Category: National

A new monsoon spell is expected across different regions of Pakistan starting August 29, with heavy rain likely to last through September 2, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

Strong winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are likely to affect northern regions from August 29. Additionally, a westerly wave is expected to move into the upper and central areas starting August 30, bringing widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, rain is forecast for Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, and Mirpur from August 29 to September 2. Districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar, are also expected to see rain and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy downpours possible from August 30 to September 1.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to experience rain and thunderstorms across many districts, including Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Tank, and Dera Ismail Khan between August 29 and September 1.

In Punjab, where floodwaters have already affected large areas, significant rainfall is predicted in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Narowal, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal from August 29 to September 2. The PMD also noted that districts such as Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rajanpur, and Rahimyar Khan will be affected from the night of August 29 to September 2.

In Sindh, rain is expected in Mithi, Tharparkar, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Dadu, and Umerkot on August 30 and 31. Several districts in Balochistan, including Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibi, Zhob, Kalat, and Khuzdar, are forecast to receive rainfall between August 30 and September 1.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of potential flash floods in Kashmir, northern Punjab, and certain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It also warned of possible landslides and mudslides in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galiyat, and Kashmir. Urban flooding alerts have been issued for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Mardan from the night of August 29 through September 1.

For the first time in the country’s history, a blood moon will be visible in Pakistan next month, the Meteorological Department said Thursday.

According to reports, a total lunar eclipse will take place on the night between September 7 and 8, 2025. The event will begin at 8:28 PM with the start of the penumbral phase, followed by a partial lunar eclipse at 9:27 PM. The eclipse will reach its peak at 11:12 PM, and the partial phase will end at 12:57 AM. The total lunar eclipse will conclude at 1:55 AM on September 8.

The eclipse will last for 5 hours and 27 minutes, making it one of the longest of the decade. During the eclipse, the moon will turn a deep red colour, creating the spectacular phenomenon known as a blood moon.

This celestial event will not only be visible across Pakistan but also in most parts of Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific region. However, it will not be visible in the United States.

Astronomers have called the September 2025 eclipse a rare opportunity for skywatchers, as around 88 percent of the world’s population will be able to witness it. Experts explain that the blood-red colour occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, blocking direct sunlight. The light that passes through Earth’s atmosphere scatters, allowing only red wavelengths to reach the moon’s surface.

Earlier this year, the first lunar eclipse of 2025 occurred on March 14 but was not visible in Pakistan as it happened during the daytime.

A shepherd in Shangla risked his life to rescue eight members of a neighbouring family and their livestock during the devastating floods triggered by a cloudburst in the district’s Puran tehsil.

According to reports, 57-year-old Sher Malik was at home on the night of August 14 when he heard screams for help from his neighbours whose house was surrounded by floodwater. The family had no men at home, leaving women, children and animals trapped inside.

“My house is on higher ground, and their home was almost submerged. The water had surrounded them from all sides,” Malik said, adding that he rushed there immediately and first rescued the children, then the women and shifted them to his own house.

The family then pleaded with him to save their animals. “They begged me to save the cattle, saying they would suffer great losses otherwise,” he recalled.

Malik went back despite the rising water levels. While rescuing a goat, the house’s roof collapsed on him, crushing his arm. “The roof was made of iron sheets. My hand was badly injured and started bleeding, but I stayed conscious.”

He remained trapped under the debris for nearly three hours as water rushed through the area. “After a lot of effort, I managed to free myself,” Malik said.

Eventually, he was pulled out and taken home with his arm tied in cloth. Unfortunately, he lost his hand, which was later recovered from the rubble. Community members carried him to a hospital in Peshawar for surgery.

When asked why he took such a risk, Malik said, “As a Muslim, as a human and as a neighbor, it was my duty to save their lives.”

“If I hadn’t been there, they would have died like many others who were swept away in the floods,” he said.

Malik, who depends on livestock for his livelihood, said locals are helping him with food and medical expenses. He recently returned home after treatment and continues to receive visitors who laud his bravery, and urge the government to provide financial assistance.

