Search form

You are here

  • Home
  • Northern Pakistan, Balochistan on flood alert as nearly 40 killed in rain disasters this week 


Northern Pakistan, Balochistan on flood alert as nearly 40 killed in rain disasters this week 

People watch water gushing down river next to destroyed bridge in Chitral, Pakistan on August 4, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Screengrab/Reuters)
Short Url

https://arab.news/rx7qw

Updated 04 August 2024
Follow

Northern Pakistan, Balochistan on flood alert as nearly 40 killed in rain disasters this week 

  • Glacial lake outburst floods, landslides and flash floods expected in KP, GB from Aug. 3-6, disaster authority says
  • Nullahs in Zhob, Kalat, Nasirabad and Sibbi divisions in Balochistan to experience “high to very high” flooding
Updated 04 August 2024
Kashaf Rehman

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Sunday warned of glacial lake outbursts, flash floods and landslides in the country’s northern regions as well as the southwestern Balochistan province amid continuing monsoon downpours, with nearly 40 people killed across the country this week in rain-related disasters.
According to figures from the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) in the Punjab and Balochistan provinces, 32 people were killed in rain-related incidents this week in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province while six died in Punjab. 
Pakistan is recognized as one of the world’s worst-affected countries from climate change impacts. The South Asian country has experienced torrential rains, droughts and heat waves that have become more severe and erratic over the past couple of years. 
“NDMA [National Disaster Management Authority] National Emergencies Operation Center anticipated that the latest hydrometeorological conditions suggest that high to very high-level flash flooding is likely in Balochistan,” the authority said in a statement. 




People push motorcycle across muddy water in Chitral, Pakistan on August 4, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Screengrab/Reuters)

It warned that hill torrents of the local nullahs of Zhob, Kalat, Nasirabad and Sibbi divisions in Balochistan wre likely to experience “high to very high level” of flash flooding, saying it could damage infrastructure. 
“Similarly, The hill torrents of and local nullahs of Dera Ghazi Khan are likely to experience high to very high level of flash flooding which may result in damage to infrastructure,” it added. 
The authority warned populations at risk to avoid flood waters and find safe locations away from flood-prone areas. 
Separately, Pakistani state-run media, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), warned of glacial lake outbursts (GLOF), flash floods and landslides in Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa areas from Aug. 3-6.




Residents move carrying belonging from the flooded areas in Chitral, Pakistan on August 4, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Screengrab/Reuters)

“The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Emergencies Operation Center anticipated that a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), Landslides and Flash Flood is expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan due to increasing glacier melt, persistent high temperatures and weather system bringing intermittent rains from today till Tuesday,” APP said on Saturday. 
The NDMA has said intermittent rains and high temperatures are expected to trigger low-level/localized flash floods in KP and GB, which in turn could impact temporary bridge and road connections for upstream areas.
The authority has advised the provincial disaster management authorities and local administrations in KP and GB to closely monitor the situation, identify at-risk populations, and evacuate them to safer zones in case of medium to high flows, APP reported. 
Unusually heavy rains in June 2022 triggered flash floods in many parts of the country, killing over 1,700 people, inflicting losses of around $30 billion, and affecting at least 30 million people.
In June, a UN official warned that an estimated 200,000 people in Pakistan could be affected by the upcoming monsoon season, which has brought heavier rains than usual.

Topics: glacial lake outbursts (GLOF) glacial lake outbursts chitral Pakistan Floods Monsoon in Pakistan

China to train Pakistanis among 3,000 more overseas cops in next 12 months

Updated 6 sec ago
AFP
Follow

China to train Pakistanis among 3,000 more overseas cops in next 12 months

  • The development comes as China seeks to cement its role as a global security provider
  • Public security minister says they will also send police consultants to various countries
Updated 6 sec ago
AFP

