Scattered rain expected in Punjab, Kashmir, lower Sindh

Scattered rain with thunder and lightning is expected in Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas division, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Bahawalpur division and different parts of Kashmir during the next 24 hours, according to the Metrological Department.

The Met office said Nurpur Thal has recorded a maximum of 70 mm rainfall. Other areas where rainfall was recorded included Mangla with 11 mm rain and Rawla Kot with 10 mm rain. The weather will remain dry in other parts of the country, the met office said.

US Drones Overflying North Waziristan

MIRANSHAH, trendpk: US Predator unmanned drones flew over various parts of North Waziristan tribal region. The locals in the region bordering Afghanistan seen more than 10 flights of drone over the region.

Meanwhile, the local administration has declared indefinite curfew from Miranshah Stadium checkpost to Miranshah Bazaar, Bypass Road, Khar Kamar, tehsil Dattakhel and other areas. Dattakhel road has been closed for all traffic, reports said.

Fog Covers Lahore, Peshawar, Other Areas

LAHORE, trendpk: The foggy weather obscuring visibility caused several traffic mishaps in Lahore, Shekhupura, Peshawar and other areas resulting in injuries to scores of persons.

Lahore has been covered by thick foggy weather for last several days. The misty weather will be continued for few more days, meteorological department said.

Lower visibility this morning caused difficulties for commuters to reach to their offices, businesses and schools.

In Kala Shah Kaku a truck collided with a rickshaw this morning due to low visibility killing the rickshaw driver on the spot.

Strike in Balochistan over murder of Baloch leader

Staff Report

QUETTA: A shutter-down strike is being observed in Quetta and other parts of insurgency-hit Balochsitan against the murder of BNP-Mengal activist, Nooruddin Mengal.

According to reports, no business activity is being witnessed in Kalat, Khuzdar, Noshki, Dalbadin, Wadh, Sorab, Kharan and other areas.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has made strict security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident. SAMAA

Floodwaters enter in Muzaffargarh power plant

MUZAFFARGARH: Floodwaters entered in AES power plant in Lal Pir and now rapidly heading towards Gujrat town.

The power plant had already closed on Thursday due to floods threat. Rescue 1122 has started rescue operation in Gujrat town and adjoining areas whereas reports indicated that 50 persons stranded in floodwaters in Billo Baloch area. Several villages included Ghareebabad, Jahanian, Gullan Pir and other areas inundated whereas Ko Addu, Daira Deenpana, Ehsanpur and other areas facing food items shortage due to cut off of land routes.

More than 60 villages have submerged in floodwaters in Rahim Yar Khan and hundreds of people stranded. DCO Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said 1500 people are taking part in rescue operations and evacuation is underway in district Rajanpur.

President not to postpone UK visit: Babar

FAISALABAD: Federal Minister for Law Babar Awan has said come what may, President Asif Ali Zardari shall continue with his UK visit, adding, government will take all coalition partners onboard for legislation of a law to seek protection of Fake Degrees Holders, Geo News reported.

This he said talking to newsmen here at the residence of Nawab Sher-o-Ser, a local leader of PPP, on Saturday.

According to his viewpoint it was increasingly need of the hour to retaliate befittingly the negative propaganda at international level being hatched against Pakistan and her national security institutions.

And for which, he said, tours and visits from national leadership were the only means possible to alleviate misconceptions and propagandas against Pakistan, so President Zardari shall continue his UK visit.

To a question regarding safeguard of Fake Degree Holders of national and provincial assembly members, he said, government will not make any decision on its own instead all coalition partners will be consulted before legislation of any rule for their protection.

US to provide food, relief goods in KP flood zone

PESHAWAR: The United States is going to provide ready-meals for the flood-affectees and temporary bridges to help restore the communication infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“Some 56,000 (ready) meals will arrive in Pakistan to help the government provide food to the survivors of monsoon rains and floods,” US embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire said while talking to media on the phone from Islamabad. “Some of the meals will reach (Pakistan) by Saturday evening and some on Sunday,” he added.

Floods have devastated Swat, Lower Dir, Shangla, Charsadda, Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan and Nowshera districts.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Friday had appealed to the international community for urgent assistance to cope with the worst floods in the areas in 80 years, as relief and rescue operations are beyond the provincial government’s capacity.

“Twelve temporary bridges will also be provided by the US government to help restore communication means in affected areas,” the US embassy spokesman said. Some 22 bridges were washed away by floods in Swat district alone, while similar damage has been reported from other areas.

The US has ordered two water filtration plants from Dubai that are likely to reach Pakistan in the next 24 to 48 hours, the US official said. A senior government official said the ready-meals would be airlifted from Bagram airbase near Kabul.

He said the provincial government would welcome NATO involvement in the rescue and relief operations. “We are in contact with the National Disaster Management Authority to help assist in rescue and relief operations,” Snelsire said.

Forces arrest 50 suspects in Nowshera

NOWSHERA: Announcing the closure of search operation in Nowshera, security forces claimed arresting as many as 50 men on suspicion of involvement in anti-state activities on Sunday morning, Geo news reported.

Two fanatic commanders were also among apprehended suspects, sources told media. Meanwhile, curfew is clamped in the areas.

According to police sources, officials from security forces, FC and Elite Force, jointly carried out search operation against terrorists and were provided assistance by Nowshera police.

Two arrested Taliban commanders were identified as Huzaifa Mehsud and Abbu Abbas who were allegedly hailing from Waziristan Agency, sources said.

Heavy cache of arms and ammunitions were also seized from their possession who have been moved to unidentified location for investigation, sources said further.

No causality in blast in Mohmand Agency

PESHAWAR: A blast has occurred in Tehsil Haleem Zai of Mohmand Agency on Tuesday morning but no loss of live or injury was reported, Geo news quoted official sources as saying.

Sources said, the explosion took place a few minutes after a security forces’ caravan went through the place as the bomb had been planted on roadside.

Security forces opened fire following explosion, however, the areas was declared clear after a little while.

Meanwhile, upon suspicion charges, a total of 15 persons have been booked and moved to unidentified location for investigation, sources told media.

No more rains likely in Sindh: Met office

KARACHI: The Meteorological Department today allowed the fishermen in Sindh to go at sea fishing, after the tropical cyclone Phet barreled through into India’s Rajasthan, Geo News reported Monday.

According to Met Department, Punjab may receive downpours in the next 24 hours; however, there are no chances now of more showers in Sindh including Karachi.

The DG Met Office said the cyclone downgraded into a less air pressure, while entering India’s Rajasthan.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) chief, thanking Allah Almighty, said the cyclone passed through with no devastation trail behind.

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