Shangla is among the worst-hit districts in recent floods that claimed 36 lives in the area. According to Rescue 1122, 31 bodies have so far been recovered in Puran alone while operations continue in Khowar Banda and Shati Dara.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported “exceptionally high floods” at the Shahdara barrage on the Ravi River and at Ganda Singh Wala on the Sutlej.

According to NDMA data, as of 6:00 a.m. today, the water level at Shahdara was recorded at 213,440 cusecs with a “falling flow,” while Ganda Singh Wala stood at 261,053 cusecs with a “steady flow.”

Meanwhile, the water level at Balloki on the Ravi showed a steady flow, while Qadirabad on the Chenab was in “high flood” with a “falling flow.”

Heavy rains are expected from August 29 to September 2: PMD

As the flood is already wreaking havoc in major parts of Punjab, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced fresh downpours across the country. According to the department, a westerly wind system is entering the country, under which heavy rains are expected from August 29 to September 2. 

Reports, citing rescue officials, claimed that flooding in the Sutlej River led an embankment near Jhangra Sharqi, Bahawalpur, to collapse, adding that hundreds of acres of crops in riverine areas have been submerged, while several houses were also inundated. 

Meanwhile, the irrigation department has reported a sharp rise at Head Islam in Bahawalpur, where inflow has now crossed 60,000 cusecs. 

Punjab Provincial Department Management Authority (DMA) Director General (DG) Irfan Ali Kathia has said that floods in Punjab have claimed the lives of at least 20 people, mostly in drowning-related incidents.

Kathia, while speaking to the media, stated that the majority of the deaths occurred due to drowning and were reported mostly in the Gujranwala division, adding that no loss of life was reported due to any negligence in rescue services.

He further announced that the Punjab government will give one million rupees to each victim’s family as compensation, adding that they made every possible effort to rescue people, whether via helicopters or boats.

“There is heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in Gujarat, Gujranwala, Lahore,” he said, warning that urban flooding is likely to happen.

Nestlé Pakistan has completed donations of 200,000 liters of clean drinking water, in the first phase to support vulnerable communities affected by the devastating floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan, following National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) calls for flood relief efforts, and has pledged an additional 100,000 liters for districts in Punjab.

Acknowledging Nestlé’s contribution Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, Chairman NDMA, said, “I would like to thank Nestlé Pakistan for their immediate and urgent support in this hour of need. We are optimistic that with a generous contribution from our long-term partners like Nestlé Pakistan, we will be able to provide relief to the flood victims in these pressing times.”

Highlighting the efforts, Jason Avanceña, Chief Executive Officer Nestlé Pakistan said, “Access to clean drinking water is the biggest concern for communities displaced by flooding across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and Punjab and that’s where we are focusing the bulk of our efforts,” he said, adding, “together Nestlé is committed to be a force for good for the vulnerable communities in these regions and supports the efforts of NDMA in these times of crisis.”

Nestlé mobilized 200,000 liters of water through the NDMA and district administrations in Buner, Swat, Swabi, Shangla, Bajaur, Gilgit and Skardu to support them in relief work for the people and the communities affected by this natural calamity. As NDMA issued flood alerts for Punjab, Nestlé also initiated mobilizing 100,000 liters of water for affected areas in Punjab.

The company is also working tirelessly to ensure that much-needed food and beverage products are available for consumers in these regions. At Nestlé, we care deeply for people and for the communities in which we operate, and we believe we have an essential role to play during times of crisis.

Commander of the Ethiopian Air Force (EAF) Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa on Wednesday met with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad, expressing his force’s interest in learning from the combat experience, integrated command systems and technological innovations of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to boost operational strength.

According to reports, the visiting dignitary also expressed keen interest in exploring avenues of technology transfer within the aviation sector, particularly in indigenous development and modernisation initiatives.

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu expressed his commitment to further strengthening the military partnership between the two air forces through joint training programmes, assuring the EAF of Pakistan’s full cooperation in its professional development.

He further stated that Pakistan was determined to assist the EAF in enhancing its capabilities and extending all possible support in advanced training and operational domains.

