Author: News Desk

An extremely high flood threatens to engulf Jalalpur Pirwala, a tehsil of Multan district, as the rising water level in the Chenab River forces authorities to begin evacuating the city’s 500,000 residents.

Multan City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali Dogar warned that low-lying areas of the city had been inundated and could be completely submerged by night. He said that evacuations from most areas had been completed.

Dogar maintained that the water was not advancing towards Head Panjnad and could submerge the entire city, and the administration had called in helicopters to rescue people from hard-to-reach areas.

A leading daily English quoted a senior official, on condition of anonymity, as saying that the government attempted to breach a bund to change the direction of the water, however, the villagers did not allow them to do so.

The senior official claimed that the government was planning to “save the city by diverting the water towards villages, but did not succeed”, adding that it was not possible to divert the flow since the water had already started entering the city. 

Meanwhile, as floods wreaks havoc in major parts of Punjab, torrential rainfall is expected across Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, till Sept 10.

In Punjab, rain and thunder showers with isolated heavy falls are expected in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Bahawalnagar, Vehari, Khanewal, Multan, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan, Rajanpur, Kot Addu, and Dera Ghazi Khan till Sept 9.

As per the Meteorological Department, heavy to “exceptionally very heavy falls” are expected in Tharparker, Umer Kot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Khairpur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Matiari, Tando Allayar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Hyderabad, Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Dadu, Kashmore, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur and Ghotki for the next couple of days with occasional gaps.

The rainfall will occur at isolated places in Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Wazirabad during the forecast period.

In Balochistan, rain with scattered heavy falls is expected in Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibbi, Zhob, Naseerabad, Bolan, Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Pasni, Makran coast and Gwadar with occasional gaps. In KP, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Swabi, Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, and Kurrum will receive rainfall till September 9.

Flooding from the Ravi River has caused significant damage to Sahiwal’s road infrastructure, isolating multiple districts and halting local transportation for several days.

Three key routes connecting Sahiwal to Toba Tek Singh, Kamalia, Faisalabad, Gojra, Arifwala, Burewala, Vehari, Khanewal and Pakpattan have been severely affected, with washouts occurring at various locations, some spanning over 200 feet.

Additionally, six smaller inter-village roads have become unusable.

The impact, however, extends beyond the surface of the roads. Nearly 100 culverts have fallen and floodwaters have eroded the foundations of several road sections. Traffic, both light and heavy, has been halted across the five most affected districts for the last three days, resulting in the isolation of numerous villages.

This disruption has also affected local markets. Deliveries of vegetables from Faisalabad and Toba Tek Singh have not reached Chichawatni, leading to shortages. Cattle traders face difficulties in moving livestock, forcing many animals to be housed at the Chichawatni market.

While the water level of the Ravi has decreased to 123,000 cusecs, the Flood Forecasting Division in Lahore has cautioned of another surge of 150,000 cusecs anticipated to hit Sahiwal due to heavy rainfall in upstream areas.

Local authorities are remaining vigilant. Muhammad Ramzan, the executive engineer of the highways department, stated that repairs to the inter-village roads cannot commence until the water has receded.

“If more water arrives tonight, the situation could deteriorate as 80% of the roads are already submerged,” he said.

Ramzan also mentioned that the Communication and Works Department is working on installing a steel bridge to address a 200-foot breach on the Chichawatni-Kamalia road.

The department hopes this temporary structure will allow for limited traffic to resume within 48 hours, if the forthcoming flood does not cause additional damage.

Evaluations of the overall damage to both major and minor routes are still ongoing, while residents are left uncertain about when normal travel connectivity will be restored.

Pakistan on Friday observed the country’s 60th Defence and Martyrs Day, with the country’s civilian and military leadership paying rich tribute to martyrs, ghazis and resilient citizens whose sacrifices continue to safeguard the nation’s freedom and sovereignty.

The day, which coincided with Eid Milad Un Nabi (PBUH), began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital.

President Asif Ali Zardari called September 6 a “glorious chapter” in Pakistan’s history. In his message, he paid tribute to soldiers and citizens who defended the nation with unshakable faith and unmatched courage.

The president highlighted the significance of this year’s Defence Day following the success of Operation Bunyan Um Marsoos. “Just as our courageous forces demonstrated extraordinary valour and dedication in 1965, our sons once again proved their unmatched bravery during this year’s operation,” he said.

The president lauded the professional excellence of the armed forces, describing Pakistan’s defence as “impregnable” and rooted in the spirit of its people. As supreme commander, he vowed to modernise defence capabilities while countering threats such as hybrid warfare, disinformation and psychological operations.

President Zardari urged all pillars of the state, particularly the youth, to remain alert and united. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and Palestine, calling Indian occupation the root cause of regional instability. He demanded a just solution for Kashmir and an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif called September 6 a symbol of courage, unity and resilience. He said Pakistan’s armed forces, with full support of the nation, had proven their ability to defend the country in 1965 and once again in 2025.

The premier praised the army, navy, and air force for their professionalism and combat skills under the leadership of Field Marshal Munir. “The courage of martyrs and war veterans would continue to inspire generations,” he said.

PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace but warned against “continuous Indian provocations and shifting regional dynamics”. He stressed countering foreign-sponsored terrorism and proxy warfare while strengthening the economy as a pillar of defence.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he reiterated support for their right to self-determination and condemned Israeli aggression in Palestine. He urged uninterrupted humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also paid homage to the nation’s heroes.

In a statement, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said September 6 epitomises the unflinching resolve and unshakeable spirit of the Pakistani nation.

“On this historic day, our brave soldiers, with the support of the nation, stood like an insurmountable wall against blatant aggression, thwarting the nefarious designs of an enemy far superior in arms and numbers. The feats of heroic valour and sacrifice left an indelible message on the sands of time: that a united nation can never be defeated,” the military’s media wing said.

ISPR added that the courage of fearless heroes continues to inspire future generations and their legacy shall live on forever.

The armed forces also expressed their resolve to extend all-out support to victims of the ongoing floods across Pakistan and reaffirmed their pledge to defend the country against any threat, vowing a “befitting and decisive response” to any attempt to disrupt hard-earned peace.