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Hans India
3 days ago
- Climate
- Hans India
10 killed as torrential rainfall lashes Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan
As many as 10 people were killed and four others injured in floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains across Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB), local media reported on Sunday. In addition, infrastructure worth over Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 20 billion was damaged in the floods. As torrential monsoon rainfall continues to batter Pakistan, the death toll since the onset of monsoon has reached 266, according to the latest report issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), local media reported on Friday. While addressing a press conference, Gilgit-Baltistan's local leader Haji Gulbar Khan said that the floods had a major impact on seven districts of the region, destroying roads, water channels, homes and agricultural land. He said that the limited resources are "insufficient to recover from the scale of this disaster" and requested the Pakistani government to provide assistance, Pakistan-based The News International reported. He said that they have requested the federal government to provide PKR 7 billion for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure. Meanwhile, multiple sections of Fairy Meadows Road in PoGB were blocked due to landslides after heavy rains, as aerial operation remained suspended due to adverse weather conditions, the leading Pakistani media outlet Geo News reported on Saturday. According to the Chilas deputy commissioner, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has dispatched teams to the site, while search operations for missing persons are underway. According to the Met Office, rain is likely to continue until July 31 in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley and Rawalakot areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and PoGB's Hunza and Skardu regions. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a nationwide alert on widespread rain, wind, and thundershowers, and warned of heavy to heavy rainfalls in several regions, raising concerns over potential flash floods, urban flooding, and landslides. Heavy downpours have also raised fears of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Okara, Nowshera, and Peshawar. Meanwhile, heavy downpours early Wednesday morning submerged low-lying areas in Lahore and several other cities across Punjab province, hampering daily activities and electricity supply in multiple neighbourhoods. Furthermore, rainfall also disrupted dozens of power feeders as water accumulated on major roads, severely affecting mobility and local infrastructure. Relentless rainfall also lashed Lahore, inundating several underpasses and streets and crippling the drainage systems.
Economic Times
19-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Pakistan: Billions wasted on joggers, ice, socks as audit lifts financial irregularities in law enforcement purchases
A recent audit reveals financial irregularities within Pakistan's law enforcement. Agencies under the Interior Ministry misused billions of rupees. The audit highlights non-transparent tenders and advance payments for undelivered goods. Contracts were awarded to non-compliant firms. There were unauthorized contract extensions and excessive purchases. The report points to a disregard for procurement rules. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Islamabad: Billions of rupees have been spent by Pakistan's civil law enforcement agencies under the country's Interior Ministry during the 2023-24 fiscal year on items ranging from jogger shoes and warm trousers to advance payments for undelivered boats and excessive ice purchases--often without adhering to fundamental procurement rules, The News International reported on to The News International, an audit report has revealed a recurring pattern of irregular expenditures, favouritism toward certain suppliers, and serious breaches of financial regulations in such audit, which covers multiple departments including the Pakistan Rangers , Frontier Corps, and Pakistan Coast Guards, reveals gross misuse of public funds, with issues ranging from non-transparent tender processes and advance payments without delivery to repeated contract renewals and unjustified purchasing instance, Punjab Rangers awarded contracts worth PKR 43 million for woollen socks and half-sleeve vests to companies that failed to meet required standards, The News International reported. Despite this, the technical committee declared the bids "responsive" instead of rejecting auditors described this as "undue favour" and called for an investigation, recommending accountability measures, including for an Interior Ministry official a PKR 45 million contract for joggers was awarded to a company that violated procurement policies, prompting a recommendation for a fact-finding inquiry into how the non-compliant firm secured the contract, as reported by The News strikingly, the Pakistan Coast Guard paid PKR 560 million upfront to a private company for boats that were not delivered within the four-month deadline, which ended on July 23, 2024. This advance payment was unauthorised and contravened the tender to The News International, as of January 2025, the boats remained undelivered, leading to instructions to impose food supplies also came under scrutiny. The Inspector General of Frontier Corps of KP (North) spent PKR 7.8 billion on meat, milk, chicken, and cooking oil during 2023-24 without fresh contracts, merely extending previous agreements with rate increases, The News International reported. This practice violated procurement norms and lacked illegal contract extensions amounting to PKR 2.3 billion were found for vegetables, fruits, firewood, carriage, and animal irregularities continued with the FC South DI Khan office making PKR 297 million in advance payments for items such as joggers, vests, socks, and warm trousers--many of which were