Outlook Times

PMD Issues Dire Warning for Sindh

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has sounded a drought alarm for Sindh, including urban hubs like Karachi, due to an unprecedented 52% decline in rainfall this season. This drastic shortage has put the province at risk of severe water scarcity and environmental stress.

Prolonged Dry Spell Expected

Weather experts predict that the current dry spell is likely to persist until March, compounding concerns for agricultural productivity and drinking water availability. Key districts such as Sukkur, Naushahro Feroze, Jamshoro, and Shaheed Benazirabad are on high alert for escalating drought conditions.

Government Initiatives and Precautionary Steps

District administrations across Sindh have been directed to take immediate measures to mitigate the effects of the drought. Deputy commissioners in Karachi are preparing alternative solutions, while authorities in Tharparkar and Khairpur have been tasked with implementing precautionary actions to safeguard their communities.

Nationwide Rainfall Crisis

The Met Department also highlighted a broader trend of below-normal rainfall across Pakistan. Between September 2024 and mid-January 2025, the country experienced a 40% shortfall in rainfall, with Balochistan and Punjab facing reductions of 45% and 42%, respectively.

Punjab’s Drought Hotspots

Mild drought-like conditions have emerged in Punjab, particularly in regions such as Potohar, Attock, Chakwal, and Rawalpindi. Districts like Multan, Faisalabad, and DG Khan are also grappling with reduced water availability, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and communities reliant on agriculture.

Recent Rain Offers Little Relief

While a recent spell of rainfall brought hope, it failed to alleviate the dry conditions in Pakistan’s plains, leaving the country on edge. The PMD continues to urge relevant authorities to monitor the evolving situation and implement adaptive strategies to combat the effects of drought.

CDA’s Innovative Step Toward Modern Parks

Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has unveiled plans to implement digital parking systems in Islamabad’s prominent parks. This initiative aims to modernize parking management and increase revenue streams for better park facilities.

Funding Park Development Through Technology

Revenue generated from the digital parking systems will be exclusively allocated for the development and maintenance of these parks, ensuring sustainable improvement and enhanced visitor experiences.

Healthcare Services Get a Boost

Reforms in the Capital Hospital are also underway. The chairman directed the appointment of a Director of Finance and a reduction in local medicine purchases. A robust financial plan is being developed to enhance the hospital’s operational and financial stability.

Improving Health Standards in the Capital

Plans for the Directorate of Health Services include reopening non-functional medical centers and hiring additional medical staff. Moreover, mandatory medical screenings and vaccinations for workers in industries like barber shops and food outlets have been proposed as licensing prerequisites, promoting public health standards.

Transparency and Efficiency in Enforcement

To ensure greater transparency, the CDA is set to empower its inspectors to issue fines on-site. An online fine collection system will also be introduced, simplifying the enforcement process and enhancing operational efficiency.

A Digital Transformation for Islamabad

These initiatives are part of the CDA’s broader efforts to digitize and enhance the efficiency of public services in Islamabad, ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and better-managed capital city.

Smog Crisis: Punjab Government Shuts Schools, Imposes Restrictions

As the air quality in Lahore and Multan plummets to hazardous levels, the Punjab government has declared a health emergency to combat the worsening smog crisis. Senior Minister for Information and Environment Protection, Marriyum Aurangzeb, announced an extension of school closures and stringent measures to safeguard public health.

Lahore, home to over 14 million residents, has been ranked the most polluted city in the world this month, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) hitting alarming levels of 732 before marginally improving. Multan, another heavily affected city, has also reported dangerously low air quality.

To mitigate the impact, schools in the smog-hit districts will remain closed for another week, with colleges and universities shifting to online classes. Additionally, outdoor activities have been banned, and restaurants are now restricted to takeaway services after 4 pm. Shopping malls and markets must close by 8 pm, while construction activities have been halted for the upcoming week.

Lockdowns and Health Risks

A partial lockdown has been implemented in Lahore and Multan on weekends, as authorities aim to monitor air pollution levels closely. Citizens are advised to stay indoors, wear face masks, and minimize outdoor exposure. The Punjab Health Department has reported a staggering 1.9 million cases of smog-related illnesses, including asthma, heart disease, and strokes, in October alone.

Court Intervenes for Long-Term Solutions

Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has urged the provincial government to formulate a decade-long smog control policy. Justice Shahid Karim suggested adopting Beijing’s environmental model, emphasizing urban forestry, electric public transport, and stricter land-use policies.

The government is also planning to introduce electric buses by June 2025, signaling a shift towards sustainable urban development. However, critics argue that these initiatives may be too little, too late, given the severity of the crisis.