ndma issues 48hour
| |

NDMA issues 48-hour flood alert as Chenab rises

ByJustpaste.in

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.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Shakib’s home attacked after Hasina media event

    ByJustpaste.in

    Former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan’s ancestral home was attacked by a group of people after he participated in the first public media event of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since her removal from power in 2024. According to police, the attack took place in Magura, around 170 kilometres southwest of Dhaka. Protesters reportedly smashed windows of the house and threw bricks along with two petrol bombs. The attack triggered a fire on the upper floor of the residence. Authorities said the property was vacant at the time of the incident and no injuries were reported. Police have launched an investigation into the attack. The incident occurred hours after Shakib joined a virtual discussion organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi. During the event, Sheikh Hasina addressed the media for the first time since leaving office and declared that she intended to return to Bangladesh in December despite the legal cases against her. Hasina said she was prepared to face imprisonment or even death if she returned, insisting that she wanted to stand with the people of Bangladesh. She also called for the ban on her Awami League party to be lifted so it could resume political activities. Shakib, who was elected to parliament on an Awami League ticket in January 2024, has remained outside Bangladesh since the student-led uprising that forced Hasina from power. He is currently facing several investigations, including allegations related to murder, financial misconduct, fraud and money laundering, all of which remain under legal process. The Bangladesh government strongly criticised Hasina’s media appearance from India, describing it as harmful to the country’s sovereignty. Officials warned that allowing such activities could negatively affect relations between Dhaka and New Delhi. Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 after leaving Bangladesh during the political unrest. The Bangladeshi government has requested her extradition, while Indian authorities have said the request is being reviewed under legal procedures. Last year, Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal sentenced Hasina to death in absentia over charges linked to the deadly crackdown on the 2024 student protests. The former prime minister has rejected the charges, calling them politically motivated.

  • |

    CPEC 2.0: Pakistan, China shift focus to B2B investment

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China are moving toward a more business-driven model of cooperation under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with greater emphasis on Business-to-Business (B2B) partnerships, industrial development, exports and productivity rather than large-scale Government-to-Government (G2G) financing. The development emerged during a high-level Chinese delegation’s visit to the CPEC Secretariat, where discussions focused on strengthening industrial and commercial ties between the two countries. According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Planning on Tuesday, the Chinese delegation was headed by Sun Dongsheng, Senior Advisor, Economic Affairs Press. The delegation met Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, along with senior policymakers and development experts. The talks centred on ways to advance B2B and industrial cooperation under CPEC 2.0, reflecting a broader shift in the corridor’s priorities from infrastructure-led development toward industrialisation, exports, technology and private-sector participation. From infrastructure to industrialisation During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal briefed the Chinese delegation on the government’s Uraan Pakistan economic transformation programme and outlined Islamabad’s priorities for the next phase of CPEC. The minister proposed closer cooperation with Chinese institutions, including counterparts of the National Centre of New Manufacturing, to benefit from China’s experience in advanced manufacturing, innovation, automation and robotics. He said Pakistan needed to strengthen its productive capacity and adopt modern technologies to remain competitive in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 and prepare for the emerging Industrial Revolution 5.0. Ahsan Iqbal identified Pakistan’s limited export base as one of the country’s major economic challenges. According to the minister, repeated attempts to accelerate economic growth have struggled to generate sustainable momentum because productive sectors have not been sufficiently integrated with export markets. He stressed that the government’s priority was therefore to turn agriculture, manufacturing and other productive sectors into stronger sources of exports and foreign exchange. Pakistan seeks greater access to Chinese market The minister also called for greater facilitation of Pakistani exports to China, highlighting the considerable gap between the two countries’ trade potential. He noted that China imports goods worth around $2.6 trillion annually, whereas Pakistan’s exports to the Chinese market remain close to $3 billion. Ahsan said Pakistan needed to increase its presence in the Chinese market by improving production standards, competitiveness and the ability of domestic businesses to meet international demand. He expressed the expectation that CPEC 2.0 could help Pakistan address what he described as its “export deficit”, just as the first phase of the corridor contributed to addressing the country’s energy shortfall. CPEC enters a new phase Under CPEC’s first phase, China committed substantial financing to infrastructure, energy and other development projects in Pakistan. Nearly $30 billion was invested in infrastructure and power-sector projects, including independent power producers. However, the focus is now increasingly shifting toward private-sector-led cooperation. Islamabad continues to pursue financing for selected road and motorway projects, but China has yet to demonstrate readiness to finance the long-delayed Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade, which had previously been regarded as one of CPEC’s flagship projects. The latest consultations indicate that CPEC 2.0 is expected to rely more heavily on commercial partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese companies. The government has already been encouraging enterprises from both countries to explore joint ventures and investment opportunities in sectors including manufacturing, agriculture and mining. Ahsan Iqbal said recent agreements between Pakistani and Chinese companies showed that B2B cooperation was beginning to gain momentum. He expressed confidence that stronger business-to-business engagement would support the modernisation of Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural sectors while creating opportunities for investment, employment and exports. China stresses productive capacity Sun Dongsheng reaffirmed the importance China attaches to its longstanding relationship with Pakistan and highlighted the achievements of CPEC’s first phase. He called for further cooperation in industrial and agricultural development, particularly in strengthening Pakistan’s productive capacity. The Chinese delegation also stressed the importance of involving small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in bilateral economic cooperation. Greater enterprise-to-enterprise engagement, according to the delegation, could help create commercially sustainable partnerships and expand opportunities for businesses in both countries. The discussions also focused on technology transfer, innovation, skills development and the creation of stronger industrial linkages. Five Corridors aligned with Uraan Pakistan Officials also discussed the strategic relationship between the Five Corridors of CPEC 2.0 and Pakistan’s 5Es framework under Uraan Pakistan. The government’s 5Es framework focuses on exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment. The participants stressed that alignment between the two initiatives needed to translate into concrete economic outcomes, including new enterprises, technology adoption, innovation, employment opportunities, skills development, increased exports and higher investment. The delegation was also briefed on the progress achieved during CPEC Phase I and Pakistan’s priorities for the second phase. The consultations suggest that the next stage of CPEC will increasingly be measured not only by the volume of infrastructure investment but also by its ability to improve Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness, expand exports, attract private investment and create sustainable employment.

