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NDMA maps rainfall, river situation for July 6–10

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday warned that an active weather system is expected to affect northern Pakistan from July 6 to 10, bringing widespread rain and thunderstorms, increasing river flows and raising the risk of flash floods, urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Authority is also clarifying that no large-scale river flooding is currently expected, according to the latest weather and hydrological assessment issued by the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC).

The assessment said the prevailing weather conditions are consistent with NEOC’s earlier forecast, reaffirming the accuracy of its advance early warning system.

NEOC said it continues to monitor evolving weather patterns round the clock and is ensuring timely dissemination of hazard information to all relevant federal and provincial authorities.

The report said a weather system would enter northern Pakistan from Monday, triggering rain and thunderstorms over Kashmir, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, the Potohar region and northeastern Punjab.

Between July 7 and 10, intermittent rainfall, including isolated heavy downpours, is expected across the upper catchments of the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers.

Rainfall intensity is likely to increase on July 7 in Islamabad, Potohar, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northern Punjab and northern Balochistan.

The expected rainfall may lead to a slight increase in inflows into Tarbela and Mangla dams, while river flows in the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej are also projected to rise modestly during the forecast period.

Despite the anticipated increase in water levels, NDMA said there is no threat of large-scale river flooding under the current hydrological outlook.

However, it cautioned that localized flash flooding could occur in hill torrents and small seasonal streams, particularly in vulnerable upper catchments.Heavy rainfall may also trigger urban flooding and inundate low-lying areas.

The authority further warned of possible landslides and mudslides in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir due to persistent rainfall.

NDMA has directed all relevant departments and emergency response agencies to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness for any developing situation.

The authority also urged the public to follow official weather advisories, travel guidance and emergency alerts, and to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert Mobile App for real-time weather updates, risk information and safety guidance.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.