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Pakistan and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in food security, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and livestock development. The renewed partnership aims to address the growing challenges posed by climate change while supporting Pakistan’s long-term agricultural and economic development. The commitment was made during a meeting held in Islamabad between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and a delegation from the FAO led by Deputy Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, Robert Simpson. The discussions focused on strengthening existing partnerships and accelerating the implementation of projects designed to improve agricultural productivity and food systems across the country. During the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that Pakistan remains one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, despite contributing only a minimal share to global greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed that unpredictable weather patterns, floods, droughts, and rising temperatures continue to threaten agricultural production, food availability, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The minister called for enhanced technical assistance from the FAO and urged the timely implementation of ongoing development initiatives. He highlighted the importance of adopting modern farming practices, improving water management, and strengthening institutional capacity to help Pakistan build a more resilient agricultural sector. Rana Tanveer Hussain also outlined the government’s key priorities for the agriculture sector. These include improving food safety standards, strengthening Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) systems to boost agricultural exports, expanding livestock development programs, and increasing livestock exports to international markets. He further stressed the need to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported wheat and edible oil by increasing domestic agricultural production and promoting sustainable farming practices. The FAO delegation reaffirmed its continued support for Pakistan’s agricultural development agenda. Robert Simpson assured the minister that the organization would continue working closely with the government to mobilize financial resources from international financial institutions and development partners. The funding is expected to support climate adaptation projects, food security initiatives, and sustainable agricultural development across the country. The meeting reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and the FAO to building a resilient and sustainable food system capable of addressing future challenges. By strengthening cooperation and investing in climate-smart agriculture, both sides aim to improve food security, enhance rural livelihoods, and promote sustainable economic growth for the benefit of future generations.

The spillway gates of Rawal Dam will be opened on Saturday at 6:00 a.m. after the reservoir’s water level reached 1,748.30 feet, prompting authorities to release excess water as a precautionary measure. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the controlled release of water is expected to increase the flow in Korang Nullah. Officials have urged residents living along the nullah to remain alert and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The NDMA advised the public to avoid crossing Korang Nullah or using temporary bridges if the water level rises following the opening of the spillway gates. Authorities warned that stronger water currents could pose serious risks to commuters and nearby communities. Local administration and emergency response teams have been placed on alert to monitor the situation and respond promptly to any emergencies. Residents in low-lying areas have been encouraged to stay informed through official weather and disaster management updates. The opening of spillway gates is a routine safety measure carried out to regulate reservoir levels and reduce pressure on the dam during periods of increased rainfall or rising inflows. Timely water releases help maintain the structural safety of the dam while minimizing the risk of flooding downstream. Authorities have emphasized the importance of following official advisories and avoiding unnecessary travel near Korang Nullah until water levels stabilize. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution, particularly in areas where temporary crossings may become unsafe due to the increased flow. The NDMA continues to monitor water levels and weather conditions closely in coordination with local authorities. Any further changes in the situation will be communicated through official channels. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, cooperate with emergency officials, and report any signs of flooding or hazardous conditions. By following safety guidelines and avoiding high-risk areas, the public can help reduce the risk of accidents during the controlled release of water from Rawal Dam.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide flood alert, warning that rising river levels and continued monsoon rainfall could lead to flooding in several parts of Pakistan through Sunday. The authority has urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel to flood-prone areas. According to the NDMA, the Indus River is currently experiencing moderate flooding at Guddu, while low flood conditions persist at Kalabagh, Chashma, and Sukkur. The Chenab River is also expected to witness moderate to high water flows at Marala, with low to moderate flows forecast at Khanki and Qadirabad. The authority further stated that the Jhelum, Ravi, and Kabul rivers, along with their tributaries, are expected to experience low to moderate flows. However, water levels in streams and tributaries connected to the Jhelum, Chenab, and Ravi rivers are likely to increase significantly due to ongoing rainfall. Hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur are also expected to experience heavy water flows, raising the risk of flash flooding. Similar conditions are forecast for rain-fed streams and nullahs in central and southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan. The NDMA warned that districts including Mohmand, Bajaur, Buner, Mardan, Kurram, South Waziristan, Shangla, and Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could experience flooding in streams and nullahs. In northern Balochistan, the Nari, Bolan, Kangri, and Lehri rivers are also at risk of flash flooding. Urban flooding is expected in several Punjab districts, including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Sialkot, Gujrat, Narowal, Lahore, Okara, Sahiwal, and Faisalabad. Similar conditions may affect Sindh districts such as Sukkur, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Thatta, Badin, Sanghar, Khairpur, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Tharparkar, and Nawabshah. Cities including Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, and Mardan may also experience urban flooding. The NDMA has advised the public to avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers, and streams, particularly in mountainous areas where landslides, debris flows, and flash floods are more likely during the monsoon season. Travelers are encouraged to carry emergency supplies, including drinking water, dry food, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, a power bank, and emergency contact numbers. Citizens have also been urged to stay informed through the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application and follow instructions issued by local authorities to ensure their safety during the ongoing monsoon season.

