Tag: Punjab

  • Met department predicts torrential rains starting next week

    Met department predicts torrential rains starting next week

    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted torrential rainfall starting next week, putting an end to the brutal heatwave in most parts of Pakistan.

    As per the latest PMD forecast, a new weather system will develop in the country from Sunday, attracting downpours from the May 16 to May18.

    Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, upper and central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Jammu Kashmir. Following the rain, the PMD predicts that temperatures in these areas will decrease radically.

    In addition, the PMD has directed that the relevant Disaster Management Authorities be on high alert in order to avert loss of life and property throughout the rainfall.

    In other news, the PMD has warned that a severe heatwave will approach Sindh. The extreme heat will extend through May 17th, with daytime temperatures in most regions exceeding usual.

    Read more: Heatwave Alert: All physical activities in Punjab schools suspended

    Daytime highs in upper Sindh will linger between 46°C and 48°C, in central Sindh districts between 43°C and 45°C, and in lower Sindh districts between 38°C and 40°C.

  • PPP doesn’t want Punjab governorship, demands ministries, chairmanship

    PPP doesn’t want Punjab governorship, demands ministries, chairmanship

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) delegation had a meeting with Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Hamza Shehbaz. Power-sharing issues were discussed between CM Hamza and the PPP delegation, reports Geo News.

    As per reports, it is being said that the PPP will give up the constitutional posts of Punjab and has decided not to take up the post of Governor. The PPP has also sought three ministries, more than two special assistants, and a chairmanship of a standing committee in Punjab. Besides, the PPP has also sought the posts of two parliamentary secretaries in Punjab.

    Leaders of both PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have also agreed to work together.

    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    NEPRA hikes power tariff by Rs2.86 per unit
    
			
    NEPRA hikes power tariff by Rs2.86 per unit
    
			
    The National Electric Electricity Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has increased the power price by Rs2.86 per unit for the month of March 2022 due to Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) and also issued a notification in this regard.
    

    As per NEPRA’s notice, power consumers of Ex Wapda Distribution Companies (DISCOS) will be charged an increase of Rs2.86 per unit on account of FCA for March 2022 in their electricity bills for May 2022, resulting in an added strain of Rs29 billion on consumers, along with General Sales Tax (GST).
    

    The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) had urged the administration to raise the electricity tariff by Rs3.16 per unit. Except for lifeline and K-Electric (KE) customers, the hike will apply to all consumer categories.
    

    Read more: Pakistan starts oil and gas production from Dhok Sultan DS X-1
    

    Moreover, the authority also announced Rs1.38 per unit increase for K-Electric customers. For the month of February 2022, Karachi Electric (KE) requested an increase of Rs3.45 per unit. The hike will be billed to electricity customers in May 2022, according to the announcement. Except for lifeline customers who use less than 100 units per month, the tariff increase would affect all KE customers.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Severe heatwave conditions predicted by Met office from Sunday
    
			
    Severe heatwave conditions predicted by Met office from Sunday
    
			
    The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasted extreme heatwave conditions across Pakistan for the coming week, warning that high pressure will hold the upper atmosphere starting Sunday, May 8.
    

    Day temperatures are expected to steadily increase in most parts of the country from Sunday due to this high pressure, as per a notification from PMD.
    

    The temperature in upper Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir was expected to hover between 7-9 degrees Celsius beyond average during the day.
    

    

    


    

    

    

    Meanwhile, the daytime temperature of Upper and central Sindh, central and south Punjab and areas of Balochistan will likely experience temperatures between 6-8 degrees Celsius above usual.
    

    Read more: Pakistan starts oil and gas production from Dhok Sultan DS X-1
    

    The department also tweeted a warning about the heatwave’s potential effects, stating that extremely hot and dry weather might affect dams, crops, vegetables, and forests.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    PTI Punjab Governor refuses to take oath of Hamza’s cabinet
    
			
    PTI Punjab Governor refuses to take oath of Hamza’s cabinet
    
			
    Omer Sarfraz Cheema, the governor of Punjab, has decided not to swear in the newly-formed provincial cabinet. According to him, the resignation of Usman Buzdar is illegal.
    

    “Yesterday, a crime was committed at Governor House. My official residence was held under siege to hold the illegal oath-taking ceremony of a ‘fake’ chief minister,” said Cheema, while addressing a press conference.
    

    In his statement he repeated that Buzdar’s resignation was addressed to the Prime Minister, not the governor, adding that the former governor Sarwar could not accept a resignation which was not addressed to him, he added.
    

    “The oath-taking of Hamza Shahbaz was illegal after I rejected the resignation of Usman Buzdar on legal grounds.”
    

    He questioned how Hamza’s cabinet could be legitimate when his election and swearing-in are both ‘unlawful’. He further added that he cannot endorse anything beyond the ambit of the constitution.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Severe heatwave hits Pakistan
    
			
    Severe heatwave hits Pakistan
    
			
    The extreme temperature has been recorded in the month of April in Pakistan and India while the temperature of Lahore exceeded over 40 degrees Celsius on Thursday. 
    

    The severe heatwave has threatened and puts lives of millions of people at risk.  In view the imminent temperature, the  Pakistani Government has issued a health advisory, asking people to strictly follow precautionary measures to deal with the situation. 
    

    Federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman said, “A heatwave has hit South Asia with the temperature predicted to soar up to 49-50 degrees C. Precautionary measures must immediately be taken to prevent casualties and injuries from heat.”
    

