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Pakistan

NDMA Warns of Heavy Rains and Flood Risk Starting Saturday

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an important weather alert, warning of heavy rains and potential flooding across Pakistan from August 23 to 30, 2025. These disturbances are forecasted to bring widespread rainfall nationwide. Rain Advisory for Islamabad and Northern Regions From August 23 to 25, Islamabad, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab will encounter torrential rains accompanied by strong winds. Urban flooding is expected in low-lying areas. Hilly regions face heightened risks of landslides. The NDMA advises residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. Traveling to northern areas during this period is strongly discouraged. Flood Risks in Punjab Province In northeastern Punjab, several districts face an increased flood threat. Authorities have pinpointed key areas needing urgent attention: Rawalpindi Attock Sialkot Dera Ghazi Khan (southern Punjab) Residents should closely monitor local weather updates and prepare for possible evacuation if conditions worsen. Monitoring Indus River and Major Waterways The Indus River is projected to reach critical levels of 500,000 cusecs at major locations. Key monitoring points include Taunsa, Guddu, and Kalabagh barrage systems. Rivers Ravi and Chenab are also at risk, posing threats to nearby communities. Both federal and provincial authorities are observing river levels and will issue evacuation orders if necessary. Weather Alert for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan High risks of flash floods and landslides are anticipated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan from August 23 to 27 due to intense rainfall. The public is urged to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve. Stay informed with the latest weather alerts and safety information at nenagency.com.

Pakistan

DPM Dar Departs for Historic Two-Day Visit to Bangladesh

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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar departed for Bangladesh on August 23, 2025. This visit is a historic milestone in Pakistan Bangladesh relations, being the first trip by a Pakistani foreign minister to Dhaka in 13 years. Renewed Diplomatic Commitment The Bangladeshi government invited Dar to strengthen bilateral ties between the two South Asian nations. The visit demonstrates a renewed dedication to diplomatic cooperation. It aligns with Pakistan’s foreign policy goals of enhancing regional relations and forming robust partnerships across South Asia. Key Meetings in Dhaka During his visit to Dhaka, the Deputy Prime Minister will engage in crucial meetings with top Bangladeshi leaders. His agenda includes discussions with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain. Bilateral Talks Agenda The bilateral talks focus on several critical areas: Strengthening Pakistan Bangladesh relations through new institutional frameworks Expanding trade and economic cooperation Addressing regional security issues of mutual concern Building on recent diplomatic breakthroughs and agreements Ongoing Diplomatic Progress This visit follows numerous achievements in Pakistan Bangladesh relations. Both countries have adopted visa-free travel for diplomatic personnel, facilitating easier governmental exchanges. They have also established direct sea trade routes to enhance economic connectivity. Recent high-level military and trade discussions have paved the way for this engagement. These developments highlight the commitment of both nations to improve regional cooperation and economic partnership, marking a significant step in normalizing relations.

Pakistan

MWMC Cancels Daewoo Contract Over Poor Sanitation Performance

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The Multan Waste Management Company (MWMC) has terminated its contract with Daewoo, a key participant in the Suthra Punjab Program. This decision was prompted by Daewoo’s inability to meet sanitation performance standards in the region. Commissioner’s Report Triggers Contract Termination Commissioner Multan Division, Rana Aamir Karim Khan, authored a critical report that influenced this decision. The report outlined major deficiencies in Daewoo’s sanitation services throughout the division. Key problems included inadequate service delivery and the failure to maintain cleanliness standards. Consequently, MWMC took swift action to guarantee high-quality sanitation services for residents. Currently, MWMC directly manages all sanitation operations, ensuring immediate accountability for service quality in the Multan Division. MWMC Assumes Operational Control MWMC will manage the Suthra Punjab Program until a new contractor is selected via standard government procurement processes. This state-led management model ensures uninterrupted sanitation services. The company underscores that direct oversight is essential for upholding quality and accountability within the Multan Division. Commitment to Transparent Procurement Officials stress that future procurement will follow transparent selection criteria, preventing issues with new contractors. Ensuring Employment Security MWMC has assured job security for all supervisory staff and sanitary workers during the transition. The company is dedicated to making sure salary payments are timely and uninterrupted. No staff layoffs during the transition Timely salary payments Job security for all sanitary workers Protection of supervisory staff positions The government’s direct involvement ensures continuous service and employee welfare. This strategy is vital for maintaining stability in Multan’s waste management during this transition.

Pakistan

Illegal Oil Unit Sealed in Sialkot by Punjab Food Authority

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The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) conducted a decisive operation against an illegal oil production facility near Dera Muhammad Ramzan in Sialkot on August 22, 2025. The action resulted in the disposal of 600 liters of substandard oil. PFA officials discovered the facility lacked a valid production license and essential supply records, breaching several food safety regulations and failing to meet Punjab’s standards. Oil Safety Requirements Not Met Laboratory tests showed the seized oil did not meet safety standards for human consumption. The oil was missing the mandated methanol dye, a crucial marker for edible oil in Pakistan. Inspectors deemed the entire batch unfit for public consumption, highlighting significant potential health risks. Identified Violations Operating without a valid production license Missing methanol dye in edible oil Lack of proper supply records or documentation Non-compliance with national food safety protocols Legal Action Underway The PFA has initiated legal proceedings against the operators for these violations. This action is part of the PFA’s broader campaign across the province to combat illegal food production units. The authority remains dedicated to safeguarding public health throughout Punjab and enforcing national food safety standards.

