Typhoon Dolphin Will Not Directly Hit Thailand

At least 10 people lost their lives and several others were injured after a three-storey residential building collapsed in Lahore’s Baghbanpura area late Wednesday night, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. Emergency teams rushed to the scene shortly after the incident and recovered 16 people from beneath the debris. Six victims were pronounced dead at the site, while the remaining injured were shifted to nearby hospitals. Four more later died from their injuries, raising the death toll to 10. Rescue officials said four people remain in critical condition and are receiving treatment, while two injured victims have been discharged after medical care. Search teams continued clearing the rubble to ensure no one remained trapped. According to preliminary findings, the roof of the ageing building collapsed at around 10:15pm, causing the entire structure to cave in. Members of an extended family living on different floors were inside the building when the collapse occurred. Police and rescue workers immediately launched a coordinated operation, using heavy machinery and manual equipment to search for survivors. Authorities said the exact number of people inside the building at the time of the collapse is still being determined. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed senior officials to monitor the rescue and relief efforts. The city commissioner visited both the accident site and the hospital to review the situation and meet the injured survivors. Local lawmakers also visited the area and assured affected families that all possible assistance would be provided during the rescue operation and rehabilitation process. The latest tragedy has renewed concerns over the safety of old and deteriorating buildings in Lahore. It comes only weeks after a deadly roof collapse at a private tuition centre in Kahna claimed the lives of 14 children. Following that incident, provincial authorities had ordered safety inspections of educational institutions and other ageing structures.

Former Chief of Army Staff General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa has been shifted to the United Arab Emirates for further medical examination and treatment. Family sources said Bajwa is currently in the UAE. He travelled abroad after completing his initial treatment in Pakistan. The former army chief was examined by a team of specialist doctors in Dubai. The doctors carried out a detailed medical check-up. According to family sources, Bajwa’s condition has improved considerably after the medical examination. However, the results of some important medical tests are still awaited. Doctors will review the remaining reports before giving their final recommendations. His further treatment and return to Pakistan will depend on the doctors’ advice. Family sources said Bajwa will stay in the UAE for a few days. He will remain with his son during his stay in the country. A final decision about his return to Pakistan will be taken after the doctors review all his medical reports. His family is also awaiting the doctors’ further instructions. Bajwa had suffered serious injuries around four and a half months ago. He reportedly slipped and fell at his residence. The accident caused injuries to his head and back. He was immediately shifted to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi for treatment. The former army chief remained admitted to the hospital for around three weeks. He received treatment under the supervision of military doctors. At the time, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) officially confirmed that Bajwa had been injured after falling at his residence. The military’s media wing said he was receiving treatment at CMH Rawalpindi. His condition was monitored by doctors during his stay at the hospital. After completing his initial treatment in Pakistan, Bajwa later travelled to the UAE for further medical assessment. His current stay in the UAE is expected to continue until doctors complete their assessment. The results of the pending tests will help determine the next course of treatment. Family sources have not provided a specific date for his return to Pakistan. They said the decision will be made after consultation with doctors. General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa served as Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff from November 2016 to November 2022. He retired from the position after completing his tenure in November 2022.

KARACHI: Serious shortcomings in fire safety arrangements have been reported at major government hospitals in Karachi following the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, where newborns lost their lives. Hospital sources said several major public healthcare facilities in Karachi lack functional fire alarm systems and adequate emergency preparedness, raising concerns about the safety of thousands of patients and healthcare workers. At Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, operated by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), only 13 fire extinguishers are reportedly available across the facility. Sources said hospital staff have also not received regular fire safety training or participated in proper fire drills. The hospital reportedly does not have a fire alarm system or a designated emergency exit route. The situation is particularly concerning because hundreds of patients visit the emergency department every day, while more than 1,000 patients reportedly attend the outpatient department (OPD). Abbasi Shaheed Hospital has two generators, with one reportedly kept as a backup power source. The hospital’s Medical Superintendent said authorities were taking further steps to improve the fire safety system and address existing shortcomings. At Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), fire extinguishers are available in the wards, but hospital sources said several of them are not functional. Sources further said the last fire drill at the hospital was conducted in 2017. The hospital also reportedly lacks an installed fire alarm system. JPMC’s Joint Executive Director said a dedicated firefighting team needs to be established at the hospital. He said each ward has a fire extinguisher, while further training for staff is also required. He added that the hospital administration would write to the Sindh government seeking additional fire safety training for employees. Meanwhile, Civil Hospital Karachi has around 180 fire extinguishers distributed among its wards. However, sources said the overall fire safety arrangements at the hospital also fall short of ideal standards. The revelations have raised concerns about the preparedness of major public hospitals in Karachi to deal with fires and other emergencies. Large government hospitals handle thousands of patients, attendants and healthcare workers every day. In the event of a fire, the absence of functional alarms, clearly marked emergency exits, regular drills and trained response teams could make evacuation difficult and increase the risk to human lives. The situation has come under renewed scrutiny after the PIMS tragedy in Islamabad, prompting calls for immediate inspections of fire safety systems at hospitals across the country. Experts and hospital officials have stressed the need for regular fire drills, functioning extinguishers, alarm systems, emergency exits and trained firefighting teams.