ISLAMABAD: The administration in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, has issued an alert as a precautionary measure for anticipated upcoming heavy rainfall, and thunderstorms.
“Scattered heavy to very heavy falls are also expected in Hazara, Malakand, Mardan, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore divisions, Islamabad and Kashmir on Wednesday and Thursday,” Pakistan’s Metrological Office said in its advisory.
“Heavy falls may generate flash flooding in Hazara, Malakand, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, D.G.Khan divisions, Islamabad and Kashmir, while urban flooding in Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore divisions during Wednesday and Thursday,” Met office said advising all concerned authorities including Resue 1122, CDA, and Pakistan Navy to remain “alert” and take precautionary measures during the forecast period.
Islamabad administration has imposed ban on boating and swimming in nullahs and dams in the capital with announcements made on loud speaker in low-lying areas near these water bodies cautioning people.
According to the Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), a total of 161 people have been killed and 137 others injured in rain-related incidents since July I, 2019 across the country due to the current monsoon-triggered heavy rainfalls.
Monsoon season in Pakistan, which usually runs from July to September, causes frequent flash floods and land slides in different parts of the country.
Islamabad on ‘alert’ amid forecast of heavy rains
Islamabad on ‘alert’ amid forecast of heavy rains
- Heavy falls may generate flash flooding, Metrological Office warns
- Capital administration imposed ban on boating and swimming in nullahs and dams
UAE President arrives in Pakistan on first official visit, receives 21-gun salute
- Shehbaz Sharif receives the UAE president at Nur Khan Airbase as Islamabad was decorated with Emirati flags
- Talks are set to focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy and regional affairs
ISLAMABAD: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, arrived in Pakistan on Friday on his first official visit since assuming office, receiving a 21-gun salute as Islamabad and Abu Dhabi seek to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy and regional affairs.
The UAE president landed at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, where he was welcomed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and members of the federal cabinet, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The national anthems of Pakistan and the UAE were played, and a guard of honor was presented by contingents of the Pakistani armed forces. State-run broadcasters and private television channels aired video footage of the UAE president’s arrival and ceremonial reception.
“During his visit, the President of the United Arab Emirates will meet the Prime Minister of Pakistan, during which bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues will be discussed,” an official statement circulated after Al Nahyan’s arrival said.
Earlier, the foreign office said the visit would provide an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding relations between the two countries.
It added the discussions between the two sides would explore ways to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy and development.
Islamabad was decorated with Pakistani and Emirati flags and large billboards carrying images of the visiting UAE president alongside President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif ahead of the visit.
The Islamabad administration declared a public holiday in the capital, while traffic police announced an extensive plan to manage vehicular movement during the visit.
Pakistan considers the UAE one of its closest regional and economic partners. The Gulf state is Islamabad’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States and remains a major source of foreign investment.
Over the past two decades, Emirati investment in Pakistan has exceeded $10 billion, according to the UAE’s foreign ministry.
Pakistani policymakers also view the UAE as an important export destination due to its geographical proximity, which reduces transportation and freight costs.
