ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP): After culmination of the ongoing rain spell on April 15, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more rain-wind/thunderstorm at various parts of the country during the current week with occasional gaps.
Another strong westerly wave was likely to enter western parts of the country on April 16 (night) and likely to grip most parts of Balochistan on April 17 and will extend to upper parts on April 18.
Under the influence of this weather system, rain-wind/thunderstorm with few heavy, with isolated very heavy falls) is expected in Balochistan including Gwadar, Kech, Awaran, Chagi, Kharan, Awaran, Lasbella, Khuzdar, Kalat, Noushki, Mastung, Jhal Magsi, Naseerabad, Sibbi, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Barkhan, Loralai, Harnai, Qilla Saifullah, Mastung, Ziarat, Shirani, Zhob, Musa Khel and Barkhan from April 16 (night) to April 19 (morning).
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain-windstorm/thunderstorm accompanied by few heavy, with isolated very heavy falls with snowfall over high mountains is expected in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Haripur, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner and Malakand, Waziristan, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Karak, Khyber, Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Kurram with occasional gaps from April 17 (night) to April 21. Hailstorm is also expected at isolated places during the forecast period.
Rain-wind/thunderstorm (few heavy falls) with snowfall over high mountains is expected in Gilgit Baltistan including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche and Shigar and in Kashmir including Neelum valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber, Mirpur with occasional gaps from April 18 to April 22.
In Punjab/Islamabad, rain-wind/thunderstorm with few heavy falls/hailstorm is expected in Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, Mianwali, Pakpattan and Sahiwal from April 18-21 while in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Kot Addu, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Khanpur, Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar with occasional gaps from April 18 to April 20.
In Sindh, rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Larkana, Dadu, Qambar Shahdad Kot, Jamshoro and Sanghar from April 17 (night) to April 19 (morning).
About the possible impacts, the PMD said that heavy rainfall may generate flash flooding in local nullahs/Streams of Balochistan specially Gwadar, Kech, Awaran, Kalat, Khuzdar on April 17 and 18, while Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Manshera, Tributaries of Kabul River, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from April 18-20.
The temperatures are likely to drop during the wet spell turning the weather pleasant.
The possibility of landslides in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan and may affect the vulnerable locations from April 18-21.
Windstorm/hailstorm and lightning may damage standing crops, loose structures like electric poles, vehicles and solar panels etc during the period.
The farmers especially in wheat harvested areas are advised to manage their crops keeping in view the weather conditions.
The tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary traveling during the forecast period.
All concerned authorities are advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period.
PMD forecast more rains-wind/thunderstorm during this week with occasional gaps
Five power pilferers booked
SARGODHA, Apr 15 (APP):The Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (Fesco) caught five power pilferers during an ongoing crackdown here on Monday.
According to official sources, teams raided at various areas of the district and caught five
accused involved in electricity theft from main lines and meter tampering.
The teams also imposed a fine of Rs 141,451 on the pilferers.
On a report,police also registered cases against them.
AIOU Sukkur Regional Center to commence exams from April 23
SUKKUR, Apr 15 (APP):Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Sukkur Regional Center conducting examinations of Associate degree (B.A, B.Com), BBA, B.Ed, and BS programs offered in the autumn 2023 semester from April 23, 2023.
The date sheet is available on the university website (www.aiou.edu.pk) and roll number slips are uploaded to students’ CMS portals.
Sukkur AIOU Regional Director, Syed Atta Hussain Shah Musvi on Monday has instructed his subordinates to ensure transparency and provide all facilities to the students during the examinations.
The AIOU Sukkur center has been established in nearby vicinities of the students. For students in remote or backward areas without internet access, or those facing difficulties applying online, manual applications for B.A, B.Com, and B.Ed programs can be submitted at regional office Sukkur near Arore University Sukkur.
PSX witnesses bullish trend, gains 229 more points
ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP): The 100-index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed bullish trend on Monday, gaining 229.86 points, a positive change of 0.33 percent, closing at 70,544.58 points against 70,314.72 points the previous trading day.
A total of 555,214,972 shares valuing Rs.21.986 billion were traded during the day as compared to 389,396,548 shares valuing Rs.17.273 billion the last day.
Some 353 companies transacted their shares in the stock market; 180 of them recorded gains and 156 sustained losses, whereas the share prices of 17 remained unchanged.
In PSX, the three top trading companies were WorldCall Telecom with 88,622,330 shares at Rs.1.39 per share, Fauji Cement with 33,100,985 shares with Rs.20.01 per share and Fauji Foods Limited with 30,022,192 shares at Rs.10.05 per share.
Bata Pakistan Limited witnessed a maximum increase of Rs.25.00 per share price, closing at Rs.1,725.00, whereas the runner-up was Sugar Engineering Works Limited with a Rs.23.19 rise in its per share price to Rs.493.46.
Mari Petroleum Company Limited witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs.26.36 per share closing at Rs.2,595.35, followed by Nestle Pakistan Limited with Rs.22.89 decline to close at Rs.7,525.00.
Romina urges masses to cooperate with rescue teams amid relief efforts in rain-hit areas
ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam on Monday expressed her grief over the loss of lives and property due to rains.
The Climate Coordinator in a statement urged that the people should cooperate with rescue agencies and actively participate in relief work.
Romina said, “Pakistan is facing serious challenges like climate change. However, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are the most affected by the recent rains.”
