In partnership with
Profit
MONSOON FURY RAGES ON AS NDMA DECLARES KP, GB & AJK VULNERABLE TO LANDSLIDE, FLOODING Tuesday, 20 August, 2024 I | 14 Safar, 1446
g
RAINS, FLOODS CLAIM 18 LIVES IN BALOCHISTAN g MULTIPLE LANDSLIDES IN GHIZER DAMAGE AND CAUSED WIDESPREAD DAMAGE TO DOZENS OF HOMES, BLOCK KARAKORUM INFRASTRUCTURE AND CROPS: PDMA HIGHWAY AT THREE LOCATIONS
T g
Rs 50.00 | Vol XV No 51 I 40 Pages I Lahore Edition
SINDH CM DIRECTS PLUGGING BREACH IN DADU CANAL BESIDES STRICT VIGILANCE ON CANAL EMBANKMENTS AND DYKES ISLAMABAD/QUETTA STAFF REPORT
HE National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergencies Operations Center (NEOC) on Monday anticipated landslide and flash flooding risk in parts of the Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) amid active glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). Heavy rainfall has been anticipated by the NEOC in GB and AJK from August 19 to 24 whereas river discharge was expected to increase due to rise in temperature, increased snow melt and heavy rains, a news release said. As per the NEOC’s predictions, heavy rainfall in Chitral, Dir, Charbagh, Malakand, Hazara, Mirpur, Mansehra, and Abbottabad Districts of Khyber Pakhunkhwa while Gilgit, Diamir, Nagar and Hunza districts of Gilgit Baltistan. Rains may trigger localized landslides at Karakuram Highway along Hunza, and at risk areas of Nagar, Gilgit, Diamir, Lower and Upper Kohistan. The NDMA urges all relevant authorities and the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of flooding and landslides. NDMA
issued instructions to all relevant departments and mobilize resources to ensure a swift response to any arising situation. Tourists are advised to avoid traveling to these areas during forecast season. The public is advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities. NDMA advises the public to stay informed and download ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ mobile app for timely alerts and closely monitor
weather reports. Torrential rains claim 18 lives in Balochistan As torrential rains caused havoc across the country, at least 18 people lost their lives in Balochistan, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said on Monday. The provincial authority reported that the rains, which started since July 1, have caused widespread damage to infra-
structure and crops. As many as 2919 houses have been damaged, with 124 completely destroyed and 293 partially damaged. In addition to the loss of life and property, the rains have also caused significant damage to crops, with 97 acres of crops and 31 kilometers of roads affected. The PDMA report also stated that six bridges have been partially damaged, while 120 animals have died due to the heavy rains. Yesterday, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a warning of heavy and intense rainfall across the country in the next 24 to 48 hours, raising concerns about potential urban flooding in major cities. The NDMA cautioned that urban flooding could damage infrastructure and disrupt daily life. Communities living near drainage channels are particularly vulnerable to flash floods and may experience severe impacts. In light of these urban flooding threats, the NDMA has launched the “Pak NDMA Disaster Alert” application, now available on both Google Play Store and iOS App Store. The public is urged to stay informed about weather updates and alerts through this app to ensure their safety.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
IN TODAY’S ISSUE
ATTENTION Some readers have complained that they are not getting the magazine with their newspaper copy. Please call or WhatsApp us at the following number to register a complaint. Contact: 0307-7338168 irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
Pakistan’s IT exports surge by 34% YoY in July 2024 amid growing global engagement PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan’s IT sector continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, with the country recording IT exports of US$286 million in July 2024. This figure marks a significant 34% year-on-year (YoY) increase, although it reflects a 4% month-onmonth (MoM) decline. The July exports also surpassed the 12-month average of US$269 million, highlighting the sector’s upward trajectory. As per Topline Pakistan Research, the substantial YoY growth in IT exports can be attributed to several key factors. Pakistani IT companies have expanded their global client base, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This expansion is coupled with a favorable regulatory environment, including the State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to raise the permissible retention limit in Exporters’ Specialized Foreign Currency Accounts from 35% to 50%. Additionally, the relative stability of the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) has encouraged IT exporters to repatriate a larger portion of their earnings back to Pakistan. The sector’s global engagement is evident in the participation of leading Pakistani IT companies in prestigious events such as London Tech Week 2024 and Collision Canada 2024. These appearances were supported by the IT representative bodies and the Government of Pakistan, further strengthening the country’s
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03