  • |

    Toxic gas leak kills eight at Bangladesh shipyard

    ByJustpaste.in

    At least eight workers were killed and five others were reported missing after toxic gas leaked from a vessel at a shipbreaking yard in Bangladesh on Friday. The incident occurred at the Ferdous Steel Shipbreaking Yard and Recycling Factory in Chittagong, a major hub for ship dismantling on the country’s southeastern coast. Witnesses said they heard cries from inside the facility before fellow workers rushed several affected employees to nearby hospitals. Police said eight people had died while a search operation was underway for those still unaccounted for. Authorities have formed an investigation committee to determine the cause of the accident and ordered a safety audit of the shipbreaking facility. Officials said the vessel involved had previously been used to transport liquefied natural gas. Although the yard was reportedly classified as a compliant facility, fire service officials raised concerns about whether proper safety procedures had been followed before dismantling work began. According to fire service officials, vessels must be completely cleared of hazardous gases before workers begin cutting them apart. They said workers who were closest to the gas leak died, while others farther from the affected area survived. Firefighters recovered three bodies from the site and rescued several workers who were found unconscious. The injured were transported to hospitals for treatment. The shipbreaking industry along Chittagong’s coast stretches for around 25 kilometres and provides employment to tens of thousands of people. Bangladesh is one of the world’s major shipbreaking centres, but the industry has repeatedly faced criticism over workplace safety, labour conditions and environmental risks. One of the workers killed in the accident was identified as Palash Jaladas. His family was left devastated by the tragedy, with relatives saying his wife, Bhoumika Jaladas, is eight months pregnant.

  • | |

    PTI changes venue for August 5 rally in Peshawar

    ByJustpaste.in

    Peshawar: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has changed the venue for its August 5 public rally, with party leaders announcing that the gathering will now take place at an open ground near the Peshawar Motorway instead of the previously planned location. The decision was made during a PTI parliamentary party meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar. The meeting was chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sualeh Afridi and attended by members of the National Assembly and the Provincial Assembly. Addressing the meeting, Afridi said preparations for the rally were in full swing and responsibilities had been assigned to party lawmakers to ensure the event’s success. He described the August 5 rally as a “semi-final” and a decisive gathering, saying the party would present its future political strategy to the public. According to the chief minister, the venue was shifted to an open ground near the Peshawar Motorway to improve public access and accommodate a larger number of participants. Afridi also reviewed the party’s political efforts since October 15, 2025, stating that PTI had pursued constitutional and legal avenues to resolve political issues through dialogue. He said the party leadership had sought meetings with PTI founder Imran Khan through legal channels, including approaching the Islamabad High Court and the Supreme Court, but those efforts had not produced the desired outcome. He reiterated that PTI remained committed to peaceful political activity and maintained that peaceful protest was the party’s final constitutional option. Afridi also called for better access to Imran Khan by his family, sisters, and personal doctors, while urging authorities to ensure he receives appropriate medical care. The meeting, however, was not without internal disagreements. According to party sources, several lawmakers expressed concerns over the timing of the rally and suggested holding a workers’ convention before launching the movement. Some members argued that the main protest should be organized in Punjab rather than Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to increase political pressure on the federal government. The reported differences led to a heated exchange during the meeting, with some dissatisfied lawmakers leaving before it concluded. Party sources said the chief minister assured members that their concerns would be addressed. The August 5 rally is expected to be one of PTI’s most significant political events in recent months as the party seeks to outline its next phase of political action.