A 30-year-old man was successfully rescued after falling into a 120-foot-deep well in Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi district, following a swift emergency response by Rescue 1122. The incident occurred in the Miana Phambal area of Gujar Khan, where the man, identified as Waqas, accidentally fell into a deep brick-lined well. Authorities were alerted immediately, prompting Rescue 1122 teams to rush to the scene and launch a carefully planned rescue operation. According to rescue officials, the well was approximately 120 feet deep and constructed with brick walls, making the rescue operation particularly challenging. Despite the difficult conditions, trained rescuers safely reached the trapped man using specialized rescue equipment and techniques. After reaching Waqas, rescue personnel secured him with safety gear and carefully lifted him out of the well. The operation was completed successfully, ensuring that the victim was brought to safety without further injury. Following the rescue, emergency medical personnel provided Waqas with first aid at the scene before assessing his condition. Officials said the timely response and professional handling of the incident played a crucial role in saving his life. Rescue 1122 officials praised the efforts of the emergency responders, whose quick action and expertise helped prevent a potentially fatal outcome. The incident also highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response services in handling high-risk rescue situations. Authorities have not yet disclosed how the man fell into the well, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under review. Local officials have urged residents to exercise caution around uncovered or deep wells, particularly in rural areas where such structures may pose serious safety hazards. The successful rescue once again demonstrates the preparedness and efficiency of Rescue 1122 teams in responding to emergencies across Punjab. Their prompt action ensured that another life was saved through coordinated planning, technical expertise, and dedication. Residents have appreciated the efforts of the rescue personnel and emphasized the need for greater awareness about safety measures around wells and other hazardous locations to help prevent similar accidents in the future.

The federal government has announced a slight reduction in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel, issuing a fresh notification through the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). The revised fuel prices will come into effect from August 1, 2026, and will remain applicable until August 3, 2026. According to the official notification, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) determined the new petroleum product prices under the pricing mechanism approved by the federal government. The latest revision provides modest relief to consumers amid fluctuating international oil prices. Under the new rates, the price of petrol has been reduced by 12 paisa per litre, bringing the new price to Rs. 336.03 per litre. Previously, petrol was being sold at Rs. 336.15 per litre. Similarly, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been cut by 66 paisa per litre. The revised price has been set at Rs. 392.38 per litre, compared with the previous rate of Rs. 393.04 per litre. Although the reductions are relatively small, they reflect the government’s periodic review of petroleum prices based on recommendations from OGRA and prevailing market conditions. Fuel prices in Pakistan are reviewed regularly, taking into account changes in international crude oil prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and applicable taxes and levies. Petrol is widely used by private vehicles, motorcycles, and small transport operators, while high-speed diesel is the primary fuel for heavy transport, agriculture, and industrial machinery. Any change in fuel prices can have a direct impact on transportation costs, inflation, and the prices of essential goods. The Ministry of Energy stated that the revised prices have been implemented in accordance with the government’s petroleum pricing policy. Consumers across the country will pay the new rates at fuel stations from August 1. The latest price adjustment comes as authorities continue to monitor global energy markets and domestic economic conditions. Future revisions will depend on international oil price trends, currency movements, and recommendations made by OGRA under the government’s approved pricing mechanism.

