Pollution Control Department Warns of Rising PM2.5 Until Mid-January

A railway bridge near Mission Caller on the Sheikhupura-Lahore section was damaged after a strong flood surge hit the area, disrupting train services between Lahore and Faisalabad. Railway authorities said train operations on the Lahore-Faisalabad section have been temporarily suspended due to damage to the bridge. Trains travelling from Lahore towards Karachi via Sheikhupura and Faisalabad are being diverted through Sahiwal as an alternative route. Officials said the Badr Express and Ghouri Express have been cancelled due to the disruption. The Shalimar Express and Karakoram Express will operate via Raiwind and Sahiwal, while the Mianwali Express, which normally runs between Lahore and Mianwali, will be diverted through Lala Musa. Several other trains operating on the affected route have also been cancelled. Some services have been shifted to alternative routes to minimise disruption to passengers. According to railway officials, the flood surge that hit the area last night caused 30 of the bridge’s 110 pillars to collapse. Repair work has begun on the damaged structure. Railway authorities are working to restore the track and resume normal train operations as soon as possible. The flooding has also affected nearby communities. Residents said several settlements, including Hadiala Warkan village, were inundated after the flood surge entered the area during the night. The floodwaters have also caused significant damage to standing crops. Local residents expressed concern over losses to agricultural land and crops following the sudden rise in water levels.

KARACHI: Karachi police have finalised an extensive security plan for the Chup Tazia processions, deploying more than 6,000 officers and personnel across the city. According to a police spokesperson, a total of 6,065 personnel will be assigned to security duties at the two major processions. Around 3,745 police officers and personnel will secure the procession scheduled to begin from Nishtar Park in the morning. Another 2,320 personnel will be deployed for the procession originating from Qasr-e-Musib later in the day. The security arrangements include dedicated teams for checking and searches, route protection and surveillance. Police personnel will also be stationed at rooftops, entry and exit points, return routes and other locations considered sensitive. CCTV control rooms will monitor the movement of the processions and help security officials respond quickly to any developing situation. Police have also planned deployments at major hospitals as part of the overall security arrangements. Officials said the measures were designed to protect participants, maintain order and ensure emergency services remain accessible. The authorities said security teams would conduct thorough checking along the routes and at key access points. Traffic management arrangements have also been put in place to minimise disruption and facilitate the movement of participants and commuters. Karachi police urged citizens attending or living near the procession routes to cooperate with security personnel and follow official instructions. The public has also been advised to immediately inform police about any suspicious person, activity or unattended object. Police said the arrangements would remain focused on ensuring a peaceful observance, maintaining public safety and enabling a swift response in case of any emergency

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held important diplomatic meetings in Manila during the ASEAN Regional Forum 2026, discussing regional security, global developments, and ways to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with other countries. Dar met Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong and reviewed the current state of Pakistan-Australia relations. Both sides agreed to further expand cooperation through regular high-level contacts and closer engagement. The two foreign ministers also discussed recent regional tensions and international challenges. They stressed that dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law are essential for achieving long-term peace and stability. Australia appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to support dialogue and reduce tensions in the region. Both countries agreed to continue cooperation on matters of mutual interest. During another meeting, Dar held talks with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the positive progress in Pakistan-Oman relations and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The discussions focused on increasing trade, promoting investment, improving business-to-business links, expanding people-to-people contacts, and enhancing cooperation through international forums. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments. They emphasised the need to uphold ceasefires, respect international law, and work together to promote peace and security. Oman praised Pakistan’s constructive role in encouraging dialogue and supporting regional stability. The two ministers agreed to remain in close communication on important issues. Earlier in Manila, Dar also met senior officials of the Asian Development Bank and called for faster progress on financing for Pakistan’s Main Line-1 railway project. He highlighted the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and the development institution and discussed expanding cooperation in different sectors. Dar also held separate meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman. The discussions covered bilateral relations, trade, energy cooperation, connectivity, and future diplomatic engagement. The ASEAN Regional Forum has brought together foreign ministers and senior officials from several countries to discuss major global and regional challenges, including security issues, energy supplies, trade, food security, and ongoing conflicts.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has invited Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to visit Pakistan at the earliest during a telephone conversation focused on strengthening bilateral ties and discussing the evolving regional situation. According to the Foreign Office, the two foreign ministers held detailed discussions on a wide range of issues of mutual interest. They reviewed the current state of Pakistan-Iran relations and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close diplomatic engagement and cooperation. During the conversation, Dar extended a formal invitation to his Iranian counterpart to undertake an early visit to Pakistan. The proposed visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to further enhance political dialogue and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The two leaders also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments. Their discussions covered issues affecting peace, security and stability in the region, as both countries continue to coordinate on important diplomatic matters. Special attention was given to the deteriorating situation in occupied East Jerusalem. The foreign ministers expressed concern over the rising tensions and discussed the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories. They emphasized the need for continued diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and promote regional stability. The telephone contact reflects the regular high-level engagement between Islamabad and Tehran as both governments continue consultations on regional affairs and bilateral cooperation. Pakistan and Iran share close historical, cultural and economic ties, and both countries have maintained regular diplomatic contacts to strengthen cooperation in political, economic and security sectors. Officials said the two sides agreed to remain in close contact on matters of mutual concern and continue consultations on regional and international issues. They also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting stronger bilateral relations through sustained dialogue and high-level exchanges.