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
https://arab.news/jpbrd
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
Pakistan, China to sign multiple MoUs at major agriculture investment conference today
- Hundreds of Chinese and Pakistani firms to attend Islamabad event
- Conference seen as part of expanding CPEC ties into agriculture, trade
KARACHI: Islamabad and Beijing are set to sign multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to boost agricultural investment and cooperation at a major conference taking place in the capital tomorrow, Monday, with hundreds of Chinese and Pakistani companies expected to participate.
The conference is being billed by Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research as a platform for deepening bilateral agricultural ties and supporting broader economic engagement between the two countries.
“Multiple memorandums of understanding will be signed at the Pakistan–China Agricultural Conference,” the Ministry of National Food Security said in a statement. “115 Chinese and 165 Pakistani companies will participate.”
The conference reflects a growing emphasis on expanding Pakistan-China economic cooperation beyond the transport and energy foundations of the flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into agriculture, industry and technology.
Under its first phase launched in 2015, CPEC, a core component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, focused primarily on transportation infrastructure, energy generation and connectivity projects linking western China to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan. That phase included motorways, power plants and the development of the Gwadar Port in the country's southwest, aimed at helping Pakistan address chronic power shortages and enhance transport connectivity.
In recent years, both governments have formally moved toward a “CPEC 2.0” phase aimed at diversifying the corridor’s impact into areas such as special economic zones, innovation, digital cooperation and agriculture. Second-phase discussions have highlighted Pakistan’s goal of modernizing its agricultural sector, attracting Chinese technology and investment, and boosting export potential, with high-level talks taking place between planning officials and investors in Beijing.
Agri-sector cooperation has also seen practical collaboration, with joint initiatives examining technology transfer, export protocols and value-chain development, including partnerships in livestock, mechanization and horticulture.
Organizers say the Islamabad conference will bring together government policymakers, private sector investors, industry associations and multinational agribusiness firms from both nations. Discussions will center on investment opportunities, technology adoption, export expansion and building linkages with global buyers within the framework of Pakistan-China economic cooperation.
