Several die, many injured as heavy rains trigger roof collapses in Punjab


Lahore: Several people lost their lives and others were injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab, including Lahore, after heavy rainfall caused roof collapses and flooding.



According to Rescue 1122 officials, a husband, wife and their daughter were killed when the roof of their house collapsed in the Garhi Shahu Railway Colony area of Lahore. Another daughter survived the incident.



In Chunian, two people, including a 10-year-old child, died and three others were injured after a house roof collapsed. In Gujrat’s Mohalla Bohrrwala, three siblings lost their lives in a similar incident.



In Raja Jang near Kasur, two children drowned in floodwaters, while three people were injured when a roof collapsed on Bedian Road in Lahore. Another four people sustained injuries after the roof of a room caved in in Shadab Colony on Ferozepur Road.



Heavy rainfall also caused flooding at Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Hospital in Gujrat, disrupting normal conditions.



Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has sought a detailed report on the casualties and damage caused by the rain and directed the authorities to take necessary measures.



Women and children participated in summer fun race Lahore


Lahore: A fun race organized by Summer Special was held in the Sports Zone on Bedian Road in Lahore, in which more than 100 people of different ages, including children, women and men, participated enthusiastically.



According to the organizers, separate races of one kilometer for children and five kilometers for adults were organized. The five-kilometer race was held at the racing circuit of the Sports Zone, where participants completed five laps of the track to complete the specified distance.



More than 15 boys and girls participated in the children’s race, while more than 100 men and women participated in the adult category. The significant participation of women made the event more exciting.



The participants appreciated the organization of such a healthy and fun activity, saying that such events play an important role in promoting a healthy lifestyle and increasing public participation.



Special traffic desk set up to eliminate encroachments


Lahore: DIG Traffic Punjab Muhammad Waqas Nazir has taken a major initiative to improve traffic flow and eliminate encroachments across the province by establishing a special encroachment desk at the traffic headquarters.



According to a spokesperson for the Traffic Police, the special encroachment desk is monitoring anti-encroachment operations across the province at the central level. So far, illegal encroachments have been identified at 1, 310 locations across Punjab, out of which obstructions have been successfully cleared from more than 1, 280 places.



The spokesperson said that smooth traffic flow has been completely restored at these cleared sites. The special encroachment desk has been linked to a modern IT-based monitoring system, allowing continuous surveillance of operations through photos, videos, and other verifiable evidence.



DIG Traffic Punjab Muhammad Waqas Nazir stated that the vision of the Chief Minister of Punjab for encroachment-free highways and roads is being strictly implemented. According to him, the removal of encroachments has significantly improved traffic flow, enabling citizens to reach their destinations on time while saving both travel time and fuel.



He clarified that the enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against encroachments across Punjab will continue in full swing in the future.



PDMA warns of possible Glacial Lake burst in Upper Districts


Lahore: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued an alert for residents and travellers due to the potential risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in the upper districts of the province.



According to the PDMA, rising temperatures coupled with intermittent rainfall could accelerate glacier melt, increasing both the volume and water levels of glacial lakes.



The advisory comes as thousands of tourists, including many from Punjab and Lahore, travel to the northern regions during the summer season.



The authority has warned that the sudden bursting of glacial lakes could trigger flash floods and rapidly rising water levels, posing a serious threat to lives, property, and infrastructure. District administrations in Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Swat, Upper Kohistan and Mansehra have been placed on high alert.



Authorities have been directed to ensure continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations, issue timely warnings, conduct evacuation drills in high-risk areas, and prepare designated safe shelters.



Tourists and travellers have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, camping and trekking in vulnerable areas. The PDMA has also cautioned motorists against attempting to cross fast-flowing streams and floodwaters, warning that vehicles can be swept away by strong currents.



A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is a sudden and potentially devastating flood that occurs when a natural dam of ice or loose rock containing a glacial lake fails. Such events are commonly triggered by rising temperatures, heavy rainfall or seismic activity, releasing large volumes of water downstream within a short period.



Portable X-ray service launched for wildlife for the first time in Punjab


Lahore: Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department launched a portable X-ray service for wildlife for the first time in the history of the province. The modern facility has been activated at the modern Wildlife Hospital at Safari Zoo.



According to the department, deer and pythons were also successfully medically examined on the spot through the new portable X-ray machine. Thanks to this facility, injured or sick wild animals will no longer need to be shifted to the veterinary hospital for X-ray.



Officials say that rapid on-site diagnosis will save animals from unnecessary transportation stress, while making the treatment and diagnosis process more effective and faster, helping to provide timely medical care to wildlife.



Minister reviews Lahore Ring Road operations, orders action against overloading


Lahore: Punjab Minister for Communication and Works (CandW) Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth on Sunday directed authorities to launch an indiscriminate crackdown on overloaded vehicles during a visit to Lahore Ring Road, emphasizing stricter enforcement to improve road safety and travel facilities.



During the visit, the minister reviewed overloading issues and inspected operational arrangements at various locations, including Burnanspura, Mehfoozpura, Garrison, Askari-10 and Kamahan. SP Ring Road Police Ejaz Rasheed and Director Operations Shahid Mehboob briefed him on traffic management and enforcement measures.



The minister also reviewed plantation, lighting infrastructure and other facilities along the Ring Road.



He directed officials to take strict legal action against overloaded vehicles without discrimination, ensure that all heavy vehicles and trailers are properly covered, and prohibit passengers from travelling in the loading compartments of loader vehicles.



Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth also instructed authorities to construct proper ramps at pedestrian overhead bridges to facilitate commuters, particularly persons with disabilities, the elderly and other pedestrians.



He stressed the need for more effective measures to reduce traffic accidents and enhance safety on the Ring Road.



The minister said the Punjab government, under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, remained committed to providing safer, more efficient and modern travelling facilities for citizens across the province.