Pakistan

ECP Announces By-Elections in Three Faisalabad Constituencies on Oct 5

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Islamabad, August 21, 2025 – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially set October 5, 2025, for by-elections in three key constituencies of Faisalabad: National Assembly seats NA-96, NA-104, and the Provincial Assembly seat PP-98. These by-elections are prompted by vacancies following a ruling from the Anti-Terrorism Court in Faisalabad. The ECP has laid out a comprehensive schedule to manage them efficiently. Election Schedule Overview The ECP has prepared a detailed timetable for the by-elections. The process begins with returning officers issuing public notices on August 26. Nomination papers are to be filed from August 28 to August 30. A provisional list of candidates will be published on August 30. Scrutiny and Appeals Nomination scrutiny concludes by September 3, ensuring candidates comply with Pakistan’s electoral regulations. Rejected candidates may file appeals up to September 8, with resolutions by an appellate tribunal by September 12. The final list of candidates will be released on September 13. Those withdrawing must do so by September 15, with election symbols allocated and campaigns commencing on September 16. Designation of Election Officers The ECP has appointed Faisalabad Deputy Commissioner Capt (retd) Nadeem Nasir as the District Returning Officer to oversee all by-election procedures. Specific returning officers are designated for each constituency: Rauf Ahmed for NA-96 Dilawar Khan for NA-104 Muhammad Sarwar for PP-98 These officers will manage electoral operations, ensuring adherence to ECP guidelines and federal electoral regulations.

Pakistan

PM Shehbaz Sharif Condoles Death of Saudi Prince’s Mother

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended heartfelt condolences following the passing of the mother of Saudi Prince Fahd bin Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This gesture from Islamabad highlights the robust diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Official Condolences to the Saudi Royal Family On August 22, 2025, Prime Minister Sharif expressed sympathies to Prince Fahd bin Muqrin and the Saudi royal family. He emphasized Pakistan’s solidarity with the Kingdom during this challenging time. The Prime Minister’s statement underlined the deep brotherhood shared between the nations, which is a cornerstone of Pakistani foreign policy across various administrations. Strengthening Diplomatic Relations This condolence gesture underscores the personal nature of Pakistan-Saudi relations at the top government level. Offering condolences is part of the traditional diplomatic protocol between these nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prayed for the departed soul’s peace and comfort for the grieving family during this difficult period. Reaffirming the Pakistan-Saudi Partnership The condolence message signifies the enduring Pakistan-Saudi partnership. This relationship is critical in Pakistan’s international engagements. Strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia remains a priority in Pakistan’s foreign policy. The bilateral relationship is vital to the national government’s diplomatic strategy in the region.

Pakistan

Pakistan and China Reaffirm High-Quality CPEC Cooperation

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Islamabad, August 21, 2025 – Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to high-quality development of the enhanced China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during the 6th Strategic Dialogue. This significant event took place in Islamabad, where Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Strengthening Pakistan-China Relations The ministers reviewed bilateral ties, emphasizing trade enhancement and economic cooperation under the upgraded CPEC 2.0 framework. Dar highlighted unanimous agreement on key issues, commending Wang’s strategic vision for expanding cooperation. Strategic Priorities for CPEC Development Wang described CPEC as a cornerstone of the strategic partnership. He outlined four priorities for future corridor development: Growth corridor for economic and industrial expansion Livelihood-enhancing corridor to improve citizens’ quality of life Green corridor for sustainable, eco-friendly development Open corridor for enhanced regional connectivity and trade Key Infrastructure Projects Under CPEC Wang pledged comprehensive support for diversifying Pakistan’s economic base and boosting export capabilities. Major infrastructure projects include: Strategic Gwadar port development Karakoram Highway realignment project Ambitious ML-1 railway modernization initiative Diplomatic Engagement and Humanitarian Support Dar expressed gratitude for China’s consistent support of Pakistan’s sovereignty, reinforcing bilateral relations. He highlighted upcoming diplomatic events, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. China also offered humanitarian aid for Pakistan’s flood relief efforts. The 6th Strategic Dialogue underscored the enduring strategic partnership and mutual cooperation across multiple domains.

Military, National News, Pakistan

DG ISPR Clarifies COAS Did Not Speak to Any Journalist

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Rawalpindi, August 21, 2025 – Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has clarified that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir did not grant any interviews to journalists. This statement responds to recent media reports about the army chief. Lt Gen Chaudhry referred to a recent article by journalist Suhail Warraich as self-promotion. He stated that the clarification is intended to prevent misinformation about the army chief’s public statements and his stance on national matters. Brussels Event Clarification The DG ISPR addressed claims regarding a Brussels event, asserting that no discussions involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) or apologies took place there. The military spokesperson reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to holding accountable those responsible for the May 9 incident. On May 9, coordinated attacks on military installations across Pakistan occurred amid political developments. Addressing Security Challenges Lt Gen Chaudhry highlighted Pakistan’s resilience against security threats. He mentioned attacks reportedly supported by India and other hostile entities aiming to destabilize the country. Engaging Pakistani Youth The DG ISPR urged Pakistani youth to recognize their potential and strength, encouraging them to contribute positively to national development and economic growth. Implementing the National Action Plan Chaudhry called for the full implementation of the National Action Plan to combat terrorism. This comprehensive plan is essential for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and maintaining internal security. He also discussed the challenges in deporting illegal Afghan residents involved in criminal activities, presenting ongoing security concerns for law enforcement across Pakistan’s provinces.

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