Thailand to Enter Summer on February 22, Temperatures Expected to Soar to 42°C in Northern Regions

Heavy rainfall disrupted routine life across Lahore on Saturday, leaving several roads, underpasses and low-lying neighbourhoods inundated and causing difficulties for motorists and pedestrians. The downpour led to significant water accumulation in different parts of the city, slowing traffic and making several routes difficult to navigate. Residents in low-lying areas faced particular inconvenience as rainwater gathered on streets and roads. According to rainfall figures recorded by the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa), Lahore received an average of 24.6 millimetres of rain. The highest rainfall was recorded at Lahore Airport, where 104mm was reported. Kahna received 75.6mm, while 62.6mm was recorded at Hadiara Defence Road and 58.6mm at Manawan. Rainfall was also recorded in Tajpura, Mughalpura, Shadipura, Defence Phase-VI, Farrukhabad, Saggian, Lakshmi Chowk, Chowk Nakhuda and other areas. Although the rain provided relief from the prevailing heat and brought cooler weather, waterlogging created problems for commuters and once again highlighted the challenges faced by Lahore’s low-lying areas during heavy showers. Wasa Lahore mobilised field teams and heavy machinery to remove accumulated water from affected locations. Officials continued drainage operations at several underpasses, major roads and low-lying points across the city. Wasa Managing Director Ghufran Ahmed inspected drainage activities at several key locations, including Mubeen Shaheed Underpass, Noor Jehan Road, MM Alam Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Qaddafi Stadium and Liberty Chowk. He also reviewed operations at Kalma Chowk Underpass and other emergency drainage facilities. Officials said disposal stations in areas affected by power outages were being operated with generators to ensure that drainage work continued without interruption. Wasa Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shehbaz Ahmed also inspected water drainage arrangements at several locations, including Shalimar Link Road, Bhagwanpura, UET and nearby areas. Meanwhile, Chief Traffic Officer Abdul Rahim Shirazi directed traffic officials to remain present in the field and closely monitor traffic flow and vulnerable points during the rainfall. Traffic police coordinated with Wasa teams to facilitate the removal of standing water and advised motorists to drive carefully on slippery roads. Drivers were urged to maintain a safe distance, avoid sudden braking and reduce speed. Motorcyclists were advised to wear helmets and avoid unnecessary overtaking. Citizens were also warned against entering roads where floodwater appeared deep or unsafe.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has given in-principle approval for a major shrimp farming project covering 30,000 acres across the province. The plan includes areas such as Bahawalpur and aims to turn unused and barren land into productive aquaculture zones. The decision was taken during a meeting on shrimp farming and fisheries development in Punjab. Officials briefed the chief minister about progress on the project and the potential for expanding shrimp production in different parts of the province. Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to speed up work on introducing modern, technology-based shrimp farming in Sargodha. The decision follows successful experimental farming activities in Muzaffargarh. The chief minister said Punjab had significant potential to develop a large shrimp farming industry. She said barren land could be transformed into productive farms and eventually become a major centre for shrimp exports. She said the development of a complete local value chain would help Punjab emerge as a leading shrimp-exporting region. The value chain would cover farming, processing, packaging, transportation and marketing. According to the chief minister, the project could also help save valuable foreign exchange. Local food businesses currently rely on imported shrimp to meet part of their demand. Increasing domestic production could reduce the need for imports and keep more foreign exchange within the country. Maryam Nawaz directed officials to gradually involve the private sector in the shrimp farming programme. She said private investment and modern technology could help expand production and improve the efficiency of the sector. The project is also expected to create new employment opportunities in farming, processing, transportation and related businesses. Officials will work on developing the necessary infrastructure and facilities as the programme expands. The chief minister stressed the need for a modern and commercially viable fisheries sector in Punjab. She directed the relevant departments to ensure that the project moves forward according to a clear and practical plan. During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz was also given a detailed briefing on the Kahna Fish Market. Officials discussed the market’s development and related fisheries activities.