Met Office forecasts rain, snowfall and thunderstorm in Pakistan's upper parts this week

Commuters make their way through a road as it rains in Islamabad on November 4, 2025. AFP)
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Updated 04 November 2025
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Met Office forecasts rain, snowfall and thunderstorm in Pakistan's upper parts this week

  • Day temperatures are likely to drop significantly during the wet spell and night temperatures will start lowering after it ends
  • Farmers and travelers have been advised to schedule their trips, particularly to hilly areas, keeping in view the weather forecast

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted rain, thunderstorm and snowfall in upper parts of the country this week, it said on Tuesday, urging people to exercise caution.

A westerly wave approached upper parts of Pakistan on Monday night and may persist till Wednesday, according to the PMD. Under the influence of this westerly wave, rain, thunderstorm are likely in upper regions, along with snowfall on mountains.

Day temperatures are likely to drop significantly during the wet spell and night temperatures will start lowering after the end of the spell, whereas fog or smog conditions will also be subdued during the rainy spell, which would redevelop afterwards.

"Windstorm, hailstorm and lightning may cause damage to loose structures," the PMD said, adding farmers are advised to manage their activities accordingly. "Travelers and tourists are advised to schedule their trips particularly in hilly areas keeping in view the weather forecast."

The areas likely to receive rain and snow include Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Swabi, Nowshera, Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Kurram, Orakzai, Hangu, Kohat, Galliyat, Azad Kashmir (Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur) and Gilgit-Baltistan (Diamir, Astore, Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza, Ghanche, Shigar)

Rain, thunderstorm are also expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Jhelum, Sargodha, Khushab, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal and Lahore.

"Isolated hailstorm is also expected during the period," the PMD said.

 


Santas on camels lead Christmas rally in Pakistani capital 

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Santas on camels lead Christmas rally in Pakistani capital 

  • Hundreds join year-end procession in the capital, chanting and marching in festive dress
  • Christians make up only 1.37% of Pakistan’s population, according to the 2023 census

ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of Pakistani Christians marched through Islamabad in a Christmas rally on Sunday, with men dressed as Santa Claus riding camels and waving at crowds as they chanted greetings ahead of the holiday.

The gathering showcased one of the country’s most visible Christmas celebrations, held in a nation where Christians remain a small religious minority. Census data from 2023 puts the Christian population at less than 1.37 percent nationwide, though communities are concentrated in major cities such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

For participants, the rally was both festive and symbolic, an open display of faith near the heart of the capital.

“My heart is filled with gratitude. We are very thankful to the government of Pakistan, the army, the police, and everyone for supporting us during our event, especially the event for minority communities,” said 27-year-old Arsalan Masih.

Christian devotees dressed as Santa Claus ride camels during a rally ahead of Christmas celebrations in Islamabad on December 7, 2025. (AFP)

Standing beside him as camels passed through Zero Point, a central traffic junction, electrician Shafiqui Saleem said the group celebrated openly each year.

“December has started, and we are enjoying our Christmas celebrations. This is why we have started this rally, to praise our Lord and celebrate His coming, as He was born in the month of December to bring salvation to this world. We are very happy to enjoy December.”

Saleem said the procession reflected a sense of belonging despite being a minority in the country.

A Christian devotee dressed as Santa Claus rides a camel during a rally ahead of Christmas celebrations in Islamabad on December 7, 2025. (AFP)

“Despite being a minority, we have never faced any obstacles here in Islamabad,” he said.

“You can see that today, we were granted permission to hold this rally from Zero Point, and the authorities are managing the traffic and supporting us. It is wonderful that, despite being a minority, we are receiving a lot of support.”