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PM ORDERS SWIFT EVACUATIONS AS FLOODS IMPACT SUTLEJ, RAVI, AND CHENAB
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Wednesday, 27 August, 2025 | 2 Rabiul Awal, 1447
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PM INFORMED 174,000 PEOPLE SAFELY RELOCATED; RESCUE OPERATIONS ONGOING IN WORST-HIT AREAS
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NDMA ISSUES HEAVY RAINFALL WARNING ACROSS PUNJAB, AJK DISTRICTS
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 50 | 8 Pages | Lahore Edition
PDMA ISSUES FLOOD WARNING FOR CHENAB, RAVI, AND SUTLEJ
Nearly 150,000 moved to safety as flood threat looms over Punjab LAHORE
staff report
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the flood situation across the country and the ongoing relief operations. The session focused on the impact of flooding in various regions, particularly in Punjab, where the Sutlej River’s rising waters have caused widespread disruption. “Rescue operations must be accelerated in the flood-affected districts of Punjab,” he directed, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He also ordered an expedited evacuation of individuals trapped in the affected areas and emphasised the importance of ensuring the timely supply of food, medicine, and tents to those in need. PM Shehbaz instructed the chairman
of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to maintain close contact with the Disaster Management Authority of Punjab for coordinated efforts. According to a briefing during the meeting, flood warnings for the Sutlej River had been issued in advance, allowing for the evacuation of residents from surrounding areas. As a result, no casualties have been reported from the river’s affected regions so far. In total, over 174,000 people have been safely relocated to higher ground, with rescue operations continuing in the worst-hit districts. Efforts are also underway in Narowal district, where floodwaters from the Lahri Bund have prompted the evacuation of residents. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, power restoration efforts are underway in floodhit areas, while the national highway in Gilgit-Baltistan remains submerged over
Authorities in Punjab have evacuated close to 150,000 people from low-lying settlements as floodwaters rise and forecasters warn of more heavy monsoon rains in the days ahead. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that mass relocations were under way after water levels surged in the Sutlej River, prompting “high flood” warnings across multiple districts. Emergency teams have been deployed and local administrations ordered to stay on maximum alert. According to official figures, Bahawalnagar has seen the largest displacement with nearly 90,000 residents moved to safety. Evacuations were also
a two-kilometre stretch, with recovery efforts ongoing. The meeting also noted severe flooding in areas such as Gundasinghwala on the Sutlej River, Jaister on the Ravi River, and Marala on the Chenab River. Furthermore, the Dek Nullah region is experiencing intense flooding. Federal ministers for Planning, Climate Change, Communications, Power, Information, Religious Affairs, and senior government officials attended the meeting
reported in Kasur (14,140), Okara (2,063), Pakpattan (873), Bahawalpur (361) and Vehari (165). Officials noted that around 40,000 people had shifted soon after early warnings were issued, easing the pace of later operations. Provincial authorities described the exercise as one of the largest evacuation drives in recent years, with rescue workers operating round the clock. The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said district administrations were tasked to secure lives and property, while citizens were urged to avoid flood-prone areas and unnecessary travel. State broadcaster PTV reported that water discharge in the Sutlej has touched 195,000 cusecs — a level termed “extremely high” by the authorities.
to discuss the ongoing relief operations and strategies for flood management. PDMA issues flood warning for Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej Meanwhile, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, Irfan Ali Kathia, has warned of rising water levels in key rivers in the province, raising concerns over potential flooding.