LIANYUNGANG: China will train thousands of law enforcement officers from different countries over the next 12 months, its police chief said Monday, as it seeks to cement its role as a global security provider.
Police from China have trained 2,700 officers in the past year and are planning to coach 3,000 more from various countries over the next 12 months, public security minister Wang Xiaohong said in a speech at a conference in eastern China.
“We will (also) send police consultants to countries in need to conduct training to help them quickly and effectively improve their law enforcement capabilities,” Wang said.
The security conference held in the port city of Lianyungang in Jiangsu province drew law enforcement officers from 122 countries, regions, and international organizations including Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan and global police body Interpol.
The annual Lianyungang conference is seen as part of the Global Security Initiative (GSI) proposed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2022, which aims to address international issues through cooperation with other countries.
However analysts have described the GSI as a way of expanding China’s global influence and chipping away at the current US-led security order.
“It’s almost like saying ‘if you don’t like the Western way of doing things, we’ve got the Chinese alternative’,” Benjamin Ho, an assistant professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies’ China Programme, told AFP.
“So certainly, China is trying to highlight some of these (policing) initiatives in a big way, and that’s part and parcel of its jostling for influence vis-a-vis the West,” Ho said.
Wang said in his speech to hundreds of conference delegates that law enforcement had been “politicized.”
“Normal international cooperation has been demonized,” Wang said, adding that China “rejects any form of hegemonism and bullying.”
He also said that regional security risks continue to “spill over,” including from the Ukraine war, the Israel-Palestinian conflict and tensions in the Red Sea.
Rose-gold handcuffs, batons and bulletproof vests were on display for potential overseas buyers at the conference venue.
Exhibition halls showcasing some of China’s latest policing equipment drew the attention of curious foreign visitors.
Armored vehicles lined the pavement leading to the exhibition and booths featured face-recognition software designed to help in identifying fugitives.
Ho said the Chinese were trying to highlight how “safe and secure” their country was, especially with their latest surveillance techniques.
“I suppose that kind of logic would have to be quite attractive to countries who may be struggling with their own domestic security,” Ho said.
“From the Chinese side, all these are opportunities for them to showcase their global security influence.”

Topics: Police training Pakistan China Ties

Pakistani teen wins 19th World Youth Scrabble Championship in Sri Lanka

Updated 45 min 22 sec ago
Follow

Pakistani teen wins 19th World Youth Scrabble Championship in Sri Lanka

  • This is the ‘record fifth time’ Pakistani players have claimed the championship title
  • Pakistan won the trophy for being the top-ranked team, with four players in top ten
Updated 45 min 22 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani teenager has won the title at the 19th World Youth Scrabble Championship 2024, held in Sri Lanka, according to a report by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on Monday.
The international scrabble competition is designed specifically for young players, typically under the age of 18, offering them a platform to compete at a high level with other scrabble enthusiasts from around the world, while promoting both linguistic skills and strategic gameplay among the participants.
The championship was first held in 2006, with the inaugural event taking place in Australia. Since then, it has become an annual event, attracting young players from various countries.
Pakistan’s 16-year-old Affan Salman secured the title after playing 23 out of 24 games due to an unassailable lead.
“Affan’s brother Ali Salman won the World Youth title in 2022 providing the only instance of two brothers winning the world Youth championship in history,” the APP reported.
The report said Pakistan had won several awards, including the trophy for being the top-ranked team, with four players from the country finishing in the top 10.
According to Pakistan Television (PTV), this marked a “record fifth time” that the Pakistani team had claimed the championship title.
It also informed that 138 players from around the world had participated in the scrabble competition.
 

Topics: Pakistan World Youth Scrabble Championship Arab News Pakistan

Pakistan PM reaffirms resolve to combat militancy after attack on police in Balochistan

Updated 09 September 2024
Follow

Pakistan PM reaffirms resolve to combat militancy after attack on police in Balochistan

  • Attack that took place in Panjgur on Sunday targeted a police van and resulted in the killing of a sub-inspector
  • The PM has previously blamed separatist groups in Balochistan for trying to end Pakistan’s journey of progress
Updated 09 September 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating militant violence in Pakistan on Monday while responding to an attack on a police van in the southwestern Balochistan province a day earlier that claimed the life of a sub-inspector.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent months, including a series of coordinated attacks in Balochistan last month, where over 50 people were killed.

Baloch separatist militants, who are seeking the resource-rich region’s secession, have been targeting government forces and projects under the $65-billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The latest attack occurred on Sunday night, resulting in the death of Sub-Inspector Shakeel Ahmed while he was on a routine patrol in Panjgur, located in the western part of the province near the border with Iran, along with a police contingent.

“The entire nation stands with those who sacrifice their lives in the fight against terrorism,” the prime minister was quoted as saying in a statement released by his office.

