khanewal placed flood
| |

Khanewal placed on flood alert as DC Hena Arshad o…

Protective embankments inspected at Head Sidhnai, Mai Safura, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah as Ravi and Chenab water levels remain under continuous surveillance

Khanewal: Deputy Commissioner Khanewal Hena Arshad has issued a pre-emptive alert to all relevant departments, directing them to maintain complete operational preparedness for any possible flood emergency in the district.

The alert comes as Punjab faces an evolving monsoon and river-flood situation. According to the latest official update, moderate flooding has been recorded in the River Chenab at Khanki, Qadirabad and Chiniot Bridge. Low-level flooding has also been reported at Trimmu on the Chenab and at Balloki and Sidhnai on the River Ravi.

The Deputy Commissioner visited Head Sidhnai, the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Section, Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund, where she inspected flood-protection infrastructure and reviewed emergency response arrangements.

Officials of the Irrigation Department briefed her on the prevailing water situation in the Ravi and Chenab rivers, the structural strength of protective embankments, vulnerable riverine areas, evacuation planning and precautionary measures being taken to minimise possible losses.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Fazal Abbas, Assistant Commissioner Kabirwala Muhammad Haroon and officers representing the Irrigation Department, Rescue 1122, Revenue Department and other concerned agencies accompanied the Deputy Commissioner during the inspection.

At Head Sidhnai, Hena Arshad inspected the Mai Safura Bund Breaching Section, surrounding flood embankments and the railway bridge. She reviewed the condition of the protective infrastructure and the safety measures being implemented around vulnerable locations.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the Irrigation Department, Kabirwala tehsil administration, Rescue 1122, Revenue Department and other agencies to remain fully alert and maintain uninterrupted coordination.

She stressed that machinery, rescue boats, emergency equipment, personnel and transportation resources must remain available for immediate deployment. Any weakness detected in an embankment or protective structure should be repaired without delay, she added.

Earlier, while chairing a flood-preparedness meeting at Head Sidhnai, the Deputy Commissioner said that the district administration had completed the necessary arrangements to respond effectively to a possible emergency.

She ordered the immediate strengthening of flood embankments, removal of encroachments from waterways and vulnerable locations, and implementation of all remaining precautionary measures.

During her visits to Kund Sargana and Fazil Shah Bund, Hena Arshad instructed officials to prepare for the timely and safe evacuation of residents from low-lying riverine settlements whenever water conditions require such action.

She directed the administration to identify vulnerable populations in advance, maintain updated evacuation lists and ensure the availability of transport for families, livestock and essential belongings.

The Deputy Commissioner also ordered that flood-relief camps and facilities established by the Health and Livestock departments remain fully operational. These camps must be prepared to provide shelter, medicines, drinking water, food, veterinary assistance and other essential services immediately after an emergency is declared.

Punjab authorities have intensified flood monitoring across rivers, headworks and barrages. Drone surveillance has also been conducted at Head Sidhnai and other strategic locations to monitor water flows, riverbank erosion and possible incoming flood waves.

The wider provincial situation remains sensitive. More than 4,300 residents have already been evacuated from vulnerable settlements along the Chenab in Chiniot district following an increase in water levels, illustrating the speed with which river conditions can affect downstream communities.

The National Disaster Management Authority has also issued a weather advisory covering July 25 to July 30, warning of further monsoon activity and associated flooding hazards.

Hena Arshad said water levels and river conditions across Khanewal district were being monitored continuously. She instructed all departments to remain vigilant and respond immediately to any rise in water levels, weakening of embankments or other emergency situation.

“The protection of citizens’ lives, property and livestock is the district administration’s foremost priority,” the Deputy Commissioner said, reaffirming that negligence or delays in flood-preparedness measures would not be tolerated.

Residents of low-lying areas near the Ravi, Head Sidhnai and adjoining riverine belts have been advised to remain attentive to official announcements, avoid approaching rivers and flood channels, and cooperate with the administration if precautionary evacuation becomes necessary.

