ISLAMABAD:Mainly hot and humid weather is expected to prevail over most plain areas of the country on Thursday, while partly cloudy conditions are likely in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast.

In Islamabad and adjoining areas, hot and humid weather is expected during the day, while rain-wind/thunderstorm is likely during evening/night with a probability of 30 percent.

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, most plain districts are expected to experience hot and humid weather. However, upper districts are likely to remain partly cloudy, with chances of rain-wind/thunderstorm in Waziristan, Hangu, Kurram, Kohat and adjoining areas during the afternoon.

In Punjab, mainly hot and humid weather is expected over most districts. However, partly cloudy conditions with chances of rain-wind/thundershower are likely in Murree, Galiyat and adjoining areas during the afternoon.

In Sindh, mainly hot and humid weather is expected over most districts, while coastal areas, including Karachi, are likely to remain partly cloudy with chances of drizzle.

Most districts of Balochistan are also expected to experience hot and humid weather, while partly cloudy conditions are likely in coastal areas.

Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are expected to experience partly cloudy and dry weather.

During the past 24 hours, weather remained hot and humid over most plain areas of the country, while isolated light rain occurred in Gilgit-Baltistan. Babusar received 5 millimetres of rain.

The highest maximum temperatures recorded on Wednesday were 43 C at Nokkundi, Dalbandin and Sibbi, while Bhakkar and Noor Pur Thal recorded 42 C.

The minimum and maximum temperatures recorded in major cities were: Islamabad 24/36 C, Lahore 28/38 C, Karachi 26/34 C, Peshawar 26/38 C, Quetta 16/35 C, Gilgit 14/36 C, Muzaffarabad 22/37 C, Skardu 12/29 C, Murree 14/23 C, Faisalabad 27/38 C and Multan 27/37 C.

In Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian and Baramulla, the temperatures remained at 15/32 C, 25/34 C, 7/23 C, 16/34 C, 17/31 C, 15/34 C and 16/32 C, respectively.

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the launch of a province-wide “Disease Prevention Program” aimed at controlling the spread of major life-threatening illnesses.

The initiative will focus on preventing diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, alongside a large-scale public awareness campaign to educate citizens about prevention and treatment.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister, where officials briefed her on the program’s objectives and implementation strategy.

Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to strictly enforce health standard operating procedures (SOPs) in public hospitals to prevent outbreaks and improve patient safety.

She also instructed the Punjab Healthcare Commission to ensure compliance with SOPs in private hospitals and clinics.

In addition, the chief minister ordered strict legal action against quack doctors operating across the province, stressing the need to eliminate unsafe medical practices.

She highlighted the importance of public awareness, noting that early detection of symptoms can play a key role in preventing serious complications and saving lives.

Officials said the program aims to strengthen preventive healthcare, reduce disease burden, and promote healthier communities across Punjab.

Islamabad: The Drug Testing Laboratory has declared several batches of medicines unsafe and banned their use after they failed quality tests.

According to officials, multiple tablets, syrups, and injections were found to be substandard during testing.

These include medicines used for heart conditions, pain relief, allergies, cough, and other common treatments.

Among the drugs declared unsafe are Nitros tablets used for heart muscle treatment, Cadin painkillers, Loratadine for allergies, and Esfel cough syrup. Oratizen tablets were also found to be harmful.

Additionally, Deca Durabolin injections, commonly used for bone weakness and anaemia, have been declared unfit for use.

Other affected medicines include Cara Doba injections for blood pressure control, Efasef antibiotic injections, Meteor injections, and Mecobal injections used for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Authorities also flagged Ceforsic antibiotic injections, Sodophenac pain relief injections, and Hecobal injections as unsafe.

Health officials have directed pharmacies and healthcare providers to immediately stop the sale and use of these specific batches to prevent potential health risks.

Citizens have been advised to consult qualified medical professionals before using any medication and report any adverse effects to the relevant authorities.