“Our war against terrorists will continue until terrorism is completely eradicated from the country,” he added.

The official statement said the prime minister expressed deep sorrow over the killing of the police officer, adding that he condemned the incident.

Previously, he said the separatist groups operating in the southwest only wanted to “put an end to the journey of progress in Pakistan.”

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said last month that militant factions targeting his country were launching attacks from safe havens in neighboring Afghanistan, though Kabul denies the allegation.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack on police in Panjgur.

Topics: Pakistan Militancy police Arab News Pakistan panjgur

UAE amnesty scheme offers hope to Pakistanis seeking to legalize work status

Updated 09 September 2024
Follow

UAE amnesty scheme offers hope to Pakistanis seeking to legalize work status

  • People who have overstayed their visas or face other residency issues can benefit from the program
  • The amnesty scheme allows people to regularize their legal status or leave the UAE without penalties
Updated 09 September 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Hamzah, a 25-year-old from Gujrat, Pakistan, arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last year to work as a cleaner and repay his family’s debt. After losing his job due to visa complications, he was forced to spend three months homeless. However, he has now secured a job at Dubai Airport with his visa fines waived under the UAE amnesty scheme.

Thousands of people from different parts of the world are expected to take advantage of the UAE’s two-month amnesty scheme, running from September 1 to October 31. The program allows visa violators, mostly from South Asia, to either regularize their status or leave without penalties.

The amnesty aims to reduce the number of undocumented residents, enhancing social stability and ensuring compliance. For people like Hamzah, it offers a fresh opportunity to rebuild their lives by securing legal status and better jobs.

“I was one of the first beneficiaries of this scheme. After learning about the amnesty, I went to one of the designated centers, and they immediately assisted me by arranging a job and waiving my fines,” he told Arab News over the phone from Dubai on Sunday.

But Hamzah was not the only one who decided to take advantage of the UAE government’s initiative.

An Emirati flag flies as people travel by boat nearby along the Dubai Creek in Dubai on May 18, 2023. (AFP/File)

Another beneficiary, who asked to use the pseudonym Muhammad Arslan, said he was a 27-year-old electrician from Narowal and was hopeful of earning a better income following the legalization of his work status.

“I came on a visit visa [to the UAE] and worked without proper documentation, which limited my earnings,” he said. “Now, with a work visa and job offers from a few companies, I’m optimistic about earning more legally. This will allow me to work without fear and send more money home.”

Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in the UAE has extended its consular services by opening offices on Saturdays. Its officials say the extension has been beneficial for those with expired or lost travel documents, enabling them to fully utilize the amnesty period.

“The amnesty scheme announced by the UAE government represents a crucial opportunity for Pakistani nationals in the Emirates who have overstayed their visas or encountered other residency issues to regularize their status without penalties,” Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi told Arab News, saying the Pakistani community in the UAE had responded positively to the amnesty scheme.

He maintained that the initiative reflected the UAE leadership’s commitment to supporting the expatriate community by providing a legal pathway to resolve their residency challenges with dignity and honor.

“The Embassy of Pakistan urges fellow Pakistanis to benefit from this exceptional opportunity provided by the UAE government,” he continued.

Tirmizi said the amnesty scheme highlights the importance of compliance with local laws.

“By offering a legal recourse to many individuals, the scheme not only provides an invaluable opportunity for personal and legal renewal but also underscores the UAE leadership’s steadfast commitment to treating the expatriate community with compassion and providing them with an amicable environment to live in with dignity,” the ambassador said.

“We are extremely thankful to the UAE government for providing this generous opportunity,” he added.

Tirmizi said the UAE government had established facilitation centers at multiple locations for the amnesty scheme where Pakistanis could directly visit to have their issues resolved.

“If some Pakistanis have passport or out-pass related issues, they can approach the mission,” he said, adding that the Pakistani teams at the embassy and consulates were also visiting the designated centers to assist community members.

Topics: Pakistan UAE ties Pakistan UAE Amnesty scheme

Politics in sport diagnosed as Pakistan cricket’s problem

Updated 09 September 2024
AFP
Follow

Politics in sport diagnosed as Pakistan cricket’s problem

  • Current PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has a second full-time job as interior minister in a nation grappling with a surge in militant attacks
  • Since nineties, hand-picked favorites of the respective ruling regimes in the country have taken turns as PCB chairmen to run the game
Updated 09 September 2024
AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s dire recent performances in international cricket have sparked debate over the invasion of politics in sport, with claims nepotism at the top is sabotaging success on the field.