Police have made significant progress in the murder investigation of IBA student Mir Raza Ali, who was abducted and later found dead in Karachi. Authorities have recovered the victim’s mobile phone and other evidence from the crime scene while denying reports that the body showed signs of torture or burning. According to police officials, the investigation into the killing of Mir Raza Ali, a resident of PECHS Society, is ongoing. The young student’s body was found on Wednesday from a hilly area in Gulistan-e-Johar Block 1 after he went missing during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. Police said Mir Raza Ali had left his residence through an online taxi service before disappearing. Following the discovery of his body, a special investigation team and crime scene experts visited the area to collect evidence and determine the circumstances behind the murder. During the search operation, police recovered the victim’s iPhone from behind Nasir Tower Apartments, located around 200 metres away from the crime scene. The mobile phone is reportedly password-protected, and investigators are making efforts to access its data for further clues. Police also recovered a weapon cover, believed to be linked to the firearm used in the incident. Authorities have obtained the victim’s call data record (CDR) and are preparing a route map to track his movements before the murder. The police surgeon stated that Mir Raza Ali was shot once in the chest from the front. The bullet passed through his body, but officials found no evidence of physical torture or burning on the victim’s body. A team comprising SSP District East Zubair Nawaz Sheikh, SP Gulshan-e-Iqbal Ghulam Shabbir Saraki, SHO Ferozabad Adeel Afzal, and other investigation and crime scene experts inspected the site and surrounding areas. Investigators are currently examining approximately 50 phone numbers identified through the call data record. Police officials have claimed that around 50 percent of the case investigation has been completed and further developments are expected as evidence is analyzed. The recovered mobile phone, weapon-related evidence, and digital records are being considered important parts of the investigation. Police officials have assured that all available resources are being used to identify those responsible for the killing and bring them to justice.

  The Sindh School Education and Literacy Department has announced that all public and private educational institutions across the province will remain closed on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in observance of the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). According to an official notification issued by the department, the holiday will be observed on 20th Safar 1448 AH, marking the annual commemoration of Chehlum. The decision applies to all government and privately managed schools operating under the administrative control of the School Education and Literacy Department throughout Sindh. The notification stated that the closure was approved following a decision taken during a meeting of the provincial Steering Committee held on February 12, 2026. It confirmed that all educational institutions under the department’s jurisdiction would remain closed on August 4 to facilitate the observance of the religious occasion. Chehlum is observed every year on the 20th of Safar and marks the conclusion of the 40-day mourning period following the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), his family members, and companions in the historic Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. The occasion holds immense religious significance for Muslims, particularly for those who participate in mourning gatherings and commemorative processions held across the country. As part of the annual observances, mourning processions featuring Alam, Tazia, and Zuljinah are expected to take place in several cities and towns across Sindh. Thousands of devotees traditionally participate in these events to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala. In light of the large public gatherings expected during Chehlum, the Sindh Home Department has also announced additional security measures aimed at maintaining law and order throughout the province. A day before the school holiday notification was issued, the Home Department imposed a province-wide ban on pillion riding for the day of Chehlum. The temporary restriction is intended to strengthen security arrangements and minimise the risk of any untoward incidents during the religious processions and gatherings. Authorities have clarified that the ban forms part of a broader security plan implemented each year for major religious occasions. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the measures while facilitating the safe conduct of mourning events. In a separate notification, the Sindh Home Department also announced the extension of Section 144 across the province for another month. The renewed restrictions came into effect on August 1 and will remain in force as part of ongoing efforts to preserve public order. Under Section 144, several activities have been prohibited throughout Sindh, including wall chalking, public rallies, demonstrations, and the open display of weapons. The restrictions are designed to prevent any activities that could disrupt peace or pose security concerns during the mourning period. The provincial government has urged citizens to cooperate with the authorities and follow the issued guidelines to help ensure that Chehlum observances are conducted peacefully and securely across Sindh.