  • | |

    Heavy rain, thunderstorms forecast across Sindh ti…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh has issued a province-wide weather alert after forecasting widespread rain and thunderstorms across several districts from July 23 to July 25. Authorities have directed all district administrations and emergency response agencies to remain fully prepared for any weather-related emergencies. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), strong monsoon currents entering the region from the Arabian Sea are expected to bring rainfall of varying intensity across Sindh over the next three days. PDMA officials said heavy rainfall is likely in Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Jamshoro and Shaheed Benazirabad. Residents in these districts have been advised to remain cautious and follow official weather advisories. Light to moderate rain is expected in Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur and Khairpur, while Larkana, Naushahro Feroze and Thatta are also likely to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms. In Karachi, the weather is expected to remain warm and humid with partly cloudy skies. Authorities have also predicted isolated drizzle in different parts of the city during the forecast period. PDMA warned that strong winds, thunderstorms and lightning could damage weak buildings, electricity poles, solar panels, billboards and other vulnerable structures. Officials have instructed local administrations to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of accidents and property damage. The disaster management authority has activated its monsoon emergency preparedness plan across the province. Dewatering pumps, heavy machinery and emergency equipment have been kept on standby to deal with urban flooding and rain-related emergencies. Authorities have also identified low-lying areas that are more vulnerable to water accumulation and flash flooding. Emergency teams will be deployed immediately if heavy rainfall causes flooding in any district. PDMA has advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, stay away from electricity poles and unstable structures, and remain alert during thunderstorms. People have also been urged to monitor official weather updates and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.

  • |

    Salman Khan backs students’ protest, calls for education reforms

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has voiced his support for students protesting over the alleged paper leak controversy, praising their peaceful movement while expressing concern over the violence that followed. In a statement shared on X, the actor said it was heartbreaking to see a demonstration that began peacefully take a violent turn. He extended his sympathies to the students and families who suffered during the unrest, saying his thoughts were with everyone affected. Calling the paper leak issue a serious concern, Salman said he was encouraged to see students across the country standing together to demand a fair and transparent education system. He also appreciated the support shown by parents, describing their solidarity as an important part of the movement. The actor commended the students for their determination and commitment, saying their actions reflected a genuine desire to study, build successful futures, and contribute to the nation’s progress through education. According to Salman, the movement was driven by young people who believe in merit and equal opportunities. He said their discipline, courage, and dedication deserved recognition, adding that their efforts demonstrated the importance of protecting the integrity of the education system. He further stated that the students had conducted their protest peacefully and with a clear purpose before the situation escalated. Stressing the value of education, Salman said the passion shown by the protesters was inspiring and reflected the aspirations of a generation determined to create positive change. Expressing confidence in the country’s youth, the actor said he believes they have the potential to shape a brighter future. He noted that students who work hard and remain committed to learning will play a vital role in national development and help build a stronger society. Salman also urged that the issue should not be turned into a political debate. He maintained that the matter primarily concerns students and the education system, and therefore deserves attention without unnecessary political influence. He credited the students for bringing attention to the issue through their collective efforts, saying they should receive recognition for raising their voices in support of educational fairness. The actor also expressed hope that the government would respond positively to the concerns raised by students and take meaningful steps to strengthen the education system. He said reforms aimed at improving transparency and preventing similar incidents in the future would benefit both students and the country as a whole. Salman’s remarks have attracted widespread attention online, with many social media users discussing his support for the student movement. His statement has added a prominent celebrity voice to the ongoing conversation surrounding education reforms and accountability in the wake of the paper leak controversy.

Leave a Reply

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