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dar vows to boost pakistan’s ties with egypt, algeria, turkiye through mutual cooperation JEDDAH
staff report
Despite rift, PPP to stand with federal govt: Bilawal LARKANA
News Desk
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that despite some policy differences, his party remains aligned with the federal government. Speaking at the Clean Larkana and Employment Scheme Program in Naudero, Bilawal recalled that Sindh had been treated like a “stepchild” in the past, facing difficulties and neglect. He dedicated his recently awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz to the people of Larkana. Bilawal announced that two million houses were being built across Sindh under the People’s Housing Scheme, with ownership rights transferred in women’s names. He termed it the world’s largest housing project for women, adding that the initiative also generated up to 100,000 job opportunities. He praised local body representatives who launched the programme using their own savings and encouraged others to improve financial management. He also urged that performance-based competition among local representatives should be promoted, with the Sindh Chief Minister rewarding high-performing officials with additional facilities. Highlighting water-related issues, Bilawal said he had directed the upgradation of the water supply system in Ratodero and the improvement of water supply and drainage in Qambar Shahdadkot. He also lauded the Chief Ministers of Sindh and Balochistan for effectively representing their provinces at federal forums on issues such as water distribution, NFC, and canal disputes. Bilawal emphasised that the people are the real strength and asset of the party, adding that with their support, he has proudly represented Pakistan across the world.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar vowed to strengthen Pakistan’s ties with the North African countries of Egypt, Turkiye and Algeria as he met their foreign ministers on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. Dar arrived in Jeddah on a two-day visit yesterday, where he spoke on Israel’s ongoing Gaza onslaught during the 21st extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers. On Tuesday, on the sidelines of the OIC meeting, Dar met with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Algeria’s FM Ahmed Attaf. Terming his discussion as a “meaningful interaction”, Dar said: “I reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening ties with our brotherly countries in North Africa, Algeria and Egypt, through enhanced connectivity and broader cooperation across diverse fields.” The foreign ministers discussed the “grave situation in Palestine”, Dar said on X. The trio stressed the “urgent need for humanitarian access, a ceasefire, and lasting peace, while underscoring the importance of unity within the Muslim Ummah in these challenging times”. At the OIC session yesterday, Dar slammed Israel’s “annexationist and rogue mindset” and condemned Tel Aviv’s plan to take control of Gaza City as threatening regional peace. He also presented seven “urgent and essential steps” for the international community and Muslim nations to halt Israel’s war
on Gaza — already termed a genocide by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch — and secure enduring peace in Palestine. Pakistan also fully endorsed and joined the statement issued by 31 Arab-Islamic countries and the secretaries general of the OIC, the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council, condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments about ‘Greater Israel’. Algeria’s Ambassador to the UN Amar Bendjama has called for sanctions on Israel in response to its Gaza City plan. Pakistan has brotherly ties with Egypt and Algeria, bonded in shared religion and culture. In April, Islamabad and Cairo agreed to enhance bilateral collaboration in the health sector, with a specific focus on eliminating Hepatitis C. It was also reported earlier this year that Egypt’s renowned Al-Azhar University had plans to set up its campus in Pakistan.
Meeting with Turkiye’s foreign minister The deputy PM also met with Turkiye’s FM Hakan Fidan on Tuesday, expressing his “deep appreciation” to Turkiye for its leadership role in the capacity of chairing the OIC ministerial session. “We affirmed firm solidarity with Palestine, noting the worsening humanitarian crisis and famine, and the urgent need for humanitarian aid and relief,” Dar noted. The two ministers also “reaffirmed the brotherly PakistanTürkiye relations, and looked forward to further strengthening our multifaceted cooperation”. Dar had also met with the top diplomats of several other friendly countries yesterday on the sidelines of the OIC meeting. They included Saudi Arabia’s FM Faisal Bin Farhan, Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi, Malaysia’s Mohamad Haji Hasan, and Bangladeshi Adviser for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Touhid Hossain.
PHC halts ECP action against PTI’s Zartaj Gul PESHAWAR News Desk
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday barred the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from taking further action against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Zartaj Gul in a disqualification case. A two-member bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmed and Justice Ijaz Khan issued the order while hearing a petition filed on behalf of Zartaj Gul. The court restrained the ECP from proceeding under its August 5 notification, which had suspended several PTI members. The petitioner’s counsel told the court that the CounterTerrorism Department (CTD) in Faisalabad had sentenced Gul to 10 years in prison. Following the verdict, the ECP announced her disqualification along with other PTI leaders. Justice Waqar Ahmed questioned why the case was not filed before the Lahore High Court (LHC). In response, the lawyer pointed out that similar petitions from PTI leaders Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz were already being heard by the PHC since they were also disqualified under the same ruling.
