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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Climate
- Express Tribune
PDMA readies plans for flood emergency
A motorcyclist makes his way through rain in Balochistan's capital, which faces a perennial shortage of water. PHOTO: INP Amid heightened flood threats during ongoing monsoon, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan has launched a province-wide emergency readiness plan, aiming to safeguard lives and property from potential flooding and rain-related disasters. Speaking to APP, PDMA Director General Jahanzaib Khan confirmed that the government had activated district disaster management authorities, empowered local administrations, and stockpiled vital relief supplies to respond swiftly across vulnerable regions. Khan emphasised that the Balochistan government was fully committed to ensuring swift and effective emergency response across all vulnerable districts. The PDMA and the Irrigation Department have taken proactive measures to safeguard canals and prevent flooding in the region, he said. "In light of recent heavy rainfall and changing weather patterns, the PDMA has activated district-level emergency teams, chaired by deputy commissioners (DCs), with participation from key line departments," he said. Khan said that these teams were tasked with leading rescue and rehabilitation efforts during flooding or other emergencies. He assured immediate release of the disaster management funds and pledged the deployment of PDMA-owned heavy machinery to the districts as needed. "The DCs, who also head district disaster management authorities (DDMAs) will the authority to utilise the funds in emergency during a crisis," he said. He confirmed that the DCs had been authorised to hire private machinery for rescue operations, while PDMA's own equipment will also be dispatched. Khan highlighted that the Balochistan government had approved a contingency plan on June 12, reflecting its proactive stance on disaster preparedness. "Relevant departments including district administration, police and others have been instructed to remain on high alert. The PDMA has advised the DDMAs to coordinate closely with these agencies to ensure the availability of emergency personnel, inventory and essential supplies at vulnerable locations. To bolster readiness, the PDMA has stockpiled relief items for over 300 families in each district. "These items include tents, blankets, groceries, fuel, and machinery," he said, adding that the food supplies would be provided on an emergency basis wherever needed. "The government will provide all necessary resources to ensure effective disaster response." He stressed for the need to ensure protection of lives and properties of the people while maintaining efficiency of the concerned departments and agencies during calamities. He said the leave of the PDMA officials had been cancelled and all personnel were on high alert to respond to emergency situations.
Express Tribune
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Naqvi vows deeper ties with Iran
: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi calls on Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran to discuss ties boost. PHOTO: INP Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, Pakistan-Iran relations, and bilateral cooperation were discussed in detail. Mohsin Naqvi congratulated President Pezeshkian on Iran's great victory in the war. He also conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's message of goodwill and best wishes to President Masoud Pezeshkian. President Pezeshkian stated that Iran attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan. He emphasised that Iran will never forget the support extended by Pakistan during the war.
Express Tribune
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
US envoy, Naqvi discuss ties
Acting US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker on June 28 met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Photo: INP Acting US Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker on Friday met with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss matters of mutual interest, including regional security, counterterrorism and enhanced bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Baker reaffirmed the importance of US-Pakistan relations, stating, "Pakistan is a valued partner of the United States. We attach great importance to our relationship and look forward to further strengthening our cooperation across multiple sectors." The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of both countries to advancing peace and stability in the region through sustained dialogue and collaborative efforts. During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on various topics of shared interest, including counterterrorism, anti-narcotics collaboration, and growing security concerns across the region. The dialogue stressed the importance of strategic cooperation to address evolving transnational challenges. A key highlight of the meeting was the recent engagement between Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump. Both Naqvi and Baker viewed the meeting as a constructive step toward deepening strategic ties between Islamabad and Washington. Naqvi lauded President Trump's leadership in facilitating a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, describing his efforts as "extraordinary and sincere". "President Trump's impressive role in brokering peace between Iran and Israel, following his earlier contributions to the Pakistan-India ceasefire, will always be remembered," the interior minister remarked. "We hope President Trump will also succeed in bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza," he added. "Pakistan highly values every step taken for the promotion of peace. We have always believed in resolving disputes, including the Kashmir issue, through dialogue and diplomacy." Acting Ambassador Natalie Baker praised Pakistan's diplomatic initiatives aimed at stabilising the region.
TimesLIVE
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Justice in motion: transforming Gauteng's roads with intelligent number plates
On June 5, Gauteng achieved a historic milestone. Under the leadership of Premier Panyaza Lesufi, the Intelligent Number Plate (INP) System was officially launched, markinga bold new chapter in public governance. With crime prevention, economic growth and public trust at its core, this innovative solution reaffirms Gauteng's commitment to building a safer, smarter, and more inclusive future. This initiative isn't just about replacing metal plates with hi-tech alternatives; it's an ambitious leap towards modernising our transport systems and reclaiming the roads ofGauteng for the people. It reflects a shift in government culture from reactive to proactive, from transactional to transparent, from fragmented to united. Above all, this is a story of people and progress, a story of how innovation can restore trust, enable equity, and reaffirm Gauteng's place as a leader on the continent and beyond. Cracking down on crime with intelligent d esign Vehicle-related crime has long plagued Gauteng, undermining public confidence andleaving many feeling unsafe. True to the sentiments echoed by Lesufi at the historic launch; with more than 85% of serious crimes involving vehicles, many equipped with cloned or stolen plates, the need for a robust solution has never been greater. The INP System is Gauteng's direct, comprehensive response to this challenge. Each plate is embedded with tamper-evident features and unique forensic QR codes,linked to a digitised database, enabling real-time verification. For law enforcement, this is a game changer. Police can now track stolen or flagged vehicles instantaneously, verify registrations on the spot and co-ordinate more effectively with metro police, border agencies and other stakeholders. This is crime prevention through design. By embedding safeguards directly into the system, the government has transformed number plates into powerful tools for ensuringaccountability and justice. The INP System replaces guesswork with data, inefficiency with precision, and fear with confidence. Beyond technology, the system underscores a critical principle: safety thrives when we work together. Freight operators, taxi associations, community groups, and municipalities are all vital partners in making Gauteng's roads safer. Technology sets the framework, butcollective commitment brings it to life.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Minorities' contribution to defence hailed
Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Yousaf talking to media at the balloting of Hajj application. PHOTO: INP Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf expressed gratitude to the Sikhs and other minorities for their defence support. He visited the historic Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hassan Abdal, where he met with members of the Sikh community. Speaking on the occasion, the minister termed the recent success of the Pakistan army as a "battle for truth" and an achievement. Highl1ighting the importance of upcoming Sikh festivals in the month of June, the minister said that Pakistan was ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims from around the world.
