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OVER 222 KILLED AS CATASTROPHIC RAINS, CLOUDBURST WRECK COUNTRY’S NORTHERN AREAS Saturday, 16 August, 2025 | 21 Safar, 1447
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KP WORST HIT WITH 210 DEATHS, VAST DAMAGE TO INFRASTRUCTURE
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 39 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
GB AND AJK ALSO SUFFER WITH DEATH TOLL AND DAMAGES TO INFRASTRUCTURE, KKH BLOCKED AT VARIOUS POINTS DUE TO LANDSLIDE
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PAKISTAN ARMY HELICOPTER RELIEF SUPPLIES CRASHED IN BAJAUR, KILLING ALL FIVE PERSONNEL ON BOARD
FIELD MARSHAL MUNIR ISSUES SPECIAL DIRECTIVES FOR g COAS ASSURE TROOPS WOULD ASSIST IN RELIEF WITH ADDITIONAL FULL-SCALE REHAB IN FLOOD-AFFECTED COMMUNITIES CONTINGENTS BEING DISPATCHED TO BOLSTER OPERATIONS
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ISLAMABAD/LAHORE/PESHAWAR Saleem jadoon
LASH floods triggered by a “catastrophic wave of torrential rains and deadly cloudburst” on Friday wreaked havoc across the country’s northern areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa worst hit, claiming at least 222 people dead and dozens missing while a Pakistan Army helicopter carrying relief supplies tragically crashed, killing all five personnel on board, the officials confirmed. Majority of deaths–210 reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 12 in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), according to provincial officials and disaster management bodies. In KP, the province-wide deaths included 184 men, 14 women and 12 children, with Buner reported the highest number of deaths, 91, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). The data added that 68 homes, three schools and 16 other structures were destroyed amid the deluge, with 49 homes being destroyed in Swat alone. According to the PDMA report, 61 houses were partially destroyed and seven were completely destroyed. The report added that heavy rain in the area is likely to continue intermittently until August 21.
PM directs NDMA to set up flood emergency cell, step up relief efforts ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to step up relief and rescue operations across flood-hit regions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), to provide them with all possible support by utilizing all the available resources. A special emergency cell has also been established at the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure 24/7 coordination of relief efforts and monitor the evolving situation. Chairing an emergency meeting to review the damage caused by monsoon rains and cloudbursts in northern Pakistan, the prime minister ordered the NDMA to maintain close coordination with provincial governments, particularly KP, to expedite rescue operations and the delivery
“On the special instructions of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, relief funds have been released for the dis-
Pakistan slams Netanyahu’s ‘Greater Israel’ remarks, urges protection of Palestinians rights ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Pakistan on Friday condemned the recent remarks by Israeli leaders about the creation of a so-called “Greater Israel,” calling the statements a violation of international law and an attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza. The comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in recent days have triggered widespread outrage across the Arab and Muslim world. Netanyahu said in a recent interview he felt “very much” connected to the vision of “Greater Israel,” describing it as a “historic and spiritual mission.” Smotrich announced plans to expand settlement building in the occupied West Bank to “bury the idea of a Palestinian state.” Arab states, including the UAE, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, as well as the Palestinian Authority, have denounced the comments. “Pakistan strongly condemns and rejects recent statements made by the Israeli Occupying power, alluding to the creation of so-called ‘Greater Israel,’ and its designs aimed at the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza,” the Foreign Office said in a statement. The FO statement said that remarks showed Israel’s intent to cement its occupation and disregard peace efforts, urging the international community to act swiftly to halt further regional destabilization and end crimes against Palestinians. Pakistan called on states to “outrightly reject such provocative notions that constitute a flagrant violation of the international law, principles of the UN Charter, as well as the relevant United Nations resolutions.” The FO statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including the right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
of essential supplies. “The protection of human lives is the top priority,” PM Shehbaz said, instructing authorities to ensure the swift dispatch of relief goods — including tents, food, and medicines — by road on a priority basis. He also directed the evacuation of stranded individuals, including tourists, from affected areas to safer locations without delay. NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik briefed the meeting on the extent of damage and ongoing response operations. The prime minister was informed that multiple regions had been hit by cloudbursts and flash floods, severely impacting infrastructure and displacing scores of residents. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the NDMA’s command and control centre is operating around the clock and that early warning systems continue to provide real-time updates to K-P, AJK, and other provincial authorities.
