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Tag: Punjab

  • Dhund nay kar dia safar mushkil

    Dhund nay kar dia safar mushkil

    A thick blanket of heavy fog has descended on different parts of Pakistan, severely impacting visibility and causing widespread transportation disruptions.

    Adverse weather conditions have compelled authorities to take precautionary measures, resulting in the closure of main highways and affecting air travel.

    The impact of the fog extends beyond Lahore, spreading as far as Mandi Bahauddin, Pindi Bhatian, Kot Addu, and Uch Sharif.

    Residents and commuters in these regions are urged to exercise caution and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.

    Sialkot and its surrounding regions, including Pasrur, Daska, and Sambrial, are grappling with reduced visibility levels, significantly disrupting traffic flow. Commuters are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and road closures to ensure their safety.

    The fog has not only affected ground transportation but has also disrupted air travel. Multiple flights have been canceled, and others delayed, impacting cities in Sindh and Punjab.

    The closures of major motorways, including the M2, M3, M4, M5, and M11, further compound transportation challenges.

    In addition to the transportation disruptions, the air quality in Lahore has deteriorated, earning the city the unfortunate distinction of being the most polluted in the world.

    Meanwhile, dense fog in various cities of Sindh and Punjab has led to operational challenges for flights. The Pakistan International Airliner (PIA) spokesperson emphasizes the importance of obtaining flight information from the PIA Call Centre before heading to the airport, considering the potential disruptions caused by the fog.

    Over the past week, a total of 32 flights destined for Faisalabad, Multan, Lahore, and other Punjab airports had to be redirected to Islamabad International Airport due to the prevailing fog conditions.

    “Severe fog ongoing in the country has affected PIA flights from Lahore, Multan and Sialkot airport,” the airline’s spokesperson, Abdullah Khan, said in a statement, adding the PIA apologized for any inconvenience caused due to these operational challenges.

    “Low visibility and intensity of fog pose difficulties in flight operations,” he added. “Flights from Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot may be canceled, changed or delayed due to fog.”

    Khan noted that flight operations were usually affected in these cities in winter.

    “All passengers are urged to obtain information about their flights from the PIA call center before heading to the airport,” he added.

    Unusual Winter Conditions Across Northwest India:

    Meanwhile, across Northwest India, including Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, a thick blanket of fog has descended, impacting visibility levels. Despite the fog, winter temperatures are milder than usual for this time of the year.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that night temperatures in north-western states remain higher than normal, with at least 2-3°C above-normal readings in several regions. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7.8°C, one degree above normal, with daytime temperatures reaching 22°C.

    Meteorologists attribute the warmer winter to the absence of strong western disturbances, traditionally responsible for winter rainfall over North India. Additionally, global warming is increasingly influencing weather patterns throughout the year, delaying the onset of winter and reducing the intensity of cold waves.

  • Pneumonia spreading fast in Punjab as province waits for rain

    Pneumonia spreading fast in Punjab as province waits for rain

    The head of the Provincial Public Health Lab, Dr. Hasnain Javed, has said that pneumonia is spreading in Punjab as dry cold and smog persist.


    In a conversation with Geo News, Dr. Hasnain Javed said that viral and bacterial pneumonia are spreading through the people, adding that patients affected by pneumonia are crowding emergency rooms and OPDs. heart, kidney, diabetes, and liver patients are more susceptible as they have weaker immune systems.


    Dr. Hasnain Javed said that Pakistan is among the 13 countries where pneumonia occurs every year, asking citizens to immediately get chest X-rays and blood tests for breathing problems.


    The interim health minister Dr. Jamal Nasir says that pneumonia has spread more this time than last year, stressing that so far many patients of pneumonia have come to the hospitals and gotten treatment in time.


    Meanwhile, medical experts say that both children and the elderly are suffering from pneumonia, such people should stay in a warm room.

  • Punjab is under security threat in upcoming elections, IG Punjab warns

    Punjab is under security threat in upcoming elections, IG Punjab warns

    Punjab Inspector General (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar has said that there is a serious threat to the law and order situation in the upcoming general elections, set to take place on February 8, Samma reported on Wednesday.

    The IGP talked to media after the inauguration of an art exhibition at Alhamhra Art Gallery, where he said that the police maintained the law and order situation during the festivities of Muharram and Christmas.

    “Many terrorist activities were foiled due to the conviction of the police,” he said.

    Usman Anwar stated that the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) is working on threats in Punjab, adding that police arrested 60 per cent of people last year who were involved in the May 9 riots.

