Thai PM Honors Fallen Soldier, Reaffirms Support for Troops and Border Stability

MULTAN: Director General of the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Saif Anwar Jappa, met Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, Fawad Hashim Rabbani, at the South Punjab Secretariat to review the ongoing monsoon situation and flood relief operations across the region. During the meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary congratulated Saif Anwar Jappa on his appointment as DG PDMA and expressed his best wishes for his new role. The PDMA chief gave a detailed briefing on the current flood and weather situation, as well as the relief measures being undertaken in affected areas. He said the authority, in coordination with all relevant departments, has accelerated rescue and relief operations in response to the ongoing monsoon emergency. Jappa said dewatering efforts, ration distribution and rescue activities are continuing in flood-affected areas. He added that teams are actively working to drain water from urban flood zones and restore damaged roads to ensure public access and safety. He further said all district administrations and emergency control rooms have been placed on high alert around the clock to respond swiftly to any developing situation. The PDMA is also using modern technology, including drones, to deliver life jackets and emergency relief supplies to inaccessible areas during emergencies, he said. According to the DG PDMA, priority is being given to identifying flood relief camps in vulnerable districts and ensuring the timely provision of food, clean drinking water, dry fodder for livestock and other essential supplies to affected families. Additional Chief Secretary Fawad Hashim Rabbani directed authorities to maintain strict monitoring of water flows in flood-prone areas of South Punjab and ensure timely preventive measures. He said the completion of two new protective embankments at Jalalpur Pirwala in a record period, under the directions of the Punjab government, has played a significant role in protecting the city from floodwaters. Rabbani also instructed officials to ensure the immediate evacuation of people living in riverine and low-lying areas where flood risks remain high. He further directed that rescue and relief teams remain fully prepared in the hilly areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur to respond promptly to any emergencies caused by flash floods and hill torrents during the ongoing monsoon season.

Ten electric buses have been delivered to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) from Islamabad as part of a new public transport initiative for the region. The buses have been provided by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The initiative follows an announcement made by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif during a public gathering in Muzaffarabad. Nawaz Sharif had announced that electric buses would be provided to AJK to improve public transport facilities in the region. The arrival of the first 10 buses marks progress towards implementing that announcement. The new buses are expected to provide residents with a modern transport option. They are also aimed at improving the quality of public transportation and making daily travel more convenient for citizens. The electric buses were transported from Islamabad to Azad Kashmir. Their arrival is likely to support efforts to upgrade the region’s existing public transport system. The initiative is also significant because electric buses can help reduce dependence on conventional fuel-powered public transport. Their use can contribute to lower emissions and cleaner urban environments. The provision of the buses reflects cooperation between Punjab and the AJK administration in the transport sector. The initiative is expected to benefit commuters, particularly those who rely on public transport for work, education and other daily activities. The announcement was made during Nawaz Sharif’s address in Muzaffarabad, where he spoke about development and public welfare initiatives for Azad Kashmir. The arrival of the buses is expected to be followed by further steps to put them into service for the public. Authorities will determine their routes and operational arrangements. The initiative is being viewed as part of broader efforts to introduce modern and environmentally friendly transportation facilities in AJK.