Day: July 27, 2026

Peshawar: The death toll from recent monsoon rains and flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has risen to 32, said the latest report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday.

The PDMA said that between July 24 and July 26, six people were killed and six others injured in rain-related incidents. The deceased included three men and three children, while the injured comprised three men and three women.

During the same period, 26 houses were damaged, including 19 partially damaged and seven completely destroyed homes due to heavy rainfall and flash floods.

According to the report, from July 19 to July 26, monsoon rains, flash floods, collapsing roofs and walls and floodwaters claimed the lives of 32 people across 25 districts of the province.

The total fatalities include 13 men, three women and 16 children, while 35 people were injured, including 16 men, 12 women and seven children.

The PDMA said that 72 houses have been damaged so far, with 55 partially damaged and 17 completely destroyed. In addition, 46 livestock animals have perished in various rain-related incidents.

The affected districts include Peshawar, Nowshera, Khyber, Mardan, Buner, Bajaur, Shangla, Swabi, Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Upper Kohistan, Tank, Torghar, Kurram, North Waziristan and South Waziristan, among other areas.

The PDMA, Rescue 1122, district administrations and other relevant agencies are continuing relief and rescue operations. Authorities have directed local administrations to accelerate relief efforts and provide immediate assistance to affected families.

The Director General of the PDMA urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from vulnerable tourist destinations and follow all weather alerts and advisories issued by the relevant authorities.

The PDMA’s Emergency Operations Centre remains fully operational. Citizens can contact the toll-free helpline 1700 for emergency assistance, weather updates, or other information.

Peshawar: Heavy rainfall in Peshawar on Sunday once again exposed the city’s inadequate drainage system, leaving sewage and stagnant water accumulated on roads and causing widespread inconvenience for residents.

Following the morning downpour, dirty water flooded several roads and residential areas, including Kohat Road, disrupting the flow of traffic. Motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians faced significant difficulties while travelling through waterlogged streets.

Patients and their attendants heading to hospitals were also affected, as waterlogged roads delayed access to medical facilities and disrupted timely treatment.

Residents complained that the same situation occurs after every spell of rain, severely affecting daily life. They urged the authorities to take immediate and effective measures to improve the city’s sewerage and drainage infrastructure.

Meanwhile, citizens have called on the municipal administration to ensure the prompt removal of accumulated water to prevent further inconvenience and restore normal traffic conditions.

Bahawalpur: Musafirkhana Police have arrested seven alleged members of the Riyaz Daya gang, who were reportedly involved in a series of burglary incidents, and recovered stolen property and illegal weapons from their possession.

According to police, the operation was conducted under the supervision of SDPO Saddar Circle and SHO Musafirkhana. The suspects were traced and arrested through professional investigation techniques, modern technology and effective intelligence-based efforts.

Police said the recovered items included cash exceeding Rs700, 000, solar panels, electric fans and other stolen valuables. Illegal firearms were also recovered from the accused.

The police said the recovered property was being handed over to the rightful owners after completion of legal formalities. A special police team was interrogating the suspects, while further investigation into the case was underway.

Sialkot: Government College Women University Sialkot (GCWUS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Textile University (NTU), Faisalabad, to strengthen industry-academia linkages, promote quality research, and advance higher education in line with modern industrial requirements.

According to a press release issued on Sunday, the agreement was signed by GCWUS Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Shazia Bashir and NTU Rector Professor Dr. Rashid Masood.

During the meeting, the heads of both universities held detailed discussions focused on launching joint research projects, initiating faculty and student exchange programs, organizing joint seminars and workshops, providing professional training, and further strengthening industry-academia partnerships.

On the occasion, Professor Dr. Rashid Masood gave the visiting GCWUS delegation a comprehensive tour of NTU. The delegation expressed particular interest in the university’s advanced research infrastructure, textile engineering, and industry-oriented research activities.

Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Shazia Bashir emphasized that Sialkot was one of Pakistan’s leading industrial and export-oriented cities.

She highlighted the massive potential for collaboration with NTU to develop textile and art and design departments at GCWUS in accordance with modern industrial needs, aiming to introduce skill-based academic programs and provide students with education aligned with market demands.

Both universities reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that this partnership would not only promote quality education but also contribute significantly to the development of Sialkot’s export industry, technology transfer, and the preparation of a skilled workforce for the country’s economic development.

Sargodha: The district administration sealed six shops and imposed fines amounting to Rs500, 000 for overcharging and profiteering at Sial Morr rest area on the motorway.

According to a spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Kot Momin Mohsin Dhillon, acting on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Husnain Ahmed Raza Chaudhary, conducted an enforcement operation at the service area against shopkeepers involved in selling essential commodities above government-notified rates.

During the crackdown, six shops were sealed, while five individuals were arrested for violating official price lists and administrative orders.

Assistant Commissioner Mohsin Dhillon said that violations of government regulations and official directives would not be tolerated, particularly regarding the sale of food items and other essential commodities. He added that strict action would continue against profiteers and those involved in overcharging to ensure the availability of items at approved prices.

Multan: At least two persons were injured after the mud roof of a veranda collapsed at the Rana goods cargo office near Head Nao Bahar following heavy rainfall.

According to Rescue 1122, emergency control room received a call about roof collapse near Head Nao Bahar. Upon receiving the information, rescue team reached the scene promptly, provided first aid to both victims, and ensured their safe evacuation.

Rescue officials said the accident occurred when the temporary veranda roof, constructed with bamboo and wooden supports, gave way due to continuous rain.

The injured were identified as Wazir, 45, s/o Noor Muhammad, and Naseer, 40, s/o Noor Muhammad.

The rescue operation was completed successfully.

Two persons were injured when the mud roof of a veranda collapsed at a goods cargo office near Head Nao Bahar following heavy rainfall on Sunday.

According to Rescue 1122, the incident occurred when the temporary veranda roof, which was constructed with bamboo and wooden supports, gave way due to the continuous rain. The injured identified as 45-year-old Wazir and 40-year-old Naseer, both sons of Noor Muhammad were provided the first aid and ensured their safe evacuation.