She mentioned that she shared the grief of the victims and was praying for the recovery of the injured.
The Coordinator added that she was in contact with the rescue and relief agencies, whereas the rescue agencies have been instructed to speed up the relief operation.
Rupee sheds 29 paisa against dollar
ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP):Pakistani Rupee on Monday depreciated by 29 paisa against the US dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs278.22 against the previous day’s closing of Rs277.93.
However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market stood at Rs278 and Rs280.7 respectively.
The price of the Euro decreased by Rs5.19 to close at Rs296.42 against the last-day closing of Rs301.61, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The Japanese Yen came down by 02 paisa and closed at Rs1.80, whereas a decrease of Rs 4.51 was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which was traded at Rs347.18 compared to the last closing of Rs351.69.
The Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal increased by 05 paisa each to close at Rs 75.73 and Rs 74.14 respectively.
UAF ranked No 1 in Pakistan, 10th in Asia
FAISALABAD, Apr 15 (APP):QS World University Ranking 2024 has declared the University of Agriculture Faisalabad as the 56th best university across the globe in the subject Agriculture and Forestry and 10th in Asia while the UAF is at the top in the country. It has jumped to ten spots this year.
The UAF spokesman said on Monday that according to the last year’s ranking of QS World University Ranking 2023, the UAF was ranked at 66th position in the world, and 12th in Asia.
The UAF is not only progressing in the international ranking but also excelling in solving farmers’ problems and community services. The university has the distinction of having drafted a ten-year agricultural policy at the government level to address agricultural challenges while enabling prosperity and increased productivity. It has strong international collaboration under which tangible research work was being carried out.
UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan while congratulating the faculty on this success expressed hope that in the future, this institution will continue to play its pivotal role in progressing and ensuring food security.
He said the UAF was the only educational institution in the country which had been included in the top 100 universities in the world for the past decade, while it holds the honor of being the top ranked university in the country, which was a source of pride for the agricultural community and the entire country.
Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization Director Prof Dr Muhammad Jafar Jaskani said that progress had been made in all parameters of international quality ie academic reputation, employer reputation, citation research paper, H-index indicates and International Research Network.
Advisory for cotton cultivation
FAISALABAD, Apr 15 (APP): Agriculture experts have advised growers to start cultivation of cotton immediately and complete it up to mid of May for getting a bumper crop.
A spokesman for the agriculture department said here on Monday that time from mid April to mid of May 10 was the most suitable for cotton cultivation, therefore, farmers should avail from suitable time opportunity and immediately start cotton cultivation on maximum space of their land.
He advised farmers to use seed of approved varieties for cultivation. He termed the cotton as white gold and urged growers to cultivate it at a large scale. He also advised to keep number of plants more than 17,500 to 20,000 in one acre with a distance of 9 to 12 inches from one plant to another.
He recommended the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers after consultation with agriculture experts and said that first watering of cotton crop cultivated with drill should be on 30-35 days after its cultivation while remaining watering should be ensured with an interval of 12-15 days.
Similarly, first watering to the cotton crop cultivated on “Patri (beds)” should be after 3-4 days of its cultivation while its second, third and fourth watering should be made with an interval of 6-7 days and the remaining watering should be ensured with an interval of 12 days, he added.
ICT admin tightened surveillance to control fare hikes by transporters
ISLAMABAD, Apr 15 (APP): As the commuters are coming back to the Federal Capital from different cities of the country, the district administration has ramped up monitoring efforts across various bus stands in the city to deter any attempts at exploiting passengers during this busy period.
According to the Spokesman of ICT, Dr Abdullah Tabassum, all Assistant Commissioners were present at Faizabad, 26 Number, Karachi Company and other bus stands and actively monitored the transportation process to curb the fare hikes.
In a recent operation, Assistant Commissioner Uzair Ali Khan wielded swift action, imposing a hefty fine of Rs 5,000 on a vehicle found overcharging at Karachi Company Bus Stand. This decisive move underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring fair pricing for commuters, Dr Abdullah said.
At the Faizabad bus terminal, Assistant Commissioner Farwah Batool spearheaded an inspection, uncovering a breach of regulations. An individual was apprehended for violating the fixed fares by the government. Such proactive measures demonstrate a zero-tolerance stance against violations, the spokesperson said.
He said that on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, the constant presence of assistant commissioners and magistrates at all bus stands. This hands-on approach aimed to deter any attempts at exploiting passengers during this busy period.
Furthermore, the administration prioritized the dignified return journeys of foreigners, emphasizing the importance of upholding standards of hospitality and fairness. Additionally, citizens were urged not to exceed the fixed fare by even a single rupee, underscoring the administration’s commitment to protecting consumer rights.
Forecast for further rains with winds in KP; PDMA issues alert
PESHAWAR, Apr 15 (APP): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday issued an alert letter to all district administrations in the wake of a forecast for more widespread rains with winds in the province till April 21.
DG, PDMA Muhammad Qaiser Khan directed all the district administrations to ensure availability of manpower and machinery to cope with any emergency situation including flooding in the low-lying areas due to heavy rains and landslides in the upper districts.
The PDMA asked the district administrations to issue tourists advisory besides instructing the local population to take precautionary measures.
It said that PDMA’s emergency operation center was fully operational and people could report any untoward incident to 1700.