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KETI BUNDER: More than 300 patients benefited from free healthcare services during a one-day medical camp organized at the Town Committee Gharobari in Taluka Keti Bunder, District Thatta. The camp focused on the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, hepatitis screening, and general health consultations, aiming to improve access to quality healthcare for residents of the area. The medical camp was held under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Gharobari Sorath Mazhar Abro, Mukhtiarkar Gharobari Maqsood Ahmed Jokhio, and Chairman Town Committee Gharobari Muhammad Ramzan Panhwar. Local residents, including women, children, and elderly patients, attended the camp in large numbers and received free medical examinations, medicines, and professional consultations. A team of experienced healthcare professionals, led by renowned dental surgeon Dr. Shyam Kumar of Civil Hospital Makli and Dr. Mehran Abro, conducted detailed examinations and provided treatment for various oral and dental diseases. Patients were also screened for hepatitis, while doctors educated them about preventive measures, personal hygiene, and the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment. District Health Officer (DHO) Thatta, Syed Safdar Shah, visited the camp to review the arrangements and interact with the medical staff. He appreciated the dedicated efforts of the doctors, paramedics, and organizers in delivering quality healthcare services to the local community. Speaking on the occasion, he said that free medical camps are essential for improving public health, particularly in remote and underserved areas, as they provide timely medical assistance and create awareness about disease prevention. Residents expressed gratitude to the district administration and health department for organizing the camp and hoped that similar healthcare initiatives would continue regularly to benefit people living in rural areas of Thatta.

A potential nationwide disruption to fuel transportation has been temporarily put on hold after Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister agreed to meet representatives of the Oil Tankers Contractors Association following the group’s 72-hour ultimatum. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 27, where both sides are expected to discuss the association’s long-standing demands and explore ways to prevent a countrywide strike. During a joint press conference, leaders of the Pakistan Oil Tankers and Contractors Association said they had repeatedly raised their concerns with the authorities over the past year and a half. They stated that if the government accepts their demands, they will formally announce the decision. However, if negotiations fail, they will unveil their next course of action, which could include a nationwide suspension of oil tanker operations. The association is demanding an immediate end to commercial loading practices and an increase in transportation rates. According to the representatives, oil tanker freight charges have remained unchanged for the past three years despite a sharp rise in operating expenses. They also pointed out that motorway and National Highway Authority (NHA) toll taxes have increased by nearly 180 percent during the same period, making current transport rates financially unsustainable. Association leaders further alleged that despite months of negotiations and official correspondence, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and the Petroleum Division failed to address their concerns, leaving them with no option but to threaten industrial action. The outcome of Monday’s meeting is expected to determine whether the dispute is resolved through dialogue or escalates into a nationwide strike that could affect fuel transportation and supply across the country.

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.