Imran asks PTI to boycott by-polls, quit parliamentary committees ISLAMABAD
staff CorrespoNDeNt
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has instructed the party not to participate in upcoming byelections, advising parliamentary members to resign from all committees and referring the matter to the party’s political committee for final consultation. The instructions were relayed during a meeting at Adiala Jail with his sisters, Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, as well as senior party leaders Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Salman Akram Raja, and Barrister Ali Zafar. Speaking to the media following the meeting, Aleema said that Imran reiterated his firm opposition to the bypolls and called on all PTI lawmakers to resign from parliamentary committees. “The political committee will deliberate on the matter, but Khan sahib has made his position clear: entering these elections would validate the unlawful disqualifications and selective justice we are facing,” she said. “He told us to convey a clear message: keeping me in solitary confinement will not yield any results,” Aleema quoted him as saying. She further quoted her brother as reaffirming his resolve, saying, “I will not bow down, nor will I make any deal.” While confirming that her brother was in stable health, she noted that he was experiencing an eye condition requiring medical attention. “We are submitting a request to the court for medical examination, and PIMS doctors will soon conduct a check-up,” she added. Aleema added that Imran denounced the current state of the media, stating that “mainstream media has lost credibility among the public” and was under state control. On regional policy, he voiced opposition to the forced repatriation of Afghan refugees, calling it a violation of Islamic values. “He said he was ashamed of how Afghans were being treated,” Aleema noted. The PTI founder also expressed sorrow over floodrelated devastation in Buner and other areas, underscoring the need to appreciate the long-term significance of the Billion Tree Tsunami project. Turning to personal grievances, Aleema and Uzma condemned the arrest of their sons Shershah and Shahrez. “Shahrez is a businessman and has represented Pakistan in sports. What threat did he pose?” Uzma asked. Aleema added: “If they want to arrest someone, arrest me — but targeting our children reveals their fear.” She further revealed that Imran refused to accept the resignation submitted by party Secretary-General Salman Akram Raja, instructing him to continue his responsibilities. She also dismissed rumours of any friction between her and Salman Akram Raja, calling him a “trusted legal advisor and part of the family.” Speaking separately to the media, Raja stated that his resignation had not been accepted. He confirmed that the party’s political committee would reconvene later in the evening to finalise the strategy regarding by-elections.
Commerce ministry proposes special incentives for export-oriented sectors affected by 19% US tariff: report g
MINISTRY PROPOSES FINANCIAL, TAX, POWER, AND SHIPPING MEASURES TO SUPPORT EXPORT SECTORS AMID 19% US AD-VALOREM TARIFFS PROFIT
staff report
The Ministry of Commerce has requested “special incentives” for export-oriented sectors affected by ad-valorem tariffs of 19% recently imposed by the United States, Business Recorder, citing sources. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan reportedly sought Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s support to implement handholding measures for the impacted sectors. Pakistan’s additional ad-valorem tariff of 29% was reduced to 19%, lower than its regional competitors including Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India, as announced in a US
Presidential Executive Order on July 31, 2025. On August 6, 2025, the US imposed an additional 25% tariff on India, further giving Pakistan a 31% competitive advantage. Following these developments, on August 11, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce convened a meeting under the chairmanship of the Commerce Minister and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production. Representatives from leading exporters and SMEs across sectors including apparel and textiles, rice, salt, surgical goods, sports goods, electronics, food and agriculture, and leather discussed a forward-looking plan to boost exports to the US. Industry representatives acknowledged
the government’s efforts in trade diplomacy but urged for predictable and favourable policies to create an enabling business environment and reduce manufacturing costs. To maintain regional competitiveness and capitalise on US trade opportunities, the Commerce Ministry submitted detailed recommendations to the Prime Minister. These included authorisation for Rs 12 billion in August 2025, out of a budgetary allocation of Rs 15 billion for FY2025-26, for the clearance of verified Drawback of Local Taxes and Levies (DLTL) claims on a first-in-first-out basis by the State Bank of Pakistan, along with a supplementary grant of Rs 12.32 billion to clear remaining veri-
fied claims under Government Support Schemes in the second quarter of the current fiscal year. The ministry also recommended that the Federal Board of Revenue process future refunds within 72 hours as per Sales Tax Rules, 2006, revaluate customs valuation of mango pulp in consultation with the industry, withdraw sales tax on purchases from local manufacturers to June 2024 levels, address exclusions under the Export Facilitation Scheme, and rationalise double taxation for exporters. For the Power Division, the ministry proposed removing cross subsidies from industrial power tariffs. For the Petroleum Di-
vision, it suggested resolving outstanding RLNG bill arrears in line with OGRA determinations, rationalising RLNG tariffs for industrial consumers, removing off-the-grid levies and cross subsidies, and addressing price disparities among various consumers. The Maritime Affairs Division was asked to reduce shipping time to the U.S. from 48 days to 24 days. The Commerce Ministry also proposed the announcement of new DLTL incentive schemes to further support exporters. These measures are aimed at enabling export sectors to remain competitive and seize future opportunities in the U.S. market amid evolving trade conditions.