Pakistan last week fell to eighth, their worst Test ranking in nearly six decades, after a shock 2-0 home series defeat to Bangladesh.

It was the 10th winless home Test in a row for the cricket-crazy country and came after humiliating early exits from both the 50-over and T20 World Cups in the past year.

The current Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman is Mohsin Naqvi, who has a second full-time job as interior minister in a nation grappling with a surge in militant attacks.

In the past two years Pakistan cricket has plowed through four coaches, three board heads, three captains and numerous formats of the domestic competition — instability experts say rides on the whims of politicians.

“This has a knock-on effect on team performance,” said cricket journalist and former PCB media manager Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi addresses a press conference on the Champions Cup at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan on August 26, 2024. (@TheRealPCB/X/File)

“When we have chaos and chronic instability within the management of the board it will reflect on-field performances,” he told AFP.

Cricket is by far Pakistan’s most popular sport with players celebrated as national heroes, endorsed by top brands and streets emptied during major events.

The sport cuts across all divides in society, giving the game enormous cultural and political cachet in the nation of over 240 million.

Former prime minister Imran Khan launched his political career off his success as an international player, after captaining the team to victory in the 1992 ODI World Cup.

He served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022 but is currently jailed on charges he claims were manufactured to prevent him contesting elections earlier this year.

This week he issued a statement from jail recording a litany of complaints about his detention and describing the ills of cricket as a result of the same political machinations he says are hindering him.

“Favourites have been imposed to run a technical sport like cricket. What are Mohsin Naqvi’s qualifications?” he asked, claiming Naqvi had “annihilated” the team.

“Nations are destroyed when corrupt and incompetent people are placed into positions of power in state institutions,” he claimed.

In this file photo, taken and released by Pakistan Cricket Board, Mohsin Naqvi (2L), chief of the Pakistan Cricket Board, speaks to the men’s national team at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore on May 5, 2024. (PCB/File)

Nepotism and patronage are endemic in Pakistan. Khan campaigned on an anti-corruption ticket but then rose to power with the help of the powerful military establishment, analysts say.

The national team’s downward spiral also overlapped with the former superstar’s time in office, when he selected his own favored PCB chief and intervened in the game’s domestic format as well.

Najam Sethi, a journalist selected three times to run the PCB, said the role had become a “sinecure” designed to burnish reputations.

“Generals, judges and bureaucrats, just for a love of the game — but no knowledge of the game — have been appointed,” he said.

“Also, the cricketers with knowledge of the game but no managerial experience have been appointed.”

Pakistan’s last major triumph was the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. They have not won a Test match at home since February 2021.

Their last notable performance saw them reach the T20 World Cup final in 2022. However, in the 2024 event they exited in the first round after shock losses to the United States and Ireland.

The defeat to Bangladesh has seen Naqvi — and the system installing him — come under increased scrutiny in parliament and in the press, with calls for his resignation.

“Since 1998, hand-picked favorites of the respective ruling regimes in the country have taken turns as PCB chairmen to run the game in their own clueless manner, only to ruin it,” the Express Tribune said.

“They are busy working on their own respective agendas, which primarily relate to saving their own skin and seat, or making good money at the expense of the country’s cricket.”

The incongruity of Naqvi’s twin appointments was highlighted when he hosted a recent press conference discussing both a mass-casualty militant attack and the game of cricket.

Rana Sanaullah Khan, a close aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, appeared this week to hint support for the PCB chief was waning at the top.

“It is his choice” whether to continue, he told local news channel ARY. “These two jobs are full-time roles.”

Topics: Pakistan Pakistan Cricket Board Cricket Mohsin Naqvi Babar Azam

Latest updates

China to train Pakistanis among 3,000 more overseas cops in next 12 months
Pakistani teen wins 19th World Youth Scrabble Championship in Sri Lanka
RSF paramilitaries kill 31 in Sudanese city of Sennar, activists say
Pakistan PM reaffirms resolve to combat militancy after attack on police in Balochistan
Fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria kills at least 52

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2024 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.