ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of more rain in different parts of the country from September 2 to 5, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced Sunday the cyclonic storm ASNA had moved further away from the coastal regions and was expected to weaken gradually.
Pakistan has witnessed massive monsoon rains since the beginning of July, during which, according to the country’s disaster management body, 285 people were reported to have lost their lives by the end of this week.
The PMD also warned residents of Pakistan’s southern coastal areas of a possible cyclonic storm after the weather system developed over India’s Rann of Kutch before gaining intensity.
However, Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz informed on Saturday the cyclone was moving toward Oman, though he noted it could still cause heavy rains and thunderstorms in Sindh and Balochistan provinces.
“National Emergencies Operation Center has anticipated that several regions in Pakistan are expected to experience moderate monsoon rains from 2nd to 5th September 2024,” the NDMA said in a statement.
It said that northeastern Punjab was likely to expect rainfall under the system along with the Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
“General public is advised to avoid visiting the seaside and beach areas and remain cautious of loose structures like billboards, electrical poles, solar panels and hoardings,” it added.
The PMD also said in its weather alert that sea conditions were likely to remain rough with gusting wind going up to 80 kilometers per hours until Sunday night.
“Fishermen of Balochistan are advised not to venture in open sea till tonight while those of Sindh can resume their activities from today,” it said.
The PMD also said its cyclone monitoring center in Karachi was closely observing the weather system and would issue further updates about it.
Pakistan to witness more rains next week as Cyclone ASNA moves away from coastal regions
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Pakistan to witness more rains next week as Cyclone ASNA moves away from coastal regions
- The monsoon rains have so far claimed 285 lives across the country since July 1, according to the NDMA
- The meteorological department warns fishermen in Balochistan to stay away from the sea until tonight
Four suspected militant commanders killed in security operation in northwest Pakistan
- Police say joint raid targeted Pakistan Taliban faction in Bannu district
- Operation comes amid surge in militant attacks blamed on Afghanistan-based groups
ISLAMABAD: Four suspected militant commanders were killed in a joint operation by police and security forces in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, authorities said on Monday, as security forces intensify operations amid a surge in militant attacks in the region.
The operation, conducted in the Bannu district, targeted commanders belonging to a faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, led by Hafiz Gul Bahadur, police said.
The four suspects were allegedly involved in multiple attacks, including the killing of an assistant commissioner in North Waziristan district, as well as facilitating and recruiting militants, carrying out targeted killings, attacking police checkpoints and stations, and engaging in kidnappings for ransom, according to police.
Bannu and neighboring districts have seen repeated militant violence since the TTP ended a fragile ceasefire with the Pakistani state in late 2022. The region lies close to the Afghan border and has long been a focal point of Pakistan’s counterinsurgency operations.
“This is a clear message for anti-state elements that there is no safe haven for terrorists in this country,” Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Bannu region, Sajjad Khan, said. “They will not be allowed to hide anywhere. Police and security forces are fully committed to countering terrorism.”
“Anti-state elements will be targeted one by one and completely eliminated. All possible measures will continue to ensure the safety of the public,” he added.
The operation follows an overnight militant attack last week on a police checkpoint in Bannu, in which five police officers were injured after security forces repelled the assault.
Pakistan has accused Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of allowing militant groups such as the TTP to operate from Afghan territory, allegations Kabul denies. Afghan officials say Pakistan must address its own internal security challenges. The accusations have contributed to strained relations between the two neighbors, including periodic border clashes over the past year.
Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in militant violence over the past two years, with security officials attributing much of the renewed insurgency to TTP fighters allegedly operating from sanctuaries across the border.
