral discussions with foreign ministers on the sidelines of the forum. During his address, he noted that recent developments in the Gulf have had far-reaching consequences for countries across the region, making it essential for all stakeholders to work together to prevent further instability. The foreign minister highlighted Pakistan’s role in promoting peace by facilitating diplomatic efforts that contributed to a ceasefire in the Gulf. He referred to the Islamabad Talks, held after a gap of 47 years, followed by the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in Bürgenstock. According to Dar, these initiatives reflected Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and regional stability. He expressed gratitude to the United States, Iran, Gulf nations, and other international partners for placing their trust in Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. Describing the recent progress as the result of patient negotiations and dialogue, Dar warned that these achievements must be safeguarded through continued engagement rather than allowing tensions to resurface. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting every initiative aimed at restoring peace and security in the region. He urged all parties to exercise restraint, fulfill their commitments, and prioritize diplomatic solutions over confrontation. He also expressed hope that ongoing negotiations would help restore normal shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international trade route. At the beginning of his speech, Dar thanked the Philippines for hosting the ministerial meeting and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence. He described the ASEAN Regional Forum as a key platform for regional security cooperation and welcomed the adoption of the Manila Plan of Action (2026–2036), pledging Pakistan’s support for its successful implementation. Addressing South Asian affairs, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s position that the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a major source of regional instability. He called for a peaceful resolution based on the United Nations Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He also voiced concerns over India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, describing the move as a unilateral action that could threaten Pakistan’s water security and the livelihoods of millions of its citizens. Dar urged the international community to support international law and encourage peaceful solutions to regional disputes. Speaking on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Dar described the situation as deeply concerning and called for immediate international action to prevent further suffering. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Concluding his address, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global fight against terrorism, noting that the country has lost more than 80,000 lives and suffered significant economic losses. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to continue working with the international community to promote peace, stability, and security both regionally and globally.

A district and sessions judge and his security guard were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle on the national highway in Balochistan’s Mastung district on Thursday. The attack also left an additional sessions judge and another passenger seriously injured, according to local authorities. Deputy Commissioner Bahram Saleem said District and Sessions Judge Abdul Hakeem Kakar was travelling from Quetta to Mastung when armed assailants ambushed his vehicle. The attackers opened fire, killing Judge Kakar and his security guard on the spot. Additional Sessions Judge Tariq Lashari and another individual sustained critical injuries and were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where they continue to receive medical treatment. Following the incident, security forces and law enforcement agencies sealed off the area and launched a large-scale search operation. Checkpoints were established along key routes in an effort to track down and arrest those responsible for the attack. The incident drew strong condemnation from Pakistan’s political leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and offered prayers for the recovery of the injured. He stated that anti-state elements backed by foreign interests would never succeed in destabilizing Pakistan and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to eliminating terrorism. He stressed that terrorist groups and those supporting them could not weaken Pakistan’s institutions or its determination to maintain peace. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, calling it another attempt by anti-state forces to undermine national stability. He reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti described the attack as a direct assault on the state and its institutions. He vowed that both the attackers and those facilitating them would face strict legal action. According to the chief minister, the sacrifice of those protecting the law would not be forgotten, and the government would intensify operations against terrorist networks across the province. He further emphasized that there would be no safe haven for militants in Balochistan and that the state’s authority would be upheld at all costs. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Political Affairs, Shahid Rind, also denounced the attack, calling the killing of a judge and his security guard a deeply tragic incident. He said targeting members of the judiciary and legal community was part of a broader attempt to weaken the rule of law but insisted such efforts would fail. He added that the provincial government had directed authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured while extending full support to the victims’ families. Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove expressed grief over the attack and ordered an immediate investigation. He directed the Inspector General of Police and the provincial commissioner to submit a detailed report and ensure the swift arrest of those responsible. He reaffirmed that protecting citizens and state institutions remains the government’s highest priority. The Balochistan Bar Council strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on the judiciary, the legal profession, and the rule of law. In protest, the council announced a two-day boycott of court proceedings and declared three days of mourning. Lawyers across the province will wear black armbands while appearing before courts. The council also demanded enhanced security for judges, lawyers, and court staff, reaffirming the legal community’s commitment to defending justice and standing united against terrorism.