Heavy rains forecast in Balochistan; flash flooding risk alert


Quetta: The Regional Meteorological Center (RMC) Quetta has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds across several districts of Balochistan over the next 48 to 72 hours.



Authorities have cautioned that flash flooding may occur in local streams and nullahs of hilly areas, particularly in Khuzdar, Hub, Lasbella, and Awaran, during the wet spell.



The advisory further said that windstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall could damage weak structures such as solar panels, electric poles, and billboards. Meanwhile, mainly hot weather is expected in most districts of the province, with very hot conditions likely to prevail in Nokkundi, Washuk, Dalbandin, Kharan, Noshki, Sibi, Naseerabad, Jhal Magsi, Usta Muhammad, and surrounding areas.



Partly cloudy to cloudy conditions accompanied by rain, wind, and thunderstorms are expected at scattered places in Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Musakhail, Duki, Loralai, Quetta, Ziarat, Harnai, Killa Saifullah, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Awaran, Kech, Hub, Lasbella, and adjoining areas. Occasional strong gusty winds are also likely in most parts of the province.



According to recorded temperatures, Sibi registered a maximum of 45°C, while Gwadar recorded a minimum of 32°C.



The authority has urged residents to remain cautious, particularly in flood-prone areas, and to secure vulnerable structures against potential damage.



Sindh departments on high alert ahead of monsoon rains: Sharjeel


Karachi: Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that all relevant institutions have been put on high alert in view of the forecast of monsoon rains in Sindh.



The Sindh Government has placed all relevant institutions on high alert and is taking comprehensive and effective measures to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the people.



He said that instructions have been issued to all district administrations, as well as town and UC-level administrations, to remain on standby. Rescue agencies and other relevant departments have also been directed to ensure full preparedness and maintain an immediate response capability to deal with any emergency situation.



Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the Sindh Government is fully prepared to respond to any possible emergency. Heavy machinery, dewatering pumps, pumping equipment, and other essential resources are being deployed to potentially affected areas, while emergency response centers have been activated at various locations, including Karachi, Jamshoro, and Sukkur.



He directed all relevant departments to maintain close communication and effective coordination at all times so that timely and immediate relief can be provided to affected citizens.



Sharjeel Inam Memon also appealed to the public to avoid leaving their homes unnecessarily during heavy rains, follow the weather conditions and instructions issued by the relevant institutions.



Chief Minister praises security forces for successful Mastung operation


Quetta: Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has lauded the security forces for their successful intelligence-based operation in Mastung, commending their timely and professional action against terrorists.



In his statement, the Chief Minister said that the forces acted with courage and precision, eliminating terrorists and foiling their nefarious designs. He emphasized that the swift strategy and bravery of the forces once again proved that there is no place for anti-state elements on Pakistan’s soil.



Mir Sarfraz Bugti highlighted that security forces, police, Levies, and other law enforcement agencies are conducting operations with full determination and coordinated strategy, yielding positive results in the fight against terrorism.



He stressed that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave security forces and that every conspiracy of peace-enemies will be thwarted. He further noted that the nexus between India-backed terrorist groups and extremist factions will never succeed in undermining Pakistan’s peace, stability, and national unity.



The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve that all state institutions will continue to fulfill their responsibilities with full strength and unity to ensure peace in Balochistan, safeguard citizens’ lives and property, and achieve the complete eradication of terrorism.



Three alleged extortionists killed, two arrested in Rangers, Police joint operation


Karachi: Pakistan Rangers Sindh, in a joint operation with the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of Sindh Police, killed three alleged extortionists and arrested two others, including one injured suspect, during intelligence-based operations in Malir and Keamari areas.



According to a Rangers spokesperson on Friday, the operation was launched against members of extortion gangs involved in threatening businessmen and builders.



The deceased suspects were identified as Shahrukh Khan alias Jugnoo, Raghib Ali Mirza and Ali Hamza, while the arrested suspects were identified as Waseem Ahmed Mughal, who sustained injuries during the exchange of fire, and Faisal.



The spokesperson said the killed and injured suspects belonged to the Abdul Samad Kathiawari gang, which had recently been involved in making extortion calls and issuing threats to businessmen and builders in Manghopir, New Karachi, Gulberg and Malir.



The suspects were also allegedly involved in firing at Memon Mall in Malir-15 on July 16 before fleeing the scene. CCTV footage had captured the suspects during the incident, the spokesperson added.



During preliminary interrogation, the injured suspect, Waseem, allegedly disclosed that the pistol used in the Memon Mall firing had been obtained from New Karachi. Although no casualties were reported in the attack, the gang’s leader, Abdul Samad Kathiawari, was dissatisfied and allegedly directed the group to launch another attack with the intention of injuring or killing someone.



The spokesperson said the suspects had again reached Memon Mall to carry out the planned attack when the joint Rangers and Police team attempted to apprehend them. The suspects allegedly opened fire on the law enforcement personnel, prompting retaliatory fire in which three suspects were killed and one was arrested in an injured condition.



In a separate operation in Keamari Town another suspect was arrested without resistance. He was stated to be affiliated with the Wasiullah Lakho group.



According to the spokesperson, the deceased and arrested suspects were habitual offenders who had previously been arrested and jailed multiple times in cases related to street crime and extortion.



Police arrest two bandits after foiling bid of robbery in Gwadar


Quetta: Gwadar City Police took timely action and foiled a robbery attempt and arrested two suspects along with weapons and recovered three stolen motorcycle from their possession on Friday.



According to the police, the arrested suspects have been identified as Naeem son of Wali Dad and Sami residents of Kalanchi Para, Gwadar.



One 125 motorcycle, one TT pistol and eight live cartridges were recovered from possession of the robbers. Police said that the suspects opened fire on Murad Bakhsh resident of Chabarikani, and snatched his motorcycle on gunpoint.



Upon receiving the information, Gwadar City Police took timely action and chased the suspects and arrested both of them within a few moments and recovered the stolen motorcycle.



During further investigation, three more bikes were also recovered on the identification of the suspects. The police registered a case against the suspects and started further investigation.



One killed, four injured in Karachi firing incident


Karachi: At least one person was killed and four others sustained injuries in a firing incident in Karachi’s Sheerin Jinnah Colony on Friday, according to police sources cited by television channels.



Initial reports indicate that the incident occurred following a clash between rival groups, during which one party allegedly opened fire. A man was killed on the spot, while four others were wounded in the attack.



Police rushed to the scene after receiving information about the incident and shifted the deceased and injured to a nearby hospital. Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible for the firing.