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Country braces for prolonged cold spell, mercury to drop till Jan 24: Chief Meteorologist

Islamabad: Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz Monday predicted average to low temperatures in February and warned that weather conditions will likely turn cold to very cold in Karachi and other parts of the province over the next few days.

In an interview with a private news channel, Sardar Sarfraz attributed the expected cold spell to the influence of a westerly wave over the next few days.

Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz has warned that the prevailing cold weather spell will continue to grip Karachi and other parts of Sindh.

Meanwhile, neighboring Balochistan is experiencing rain and snowfall, adding to the wintry landscape. The inclement weather has brought life to a standstill in some areas, with residents advised to take necessary precautions, he added.

According to Sardar Sarfraz, warned of a record-breaking chill that is expected to persist until January 24, adding, a severe cold wave will again grip the country, bringing with it significantly lower temperatures.

The prolonged cold spell has already caused discomfort to residents, with many struggling to cope with the unusually chilly conditions, he said, adding, the continued cold weather is expected to keep the mercury levels low, making it essential for people to take necessary measures to stay warm and healthy.

To another question, he said interestingly, January and December experienced record-breaking cold temperatures compared to previous years.

This sudden drop in temperature has been attributed to various environmental factors, he said, adding, in January, the average temperature was significantly lower than the past five years, with some areas experiencing a decrease of up to 5°C.

Similarly, December's temperature was also unusually low, breaking previous records. These unseasonal temperature fluctuations have raised concerns about climate change and its unpredictable impact on global weather patterns, he added.

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CM appreciates non-profit partnering for quality schooling for children from underserved families

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday praised the efforts of non-profit organizations that have been actively partnering with his government to provide quality education to children from underserved areas of the province through modern digital learning systems.

The Chief Minister made these remarks during a surprise visit to two schools operated by different non-governmental organizations in the underprivileged localities of Korangi, in collaboration with the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF).

The CM first visited the Green Crescent Trust (GCT) school in Bilal Colony. The principal, Irum Fatima, informed him that the school has enrolled 559 students from low-income families, offering classes up to the eighth grade. Additionally, the school provides preschool education for children under five.

Shah learned that SEF offers regular financial assistance to partner schools based on student enrollment. The SEF currently funds Rs 1,300 per student per month for its affiliated schools run by NGOs.

The Chief Minister instructed the Education Minister to conduct regular inspections of SEF-affiliated schools in the city, emphasizing that the government's efforts should yield positive results.

During the visit, the principal expressed that she was unable to enroll over 1,000 children from deserving families due to the school's limited capacity.

Shah assured her that his government would support efforts to expand the school's capacity and advised her to contact the Education Minister regarding this matter.

The Chief Minister toured the classrooms and engaged with the students, reviewing academic activities and the daily attendance register.

Teach the World Foundation President Shafiq Khan was also present and briefed the CM on innovative technology-aided learning methods being implemented to enhance educational quality for children in underprivileged areas.

The GCT has been dedicated to enrolling out-of-school children in Sindh for the past 30 years, operating a network of 170 charitable schools in remote areas of the province. These schools currently serve over 32,800 students from low-income families, with 19 of the schools affiliated with the SEF, including 12 located in Karachi. One notable campus in Matiari provides education in English and features a state-of-the-art facility.

Later, the Chief Minister visited the Digital Micro School in Awami Colony, which also operated in partnership with the SEF. He learned that tablet computers are being used to educate 100 students at the school, all of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds and had not previously attended school.

The CM sat on the classroom floor and interacted closely with the children.

During his visit, CM Shah reviewed how students were using the tablet computers for regular classroom education, focusing on English and Mathematics through an engaging learning system.

He stated that he initiated this surprise visit to assess the effectiveness of using tablet computers in an underserved area and mentioned that this technology could be extended to other schools if it proves beneficial for student learning.

Finally, the Chief Minister announced his intention to continue making surprise visits to educational institutions, police stations, revenue offices, and other public facilities to assess their functionality, efficiency, and effectiveness.

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Marriyum Aurangzeb calls on PA Speaker

Lahore: Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Monday met Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. During the meeting matters related to progress of Punjab, public welfare and developmental works of constituencies came under discussion. Punjab Assembly Speaker lauded the speedy efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif aimed at progress and prosperity of the province. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb lauded the services of Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan for legislation and parliamentary affairs. Punjab Assembly General Secretary Chaudhry Amir Khan was also present.

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Marriyum Aurangzeb calls on PA Speaker

Lahore: Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Monday met Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan. During the meeting matters related to progress of Punjab, public welfare and developmental works of constituencies came under discussion. Punjab Assembly Speaker lauded the speedy efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif aimed at progress and prosperity of the province. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb lauded the services of Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan for legislation and parliamentary affairs. Punjab Assembly General Secretary Chaudhry Amir Khan was also present.

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Chairman Senate stresses strong Parliament-Media collaboration for societal welfare

Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Monday highlighted the importance of a strong partnership between Parliament, the government, and the media to promote positive connections and a shared vision for societal welfare.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 10th Annual Media Cricket League 2025 in Islamabad, Gilani highlighted the collective efforts of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in supporting media houses.

'This collaborative approach has fostered a healthy and cooperative environment. Together, we can build a society where everyone thrives and contributes to national development,' he said.

The Chairman congratulated the organizers and participants of the Media Cricket League and lauded the Jang Media Group for successfully hosting this flagship event over the past decade.

He underscored the significance of such initiatives, and said, 'These activities play a crucial role in providing a healthy environment for media personnel. They foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and a sense of camaraderie among media professionals while setting a positive example for society.'

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Police bust two bike lifting gangs; arrest five

Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi District Police have busted two bike lifting gangs and arrested their five members on recovery of 10 stolen motorcycles, said a police spokesman here on Monday.

He informed that Waris Khan police netted two accused namely Sheraz alias Sheri and Rameez, allegedly involved in bike lifting cases and recovered five stolen motorcycles.

Similarly, Dhamial police rounded up three bike lifters, Faizan, Khurram and Shabrat Khan with five stolen motorcycles and other items.

Divisional Superintendents of Police appreciated the police teams and directed to accelerate ongoing operation against bike and car lifters.