delayed in delivery. Auditors suspect payments were rushed to avoid budget expiry despite no goods being the IGFC (South) procured 20,847 pairs of joggers worth PKR 61 million through advance payments without meeting technical standards--a repeated offence from the previous year involving PKR 46 million, The News International reported. The audit emphasised that this repeated irregularity is deeply a surprising finding, IGFC South spent PKR 43 million on ice purchases, far exceeding actual needs and without justification. Similarly, Rangers Sindh awarded contracts worth PKR 73 million for uniforms without conducting laboratory tests on the materials, raising doubts about the quality and report also highlighted the unauthorised hiring of a private bank by Commandant, Chiltan Rifles, FC North, to disburse pay and allowances totalling PKR 1.8 billion, done without required approvals or a competitive process, The News International individual expenses on socks, ice, and vests may seem small, collectively, these irregularities represent billions of dollars in public funds, pointing to a troubling culture of impunity and disregard for procurement rules in law enforcement agencies.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan: Billions wasted on joggers, ice, socks as audit lifts financial irregularities in law enforcement purchases
Islamabad: Billions of rupees have been spent by Pakistan's civil law enforcement agencies under the country's Interior Ministry during the 2023-24 fiscal year on items ranging from jogger shoes and warm trousers to advance payments for undelivered boats and excessive ice purchases--often without adhering to fundamental procurement rules, The News International reported on Friday. According to The News International, an audit report has revealed a recurring pattern of irregular expenditures, favouritism toward certain suppliers, and serious breaches of financial regulations in such agencies. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Healthcare Cybersecurity Others MCA Data Science Artificial Intelligence Project Management Product Management healthcare Leadership Operations Management MBA others Data Analytics Degree PGDM Management Data Science CXO Digital Marketing Public Policy Design Thinking Finance Technology Skills you'll gain: Financial Analysis in Healthcare Financial Management & Investing Strategic Management in Healthcare Process Design & Analysis Duration: 12 Weeks Indian School of Business Certificate Program in Healthcare Management Starts on Jun 13, 2024 Get Details The audit, which covers multiple departments including the Pakistan Rangers , Frontier Corps, and Pakistan Coast Guards, reveals gross misuse of public funds, with issues ranging from non-transparent tender processes and advance payments without delivery to repeated contract renewals and unjustified purchasing decisions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Tiger's Ex-Wife? Try Not To Smile When You See Her Now Paperela Undo For instance, Punjab Rangers awarded contracts worth PKR 43 million for woollen socks and half-sleeve vests to companies that failed to meet required standards, The News International reported. Despite this, the technical committee declared the bids "responsive" instead of rejecting them. The auditors described this as "undue favour" and called for an investigation, recommending accountability measures, including for an Interior Ministry official involved. Live Events Similarly, a PKR 45 million contract for joggers was awarded to a company that violated procurement policies, prompting a recommendation for a fact-finding inquiry into how the non-compliant firm secured the contract, as reported by The News International. More strikingly, the Pakistan Coast Guard paid PKR 560 million upfront to a private company for boats that were not delivered within the four-month deadline, which ended on July 23, 2024. This advance payment was unauthorised and contravened the tender conditions. According to The News International, as of January 2025, the boats remained undelivered, leading to instructions to impose penalties. Basic food supplies also came under scrutiny. The Inspector General of Frontier Corps of KP (North) spent PKR 7.8 billion on meat, milk, chicken, and cooking oil during 2023-24 without fresh contracts, merely extending previous agreements with rate increases, The News International reported. This practice violated procurement norms and lacked transparency. Other illegal contract extensions amounting to PKR 2.3 billion were found for vegetables, fruits, firewood, carriage, and animal feed. The irregularities continued with the FC South DI Khan office making PKR 297 million in advance payments for items such as joggers, vests, socks, and warm trousers--many of which were delayed in delivery. Auditors suspect payments were rushed to avoid budget expiry despite no goods being received. Furthermore, the IGFC (South) procured 20,847 pairs of joggers worth PKR 61 million through advance payments without meeting technical standards--a repeated offence from the previous year involving PKR 46 million, The News International reported. The audit emphasised that this repeated irregularity is deeply concerning. In a surprising finding, IGFC South spent PKR 43 million on ice purchases, far exceeding actual needs and without justification. Similarly, Rangers Sindh awarded contracts worth PKR 73 million for uniforms without conducting laboratory tests on the materials, raising doubts about the quality and transparency. The report also highlighted the unauthorised hiring of a private bank by Commandant, Chiltan Rifles, FC North, to disburse pay and allowances totalling PKR 1.8 billion, done without required approvals or a competitive process, The News International reported. Although individual expenses on socks, ice, and vests may seem small, collectively, these irregularities represent billions of dollars in public funds, pointing to a troubling culture of impunity and disregard for procurement rules in law enforcement agencies.
