Senate questions PPRA over ePADS security and transparency

KARACHI: Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has approached the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) over what he described as a social media campaign aimed at damaging his reputation and that of his son, Rawal Memon. Memon filed a written complaint with the cybercrime agency on August 9, seeking an investigation into what he termed false, fabricated and malicious claims circulating online. The controversy centres on social media allegations linking Memon to a guesthouse in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi, where Mir Ali Raza was allegedly tortured and killed. Posts circulating on social media claimed that the property was owned by the Sindh minister. Taking notice of the allegations, Memon urged the NCCIA to investigate the matter and determine the facts behind the claims. He also expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the authorities during the investigation. The minister’s complaint comes as scrutiny surrounding the Mir Ali Raza case continues to generate discussion on social media, with competing claims being circulated online.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s disaster management authorities have issued a fresh flood alert as intensified monsoon rains continue to push water levels higher in major rivers, raising concerns over flooding in several parts of the country. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said river flows are expected to increase significantly between August 2 and 4, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable areas and remain alert to changing weather conditions. According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), high flooding has been observed in the Lehri River at Head Gogi, while Nullah Palkhu near Wazirabad is experiencing medium-level flooding. The Indus River is currently witnessing low-level flooding at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur, while similar conditions have been reported at Head Nari on the Nari River. The NDMA warned that the Chenab River is likely to experience high water flows at Marala, with low to medium flooding anticipated at Khanki and Qadirabad. Water levels are also expected to rise in the Jhelum, Ravi and Kabul rivers and their tributaries as monsoon activity intensifies. Officials cautioned that streams connected to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers could swell to medium or high levels. Meanwhile, water flows in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers will largely depend on releases from reservoirs across the border. The authority also expressed concern over the possibility of flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, as well as seasonal streams in central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan. In addition, urban flooding and waterlogging remain a serious threat in several cities, including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta and other parts of Sindh due to continued heavy rainfall. The NDMA advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and waterways, monitor weather updates before travelling, and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities. It also encouraged the public to use the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for real-time weather warnings and emergency information. Separately, the Prime Minister’s Emergency Response Committee (ERC) held its 10th consecutive daily review meeting to assess the country’s monsoon situation. The meeting, chaired virtually by Planning Minister Prof Ahsan Iqbal, brought together federal ministries, provincial governments, disaster management authorities and senior administrative officials. During the briefing, the NDMA presented the latest updates on weather conditions, casualties, infrastructure damage, rescue operations and rehabilitation efforts. Officials informed the committee that deputy commissioners in all high-risk districts had already been directed to remain fully prepared for any emergency. The committee was told that recent heavy rains had caused flooding in multiple regions, with coordinated rescue and relief operations continuing through federal, provincial and district authorities. Weather experts also forecast more rainfall across northern and central Pakistan in the coming days, while isolated showers are expected in southeastern Sindh. The NDMA highlighted that relief activities are being carried out with the support of both national and international humanitarian organisations. Officials further noted that most monsoon-related fatalities this season resulted from the collapse of unsafe and poorly constructed buildings, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations and greater public awareness. The ERC commended the efforts of government institutions, provincial administrations, district authorities, the armed forces and rescue teams for their ongoing response. It directed all relevant departments to strengthen coordination, maintain maximum preparedness, accelerate relief and rehabilitation work, and take preventive measures to minimise the impact of future weather emergencies.

LAHORE: A Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker has submitted an adjournment motion in the Punjab Assembly, calling for a comprehensive investigation into alleged financial and administrative irregularities surrounding the Punjab University Town-III housing scheme. According to the motion submitted by MPA Raja Shaukat Aziz, the housing project was allegedly launched in 2017 by a Punjab University professor without fulfilling the required legal and regulatory formalities. It further claims that the professor entered into a development agreement with his own brother, who was appointed as the project’s developer despite the alleged absence of due legal procedures. The motion alleges that payments amounting to Rs2.70 billion were made to the developer. However, despite the release of funds, no significant development work was carried out at the project site, and plot holders have yet to receive possession of their plots. The document states that nearly 900 affected families have been waiting for justice for the past nine years, claiming they have suffered financial losses and uncertainty due to the stalled housing scheme. It further alleges that, despite repeated complaints, no effective legal action has been taken against those purportedly responsible. Seeking legislative intervention, Raja Shaukat Aziz has urged the Punjab Assembly to establish a special committee to investigate the Town-III project, determine responsibility for the alleged irregularities, and ensure appropriate legal action against those found accountable. The Punjab University Town-III housing scheme has previously remained under public and academic scrutiny over allegations of administrative and financial mismanagement. The latest move is expected to renew debate over accountability and transparency in public housing projects.