Islamabad, Rawalpindi to get high-speed rail link

The federal government has approved a modern high-speed rail project that will connect Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The project, after completion, will reduce travel time between the twin cities to just 20 minutes.  The initiative, besides reducing travel time, will also bring fuel consumption down, ease traffic congestion and provide people with a fast and affordable transportation option.  The decision was made during a high-level meeting on Monday chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi.  Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, along with senior officials including the Federal Interior Secretary, Secretary of Railways, Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Rawalpindi Commissioner, Islamabad Police Inspector General and Frontier Corps representatives also attended the meeting. The framework agreement for the project will be finalised and signed next week. Under the plan, the Ministry of Railways will provide the track infrastructure while the CDA will manage the service.  The government also decided to import state-of-the-art trains to ensure modern, comfortable and efficient operations.  Speaking after the meeting, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi called the new rail service a milestone for public welfare, emphasising that residents would be able to travel between the two cities quickly and conveniently. Minister of State Talal Chaudhry described the new service as a low-cost and high-speed option that will significantly reduce traffic pressure on roads connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Officials believe the high-speed rail will not only transform commuting but also promote economic activity and environmental sustainability. By offering a faster, more efficient mode of travel, the project is set to mark a new chapter in urban transportation for the twin cities.

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Floods lay bare buried treasure trove

Monsoon floods in the foothills of the Sulaiman Range have uncovered centuries-old treasures buried deep beneath the soil, bringing to light rare coins and ancient artefacts that reaffirm the region's historic role as a cultural and trade corridor. A special archaeology team led by Deputy Director Salman Tanveer, along with Dera Ghazi Khan Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khalid and Political Assistant Amir Taimoor, visited Sakhi Sarwar where local residents handed over between 400 and 500 coins to the officials. The trove was given to the district administration voluntarily for its preservation, according to the officials. Authorities also announced that certificates of appreciation and rewards would be recommended for the residents' cooperation. "The discovery will help highlight the historical and cultural importance of the region on a global scale, paving the way for tourism, research, and local employment opportunities," Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid stated. Archaeology official Salman Tanveer added that systematic excavations and research wold likely reveal more heritage material. He said recommendations are being made to develop the site into both a research centre and a tourist attraction. Experts, who examined the recovered coins said they find wide spectrum of eras and empires – the Mughals, Tughlaqs, Sikh rule, Kushan king Vima Deva Kaniska, the Durrani and Lodi dynasties, the British period, as well as coins from Nadir Shah, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Central Asia, and the Arab world. This diversity, they argue, proves that Dera Ghazi Khan was historically a key centre of trade and cultural exchange. "This area is a unique cultural hub. It once served as a vital passage for ancient trade caravans," Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid noted.

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PMD warns of more rains as country reels from devastating floods