Pink Villa
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Did Matty Healy Subtly Throw Shade at Taylor Swift During The 1975's Glastonbury Set? Find Out
During The 1975's headlining set at Glastonbury Festival on June 27, frontman Matty Healy paused to call himself 'probably the best songwriter of my generation' and then added, 'A poet, ladies and gentlemen, is what I am.' As reported by E! News, that self-title echoed Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department lyrics. The remark quickly started up the rumor mill as speculation arose that this was Healy taking a playful dig at his ex. With a Peter Pan pin on his lapel, Healy's few words and bold accessories lit up social feeds, suggesting he's still engaging with the tale Swift spun in her 2024 album. 'Poet' reference rings a familiar bell Healy's stage confession came just before The 1975 launched into their next track. 'I want to be sincere for a second,' he told the crowd, according to The News International. 'What this moment is making me realize is that I probably am the best songwriter of my generation.' Moments later, he declared, 'A poet, ladies and gentlemen, is what I am,' mirroring Swift's line: 'You left your typewriter at my apartment / Straight from the Tortured Poets Department.' Though he never named her, the similarity was impossible to ignore for fans of both artists. Peter Pan pin and reunion rumors Fans also zeroed in on the Peter Pan pin Healy wore—a symbol he's used to describe himself and one Swift referenced in her song 'Peter.' The connection only served fanned the flames of speculation more, especially given that Healy is currently engaged to model Gabbriette Bechtel. Healy didn't confirm any connection to Swift on stage, but his concise speech and costume choice have sent social media into overdrive. Whether Healy intended a direct call-out or simply enjoyed a theatrical flourish, Glastonbury attendees witnessed a moment that's certain to echo through both The 1975's future shows and Swift fan discussions for weeks to come.
