Category: National

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.

Three children were killed and five others sustained injuries when a dumper truck ran them over in Abbottabad on Friday morning.

Abbottabad police spokesperson Azam Mir Afzal told a private news outlet that the accident took place as the children were crossing the road near Lady Garden Park on their way to school.

A first information report was registered against the driver, who fled the scene, while the dumper truck was seized, he said.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmad Faizi told reporters that a rescue team immediately went to the accident site after receiving information. “The bodies of the deceased, as well as the injured children, were taken to the district headquarters hospital.”

After the incident, family members of the children and locals staged a protest by blocking the Old Karakoram Highway.

“They demanded the arrest of the dumper truck’s driver,” the police spokesperson noted, adding that the protest ended after police assured the families that the driver would be arrested. Raids are being conducted to trace him.

It may be noted that the city has witnessed such tragedies before. In March, at least two students died and nine others were injured when a private van plunged into a gorge in Abbottabad’s Tarnoi Qalandarabad area.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in its latest update on Thursday said that heavy water flow has been reported across major rivers and Headworks in Punjab.

According to the PDMA, the flow at Marala Headworks on River Chenab has touched 247,000 cusecs, while at Khanki Headworks the flow has risen to 526,000 cusecs. 

At Qadirabad Headworks, water discharge has climbed to 530,000 cusecs, and at Chiniot Bridge, the flow stands at 494,000 cusecs. At Trimmu Headworks, the flow has risen to 253,000 cusecs.

On the River Ravi, PDMA reported flows of 82,000 cusecs at Jassar, 98,000 cusecs at Siphon, and 97,400 cusecs at Shahdara. At Balloki Headworks, the discharge is 121,600 cusecs, and at Sidhnai Headworks, it has reached nearly 140,000 cusecs.

The inflow in the River Sutlej rose to 319,295 cusecs at Ganda Singh Wala, 132,492 cusecs at Sulaimanki Headworks, and 95,727 cusecs at Islam Headworks. At Panjnad Headworks, the flow currently stands at 169,032 cusecs, the PDMA stated.

The water level in Chenab continues to rise, with authorities warning of extreme pressure on flood embankments in the district. The flow has crossed critical levels at several points, flooding large areas and submerging multiple villages.

At Head Sidhnai, water pressure caused a breach in the canal, inundating Basti Khokhran and surrounding settlements. Officials said the canal now carries four times its designed capacity.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has forecast that the ninth spell of the monsoon is likely to persist for one more day. 

According to the NDMA, rainfall is also anticipated in the southern parts of the country, including South Punjab and South Sindh, from September 6. The coastal districts of Badin, Sujawal, and Tharparkar are expected to receive heavy downpours.

In a statement on Thursday, Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed said that the death toll from floods in Punjab has risen to 43.

As per the relief commissioner, 3.36 million people have been impacted by the recent floods in Punjab, while another 1.29 million were rescued and shifted to safety, adding that nearly 800,000 animals have been evacuated.

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif’s fluent English address to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in Beijing and cordial interaction with world leaders have sparked a debate across the border. 

Many Indian netizens expressed envy, wishing their premier Narendra Modi could communicate with world leaders in the same way as the Pakistani PM did. 

The meeting between PM Sharif and President Putin was held during their visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of States (CHS) summit a day ago.

Sharing a video featuring PM Shehbaz and President Putin on X (formerly Twitter), one Indian user wrote, “So, Pakistan[’s] PM is more educated than ours…India desperately needs an educated PM.”

Indians were then quick to troll PM Modi in the comment section. “So, what? He [Shehbaz Sharif] can’t laugh in 103 languages like ours [Narendra Modi],” a user quipped.

“Pakistan’s PM shows his degree, India’s PM hides his,” said another, referring to the Delhi High Court’s recent decision to set aside a 2016 order by the Central Information Commission (CIC) that had directed Delhi University (DU) to disclose details of Modi’s degree.

“But of course, he [Shehbaz Sharif] can never compete with Modi Ji’s world-class talent of bursting into laughter at absolutely nothing, pure leadership goals!” mocked another one. 

Meanwhile, one person highlighted that Shehbaz “speaks fluently in six languages (Urdu, Punjabi, English, Arabic, German, Sindhi) and has basic knowledge of four others (Turkish, Chinese, Russian, Pashto), making a total of ten”.

Indian users also shared many other clips of what they said were Modi’s awkward moments with world leaders at the SCO Summit.

“Forcefully grabbing other leaders’ hands, and laughing on anything as he doesn’t understand even basic English have become hallmarks of Modi’s disastrous foreign policy. He does this to fool the fools in India! (sic)” said Ashok Swain, professor at Uppsala University, Sweden, sharing Modi’s video showing him grabbing the hands of Chinese President XI Jinping and President Putin and laughing heartily. 

Another user towed the professor’s comment, asking, “Why is he forcibly holding hands? Both leaders, Putin and Jinping, are looking uncomfortable. This illiterate, mannerless…man brings embarrassment everywhere.”