ISLAMABAD: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab on Monday warned of river flooding amid forecasts of heavy rains in different parts of Pakistan over the next two days, directing all relevant departments to be on alert to deal with any contingencies.
Pakistan has witnessed 293 rain-related deaths since the onset of the monsoon in July, with the highest number of casualties, 112, reported in the country’s most populous province of Punjab. The region, home to five major rivers, is among the most fertile areas of Pakistan, though it is also prone to severe flooding during the rainy season.
In a statement issued during the day, the top PDMA official, Irfan Ali Kathia, also highlighted the risk of urban flooding in the province.
“Due to heavy rains in the upper regions of Punjab from September 3 to 4, there is a risk of flooding in rivers,” the PDMA announced in a statement, saying there was a risk of increased water flow in the Jhelum River at the Mangla Upstream point and flooding in the Ravi, Chenab and Indus rivers.
It informed that an alert had been issued to the relevant administration and departments in view of the potential heavy rains.
“There is a risk of urban flooding in major cities due to possible heavy rains,” the statement quoted Kathia as saying. “All basic facilities should be ensured in flood relief camps due to the possible flood risk.”
He instructed the disaster response teams of Rescue 1122 to be on high alert and directed his own department to keep the public informed about the weather conditions.
Pakistan is considered one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
Two years ago, it lost nearly 1,700 lives during monsoon flooding and suffered an estimated infrastructure damage of over $35 billion.
Pakistan’s Punjab province warns of potential river flooding amid heavy rain forecasts
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Pakistan’s Punjab province warns of potential river flooding amid heavy rain forecasts
- Pakistan has witnessed 293 rain-related deaths since the beginning of July, with 112 casualties reported in Punjab
- The top PDMA official has also warned of urban flooding from September 3 to 4, asking the authorities to stay alert
Karachi port sees rise in transshipment activity as Middle East tensions reshape shipping routes
- Two vessels dock simultaneously at Karachi terminals as regional cargo redistribution grows
- New feeder service has been launched to link Karachi with UAE hubs Fujairah and Khor Fakkan
KARACHI: Karachi Port is seeing increased transshipment activity and new feeder links to Gulf logistics hubs as shipping lines adjust regional routes amid tensions linked to the war involving Iran, port authorities said on Thursday.
Two vessels carrying transshipment cargo docked simultaneously at the port, according to a statement, highlighting its growing role in redistributing containers across Middle Eastern shipping routes.
The development comes as the conflict in the Middle East raises concerns about disruptions to critical energy and trade corridors.
The war has already pushed up oil and gas prices and heightened risks for shipping across Gulf waters, prompting logistics companies to reassess routes and rely more heavily on regional hubs outside potential conflict zones.
“The simultaneous handling of transshipment containers at Karachi Port highlights the port’s strong operational capacity, efficient port infrastructure, and strategic geographic advantage in supporting regional maritime logistics, container shipping operations, and uninterrupted international trade during ongoing disruptions in global shipping routes,” the official statement said.
“As transshipment cargo volumes continue to increase, Karachi Port is steadily strengthening its reputation as a key maritime logistics hub in South Asia and the Middle East regions, further reinforcing Pakistan’s role in international shipping and maritime connectivity,” it added.
FEEDER SERVICE
Separately, Karachi Gateway Terminal (Private) Limited (KGTL) said a dedicated feeder service linking Karachi with the UAE ports of Fujairah and Khor Fakkan has begun operations, strengthening connectivity between Pakistan and key Gulf transshipment hubs.
The inaugural voyage of the service arrived at the terminal on the evening of March 11, marking the start of regular operations aimed at maintaining reliable links between Pakistani exporters and global shipping networks.
“The commencement of this feeder service reflects KGTL’s continued commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s maritime connectivity and supporting the country’s trading community,” Khurram Aziz Khan, KGTL chief executive officer, said in a statement.
“By linking Karachi directly with major UAE transshipment hubs, this service provides importers and exporters with reliable access to global shipping networks while reinforcing the role of Karachi Gateway Terminal as a key gateway for international trade,” he added.
Chairman of the Karachi Port Trust Rear Admiral (r) Shahid Ahmed said stronger links with regional hubs would help facilitate smoother cargo movement.
“The introduction of this feeder service further enhances Karachi Port’s connectivity with key regional hubs and supports Pakistan’s growing trade requirements,” he said.
“Strengthening maritime links with the UAE will help facilitate smoother cargo movement while providing greater flexibility for the country’s trading community.”