News18
30-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Indus Waters Treaty: Implications of India's Notice to Pakistan
Last Updated: Some reports have hinted at Pakistan not responding to India's notice, after the mandated 90-day period. But for how long? Will that position be tenable, sustainable and eternal? We seem to be heading for Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) 2.0, a newer version, after India sent a notice to Pakistan on January 25, 2023. The Indian side has neither released, nor leaked, the contents of the official notice. The Pakistan government, too, has kept silent so far, preferring to choose discretion over valour and has not released the notice in the press either. However, some articles have started appearing in the newspapers of both countries regarding the notice. If we scan the Pakistani press and read their leading newspapers like Dawn, The News International, The Friday Times etc, we find that they have started discussing the treaty, the implications of India's notice and what it can mean for Pakistan. The point being made repeatedly in most papers is that the treaty can't be changed, in a very unconvincing manner. This is the crux of the matter, that the treaty can be amended under Article 12 (3). However, the prevailing narrative about the treaty, carefully constructed by Pakistan and its lackeys, is that the treaty is eternal and can't be changed. It is such a falsehood that it needs to be dismissed out of hand and thrown into the dustbin straightaway. By now, we all know that India's notice has been sent under Article 12 (3). What does this article say? We hereby reproduce verbatim what Article 12 (3) reads. It says: (3) The provisions of this Treaty may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments. It is a different matter that right from its signing on September 19, 1960, till January 25, 2023, a period of over 62 years, India never even once evoked this article and clause. This right to seek amendment has always existed specifically within the text of the treaty, clearly defined in Article 12 (3). It is Pakistan's intransigence vis-à-vis different IWT provisions that has forced India to move towards a revision of the treaty. Some reports have hinted at Pakistan not responding to India's notice, after the mandated 90-day period. But for how long? Will that position be tenable, sustainable, useful and eternal? Technically and legally, under the relevant provisions of the treaty, Pakistan has to respond within 90 days to India's notice. The notice is truly unprecedented but the Modi government is on very sound 'legal and technical grounds." This is why there is hushed silence on the Pakistani side officially. In a recent article, titled Indus Waters Treaty: Opening the water front, Sushant Sareen of the Observer Research Foundation wrote that India has sound 'legal and technical grounds" for seeking amendment of the treaty. Incidentally, the Preamble of the treaty says that it is being signed for 'attaining the most complete and satisfactory utilisation of the waters of the Indus system of rivers" and 'in a spirit of goodwill and friendship." This goodwill, friendship, and spirit of cooperation that the Preamble talks of are empty words today because of Pakistan's behaviour over the last six decades. Article 12 is titled 'Final Provisions" and has four clauses. We reproduce it verbatim hereunder. This Treaty consists of the Preamble, the Articles hereof and Annexures A to H hereto, and may be cited as 'The Indus Waters Treaty 1960." This Treaty shall be ratified and the ratifications thereof shall be exchanged in New Delhi. It shall enter into force upon the exchange of ratifications, and will then take effect retrospectively from the first of April 1960. The provisions of this Treaty may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments. The provisions of this Treaty, or the provisions of this Treaty as modified under the provisions of Paragraph (3), shall continue in force until terminated by a duly ratified treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments. What is the cause for India's apparent anger for seeking modification of the treaty? If truth be told, it is Pakistan's fancy interpretation of the written word under Annexure D of the treaty. Incidentally, this Annexure D deals with the 'Generation of Hydro-Electric Power by India on the Western Rivers.' It is Pakistan's objections to the 330 MW Kishenganga and 850 MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project, located on river Chenab, which have precipitated matters. What is the mechanism to resolve any issues that the two sides may face? Well, this is defined under Article IX of the treaty wherein procedures for 'Settlement of Differences and Disputes" have been given. It is a step-wise escalation that the treaty talks of. Initially, the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), comprising Indus Commissioners of the two nations, come together and try to resolve a 'question.' If they fail, it escalates to become a 'difference,' as per the treaty. The 'difference' is then sent to a 'Neutral Expert (NE)' who hears arguments from both sides and tries to settle the issue at stake. If the 'Neutral Expert' fails to satisfy both parties, it escalates to the next level of being declared a 'dispute.' A 'dispute' is then the subject matter of adjudication by the 'Court of Arbitration (COA).' So, broadly, it is in a linear fashion, 1, 2 and 3, that the parties should proceed. Pakistan has, however, short-circuited the entire process and invoked the jurisdiction of a Neutral Expert and the Court of Arbitration simultaneously. India has questioned this on the basis of genuine concerns regarding the outcomes. It has pointed out that the NE and COA can come to different conclusions, which may be diametrically opposite to one another. In that case, how will the issues be resolved between the two parties? Put in simple words, India has been stressing that for resolving any issues, step 1 has to be PIC, step 2 has to be NE and step 3 has to be COA, in a chronological fashion. Since Pakistan has deviated from this, India has termed it a 'material breach," something the former does not agree to. For years, we did not hear much about the IWT but it appears we will continue to hear about it from now onwards. The author is a veteran journalist from Jammu and Kashmir. Views expressed are personal. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: February 22, 2023, 15:55 IST News opinion Indus Waters Treaty: Implications of India's Notice to Pakistan
