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Sindh to Declare Tharparkar Calamity-Hit as Drought Destroys 90pc of Crops
KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to declare Tharparkar a calamity-hit district after severe drought-like conditions affected all seven talukas, destroying or rendering unproductive up to 90 percent of crops across the region.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed the relevant departments to take immediate emergency measures to address the worsening situation, particularly focusing on drinking water supplies, agricultural losses and livestock support.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the chief minister, where officials briefed him on the severity of the drought and its impact on communities dependent on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods.
According to the briefing, all seven talukas of Tharparkar are facing drought-like conditions, with between 85 and 90 percent of crops either destroyed or rendered unproductive. The Agriculture Extension Department estimated overall crop losses at around 90 percent.
Officials attributed the agricultural damage primarily to uneven and insufficient rainfall, which caused crops and natural grass to dry up before reaching maturity.
Rainfall data presented at the meeting showed that precipitation across Tharparkar’s seven talukas ranged from just one to 36 millimetres in September 2026, leaving large areas facing severe water shortages.
Murad Ali Shah directed the relevant departments to ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water to residents of the drought-affected district. He ordered the immediate repair and restoration of inactive reverse osmosis (RO) plants and instructed authorities to restore all existing water supply sources without delay.
The chief minister also directed the chief secretary to examine the feasibility of laying a water pipeline from Naukot to Mithi to strengthen the district’s water supply system. He called for long-term planning to ensure a reliable supply of water and address recurring shortages in the region.
The meeting also discussed the impact of drought on livestock, as the drying up of natural grass has further increased difficulties for livestock owners.
The chief minister instructed officials to assess the assistance required to protect livestock and support communities affected by the prolonged dry conditions. He also ordered continuous monitoring of relief operations to ensure effective implementation of emergency measures.
Murad Ali Shah assured residents that the Sindh government would stand by the people of Tharparkar and provide all possible assistance to communities affected by the crisis.
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IG Punjab Takes Notice of Triple Murder in Attock, Orders Immediate Arrest of Suspects
ATTOCK: Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Karim has taken notice of the triple murder incident in Attock and sought a report from the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi. He has also directed the District Police Officer (DPO) Attock to ensure the immediate arrest of those involved in the firing.
According to police, the DPO Attock, senior police officials, forensic experts and investigation teams have reached the crime scene and collected evidence.
The victims killed in the firing have been identified as 28-year-old Saman, 55-year-old Amir Aziz and 36-year-old Sabir.
DPO Attock Ali Bin Tariq said special teams had been constituted to arrest the suspects and assured that they would be taken into custody soon.
Earlier, RPO Rawalpindi Babar Sarfraz Alpa had also taken notice of the triple murder incident in the jurisdiction of Fateh Jang Police Station, reportedly triggered by a dispute between children.
The RPO directed senior police officers to immediately reach the crime scene and ordered the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) team to collect all available evidence and ensure a comprehensive investigation into every aspect of the incident.
He also ordered the immediate arrest of all suspects involved in the killings.
Health
Nationwide Screening, Coordinated Strategy Essential to Eliminate Hepatitis C in Pakistan: Mustafa Kamal
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has stressed the need for nationwide screening and a coordinated strategy to eliminate Hepatitis C from Pakistan, highlighting the scale of the challenge as millions of Pakistanis are feared to be affected by the disease.
In a statement, he emphasized that the National Hepatitis C Elimination Programme must continue consistently to achieve its intended targets.
He said regular screening, uninterrupted availability of medicines, reliable diagnostic facilities, trained healthcare professionals and an effective monitoring system would be essential to ensuring the programme’s long-term success.
The minister highlighted the importance of free screening and treatment facilities, particularly for vulnerable segments of society, including daily-wage workers who cannot afford expensive medical tests, mothers concerned about their families’ health and elderly people who have avoided medical examinations for years.
He noted that free access to screening and treatment could make a significant difference in preventing prolonged illness and ensuring recovery among people who otherwise lack access to healthcare.
He further stated that effective implementation of the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C, backed by sustained institutional commitment, could become a significant public health initiative with far-reaching benefits for Pakistan.
The programme could play a vital role in saving precious lives, protecting low-income families from the financial burden of medical expenses and bringing the country closer to its goal of becoming free from Hepatitis C.
Latest
Aleem Khan expresses grief over martyrdom of police personnel in Kohat
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications and President of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Abdul Aleem Khan on Thursday expressed grief over the martyrdom of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police personnel in a terrorist attack in Kohat.
In a message posted on social media platform X, he paid tribute to the courage and dedication of the martyred personnel, saying those who laid down their lives for the country’s peace and security were the true heroes of the nation.
He said that these brave sons of the soil had demonstrated through their supreme sacrifice that no compromise could ever be made on Pakistan’s peace and security.
Aleem Khan said that the sacrifices made by security institutions and law enforcement personnel in the fight against terrorism were a source of pride for the entire nation. He added that the extraordinary sacrifices of the brave Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police personnel would always be remembered, and the entire nation held its martyrs in the highest regard.
He further stated that the sacrifices of security forces for the complete elimination of terrorism and the establishment of lasting peace in the country were unforgettable. He emphasized that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not go in vain and that the entire nation stood united against terrorism.
Abdul Aleem Khan prayed for the elevation of the ranks and eternal peace of the departed souls and for patience and strength for the bereaved families. He also expressed his heartfelt solidarity with the families of the martyred police personnel in this hour of grief.
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