    The IGP also claimed that the transfers and postings in the police department are being done at the direction of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

  • Kya PTI leaders mein larai chal rahi hai?

    Kya PTI leaders mein larai chal rahi hai?

    As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming general elections, internal tensions have surfaced within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), notably between leaders Taimur Khan Jhagra and Sher Afzal Marwat.

    The disagreement revolves around Marwat’s decision to enter the electoral race in Peshawar.

    Jhagra, a prominent PTI leader hailing from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has expressed objections to Marwat’s choice to contest the elections scheduled for February 8 next year from the NA-32 constituency in Peshawar.

    During a recent statement, Jhagra emphasized, “It would be more fitting if a leader from Peshawar contested from that constituency.”

    He underscored that the party, rather than individual leaders, should determine the candidates’ election constituencies.

    In response to these objections, Marwat, in an interview with Geo News, stated that he has no personal interest in participating in the elections.”The PTI founder has directed me to contest elections from Peshawar,” he added.

    Marwat, who has already submitted his nomination papers, reiterated his commitment to contesting elections from Peshawar as per Imran Khan’s instructions.

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reported a significant influx of nomination papers, receiving a total of 28,626 submissions from aspiring candidates across the country vying to participate in the upcoming polls.

    As per the ECP’s data seen by Geo News, 7,242 men and 471 women have filed nomination papers for national assembly seats (general), whereas for provincial assemblies, the number stands at 17,744 and 802, respectively.

    The ECP is currently scrutinising the nomination papers filed by the candidates with the stage set to culminate on December 30 (Saturday).

    Meanwhile, appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers can be submitted by January 3, and decisions on these appeals will be made by January 10.

    The top electoral body will issue the list of candidates on January 11, with candidates having the option to withdraw until January 12 i.e., before the ECP allots electoral symbol on January 13.

    As per the data shared by the ECP, a total of 459 and 1,365 nomination papers have been received by the electoral body for the reserved seats for national and provincial legislature, respectively.

    Meanwhile, on the reserved seats for non-muslims, 361 men and 32 women have submitted their nomination papers for provincial assemblies. For national assembly seats, the number stands at 140 and 10, respectively.

    A total of 7,713 people have submitted their nomination papers for national assembly seats (general), with the number standing at 18,546 for provincial assemblies (general).

  • Supply-demand gap worsens: Lahore grapples with gas scarcity during key hours

    Supply-demand gap worsens: Lahore grapples with gas scarcity during key hours

    The metropolitan areas of Punjab, including Lahore, are grappling with a shortage of gas following a decline in temperatures, as confirmed by sources within the Sui Northern Gas Company.

    Residents across the majority of Punjab, notably in Lahore, are experiencing gas shortages during essential daily periods—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—due to an escalating disparity between demand and supply exacerbated by colder weather.

    With a demand for gas at 2100 million cubic feet and a supply of approximately 1200 million cubic feet, the gap has intensified the challenges faced by consumers in the region. 

    Notably, earlier this week, the SNGC imposed additional fixed charges on consumers’ November bills with the caretaker government’s approval.

    According to SNGC officials, protected consumers utilising 0.9 hectometers of gas will incur a monthly fixed charge of Rs400. 

    Non-protected users with consumption up to 1.5 hectometers will face an extra charge of Rs1,000 in their bills.

    Surprisingly, even consumers with zero gas usage are obligated to pay a fixed monthly charge of Rs400, as outlined by the recent adjustments in billing practices.

  • ‘I am more experienced than Barrister Gohar,’ Latif Khosa

    ‘I am more experienced than Barrister Gohar,’ Latif Khosa

    In a recent interview on Geo News’ program ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath,’ senior vice president of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Latif Khosa, took a swipe at the party’s newly appointed chairman Barrister Gohar.

    Khosa expressed confidence in assuming a leadership role after Imran Khan.

    Directing criticism at Barrister Gohar, Khosa stated that the lawyer lacks the experience that he possesses. He emphasized his role as the senior vice president within PTI, positioning himself as a contender for leadership after Imran Khan.

    During the conversation, Khosa emphasized that, unlike the situation with Nawaz Sharif, the judiciary was not biased in favor of PTI.

    He highlighted the trial without jurisdiction in the Toshakhana case, stating that the punishment given was incorrect and could be rectified through a review order.

    Khosa asserted that the subsequent disqualification of Imran Khan by the Election Commission as a consequence of delaying the sentence was rushed, occurring within three days instead of the stipulated 30 days.

    He further stated that the basic rights of Imran Khan were being apprehended by the courts.

