Month: August 2026

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police have finalised a comprehensive seven-layer security plan for the main Chehlum procession in the federal capital, deploying more than 3, 000 police officers and personnel to ensure the peaceful and secure observance of the event on Monday.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said on Sunday that the main Chehlum procession in G-6 is a high-security event and all available resources have been mobilised to maintain peace, public safety and smooth conduct of the procession.

He said more than 3, 000 police officers and personnel will perform security duties, while all DIGs, SSPs and SPs will remain deployed to supervise security arrangements on the ground. Police personnel from all divisions, including women officers, will also be deployed at various points along the procession route.

The IGP Rizvi said the security plan comprises seven layers, including inner and outer cordons, flank deployment and rooftop security, while snipers
and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) commandos will be positioned at vantage points to strengthen security.

He said every participant will be required to pass through three security checkpoints before entering the procession to ensure comprehensive screening and public safety.

Rizvi said Islamabad Police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies will jointly perform security duties, while the Safe City surveillance system, digital monitoring through modern cameras and mobile control rooms will remain fully operational to ensure real-time monitoring and prompt response to any emergency.

The IGP Rizvi said Islamabad Police is committed to maintaining both security and public convenience, adding that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure peace, discipline and the protection of mourners during the Chehlum procession. He urged citizens to cooperate with security personnel and follow official instructions to help ensure the event passes peacefully.

Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday warned that water levels in Pakistan’s major rivers are expected to rise significantly between Aug 2 and 4, prompting flood alerts across several regions and urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel to flood prone areas as heavy monsoon rains continue to intensify.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC), high-level flooding has been recorded in the Lehri River at Head Gogi, while medium-level flooding is under way in Nullah Palkhu at Wazirabad.

The authority said low-level flooding continues at Kalabagh, Chashma, Guddu and Sukkur along the Indus River, as well as at Head Nari on the Nari River.

On the Chenab River, high level flows are expected at Marala, while low to medium level flows are forecast at Khanki and Qadirabad. Water levels are also expected to rise in the Jhelum, Ravi and Kabul rivers and their tributaries.

The NDMA warned that streams linked to the Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers could experience medium to high flows, while water levels in the Ravi and Sutlej will depend on releases from Indian reservoirs.

The authority also cautioned about the risk of flash floods in the hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, as well as seasonal streams in central and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and northern Balochistan.

It further warned of urban flooding and rainwater accumulation in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Mardan, Nowshera, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta and other parts of Sindh.

The NDMA advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to flood-hit areas, refrain from crossing floodwaters on foot or by vehicle, monitor weather forecasts and road conditions before travelling, and strictly follow instructions issued by local authorities.

It urged the public to stay updated through the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert mobile application for timely weather warnings and emergency information.

Islamabad: Islamabad’s district administration has issued a weather alert and directed field officers to remain active ahead of possible rainfall.

The administration instructed all Assistant Commissioners to monitor 100 percent of low-lying areas and drainage channels and ensure the availability of de-watering pumps and other machinery to prevent water accumulation and traffic disruptions.

According to the district administration, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yusuf directed all Assistant Commissioners to move into the field and closely monitor conditions across their respective areas.

He instructed officials to keep a constant watch on low-lying localities and nullahs where rainwater could accumulate during showers. The administration also asked officers to maintain coordination with sanitation staff so that any drainage-related issues can be addressed without delay.

The ADC General emphasized the need to ensure the availability of de-watering pumps and other equipment required for water drainage operations. Relevant teams have been advised to remain prepared to respond if rainfall leads to waterlogging in any part of the city.

To avoid traffic congestion during rain, the administration has also called for coordination with the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP). Officials were directed to develop a joint plan aimed at maintaining traffic flow on major roads and key intersections.

The district administration said field teams would continue monitoring weather conditions and respond where necessary. Authorities are focusing on preventive measures to reduce the impact of rainfall on daily life and public movement.

Sahibzada Yusuf also urged residents to cooperate with authorities and report any emergency situation immediately to the relevant departments. He said timely information from citizens can help response teams act quickly and address issues related to drainage, traffic, or public safety.

The administration said all concerned departments have been placed on alert and will remain ready to respond in case of rainfall-related emergencies.

Islamabad: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday said that art and culture reflected the identity and civilizational heritage of any society, while artists spread the message of peace, love and harmony through their creative work.

He expressed these views while addressing as the chief guest at the inauguration of the “Aura and Alchemy” art exhibition held at PAXICO in Islamabad.

The Governor visited the exhibition and reviewed the paintings, artworks and other creative pieces on display. He appreciated the high standard of work presented by the artists.

Faisal Karim Kundi said Pakistani artists possessed extraordinary talent and their artwork beautifully portrayed the country’s culture, history and social values.

He said such art exhibitions provided young artists with an excellent platform to showcase their talent and played an important role in promoting fine arts in the country.

The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to extending every possible support for the promotion of art, culture and creative activities.

Later, Governor Kundi congratulated the organisers on holding the successful exhibition and distributed certificates among the participating artists.

Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Sunday strongly condemned the blast that occurred near the main gate of Kabal Police Station in Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressing profound grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

The Chairman Senate extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed souls eternal peace and bless the bereaved families with patience and fortitude.

He also prayed for the swift and complete recovery of those injured in the blast and urged the concerned authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment and care to all the injured.

Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani stated that such cowardly acts of terrorism cannot weaken the resolve of the nation.

He reaffirmed that the entire nation stands united with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism.

He expressed confidence that through national unity, determination, and collective efforts, the menace of terrorism will be eradicated and lasting peace and stability will be ensured across the country.