tricts affected by rains and flash floods,” the report read. “A total of Rs500 million has been re-
At least 60 dead, over 200 missing in IIOJK floods, landslides KASHMIR
Staff report
Heavy rains in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have caused deadly floods and landslides, leaving at least 60 people dead and more than 200 others missing. The devastating incident, which occurred on Thursday, followed intense flooding and mudslides that engulfed the village of Chasoti. Many of the victims were pilgrims who had gathered for a meal before heading up the hill to a religious site. Witnesses described hearing a loud sound followed by a sudden flash flood, with people shouting as the floodwaters swept them away or buried them under debris. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, using shovels and earthmovers to search through the rubble and recover victims. In the aftermath, belongings such as bags and clothes were scattered across the
leased for the districts most affected by floods,” it added, stating that Rs150m has been released for Buner district, Rs100m
area, while broken electric poles lay amidst the mud. As of Friday, more than 100 people have been injured, and around 200 individuals remain unaccounted for, according to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Scientists warn that the frequency and severity of such events are being exacerbated by climate change. While the Himalayas have long been susceptible to floods and landslides, the growing intensity of these natural disasters has raised concerns among experts. This incident is the second such disaster in the Himalayas in a little over a week. A similar tragedy struck Uttarakhand recently, where floods and mudslides engulfed an entire village. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the challenges posed by the ongoing natural calamities during his Independence Day speech, expressing solidarity with the victims.
each for Bajaur, Battagram and Mansehra districts and Rs50m for Swat.
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Premier Shehbaz inaugurates Chinese textile group’s SEZ in Islamabad ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated a special economic zone (SEZ) in Islamabad to be set up by a Chinese textile group—projected to generate exports worth $400 million for the country, the state media reported. PM Shehbaz welcomed the establishment of an SEZ, saying that the “initiative would facilitate technology transfer, skill development, and sustainable industrial growth,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported. The project will be set up by the Chinese textile group Challenge Fashion Private Limited, which is set to invest $100m over five years in the project. PM Shehbaz met with the company’s delegation—led by its chairman Huwang Weiguo—expressing Pakistan’s willingness to “take bilateral ties to new heights,” APP quoted him as saying. Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal, Attaullah Tarar, Ali Pervez Malik,
Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi were also present at the meeting. The prime minister assured the delegation of his government’s complete facilitation for setting up the zone as part of the “industrial component of CPEC”, and thanked the delegation for having faith in the Pakistani market, APP reported. PM Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s de-
sire to set up more such units across the country and hoped to benefit from China’s textile sector. On that note, he shared that “a China-Pakistan Business-to-Business Conference would soon be held in China, providing an opportunity for collaboration between private businesses of both countries,” APP reported him as saying. Chairman Huwang said he aims to establish a modern textile industry in
Senate seals resolution reaffirming resolve to protect sovereignty of Pakistan ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The Senate on Friday unanimously passed a resolution, reaffirming the resolve to protect the sovereignty of Pakistan, preserving its democratic ethics and building a prosperous future for generations to come. The resolution moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar in connection with Independence Day, pledged to strive for sustainable development, eco-
nomic empowerment, and national unity. Honoring the leadership of Quaid-eAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the resolution paid homage to all those whose sacrifices made Pakistan a sovereign and independent state. The resolution acknowledged and commended the armed forces and security institutions for their unmatched valour and sacrifices in defending the nation. It paid tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis, pledging to preserve and uphold their legacy for future generations.