    

    


    

    

    

    According to the Ministry of Climate Change, this year’s March was the hottest month since 1961. 
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    ‘Eid Shopping Festival’ will take place in Lahore from April 28 – May 2
    
			
    ‘Eid Shopping Festival’ will take place in Lahore from April 28 – May 2
    
			
    From April 28 to May 2, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP), and the Commissioner’s Office will jointly host “Eid Shopping Festival” in Lahore.
    

    LCCI President Mian Nauman Kabir announced the Eid Shopping Festival programme at a press conference held on April 26 at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
    

    He told the media that the LCCI-TDCP major event’s main goal is to not only help revitalise trade and economic activity but also to highlight the country’s positive image.
    

    Kabir claimed that the event was planned in such a way that it would send a strong message to the international community.
    

    On the occasion, Senior Vice-President Mian Rehman Aziz Chan, Commissioner Lahore Capt (retd) M Usman, Secretary TDCP Asadullah Faiz, Mardan Ali Zaidi, Ashraf Bhatti, Sohail Butt, Mian Zahid Jawed, representatives from the district government, traffic police, and city markets spoke.
    

    The ‘Eid Shopping Festival,’ according to the LCCI President, includes a variety of economic and cultural activities such as Shopping Rides, Discounts on Shopping in Anarkali, Liberty, Mall Road, and other city markets, Special Gift Coupons, City Sighting at Night, Qawwali night, and other events.
    

    Read more: ‘Sasta Ramzan Bazaar’ fails to provide relief in third Ashra
    

    Commissioner Lahore expressed gratitude to the business community for their support to such initiatives. He stated that the project would continue and that further markets would be added in the future.
    

    Asadullah Faiz, the Secretary of the TDCP, stated that the TDCP is bringing new trends in the tourist and hospitality industries. He wished for the ‘Eid Shopping Festival’ to be a huge success.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Pakistan Railways announces two ‘Eid special trains’
    
			
    Pakistan Railways announces two ‘Eid special trains’
    
			
    Pakistan Railways announced on Monday that it will run two Eid special trains from Karachi to Peshawar and Lahore on April 29 and April 30, respectively, for commuter convenience during Eid-ul-Fitr.
    

    One special train would depart from Karachi to Lahore and the other from Karachi to Peshawar, according to railway authorities at the Karachi Division’s Divisional Superintendent office.
    

    First Train – Karachi to Peshawar
    

    According to them, the first train will depart Karachi for Peshawar at 2:30 pm. on April 29, 2022. The train will pass through Karachi Cantt, Landhi Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Rohri Khanpur Bahawalpur, Multan, Khanewal, Shorkot Cantt, Toba Tek Singh, Gojra, Faisalabad, Chiniot, Chenab Nagar, Shaheenabad, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Lala Musa, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Taxila and finally reach Peshawar at 11:00 pm
    

    The train will include 14 economy class carriages. A total of 1,000 passengers will be able to board this train.
    

    Second Train – Karachi to Lahore
    

    The second special train would depart Karachi Cantt at 7:45 pm on April 30, 2022, for Lahore.
    

    It would travel through Landhi, Hyderabad, Nawab Shah, Rohri, Sadiqabad, Rahim Yar Khan Khanpur, Bahawalpur, Multan Cantt, Khanewal, Mian Channu Chichawatni, and other cities before arriving in Lahore at 03:30 the next day.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Disheartened: PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat might quit politics
    
			
    Disheartened: PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat might quit politics
    
			
    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has been reportedly considering quitting politics after being shocked by the aggressiveness and hooliganism staged during the Punjab Assembly session on Saturday, reports Geo News’ sources. 
    

    According to the news outlet, Jamaat-e-Islami Central Vice-Chief Liaquat Baloch visited the residence of Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi to enquire about his well-being where he also met Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.
    

    During the conversation, Baloch urged Ch Shujaat to suggest effective steps for the elimination of aggressiveness and extremism from politics. The PML-Q chief, however, in a dispirited tone expressed that he was now considering whether or not to stay in politics. 
    

    Baloch also suggested to Ch Shujaat to tell people that aggression and violence is in nobody’s interest and will benefit no one in any form. The report quoting sources said that Ch Shujaat told Baloch that he will speak to him about his future line of action after making up his mind.
    

    Chaudhry Shujaat’s cousin Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, who was a candidate for the slot of CM Punjab, was injured during a fight in Punjab Assembly. 
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
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    Islamabad Traffic Police issues 2,827 challans to unregistered cars, motorcycles
    
			
    Islamabad Traffic Police issues 2,827 challans to unregistered cars, motorcycles
    
			
    During the current year, the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) issued fine tickets to 2,827 unregistered cars and motorcycles.
    

    The action was taken as part of a crackdown initiated by Inspector-General (IG) Islamabad Police Muhammad Ahsan Younas and led by Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Traffic Rai Mazhar Iqbal.
    

    The ITP deployed special enforcement squads to check unregistered automobiles on the roadways as part of the crackdown. Special enforcement teams were stationed throughout the city to keep an eye on the movement of unregistered vehicles. Meanwhile, the SSP (Traffic) asked citizens on Friday to have their vehicles registered as soon as possible and to use only ETO-issued number plates.
    

    He stated that police officials would not be lenient in this regard. In order to maintain a smooth flow of traffic in the Federal Capital, ITP is taking strict action against vehicles that are parked incorrectly.
    

    Read more: PM Shehbaz rejects OGRA’s proposal, petrol price to remain unchanged till April 30
    

    All Zonal DSPs were directed by the SSP Traffic to ensure that traffic laws were followed by citizens by being polite. Citizens should be treated with respect, he emphasized, and he educated them on traffic laws.