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast rain, wind and thunderstorms in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), Punjab, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) from September 15 to 19, as moist currents from the Arabian Sea and a westerly wave are expected to influence the weather system, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported on Sunday. In K-P, rain with intermittent gaps is likely in Dir, Chitral, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kohat, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Hangu, Karak and Waziristan between September 16 and 19. In Azad Kashmir, scattered showers are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur from the night of September 15 to September 19, with chances of isolated heavy downpours on September 16 and 18. G-B is also likely to experience similar weather from September 16 to 19, particularly in Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar. In Punjab and the federal capital, rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum from September 16 to 19, while several other districts, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Sargodha and surrounding areas, are more likely to receive rainfall on September 18 and 19, with chances of isolated heavy showers. Most parts of Sindh and Balochistan will remain mainly dry, although partly cloudy weather is expected along the coastal belt. The PMD cautioned that windstorms, hailstorms and lightning may damage weak structures such as kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels. It further warned of possible landslides in the hilly regions of K-P, G-B, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir, while heavy rain on September 18 and 19 could increase water flows in local streams and nullahs in Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas. The public, including travellers and tourists, has been advised to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary exposure to vulnerable locations, while relevant authorities have been directed to stay alert and take preventive measures to minimise risks. NDMA reports 972 monsoon deaths The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that 972 people have lost their lives nationwide during monsoon rains and flash floods between June 26 and September 13. K-P recorded the highest casualties with 504 deaths, followed by Punjab with 283, Sindh 71, G-B 41, and Balochistan 26. Punjab topped the list of injured with 660 cases, while K-P reported 214, Sindh 87, G-B 52, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 37, and Balochistan five. The calamity also caused widespread damage to properties. In K-P alone, 3,217 houses were damaged — 700 completely and 2,517 partially. Damage was also reported in other regions: 2,411 houses in AJK, 1,260 in G-B, 1,009 in Balochistan, 281 in Sindh, and 238 in Punjab. Relief projects inaugurated in flood-hit Buner K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday inaugurated water filtration plants and mobile health units set up by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in Buner to support communities affected by recent rains and floods. During a visit to the deputy commissioner’s office, the governor was briefed on the extent of flood damage and ongoing relief operations. He also met volunteers from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Boy Scouts Association and PRCS, praising their role in relief efforts. Kundi acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistan Army, NGOs and civil society in assisting victims. “The real test lies in rebuilding homes and livelihoods,” he said, adding that no mechanism yet exists for early warnings of sudden cloudbursts. Paying tribute to a local schoolteacher, Zahoor, who lost his life while rescuing villagers, Kundi said he would recommend state awards for Zahoor and others who showed extraordinary bravery. He announced that the federal government had waived one month’s electricity bills for flood-hit areas and assured that victims would also receive financial support through the Benazir Income Support Programme. “Rehabilitation has begun, and I am hopeful conditions will improve soon. The nation stands united, and together we will overcome this challenge,” the governor added.

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Monsoon floods uncover ancient coins, artifacts in DG Khan

Monsoon floods in the foothills of the Sulaiman Range have uncovered centuries-old treasures buried deep beneath the soil. The discovery brings to the light rare coins and ancient artifacts that reaffirm the region’s historic role as a cultural and trade corridor. A special archaeology team led by Deputy Director Salman Tanveer, along with Deputy Commissioner DG Khan Muhammad Usman Khalid and Political Assistant Amir Taimoor, visited Sakhi Sarwar where local residents handed over some 400 to 500 coins voluntarily to the district administration for preservation. Authorities announced that certificates of appreciation and rewards will be recommended for the residents who came up with this gesture. Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid stated that the discovery will help highlight the historical and cultural importance of the region on a global scale, paving the way for tourism, research, and local employment opportunities. Read More: Punjab on alert as 11th monsoon spell threatens flood-hit areas He noted that the team was dispatched on the special directives of Secretary Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Ehsan Bhutta and Commissioner DG Khan Division Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry. According to him, the area once served as a vital passage for ancient trade caravans, establishing DG Khan as a unique cultural hub. Archaeology official Salman Tanveer added that systematic excavations and research will likely reveal more heritage material. He said recommendations are being prepared to develop the site into both a research centre and a tourist attraction. Experts, examining the recovered coins, said they reflect a wide spectrum of eras and empires, including the Mughals, Tughlaqs, Sikh rule, Kushan king Vima Deva Kaniska, the Durrani and Lodi dynasties, the British period, as well as coins from Nadir Shah, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Central Asia, and the Arab world. This diversity, they argue, proves that DG Khan was historically a key centre of trade and cultural exchange.

