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Tag: Karachi

  • ‘Pakistan was prepared but largely spared the full force of Cyclone Biparjoy’: Senator Sherry Rehman

    ‘Pakistan was prepared but largely spared the full force of Cyclone Biparjoy’: Senator Sherry Rehman

    Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall in India’s Gujarat on Thursday, largely sparing the coastal areas of Sindh in Pakistan. Due to swift evacuations ordered by Senator Sherry Rehman and executed by army forces, the inundated areas saw no loss of human lives.

    Forecasted to be hit hardest by the storm was the fishing port of Keti Bandar. According to an official from the Sindh provincial irrigation department, Keti Bandar suffered “zero damage”. Some shops have reopened in the city as intruding seawater has started receding. Fishermen have gradually started returning to Keti Bandar, anxious to make up for the several days of lost income.

    Biparjoy made landfall as a Category 1 cyclone, after weakening from its initial Category 3 status while it was in the Arabian Sea. Biparjoy further weakened into a cyclonic storm and was expected to become a depression by Friday evening, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

    Life in Sindh is returning to normal, said Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Shops and markets have gradually reopened in Thatta and Karachi Commissioner ordered the resumption of examinations and other education-related activities from June 17.

    The authorities also lifted the ban on going out into the sea.

    However, fishermen were advised to refrain from venturing out into the open sea until the system ends on Saturday (today).

  • Cyclone Biporjoy: Everything you need to know about its name

    Cyclone Biporjoy: Everything you need to know about its name

    Cyclone Biporjoy is expected to make landfall on the Arabian Sea coastal belt today (Thursday). Authorities in both Pakistan and India are on high alert to avoid any disaster.

    The name of the cyclone has left many curious. The name ‘Biparjoy’ was coined by Bangladesh. It means disaster or calamity in Bengali.

    Why is it important to name cyclones?


    The reasoning behind naming cyclones is pretty simple. The storm is either given a code or a name, and it’s simpler to remember a name than a string of letters, numbers, or technical terminology.

    Who decides the name of the cyclones?


    The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) maintains rotating lists of names, which are appropriate for each tropical cyclone basin.
    As a common rule, cyclones formed in different ocean basins across the world are named by those areas, regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs).

  • Cyclone Biparjoy: Karachi spared, Keti Bandar on high alert

    Cyclone Biparjoy: Karachi spared, Keti Bandar on high alert

    Karachi may be spared from the worst of Cyclone Biparjoy, the latest trajectories of the tropical storm seem to suggest.

    “The very severe cyclonic system (VSCS) Biparjoy will not directly hit Karachi; however, it will certainly hit Keti Bandar,” Minister of Climate Change Sherry Rehman said on Tuesday.

    Senator Sherry Rehman warned on a private TV show that there is no other option but evacuation for the residents of Keti Bandar.

    She added that Karachi may experience light rainfall today, but heavy rainfall is expected on Thursday and Friday. Karachi is likely to receive 110mm of rainfall, while Thatta, Badin, and Sajawal are expected to receive 330mm of rain.

    Sherry Rehman said panic is natural, pointing out that it is human psychology to panic when danger is near. However, following safety precautions can help us avoid danger.

    The Ministry of Climate Change has issued a High Alert for the residents of Keti Bandar and initiated the evacuation process.

    The senator urged locals to cooperate with the government and emphasized that the government did not want to resort to force, but if residents did not follow the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), necessary action would be taken.

    “We have a red alert in place until June 18 and will issue a new advisory at 11 or 12 o’clock on the day the storm is expected to make landfall,” she added.

    In a separate tweet, she stated: “Panic is understandable, human nature; but it’s important to move with caution and calm.”

    “Evacuations are painful, stressful, and hard to embark on, but we must insist on them in areas where we see #CycloneBiparjoy making landfall. For coastal areas like Keti Bandar, evacuations are not optional.”

    During the same appearance on Geo News’ ‘Aj Shahzeb Khanzada Ke Saath,’ Pakistan Meteorologist Department (PMD) Sindh Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz said the storm’s intensity had somewhat decreased.

    “There is no dangerous situation in Karachi; the cyclone will exit from the city’s south,” he said.

    He further added that the storm was heading toward the north.

