Day: July 22, 2026

Peshawar: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday directed the authorities to accelerate work on major hydropower and water resource projects, emphasizing timely completion to strengthen irrigation, energy production and water supply in the province.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, the chief minister assessed progress on the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) Lift Canal, Mohmand Dam, New Munda Headworks and Dasu Hydropower Project. Senior federal and provincial officials, including WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Saeed, attended the meeting.

Afridi instructed the relevant departments to expedite land acquisition for the CRBC Lift Canal Project and ensure adequate security for project staff. He said the scheme would significantly expand cultivable land and enhance agricultural productivity, adding that the provincial government would continue to provide its share of funding on a priority basis.

The meeting was informed that construction on the CRBC Lift Canal was progressing under multiple work packages, while the Mohmand Dam Project has achieved substantial progress and was expected to provide irrigation, hydropower generation and a reliable supply of drinking water upon completion.

The chief minister also reviewed the progress of the Dasu Hydropower Project and New Munda Headworks, directing all concerned agencies to improve coordination and promptly resolve implementation issues. He stressed that these strategic projects would contribute to national energy security, sustainable water management and long-term economic development.

Attock: Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mudassar Ahmad Shah on Tuesday visited Hazro Tehsil to review monsoon preparedness, inspecting the drainage system and rainwater disposal arrangements while directing all concerned departments to remain on high alert during the ongoing rainy season.

Accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Hazro Dr. Imran Rafiq, Managing Director WASA Aqeel Ahmad and Assistant Commissioner Attock Arif Qureshi, the deputy commissioner inspected storm water drains, drainage infrastructure and water flow at various locations in Hazro city. He reviewed the cleaning of drains and assessed the preparedness of departments responsible for emergency response.

Dr. Shah directed the relevant departments to maintain continuous monitoring of low-lying areas, keep the drainage system fully operational, immediately remove blockages from drains and complete all precautionary measures to deal with any emergency caused by heavy rainfall. He also instructed field officers to remain present in their respective areas and ensure an immediate response to public complaints and emergencies.

The deputy commissioner said the protection of lives and property remained the district administration’s top priority in line with the Punjab government’s directives. He stressed the need for close coordination among all departments and directed Rescue 1122 and other agencies to keep their machinery, manpower and emergency equipment ready for immediate deployment.

Expressing satisfaction with the arrangements, Dr. Shah directed officials to continue monitoring vulnerable locations throughout the monsoon season and ensure timely, coordinated and effective action to provide the best possible services to the public in the event of any emergency.

Peshawar: District Police Officer Khyber, Waqar Ahmad chaired meeting regarding August 5 Martyrs Day of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, where all programmes to honour police martyrs were finalized.

All Circle Superintendents of Police, Deputy Superintendents of Police and Station House Officers from across the district attended. District Police Officer (DPO) Khyber directed that Martyrs Day be observed with national fervour, reverence, discipline and full dignity, ensuring timely and effective implementation of all scheduled programmes.

DPO Khyber Waqar Ahmad said brave police personnel of Khyber district embraced martyrdom while courageously confronting terrorists and criminal elements, sacrificing their lives for peace and security of the motherland. He said police martyrs were our pride and asset, whose immortal sacrifices would always be remembered.

He directed all officers to ensure attendance at martyrs’ graves, recitation of Fatiha and special prayers. Fatiha should also be offered at all police stations across the district. Visits to martyrs’ homes and meetings with their families should be arranged.

On DPO Khyber’s directions, welfare, wellbeing and timely resolution of problems of police martyrs’ families was being provided on priority. DPO Khyber reaffirmed resolve that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police would never leave heirs of its martyrs alone and would always fulfil their responsibilities for dignity, welfare and all possible assistance would be provided to them.

The meeting concluded with special prayers for elevation of martyrs’ ranks, security of the country, sustainable peace and further successes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.

Mirpur: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is scheduled to visit Mirpur on Tuesday, July 22, to address a public rally as part of his party’s campaign for the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, party sources said.

Bilawal is expected to address the gathering at 1:00 p.m. at Quaid-e-Azam International Cricket Stadium in support of PPP candidates contesting the phased AJK general elections. He is currently leading the party’s election campaign across the region, where the PPP has fielded candidates in all 33 general constituencies of the 53-member AJK Legislative Assembly, including the 12 seats reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the PPP has postponed its election rally scheduled for July 21 in Nikyal, Kotli district, due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions. Party sources said the decision was taken in the interest of public safety and because of the unfavorable weather in the area.

The party confirmed that the Mirpur public meeting scheduled for July 22 will be held as planned. It added that revised dates for other postponed campaign rallies and public meetings would be announced later.

Multan: In a bid to curb gas theft and illegal activities, the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) UFG control task force intensified its operation and disconnected five more gas meters in various areas of the city.

According to details, one meter which was removed by the consumer recovered. Four metres were disconnected over using the compressor for getting gas illegally. The door-to-door checking of 65 consumers was carried out. The measures were part of the company’s commitment to combating gas theft and ensuring high-quality, uninterrupted service for all consumers.

Peshawar: Torrential monsoon rains continued to batter several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Tuesday, triggering flash floods, inundating low-lying areas, and disrupting daily life in several areas.

According to PDMA authorities, heavy rainfall caused seasonal streams and rivers to swell rapidly, sweeping away roads, damaging homes, and affecting transportation in several vulnerable districts.

Flash floods in several areas of Swat, Khyber, Mardan, Mansehra and Mardan were reported. Flash floods have also swept away household items of several people in Landi Kotal in Khyber, Naran-Kaghan in Mansehra and Kalam in Swat

Rescue teams have been deployed to flood-hit areas, while local administrations remain on high alert.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has advised residents living near rivers, streams, and mountainous regions to exercise extreme caution, warning that further rainfall could intensify the risk of flash floods and landslides.

Emergency officials said rescue operations were underway in affected areas, with efforts focused on evacuating stranded residents and restoring access to damaged communities. Authorities have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly through flood-prone areas and mountain passes.

The heavy rainfall has disrupted electricity supply to 148 feeders across the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) region. According to PESCO spokesperson, the torrential rain has continued over the past 12 hours in Peshawar, Khyber, Mardan, Swabi, and Swat, affecting the power distribution network.

The spokesperson said that 71 feeders in the Peshawar Circle, 22 in Mardan, 33 in Khyber, 12 in Swabi, and 10 in the Swat affected.

In Peshawar, power outages have been reported in Gulberg, University Town, Cantt, Warsak, and Shabqadar areas. The continuous rainfall has made restoration work difficult. However, PESCO teams worked throughout the night and successfully restored electricity to 42 affected feeders.

Power restoration efforts are being monitored directly from the PESCO Control Room, the spokesperson added. PESCO Chief Akhtar Hameed Khan has directed all operational teams to remain on high alert and ensure the earliest possible restoration of electricity.

On the chief’s instructions, all necessary equipment has been provided to operational teams to expedite restoration work, and field staff has been directed to exercise special caution while working in the rain and strictly follow all safety protocols.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rain in parts of the province over the coming days, prompting officials to maintain emergency preparedness and closely monitor the evolving weather situation.