Citizens may contact Rescue 1122 during an immediate emergency or call the Provincial Disaster Management Authority’s disaster helpline 1129 to report flood-related risks and seek assistance.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    UEFA welcomes FIFA investment plan withdrawal

    UEFA has welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon its controversial private investment proposal, calling the move “a victory for the whole game” while declaring that it has lost confidence in FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s leadership. The governing body for European football made the remarks after FIFA officially scrapped plans to sell stakes in its competitions following widespread opposition from football associations around the world. On August 1, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that the proposal to bring private investors into FIFA tournaments had been withdrawn after facing intense backlash and threats of a boycott. The plan had sparked strong criticism from UEFA, which argued that football’s global competitions should not be treated as commercial assets. Before the proposal was abandoned, UEFA had firmly opposed the idea, stating: “Football is not FIFA’s to sell.” Following FIFA’s decision to withdraw the proposal, UEFA issued another strongly worded statement welcoming the outcome while criticising Infantino’s leadership. The statement read: “The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA’s confidence but also that of many other members of the football family.” UEFA also reminded members of the promises Infantino made when he first sought election as FIFA president in 2016. Quoting his campaign pledge, the organisation said: “When Gianni Infantino asked for the trust and the votes of FIFA’s member associations to elect him as their president in 2016, he said: ‘Of course we have to be transparent.’” The European governing body accused Infantino of failing to live up to that commitment, claiming he had handled FIFA’s finances without sufficient transparency and had treated the organisation’s money as though it belonged to him personally. The controversy began on July 29, when Infantino reportedly offered each of FIFA’s 211 member associations$40 million in exchange for supporting a proposal that would allow private investment in FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. UEFA responded swiftly by announcing it would boycott future World Cups if the proposal moved forward. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also declared that it “stands in solidarity” with UEFA and Concacaf, adding further pressure on FIFA to reconsider the plan. The criticism did not stop there. FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour reportedly admitted that the organisation’s own administration had been “deceived” about the investment project. Meanwhile, FIFA senior adviser on global strategy and governance Carlos Cordeiro resigned over the proposal, describing it as: “A bad deal for football” He also warned that it would: “Mortgage football’s future.” The episode has created fresh uncertainty around Infantino’s leadership ahead of FIFA’s next presidential election. Infantino, who was first elected FIFA president in 2016 after defeating AFC president Sheikh Salman al-Khalifa by 115 votes to 88, is expected to seek another term. FIFA’s next president will be confirmed at the organisation’s 77th Congress in Morocco next March, with candidates required to submit their nominations by November 18. 

  • | |

    President Asif Ali Zardari meets interior minister…

    President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting with Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, during which the two discussed the prevailing political situation in the country as well as a range of important national issues. According to sources familiar with the meeting, the discussion focused on matters of national importance and developments taking place on the political front. The two leaders exchanged views on the current situation and considered issues that require attention at the federal level. The meeting between President Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi comes at a time when the country is facing a number of political, administrative, and security-related challenges. The Interior Ministry plays a key role in dealing with internal security, law and order, border management, immigration, and other matters directly linked to national stability. Sources said that the president and the interior minister also reviewed issues falling within the ministry’s domain. Although details of the discussion were not officially disclosed, the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the government’s priorities and the broader national situation. Political developments were also discussed during the meeting. President Zardari and Minister Naqvi reportedly considered the evolving political environment and its potential impact on governance and national affairs. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and addressing important issues through institutional and political channels. The meeting also highlighted the coordination required among key state institutions and government departments to effectively deal with challenges facing the country. In his capacity as federal interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi is responsible for a number of sensitive matters related to internal security and public order, making his discussions with the president significant in the context of national governance. President Asif Ali Zardari, who serves as the head of state, has also been engaged in consultations with senior government officials and political leaders on matters concerning the country. Such meetings provide a platform for reviewing national developments and exchanging views on issues of public and governmental importance. While no major decisions from the meeting were immediately announced, the discussions are understood to have covered several important matters. The meeting reflects the continued engagement between the presidency and the federal government on political and national issues. The exact details of the matters discussed have not been made public. However, sources described the meeting as an important consultation concerning the country’s political situation and other key national affairs. The meeting concluded with both sides exchanging views on the issues discussed. Further developments or decisions related to the matters raised during the meeting may become clearer through official statements or announcements from the government. The meeting between President Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is therefore being viewed as part of ongoing consultations among senior government officials aimed at assessing the country’s political environment and addressing issues of national significance.