    “It will then move northeast, where it will hit or pass Keti Bandar and Indian Gujarat,” he said, commenting on the cyclone’s trajectory.

  • ‘Mission Majnu agaya’: Pakistani Twitter users roast economics professor for spreading fake news

    ‘Mission Majnu agaya’: Pakistani Twitter users roast economics professor for spreading fake news

    Mission Majnu Part 2 shuru?

    Yehi tou lagta hai Steve Hanke babu ko, who took to Twitter to share a video of smoke rising from a building, claiming that it was a nuclear power plant in Karachi, and then proceeded to blame authorities for not taking the matter seriously.

    We would also like to point out that Steve Hank is a professor of Economics at the very prestigious John Hopkins. A professor of his stature is expected to share only the truth.

    https://twitter.com/steve_hanke/status/1668329656087629824?s=20

    Except, its not true. The video, from 12th June, is not of a nuclear power plant blast but its from a fire at a grid station in DHA, which left residents without light for hours.

    But if Pakistanis are good at anything, it is making memes to roast others. And we got some hilarious responses.

    Quick someone fly Sidharth Malhotra to Karachi!

    Mission Majnu say fact checking seekhien sir!

    https://twitter.com/legsidehack/status/1668497941256888327?s=20
    https://twitter.com/SeaweeedBrain_/status/1668353773326983180?s=20
  • Here are some tips to remember as Cyclone Biparjoy reaches Karachi

    Here are some tips to remember as Cyclone Biparjoy reaches Karachi

    Authorities in Karachi are on high alert as Geo reported today that residents of Defence Housing Authority have been warned to take precautionary measures after Cyclone Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea moves closer to the coast.

    Residents are being advised to keep their basements and windows shut and call DHA helpline 1092 in case of any emergency.

    A a list of requirements in case of emergency has also been shared on their Twitter account.

    As authorities prepare for the worse, citizens of Karachi on Twitter are sending each other advise in order to help prepare in case the worst situation happens. Twitter user Sabah Bano Malik began this trend when she asked her followers what things to keep in mind as the cyclone approaches the city:

    “As someone whose never experienced a cyclone what do I do,” she wrote.

    Whether it is having a prepared kit or stocking up, Karachi citizens came forward with the best tips:

    https://twitter.com/whereizmydeath/status/1667939730250686464?s=20
  • First-ever discounted Russian crude oil cargo arrives in Karachi

    First-ever discounted Russian crude oil cargo arrives in Karachi

    Under a newly established agreement between Islamabad and Moscow, the inaugural shipment of discounted Russian crude oil arrived in Karachi on Sunday, marking the beginning of enhanced trade relations between the two nations.

    Departing from Russia over a month ago, the oil cargo reached Pakistan via Oman. Officials announced that the unloading process would commence on Monday, with the oil undergoing processing at the Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL).

    During its lengthy voyage, the 100,000 metric ton oil shipment was divided into two parts in Oman due to the Karachi port’s limited capacity to accommodate larger vessels. Subsequently, two smaller ships, each carrying 50,000 metric tons of oil, embarked on their journey to Karachi.

    Upon the cargo’s arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his enthusiasm on Twitter, describing Sunday as a “transformative day” and affirming the fulfillment of his commitment to the nation.

    He expressed the belief that these developments would contribute incrementally to prosperity, economic growth, energy security, and affordability. The Prime Minister further recognised and commended all those involved in this national endeavor who helped turn the promise of Russian oil imports into reality.

    Sources indicate that this Russian oil shipment will not be subject to the existing domestic oil pricing mechanism in the country. Consequently, the PRL will assume the benefits or losses associated with the Russian oil. Additionally, the sources stated that this shipment serves as a test case to evaluate the quality of the crude oil and the ratio of refined products. A report will be submitted to the federal government to inform future decisions regarding long-term commercial oil agreements.

    Pakistan had secured its order for the initial cargo of Russian crude oil at a discounted rate of up to $18 per barrel. Following the Platts crude oil prices, Islamabad applied a discount ranging from $16 to $18 per barrel, according to insider information.

  • ANF seizes heavy amount of drugs in country wide operations

    ANF seizes heavy amount of drugs in country wide operations

    The Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) on Saturday arrested five drug peddlers and seized a huge cache of drugs in operations across the country.