The resolution paid special tribute to the parliamentarians, who framed the constitution of Pakistan and advanced democratic reforms, while reaffirming the commitment to preserving the parliamentary democracy, constitutional supremacy, and rule of law. The resolution also expressed commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and constructive engagement with neighboring countries. It also expressed commitment to address the shared challenges, including climate
Pakistan and thanked the PM for his support and hospitality. In July, at a highlevel meeting, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal assured a Chinese delegation that the establishment of SEZs remains the federal government’s top priority. PM welcomes revival of bilateral mechanisms with Bangladesh Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday underlined the revival of bilateral mechanisms as key to rebuilding relations with Bangladesh as he received Dhaka’s High Commissioner for a courtesy call in Islamabad. The meeting with Md Iqbal Hussain Khan comes amid a remarkable realignment in South Asia’s geopolitics. Since the fall of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 and her subsequent flight to India, Dhaka’s traditionally close relationship with New Delhi has grown strained. The shift has created an opening for Pakistan and Bangladesh—once a single nation until the bloody 1971 war of independence— to move past decades of frosty ties. change, economic inequalities, terrorism, and public health crisis while safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty. The resolution called upon the citizens, particularly the youth, to work beyond personal and political differences and to contribute actively to nation building through education, innovation, civic engagement, and service to humanity. The Senate also unanimously passed a resolution urging the federal and provincial governments to celebrate the 1500th Eid Milad-un-Nabi Sallallaho Alaihe Wa Alhi Wasallam at a high level through national programs, Miladun Nabi Mahafils, media campaigns, welfare initiatives, and illumination and decoration of the government, semi-government, and private buildings and highways.
Pak-US counterterrorism talks will help formulate joint action plan: Naqvi ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday said that counterterrorism dialogue between Pakistan and the United States will help in formulating a joint action plan, hoping for “positive results of the bilateral cooperation in eliminating terrorism.” Naqvi was talking with US Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory LoGerfo who called on him here at the Interior Ministry, according to a statement issue the Interior Ministry on Friday. Both officials discussed bilateral relations and agreed to increase cooperation in various fields, including counterterrorism, border security and counter-narcotics. “The counterterrorism dialogue will help in formulating a joint action plan,” the statement quoted Naqvi as saying during the meeting. Minister of State for Interior Talal
Chaudhry, Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker and the federal interior secretary were also present on the occasion, it added. “There has been an extraordinary improvement in Pak-US relations after the coming to power of President Donald Trump,” Naqvi said. He praised US President Donald Trump’s efforts for world peace and stated, “The elements of transparency, mutual trust, and cooperation are prominent in Pak-US relations.” “This is a great opportunity to promote mutual relations in every field,” he added. The interior minister also welcomed the recent US decision to designate the proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army and the Majeed Brigade as global terrorist organizations, terming the development as a “good step.” The statement said that LoGerfo expressed condolences over the loss of lives in terrorist attacks and quoted him as saying, “Pakistan is a very important country in geostrategic terms.”
On Tuesday, the US said that it was committed to combat terrorism in all its forms with Pakistan, as UN Special Secretary Ambassador Nabeel Munir and LoGerfo co-chaired the US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue.¶ The last US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue was held in May 2024, where both countries reaffirmed the continuation of counterterrorism cooperation to advance regional and global security and stability. Last week, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir completed a visit to the US, terming the trip—the second in just one-and-a-half months—a “new dimension” in ties between both nations. He also visited the US in June on a five-day official visit, where he met with US President Donald Trump over luncheon, becoming the first serving army chief to have an official faceto-face meeting with a sitting US president. The two had discussed joint counterterrorism efforts and expanding bilateral trade
during their “cordial” meeting in Washington. During the meeting, Trump had “lauded Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for regional peace
and stability and appreciated the robust counterterrorism cooperation between the two states.”