As part of his visit, the Ethiopian air commander received comprehensive briefings at the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and PAF Cyber Command during which he appreciated PAF’s technological advancement and integration of cutting-edge capabilities in modern warfare.

Earlier, a smartly turned-out contingent of the PAF presented Lt Gen Merdassa with a guard of honour and thanked his Pakistani counterpart for the warm welcome.

Punjab government’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed on Thursday that as many as 12 people have lost their lives in the floods ravaging Punjab.

Speaking to media in Lahore, the senior minister stated that no deaths occurred due to negligence by the Punjab government or rescue agencies and went on to say that rescue operations, particularly via boats, are actively underway.

Aurangzeb added that monitoring efforts are also underway, and about six to seven people have been rescued from debris.

“Food is being provided at relief camps, and nearly 200,000 livestock have been moved to safe locations with their owners,” she stated, urging citizens to avoid flood-hit areas and not to approach water channels for selfies or photos.

Praising the tireless efforts of both rescue and administrative teams, she stated that many personnel have worked for three to five days without sleep.

Aurangzeb also acknowledged the support of the media and the presence of elected officials and ministers in affected areas in the province.

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider, has conducted an aerial visit of Punjab’s flood-hit areas in a helicopter.

During the survey, the NDMA chief updated the Premier on surging water levels in Punjab’s rivers, as well as rescue and relief operations in submerged areas.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday warned of more rain and thundershowers, starting from Friday (August 29).

“Rain continues to lash flood-ridden Punjab, with more rain-thundershowers predicted from tomorrow (August 29, 2025),” it said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

K-Electric’s CEO and senior officials appeared before the Sindh High Court on Thursday and apologized for prolonged power outages at the homes of judges and court officers following heavy rains in Karachi, media reports have said.

The court had summoned K-Electric officials after a major power breakdown left several areas of the city without electricity for extended periods. The issue caused severe inconvenience to judges, senior officers, and their families, the notice stated.

According to the court’s notice issued on August 22, multiple neighborhoods remained without power for two days after the August 20 rains, while others faced low voltage issues. The court also noted that despite being provided with emergency contact numbers, the High Court’s protocol section received no response from K-Electric officials, who even switched off their phones.

The court reminded K-Electric that under NEPRA regulations, the utility is obligated to ensure an uninterrupted power supply and must have alternative systems in place for emergency situations. It also directed the company to nominate a panel of senior officers who will remain available at all times and to create a direct communication channel with the court’s protocol section to avoid delays.

During the hearing, K-Electric officials assured the court that a strategy has been developed to prevent major breakdowns and faults in the future. The officials also shared contact details of area officers and stated that some officers have been transferred. Those found negligent will face action after an inquiry, the company added.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from riverine areas of Punjab as the Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers experience “exceptionally high” floods following India’s release of water into Pakistan, officials said Wednesday.

Punjab is currently grappling with an extraordinary flood emergency caused by a mix of heavy rainfall and India’s release of water from at least two dams.

After India opened all gates of major dams on rivers in Held Kashmir following heavy rains, authorities issued an alert for flooding in Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej – that flow into the country from India.

Following the alert, the Punjab government called in the army to assist civil authorities in rescue and relief-related operations in at least eight districts.

Ravi at Jassar is carrying a high flood of 202,200 cusecs, which could rise to 229,700 cusecs. At Shahdara in Lahore, the river is currently flowing at 72,900 cusecs, putting low-lying areas, including Shahdara, Park View and Motorway M-2, at risk of flooding, the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) said.

Rescue teams have evacuated dozens of people trapped in floodwaters in Shakargarh, Narowal and Gujranwala districts after heavy overnight downpour swelled rivers and streams. Roads, schools and villages were inundated in parts of Narowal, while sections of Head Khanki road in Gujranwala were submerged, cutting off access to nearby villages. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif chaired an emergency meeting to review the emergency situation. The NDMA chairman briefed the prime minister on the latest flood conditions.

The premier directed authorities to further improve early warning systems to ensure timely alerts, adding that the delivery of essential supplies must continue without delay.