    According to the ANF spokesman, the ANF carried out multiple operations in various parts of the country. The force foiled a major drug smuggling attempt from Quetta to Punjab and also recovered 180 kg of hashish from a truck full of onions near Dera Ghazi Khan.

    He said two suspects, who were residents of Pishin, were apprehended by the ANF team. In another operation, 500 grams of heroin was recovered from a suspect who belongs to Sialkot near Wazirabad Road in Hafizabad district of Punjab.

    Another operation was conducted at Indus Chowk near Gadap Town in Karachi, where 51 kgs of hashish was recovered from a car. It was being smuggled from Quetta to Karachi, he added.

    The spokesperson further said 371 kg of heroin and 221 kg of morphine were recovered from an uninhabited area of Pishin and also 10 kg of hashish was recovered from a rickshaw at Airport Road in Quetta.

    He said cases have been registered against the arrested suspects under the Anti-Narcotics Act and further investigation is underway.

  • ‘Mazarat’: Karachi TikToker apologises for making video at police station sitting at SHO’s chair while arrested

    Raees Jaffar, a TikToker from Karachi, was arrested by local police after his Tik Tok account showed a video he made sitting on the SHO’s chair…while he was under arrest.

    The 17 year old had been placed under detention for not having ownership documents of his car. During the time he was waiting for his parents to bring the documents, Jaffar decided to make a video where he was seen mocking the police officer.

    However, when the police got hold of it, they uploaded a video with the boy’s confession.

    In his video, Jaffar admitted to his mistake, saying he made the video without approval inside the police station and that he regrets it.

    The video is on the Twitter account of Karachi Police where it has amassed over 2000 views

    Another TikToker, Shahab Khan, was also arrested for making fun of traffic police in a viral tiktok, but was released after issuing an apology. In the video posted by the official account, the TikToker was seen being stopped by a police man, and then paying a bribe to be let off easily.

    “I made a video just for fun which sent the wrong message. The video has been deleted and I am very ashamed and sorry for this,” confessed Shahab.

  • New Canadian airline introduces direct flights from Canada to Pakistan

    New Canadian airline introduces direct flights from Canada to Pakistan

    A new Canadian airline has introduced direct flight to three major cities in Pakistan from Toronto. The flights to Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore will begin in August.

    The new airline, Zara Airways, has appointed Ejaz Haroon, former managing director of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as an adviser.

    The airline will operate three weekly flights from Toronto to Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.

    It plans to initiate operations in August, utilising two Boeing 777 aircraft initially, with the potential to expand the fleet based on demand. The partnership with Shaheen Airport for ground services, cabin crew, and other operational support will further strengthen Zara Airways’ capabilities.

    To ensure smooth commencement of operations, Zara Airways is currently in the process of securing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Canadian government.

    The establishment of Zara Airways is poised to invigorate Pakistan’s aviation industry, which has recently witnessed positive developments.

    The approval of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and SunExpress by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will introduce increased competition, ultimately leading to lower fares and improved services for passengers.

    Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines has announced the resumption of direct flights between Karachi and Addis Ababa, a route that had been suspended since 2004.

  • AKU doctors reciting naat for patient moves social media

    AKU doctors reciting naat for patient moves social media

    In difficult times it is nice to see doctors of this country doing their best to offer solace to people.

    A viral video on social media shows a group of doctors from Agha Khan University (AKU) reciting the naat ‘Faasalon Ko Taqaluf’ for a patient in order to calm them down.

    Since it was uploaded on social media, the video has received over 79.6K views on Twitter, with many users praising the professionals for such a moving and kind gesture and going beyond the call of duty to help a patient.

    https://twitter.com/4114r4/status/1664374750179729408?s=20

    The video was first shared by the Instagram page lifeataku. Underneath the post, people began sharing their experiences of doctors in hospitals offering solace to their loved ones when they were suffering. One user wrote:

    “I was admitted in the hospital for multiple organ failure and was in ICU. I remember the nursing staff playing Surah Rehman twice a day for the patients on their phones. It was such a soothing and pure experience to listen Surah Rehman, Alhumdulillah.”

    Another wrote:

    “When in South City my dad was admitted and was on bipap in covid days , the staff was keeping mobiles full time on eith surah rehman and yaseen no doubt whoever died are martyrs insha Allah like my dad “