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PPP suspends all political activities in Sindh

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh chapter has announced the suspension of all political activities in the province until further notice. The decision has been taken in view of the worsening flood situation in Sindh. The announcement was made by PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro, who stated that political engagements would remain on hold until water levels in the rivers normalise. He stressed that the party's immediate priority is to support flood-affected communities, particularly in katcha (riverine) areas. “PPP leaders must come forward to support flood victims in every possible way,” Khuhro said, urging party leaders and workers to establish relief camps and ensure that the aid reaches displaced and vulnerable families. Read More: US sends another flood relief aid shipment to Pakistan He reiterated PPP’s longstanding commitment to standing by the people in times of hardship, adding that the party would continue to play an active role in relief and rehabilitation efforts. Khuhro also assured that the Sindh government is on high alert, closely monitoring the situation. He expressed hope that the incoming floodwaters would pass without causing damages. Earlier in the day, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called on the federal government to immediately seek international assistance from the United Nations to support flood relief operations. While inspecting the Guddu and Sukkur Barrages to assess water levels in the Indus River, Shah reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He expressed optimism that the floodwaters would pass through Sukkur Barrage without causing major destruction, adding that ministers and officials are actively deployed from Kashmore to Keti Bandar. Also Read: Pakistan-China collaboration in defence, aviation to expand: President Zardari The chief minister also echoed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s earlier call for the immediate disbursement of relief funds through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), a process which he noted remains pending. “The federal government must act swiftly on the appeal for international aid and expedite the release of funds for relief efforts,” the CM emphasised.

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Elahi blames PML-N for Gujrat flooding

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central President and former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi said on Saturday that Gujrat would not have been submerged in floodwaters had the PML-N government not blocked funds for the drainage system. He was addressing the flood victims in Gujrat along with PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. Elahi said his government had secured billions of rupees in funds for Gujrat's drainage system, adding that if the present government failed to utilise those funds on city projects, it could not be trusted. "If the PML-N had not stopped the funds for the sewage projects we had started, Gujrat would not have been submerged today. The real culprits are these people who are now coming here and talking big." Elahi said had protective embankments not been built around Gujrat, the city would have faced an even worse situation. He added that Moonis Elahi had completed a 50-cusec rainwater pipeline from Jail Chowk to Bole Pul with Rs400 million in funds," he said. Criticising the PML-N's "lopsided policies", he said the present government had built concrete roads over Gujrat's two major drains, Shah Hussain and Chah Tarang, blocking the flow of rainwater. Elahi said he had implemented Imran Khan's vision during his tenure as Punjab chief minister. He alleged that his rivals had already siphoned off half of Gujrat's funds and were only focused on filling their own pockets, whereas his party's focus had always been on serving humanity. Speaking on the occasion, Raja said that the people of Punjab — and indeed all of Pakistan — were grateful for Elahi's services. Samaira Elahi, Rasikh Elahi, Omar Dar, Mian Imran Masood, Aamir Saeed Raan, Shaukat Basra, Amjad Pervez Butt, Chaudhry Yousuf Sajjad Channi, Syed Faizul Hassan Shah, Shujaat Nawaz Ajnala, Chaudhry Tanveer Gondal, Chaudhry Liaquat Bhader, Chaudhry Rizwan Machhiana and other leaders accompanied Chaudhry Parvez Elahi.

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Rs22b losses in PIA engineering flagged in audit report

The Auditor General of Pakistan has revealed losses of more than Rs22 billion in Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) engineering operations, according to the audit report for 2024–25. The report flagged two major cases of financial loss. In one case, losses exceeding Rs14 billion were incurred due to grounded aircraft, including six Boeing 777s owned by PIA and two ATR-72 planes taken on lease. The auditors noted that the losses stemmed from failure to adhere to maintenance timelines and delays in disposing of faulty engines. The Boeing aircraft remained grounded for varying periods between March 11, 2020, and March 1, 2021. Also Read: IMF mission to assess floods impact on Pakistan's economy The audit paragraph highlighted an additional Rs6 billion loss caused by 25 other permanently grounded aircraft engines. The losses occurred because the engines were neither reused nor disposed of in time. The report further disclosed that around Rs3 billion had been paid to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in relation to these grounded planes, while separate financial damage was incurred in parking charges. These issues have persisted since PIA’s special audit covering 2008–2017. Sources said that although a Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) meeting was scheduled in January 2025 to review the matter, it was never convened.

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