In partnership with
TRIPLE-RIVER FLOODING BATTERS PUNJAB AS SINDH ON ALERT FOR MAJOR FLOOD WAVE Saturday, 30 August, 2025 | 5 Rabiul Awal, 1447
g
Profit
OFFICIAL DATA SAYS 1.46M g CHENAB WAVE MOVES PEOPLE AFFECTED, 1,769 TOWARD JHANG, CHINIOT TO VILLAGES INUNDATED, TRIMMU HEADWORKS WHILE 265,000 EVACUATED RAVI SWELLS AT BALLOKI
P
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD/KARACHI staff report
UNJAB continued to reel under its most devastating floods in decades on Friday as the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab rivers all surged to dangerous levels, inundating thousands of villages, forcing mass evacuations and raising fears of “an unprecedented high flood wave” in the Indus River downstream in Sindh, with the authorities predicting more rainfall. According to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) figures, the floods have so far submerged 1,769 villages, affected more than 1.46 million people, and forced the evacuation of 265,000 residents. Over 60,000 houses have been damaged while 25,000 livestock have been moved to safer ground. The toll comes as the National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that since June 26, climate change–linked monsoon rains have killed over 820 people and injured thousands across Pakistan. “A major flood wave in the River Chenab is rapidly moving toward Chiniot, Jhang and Trimmu Headworks,” Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed said. “By evening, the flood wave will pass through Jhang and Chiniot and reach Trimmu Headworks. To reduce pressure, breaching has been carried out at three locations in Jhang.” The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed discharges of 184,000 cusecs at Khanki, 185,000 cusecs at Qadirabad and 129,000 cusecs at Trimmu, warning of rising threats to nearby settlements and urging residents to evacuate.
Continued on page 03
iran extends condolences and support to pakistan amid floods ISLAMABAD
staff report
Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed deep condolences to the people of Pakistan over the devastating floods that have claimed lives and destroyed property across the country. In a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, President
Pezeshkian offered assistance to what he described as the brotherly people of Pakistan during this difficult time. He conveyed his sympathy to the families of victims who have lost loved ones and their homes in the disaster. Prime Minister Shehbaz thanked the Iranian president for his gesture of solidarity and compassion, noting the importance of such support in an hour of national grief.
g
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 53 | 8 Pages | Islamabad Edition
SUTLEJ CROSSES 350,000 CUSECS AT GANDA SINGH WALA, PUTTING KASUR AT RISK
pM unveils joint strategy to tackle climate change, build water reservoirs LAHORE
staff report
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that a comprehensive national strategy is being devised for the construction of water reservoirs and improved water management across the four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. He emphasized that the reservoirs would be established in consultation and complete coordination with the provinces. “Climate change is a reality, and only through effective preparedness can the damages caused by natural disasters be mini-
mized,” he stressed. The Prime Minister underlined that the federation, provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan must work hand in hand to protect the people from the adverse impacts of climate change, describing it as a “national issue that demands collective effort.” According to the Prime Minister’s Office, work is already underway on his directives to formulate an effective policy for timely response to climate change challenges, particularly the monsoon season. The draft working paper of this policy will soon be shared with all provincial governments to devise a unified course of action.
Climate Minister blames ‘elite culture’ for aggravating flood devastation ISLAMABAD
staff report
Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Musadik Malik on Friday said that Pakistan’s worsening flood devastation is rooted in an entrenched “elite culture,” where riverside lands and properties are occupied by the powerful rather than the poor. “There is no poor man’s hotel on
the riverbank—only resorts of the powerful,” Malik remarked during an interview on a TV channel on Friday. The minister said mistrust over water management remains deep among provinces, with each suspecting the other of withholding water. “Balochistan believes it is deprived and that Sindh gets water but does not pass it on,” he noted.
MAKE NEW DISCOVERIES IN THE FAR EAST
Whether you’re seeking unique cultural experiences or action-packed adventures, start your journey to the Far East with Emirates. With gourmet dining, award-winning inflight entertainment and world-class service on board, you’ll arrive refreshed and ready to start exploring amazing destinations including Indonesia, Malaysia and ailand.
Field Marshal vows restoration of Kartarpur gurdwara after floods NAROWAL
News Desk
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday pledged full restoration of all flood-hit religious sites, including the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, during his visit to affected areas in Punjab’s Sialkot sector. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the army chief toured Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur to review relief operations and preparations for the next spell of monsoon rains. He was briefed on the prevailing situation and lauded both troops and the civil administration for their tireless efforts in evacuations, rescue missions, and relief activities. Pakistan has been grappling with weeks of torrential rains that have caused flash floods, swollen rivers, and filled dams, with over 800 lives lost since late June. Authorities have evacuated more than 210,000 people near the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers after India released excess dam water downstream, issuing three flood warnings within the week. Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed that the protection of minorities and their places of worship is a responsibility the state will never compromise on. He assured the Sikh community that restoration of Kartarpur and other damaged sites would be given top priority. The Sikh community welcomed him warmly and thanked the Pakistan Army for its support during the crisis. The army chief also conducted an aerial survey of Kartarpur to assess the damage firsthand. During interactions with officials and troops, he praised their commitment, readiness, and high morale under challenging circumstances, acknowledging their vital role in minimising loss of life and property. Upon arrival, the army chief was received by the corps commander Gujranwala.