    Khosa mentioned that the situation is leading to uncertainty and keeping PTI out of elections means that the elections are not free and fair.

  • MARYAM NAWAZ, PML-N’S CANDIDATE FOR CHIEF MINISTER PUNJAB

    MARYAM NAWAZ, PML-N’S CANDIDATE FOR CHIEF MINISTER PUNJAB

    The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, Captain (r) Muhammad Safdar, said on Wednesday that his wife, vice president of PML-N, Maryam Nawaz, is the party’s candidate for the position of Punjab’s chief minister, Dawn has reported.

    Captain Safdar also said that after getting a clean chit from courts, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif will contest the upcoming elections for a National Assembly (NA) seat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s NA-15 (Mansehra).

    “Nawaz Sharif will be our election candidate from NA-15 (Mansehra-II). He will become the prime minister as an elected representative of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to address the province’s deprivation,” Mr Safdar told reporters outside the deputy commissioner’s office in Mansehra.

    Safdar also said that he himself will submit the nomination papers of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

    He further said that PML-N leader Amir Muqam is the party’s candidate for KP’s chief minister.

    Captain Safdar also mentioned that he will not contest the election from NA-15, as he wants to become a senator. “I will never decline the party’s offer for a Senate ticket,” he said.

    PML-N president and former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will submit his nomination papers from Lahore’s NA-123, PP-158, and PP-164 seats.

  • Artificial rain in Lahore; Just looking like a wow

    Artificial rain in Lahore; Just looking like a wow

    In a historic stride, Lahore on Saturday witnessed its maiden experiment with artificial rain, revealed caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi.

    Addressing the media in Lahore, the caretaker CM Punjab said that the occasion marks the first successful venture into artificial rain in the country’s history. He revealed that this morning, Lahore, previously the most polluted city, experienced artificial rain for the first time.

    Naqvi clarified that no additional funds were allocated for this initiative, however, he expressed willingness to spend money if needed to combat smog. Rainfall occurred in approximately 10 areas of Lahore, covering a planned region of 10 to 15 km.

    He expressed gratitude to the Environment Department and the UAE team for their exhaustive scrutiny of the process, culminating in the eagerly awaited results.

    Detailing the procedure, Naqvi disclosed that 48 flares were deployed for cloud seeding, specifically targeting the Shahdara area.

    Looking ahead, Naqvi mentioned the upcoming installation of smog towers. He emphasized that the artificial rain experiment, being both novel and impactful, is currently under observation for short-term and long-term effects. Results from the artificial rain are expected tonight.

    Naqvi shared insights into the cloud seeding mission, noting that it was executed some time ago, directing clouds towards Shahdara and Muridke.

  • Temperatures to fall further across Pakistan

    Temperatures to fall further across Pakistan

    Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted cold and dry weather for most parts of the country.

    Sindh is to experience a wave of cold especially in Karachi. Weather analyst Jawad Memon has said, “Mercury may drop to single digit in the suburban areas of Karachi.”

    A shallow westerly wave was affecting western Balochistan which is likely to have moved northeast. It will affect the upper parts, causing cold waves in Sindh as soon as the system moves out in the next 24 hours.

    The Met Department said that mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most plain areas of the country, while very cold and partly cloudy weather is expected in the upper parts during the next week.


    Fog is likely in upper Sindh, plain areas of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during morning and night, it added.

  • Chief Traffic Officer Amara Athar has good news for women

    Chief Traffic Officer Amara Athar has good news for women

    Amara Athar, the first woman chief traffic officer of Lahore, has announced good news for women.

    After taking over the post, she has asserted that the department’s priority will be to get more girls to ride motorcycles and increase the capacity of women drivers.

    Pointing out that traffic jams are a major problem in the city, Athar said that her aim is to improve traffic flow within limited resources.

    Who is Amara Athar?

    Amara Athar was appointed as the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) of Lahore by Punjab government on December 12.

    The BS-19 police officer is the first woman police officer on central traffic control assignment in the provincial capital and the fourth woman police officer posted in Lahore.

    Dawn reports that according to an official, under Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar’s policy, female officers have been prioritised for field assignments to counter the “decades-old tradition of ‘male dominant’ policing in the province”.

    An official claims that while there were a number of male contenders for the top position of the Lahore traffic police, the IGP preferred a woman officer, especially after the outstanding performance of another female officer, Aysha Butt, who was posted as Gujranwala CTO who has reportedly bring about significant reforms in a short period since her appointment.

    Butt has built Pakistan’s first traffic theme park at Gujranwala with a long walking track that has traffic signs on both sides to create public awareness about traffic rules.