  • | |

    Seven law enforcement personnel martyred during re…

    Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif has said that seven law enforcement personnel, including police and Rangers officials, were martyred during the recent unrest in the region. In a televised address on Monday, Hanif said the casualties occurred during clashes linked to ongoing protests by the now-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The committee has been demonstrating in the region for several weeks over its demand to abolish 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir. The unrest intensified after clashes between protesters and security personnel in Rawalakot and Mirpur last week. The incidents reportedly resulted in multiple casualties and increased tensions across the region. Hanif stated that weapons allegedly recovered from JAAC members were presented during a previous press conference by a police official on July 27. He claimed that seven law enforcement personnel were killed using similar weapons, while 45 personnel suffered serious injuries and several others sustained minor injuries. The AJK information secretary also alleged that police and Rangers vehicles were damaged and burned during the unrest. He claimed that the incidents indicated the presence of armed elements within the banned organization and accused them of attempting to challenge the state’s authority and disrupt peace. Responding to allegations made by JAAC regarding events in Rawalakot and surrounding areas between July 27 and July 31, Hanif rejected the claims and described them as part of a misinformation campaign. He said the security institutions of AJK had shown restraint and professionalism while handling the law and order situation. Hanif denied allegations of unprovoked firing by security forces and rejected claims that bodies were being withheld. He stated that the government currently had no bodies in its custody and accused the organization of spreading misleading information through social media. He further alleged that JAAC activists had been involved in blocking and damaging vehicles carrying essential supplies and food items. The information secretary also highlighted previous incidents involving casualties among law enforcement personnel, claiming that one police official was martyred in 2024 and three others in October 2025 during unrest-related incidents. Meanwhile, the AJK government criticized international media reports regarding the clashes, describing some coverage as biased and incomplete. Officials said reports should have included the government’s position and verified information before publication. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also criticized coverage of the AJK elections by some media outlets, alleging selective reporting from specific polling locations. The situation in AJK remains tense as authorities continue security measures while political and public disputes over electoral representation and governance issues continue. The government and protest groups have presented conflicting accounts of the events, and further developments are expected as investigations proceed.

  • | | |

    Sindh assigns Rs8.5bn karachi projects to FWO

    The Sindh government has handed over four major infrastructure projects worth around Rs8.5 billion in Karachi to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), with work on three of the projects scheduled to begin on the ground in August. One of the key projects involves the construction of a flyover or interchange near the Northern Bypass on the M-9 Motorway. The Sindh Local Government Department has started the process of obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the National Highway Authority (NHA) because the project will be built over the motorway. The new interchange aims to improve traffic flow between Jinnah Avenue and Malir Cantonment Road and the routes connecting Hyderabad and Sohrab Goth Vegetable Market with Jinnah Avenue. Once completed, the facility will allow motorists to cross between both sides of the motorway without taking lengthy U-turns. Authorities have estimated the cost of this project at Rs2.3 billion. The budget also covers the rehabilitation and beautification of Jinnah Avenue, which is expected to improve the overall appearance and connectivity of the area. Another major project will see the construction of a flyover at an intersection on the M-9 near Al-Asif Square, providing a direct link to Abul Hasan Isphahani Road. The project carries an estimated cost of Rs2.1 billion, and construction is expected to formally begin in August. The flyover will facilitate traffic arriving from different directions and is expected to ease congestion at one of the city’s busy intersections. The government has also included the rehabilitation and improvement of roads along the Hawksbay corridor. The project covers an 8.5-kilometre stretch from the Y Junction to Machli Chowk, as well as the road extending from Machli Chowk towards Kaka Pir. Authorities have estimated the combined cost of these works at Rs4.162 billion, with construction also scheduled to begin in August. In addition, the Sindh government plans to launch work on another major project at the Malir Halt Underpass soon. The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s broader efforts to upgrade Karachi’s road infrastructure, improve traffic movement and address congestion at key entry and exit points across the city. The four projects, collectively worth approximately Rs8.5 billion, are expected to enhance connectivity and provide motorists with safer and more efficient routes across several important parts of Karachi.

