ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday warned of heavy showers and flash floods in Pakistan’s Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces over the next two days, urging the masses to exercise caution during this period.
Heavy monsoon rains since July have triggered floods and landslides in many parts of the country, notably Pakistan’s eastern Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces, which have reported the highest number of casualties.
Since July 1, Punjab has reported 92 deaths from rain-related incidents, while KP has reported 74 deaths, according to the NDMA. The Sindh and Balochistan provinces have reported 48 and 21 deaths, respectively.
On Monday, the NDMA said it anticipated more monsoon showers and thunderstorm in most parts of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces from August 26 to August 28.
“Heavy downpour may cause urban flooding in low lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan districts of Punjab and increase in flows are expected in major nullah/streams of the Swat, Dir, Mardan, Kohistan, Buner, Galliyat, Peshawar, Swabi, Kohat, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Mansehra, Batagram, Kohat, Orakzai, Khyber, D.I. Khan districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” it said in a statement.
“Heavy downpour/windstorm and lightning may affect daily routines, weak structures like roof/wall collapse of Kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels etc during the period.”
The NDMA urged local administrations and public to take necessary precautions to mitigate potential impact of flash and urban flooding. It asked relevant departments to alert emergency response teams and mobilize resources to ensure a swift response to any emergency situation.
“Tourists and travelers are advised to avoid traveling to these areas during forecast period,” the NDMA said. “The public is advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities.”
Pakistan is recognized as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change effects in the world. This year, the South Asian country recorded its “wettest April since 1961,” with 59.3 millimeters of rainfall while some areas of the country faced a heat wave in May and June.
In 2022, unusually heavy rains 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.
Scientists have attributed Pakistan’s erratic weather patterns to climate change effects and called on countries around the world to take urgent steps to tackle the crisis.
Authorities warn of heavy rains, flash floods in Pakistan’s Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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Authorities warn of heavy rains, flash floods in Pakistan’s Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- People have been advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel over the next few days
- Torrential rains in Pakistan have killed 243 people and injured 447 since July 1, official data shows
Pakistan urges pilgrims to complete Saudi biometrics as Hajj preparations gain pace
- Government warns pilgrims biometric verification is required for Hajj visas
- Step follows tighter oversight after last year’s Hajj travel disruptions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government on Friday urged aspiring pilgrims to complete mandatory Saudi biometric verification for Hajj visas, as preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage gather pace following stricter oversight of the Hajj process.
The announcement comes only a day after Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said regulations for private Hajj operators had been tightened, reducing their quota following widespread complaints last year, when tens of thousands of pilgrims were unable to travel under the private Hajj scheme.
“Saudi biometric verification is mandatory for the issuance of Hajj visas,” the Ministry of Religious Affairs said in a statement, urging pilgrims to complete the process promptly to avoid delays.
“Hajj pilgrims should complete their biometric verification at home using the ‘Saudi Visa Bio’ app as soon as possible,” it added.
The statement said the pilgrims who were unable to complete biometric verification through the mobile application should visit designated Saudi Tasheer centers before Feb. 8, adding that details of the centers were available on Pakistan’s official Hajj mobile application.
Pakistan has been steadily implementing digital and procedural requirements for pilgrims ahead of Hajj 2026, including mandatory training sessions, biometric checks and greater use of mobile applications, as part of efforts to reduce mismanagement.
Saudi Arabia has allocated Pakistan a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Hajj 2026, with the majority of seats reserved under the government scheme and the remainder allocated to private tour operators.
