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The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread monsoon rains, thunderstorms and strong winds across most parts of the country from July 24 to July 28, warning that heavy rainfall could trigger urban flooding and disrupt normal life in several regions. According to the latest weather advisory, a low-pressure system over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining areas is drawing strong monsoon currents into Pakistan. Under its influence, rain of varying intensity is expected across Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir during the next few days. In Sindh, moderate to heavy rain is expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Shikarpur and Thatta. Karachi is also likely to receive light rain and cloudy weather during the forecast period. In Punjab, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Vehari, Khanewal, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Murree and several nearby districts. Some places may experience heavy downpours. The weather department has also predicted rain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar, Swat, Chitral, Dir, Malakand, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Charsadda, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat and other districts until July 27. In Balochistan, rainfall is expected in Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Kohlu, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Barkhan, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar and surrounding areas. Isolated heavy rainfall is also possible in some locations. The forecast further includes rain and thunderstorms in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Diamer, Ghizer, Ghanche and Astore. Similar weather conditions are expected in Azad Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, Rawalakot, Bagh, Poonch, Mirpur, Kotli and nearby areas. The PMD has warned that heavy rainfall may lead to urban flooding in cities including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Badin and several other low-lying areas. Strong winds and lightning may also damage weak buildings, electric poles, trees and temporary structures. Tourists travelling to mountainous regions have been advised to remain cautious due to the risk of slippery roads, flash floods and landslides. Farmers have also been urged to plan agricultural activities carefully and take necessary measures to protect standing crops and livestock from adverse weather. Provincial governments and disaster management authorities have been directed to remain on alert throughout the forecast period. Rescue services, emergency response teams and drainage machinery have been placed on standby to respond quickly to any weather-related incidents.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that the groups holding sit-ins had attempted to disrupt the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections but failed to achieve their objective. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Rana Sanaullah said the people of Azad Kashmir had exercised their right to vote and given a mandate to their chosen representatives. He said the process of government formation in Azad Kashmir would begin after the completion of the third phase of the elections. Rana Sanaullah expressed hope that the groups staging protests would now recognise the situation and end their sit-ins. He said the government was willing to review the legitimate demands of the protesters. However, he warned that individuals who take up arms or act against the state would have to face legal action. The adviser also rejected allegations of widespread election rigging. He said those making such claims had so far failed to present evidence to support their allegations. Rana Sanaullah accused the Pakistan Peoples Party of using allegations of rigging to cover up what he described as its electoral defeat. He said the PPP was still raising concerns about alleged rigging, but the intensity of its claims had decreased compared with earlier stages of the election. He expressed hope that PPP leaders would eventually accept the results and congratulate the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on its performance. Polling in the third phase of the Azad Kashmir elections was continuing, while authorities reported that the overall voting process remained peaceful. Rana Sanaullah said elements that had attempted to prevent people from casting their votes had failed in their efforts. He maintained that voters were freely exercising their democratic right and choosing their representatives through the ballot. The prime minister’s adviser also expressed confidence about the formation of the next government in Azad Kashmir. He claimed that the results available so far indicated that the PML-N was on course to form the government with a two-thirds majority. Rana Sanaullah described the elections as free, fair and transparent. He said the democratic process had allowed the people of Azad Kashmir to give a clear mandate to their representatives. He added that the government would focus on addressing public issues after the elections. According to Rana Sanaullah, the completion of the third phase will pave the way for the formal process of government formation in Azad Kashmir. The remarks came amid political tensions surrounding the elections and protests. The government has repeatedly called for the continuation of the democratic process, while opposition groups have raised concerns over the conduct of the polls.