  • | |

    Pakistan mediates US-Iran talks over Hormuz crisis

    Pakistan has confirmed that diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran remain active despite renewed military escalation across the Middle East, expressing hope that dialogue can prevent the conflict from spiraling into a wider regional crisis. Speaking at a weekly briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said negotiations were continuing with a particular focus on reducing tensions and addressing the growing dispute over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. “Negotiations between parties are ongoing, particularly on the Strait of Hormuz and to de-escalate,” Andrabi told reporters, emphasizing that Pakistan remains committed to promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The spokesperson said Islamabad is working closely with all relevant parties to revive the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an agreement aimed at creating a framework for technical discussions and confidence-building measures between Washington and Tehran. “We are doing our utmost to bring all parties back to the Islamabad MoU,” Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan is encouraging both sides to honor their commitments and continue technical-level talks despite recent hostilities. His remarks come as the region faces one of its most dangerous security crises in recent years. The United States has resumed large-scale military strikes on Iranian targets following missile attacks on American forces, while Iran has vowed further retaliation. The escalating conflict has raised fears over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route through which a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passes. Pakistan has consistently advocated diplomacy over military confrontation, warning that continued violence could threaten regional stability, disrupt global energy markets and increase the risk of a broader conflict involving additional countries. Analysts say Pakistan’s role as a mediator has become increasingly significant as communication channels between Washington and Tehran remain strained. While no breakthrough has yet been announced, officials believe sustained dialogue offers the best chance of easing tensions and preventing further escalation. With fighting continuing across the region, Islamabad has reiterated its support for peaceful negotiations, urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize diplomacy over confrontation in order to safeguard regional peace and international energy security.

  • | |

    Rana Sanaullah compares AJK protesters to former m…

    Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah has compared some protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to militant groups that Pakistan had trained in the past, claiming that certain elements later turned against the country. Speaking during an interview Sanaullah alleged that individuals associated with armed organisations had become involved in the ongoing unrest in AJK. He claimed that these groups possessed weapons and were attempting to exploit public gatherings to create instability rather than pursue legitimate political objectives. According to the prime minister’s adviser, the protesters do not have genuine political demands and are instead using ordinary citizens as a shield while pursuing what he described as a broader agenda. He suggested that the situation involved elements who wanted to take advantage of public sentiment and use the protests to challenge the state. Sanaullah also defended the actions of law enforcement agencies, arguing that the authorities had few alternatives in dealing with what he characterised as an armed threat. He said security forces had to respond when groups carrying weapons created a law-and-order situation and posed a threat to public safety. The adviser maintained that the government could not allow armed groups to operate freely under the cover of protests. He said law enforcement agencies would continue to take action whenever necessary to maintain order and protect citizens. His comments come at a time of heightened political and social tensions in AJK, where protests have sparked a wider debate about public grievances, governance, law enforcement, and the government’s response. The situation has also raised questions about how authorities should balance the right to peaceful protest with the need to prevent violence and maintain public order. Sanaullah’s remarks are expected to fuel further discussion about the nature of the ongoing demonstrations and the role of political and armed elements in the unrest. While the government has emphasised the need for strict action against violence and armed activity, critics have continued to call for dialogue and political engagement to address the underlying concerns of the people of AJK.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *