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PM SALUTES NAVY’S COURAGE, ROLE IN DEFENDING MARITIME FRONTIERS Monday, 8 September, 2025 | 14 Rabiul Awal, 1447
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SAYS FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL GOVTS UNITED TO PROMOTE EDUCATION, URGING FIGHT ILLITERACY WITH KNOWLEDGE FOR A STRONGER PAKISTAN ISLAMABAD
Staff report
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday paid glowing tribute to the officers, soldiers, and personnel of the Pakistan Navy for their courage, professionalism, and unwavering resolve in safeguarding the country’s maritime borders and national interests. In a message on the occasion of Navy Day (September 8), he said the nation takes pride in the glorious history of the naval forces and their contributions to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty. “Today, on Navy Day, I salute the determination, courage, and professional excellence of all personnel of the Pakistan Navy. This day not only commemorates the heroic legacy of our naval forces but also reaffirms our national resolve to protect maritime borders and interests,” he stated. The Prime Minister recalled Operation Somnath during the 1965 war, when the Pakistan Navy launched a decisive attack on the Indian coastal city of Dwarka and destroyed its communication system. “This operation was a symbol of bravery and professional capability, laying the foundation of our Navy’s enduring commitment to safeguard the motherland’s sovereignty,” he said.
PM Shehbaz noted that the spirit of the 1965 victory continues to inspire the Navy, which has since played a vital role in maintaining the balance of power in the Arabian Sea. “In recent battles too, Pakistan Navy has demonstrated readiness, resolve, and strength—sending a clear message that our maritime borders will be defended at all costs,” he emphasized. Highlighting contributions beyond the battlefield, the Prime Minister said the Navy is making significant strides in the blue economy, port development, maritime community welfare, and disaster relief efforts, in addition to
protecting international sea lanes and taking part in multinational exercises. “The Navy today stands as both the protector of Pakistan’s maritime frontiers and an architect of our future prosperity,” he added. He concluded with a salute to the sacrifices and achievements of the Navy’s past and present heroes, praying for the success of Pakistan’s armed forces and the progress of the country. Federal, provincial govts united to promote education: PM In a separate message on International Literacy Day (September 8), the Prime Minister said that the federal and
Sindh, Punjab mobilize emergency response as NDMA, PDMA issue high alerts g
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g PREMIER SHEHBAZ TERMS OPERATION UNDERSCORES EDUCATION CAMPAIGN SOMNATH SYMBOL OF 1965 WAR ON INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY, BRAVERY, LAUDS PN’S READINESS, CALLING FOR URGENT STEPS TO RAISE PROFESSIONALISM AND GLOBAL RESPECT LITERACY RATE BEYOND 60%
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NDMA WARNS OF URBAN FLOODING IN SINDH WITH HEAVY RAINS THROUGH SEPT 10 FROM GUJARAT–RAJASTHAN SYSTEM
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD/KARACHI Saleem jadoon
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued a fresh warning of extremely heavy rainfall in southeastern Sindh from September 7 to 10, cautioning that the downpours could unleash urban flooding in low-lying coastal districts, while Punjab remained on high alert for more floodwaters after India warned of fresh discharges into Sutlej River. According to NDMA, the rains are being driven by a weather system over the Gujarat–Rajasthan border moving westward, expected to bring intermittent showers across Sindh, southern Punjab, and parts of Balochistan until September 10. The authority cautioned of urban flooding in vulnerable areas and flash floods in the Kirthar and Sulaiman ranges. The Met Office forecast widespread heavy to very heavy rains in Sindh districts including Tharparkar (Mithi, Islamkot, Nagarparkar, Chhachhro, Dhali, Diplo, Kaloi), Umerkot, Mirpur Khas, Sanghar, Khairpur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Hyderabad, Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Dadu, Kashmore, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur and Ghotki from Sunday evening until September 9. On Saturday, Nagarparkar recorded 80mm rainfall, followed by Mithi 51mm, Kaloi 30mm, and Diplo and Chhor 29mm each. The Met Office warned that torrential downpours could cause urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Thatta, Badin and Sujawal. Additional rainfall in already floodhit districts of Punjab could aggravate the situation. Authorities have urged residents to avoid crossing rivers and streams, take precautionary measures in floodprone areas, and strictly follow instructions from local administrations. Punjab on edge as India warns of more Sutlej water; PDMA issues red alert Punjab braced for fresh devastation on Sunday after India warned of further floodwater discharges into the Sutlej, even as the Provincial Disas-
ter Management Authority (PDMA) issued a red alert for the 10th monsoon spell from September 7 to 9. PDMA Director-General Irfan Ali Kathia said the Indian High Commission had informed Pakistan about high flood levels at Harekay and Ferozpur downstream, raising fears of a surge in the Sutlej. Discharge at Trimmu Headworks has reached 526,000 cusecs and may rise to 590,000 cusecs within hours, while a massive 650,000-cusec wave is expected at Head Panjnad within 24 hours. According to PDMA, Guddu Barrage is likely to receive 700,000–750,000 cusecs, while flood conditions in Multan are expected to persist for the next 72 hours. The Pakistan Army, civil administration and allied departments remain on high alert. Meanwhile, the Chenab and Sutlej rivers continue to wreak havoc, breaching embankments and inundating dozens of villages. In Lodhran’s Ghulam Shah, the collapse of a protective dyke submerged hundreds of homes and crops, cutting off roads and leaving families stranded. In Rangpur, thousands of acres of farmland have been destroyed as residents brace for more flood waves.
At Head Panjnad near Uch Sharif, water levels surged to 490,000 cusecs, flooding Makhan Bela, Beet Bakhtiyari, Kachi Lal, Chak Kahl, and Rasool Pur, displacing thousands. In Arifwala and Qaboola, rising Sutlej waters have engulfed nearly 70 villages, forcing more than 30,000 people to flee while destroying homes and crops, raising fears of waterborne diseases. Over 4.2m affected, 56 dead in Punjab floods The Punjab Relief Commissioner reported on Sunday that more than 4.2 million people have been affected by severe flooding across 4,100 villages in 25 districts, with the death toll rising to 56. Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed said over 2.014 million people have been relocated to safer areas. A total of 423 relief camps, 512 medical camps and 432 veterinary camps have been established in flood-hit districts, with 1.511 million livestock also moved to safety. The PDMA reported that Mangla Dam is 87% full and Tarbela at 100% capacity, while across the border, India’s Bhakra Dam is 90% full, Pong Dam 99% and Thein Dam 97%. Officials expressed concern that India could release more water with a fresh spell of rain.
Sindh activates contingency plans to deal with 800,000 cusecs floodwater: CM Murad KARACHI
Staff report
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Sunday said the provincial government has activated contingency plans to handle potential floods, preparing for water flows of up to 800,000 cusecs. Speaking at a press conference at the Flood Monitoring Cell in Karachi, Shah said the ongoing monsoon rains have created floodlike conditions in several districts. “A surge of up to 700,000 cusecs is expected at Panjnad, while 217,000 cusecs of water may enter the Indus River from Taunsa,” he said, adding that peak flows at Guddu Barrage are expected on September 9. The CM noted that residents in vulnerable areas have already
begun evacuating, with relief camps, medicines, and food supplies being provided to flood-affected families. “More than 324,000 people have been shifted to safer locations,” he said. Shah highlighted that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari are constantly monitoring the situation. On the weather outlook, the CM said heavy rains are forecast for Karachi and other parts of Sindh. “Karachi has already received more rainfall than expected this year. We are fully prepared for further rain, and all departments and ministers remain active,” he assured. He added that a Rain and Flood Emergency Centre has been established at the Chief Secretary’s office to coordinate relief and monitoring efforts.
provincial governments are united in their commitment to promoting education and raising Pakistan’s literacy rate. “The central objective of the national literacy campaign is to ensure every child not only receives basic education but also acquires higher knowledge, skills, and technical training to meet the demands of the modern era,” he said. PM Shehbaz underlined that education is the foundation of development and prosperity, describing it as “a continuous journey of knowledge, training and enlightenment that transforms nations.” He, however, termed Pakistan’s 60 percent literacy rate as “worryingly low,” noting it falls behind global standards and even other South Asian countries. “This situation is a reminder that we must urgently prioritize education to ensure the collective progress of our children, youth, and society,” he stressed, adding that Islam and Quaide-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah both emphasized the transformative power of education. The Prime Minister said the goal cannot be achieved without national consensus and the involvement of teachers, parents, and citizens at every level. “Let us pledge today to dispel the darkness of illiteracy with the light of knowledge and lay the foundation for a stronger, developed Pakistan,” he concluded.
Naval Chief hails 1965 war heroes, vows to safeguard maritime frontiers ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Sunday emphasized that nations that commemorate their historic milestones and draw inspiration from their enduring legacy remain steadfast in safeguarding sovereignty and integrity. “Among Pakistan’s most significant commemorations, 8th September stands as a testament to the courage of naval warriors, whose unwavering resolve at sea continues to inspire future generations,” Admiral Naveed Ashraf declared in his message on the occasion of Navy Day—8th September 2025, being commemorated on Monday (tomorrow).
He stated this historic day exalts the valour of our heroes who epitomize bravery and patriotism. Operation ‘SOMNATH’ symbolizes the true spirit of naval courage, when a Pakistan Navy flotilla of seven major warships launched a surprise attack on the Indian coastal town of Dwarka. The daring operation inflicted irreparable damage on vital shore installations, including a key radar station, severely impairing enemy visibility and reducing its operational capability. Equally, during the 1965 war, the submarine PNS GHAZI emerged as a formidable deterrent, striking fear in the enemy and raising the stakes against its aggressive designs.
As nation celebrates Air Force Day, Air Chief reaffirms PAF resolve to defend Pakistan’s skies ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The nation celebrated Air Force Day with zeal and enthusiasm on Sunday as Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu reiterated that the victories in Marka-e-Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos once again proved the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) unshakable will and capability to guard the country’s aerial frontiers. Defence Day Marks September 7, 1965, when PAF inflicted a humiliating defeat on the Indian Air Force through exemplary professionalism, the Air
Chief recalled the legendary feat of Squadron Leader Mahmood Muhammad Alam, who downed four Indian jets in just 30 seconds, stunning the world. Central Martyrs’Day Ceremony Addressing the central Martyrs’ Day ceremony at Air Headquarters, Islamabad, Air Chief Sidhu said the day symbolizes the extraordinary bravery, professionalism, and supreme sacrifice of the Armed Forces.