Tue, 21-Oct-2025

5.9-magnitude earthquake shakes Islamabad, Rawalpindi and parts of KP

5.0 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Layyah, Punjab: PMD

ISLAMABAD: A 5.9-magnitude earthquake shook Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Thursday, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). The PMD said the quake’s epicentre was in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region at a depth of 111 kilometres. People reported tremors in Peshawar, Lower and Upper Dir, Malakand, Bajaur, Mohmand, Shabqadar, Charsadda, … Read more

Pakistan Railways soon launch new train service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Pakistan Railways soon launch new train service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad

LAHORE: Pakistan Railways has decided to start a new train service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi to make travel easier for daily commuters. The decision was made at a high-level meeting held at the Railways Headquarters in Lahore. The meeting was chaired by Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and attended by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. … Read more

Heavy rains lash Islamabad and Rawalpindi; Margalla hills trails closed

Heavy rains lash Islamabad and Rawalpindi; Margalla hills trails closed

Islamabad and Rawalpindi continue to experience heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to close several hiking trails in the Margalla Hills due to safety concerns. Trails 2, 3, 4, and 5, along with the trail behind Saidpur village, will remain closed today.

The downpour has led to flash flooding in local streams and low-lying areas. In Islamabad’s Bhara Kahu area, particularly around Athal Chowk, roads and streets are submerged, with rainwater entering homes and shops. Several vehicles have also been stranded due to waterlogging.

As a precaution, the spillways of Rawal Dam have been opened to manage the rising water levels.

Meanwhile, in Dera Ismail Khan, torrential rains accompanied by strong winds have uprooted trees and damaged power lines, resulting in widespread electricity outages. Roof collapses and other rain-related incidents have claimed seven lives and injured at least 40 people. Several low-lying areas have been inundated.

Rain has also been reported in Peshawar, Mardan, North and South Waziristan, as well as various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir.

In Skardu, heavy rains have been forecast starting today. Authorities have advised locals and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel. Due to the risk of rising water levels in the Gilgit River, all riverside hotels have been closed, and nearby educational institutions will remain shut on Monday.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a nationwide alert for heavy rains expected to continue across most regions until August 30.

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Earthquake jolts Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other cities

Earthquake jolts parts of northern Pakistan

KARACHI: Tremors were felt in different parts of the country, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Mansehra, and Abbottabad. According to the Meteorological Department’s Seismic Monitoring Centre. The earthquake created panic among residents in the affected areas. The earthquake tremors were felt at 10pm and 20 minutes and the magnitude of the earthquake was recorded at 5.2 … Read more

Section 144 imposed in Rawalpindi for seven days

Section 144

RAWALPINDI: The district administration has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi for seven days, banning protest rallies, demonstrations, and the use of loudspeakers during this period. According to official details, police deployment is underway in various areas along Murree Road following the implementation of Section 144. Key locations include Murree Chowk, Liaquat Bagh, Committee Chowk, Rehmanabad, … Read more

Train strikes youth using handsfree in Rawalpindi

Train

RAWALPINDI : A young man lost his life after being hit by a train while wearing handsfree earphones, oblivious to the approaching locomotive. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showing the victim deeply engrossed and unaware of the train coming from behind. The footage captures the tragic moment as the train runs him over. … Read more

Pakistan Army rescues flood-trapped family via helicopter

Pakistan Army

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Army successfully rescued a family trapped in severe flooding near Chakri Road, Rawalpindi, despite challenging weather conditions. The affected family had taken shelter on the roof of their house in the village of Ladian. Responding swiftly, the army launched a helicopter rescue operation and safely evacuated all family members. The mission was … Read more

Over 90 dilapidated buildings declared dangerous in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: The Metropolitan Corporation Rawalpindi (MCR) has declared more than 90 old and dilapidated buildings across the city as structurally dangerous, ordering their immediate evacuation to prevent any potential loss of life. According to officials, the buildings have been deemed unsafe due to their deteriorating condition, posing serious risks to residents and surrounding areas, particularly … Read more

Heavy rain brings relief for residents of twin cities

Heavy rain

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Torrential rainfall turned the weather pleasant in the twin cities , breaking the intensity of the ongoing heatwave. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, intermittent rain showers continued throughout Rawalpindi, with 15 mm of rainfall recorded in Shamsabad and 27 mm in Saidpur. The downpour significantly reduced heat and humidity levels, bringing much-needed relief … Read more

Twin cities’ administrations launch joint anti-polio campaign

Over 34,000 children vaccinated in snowbound Kohistan areas

ISLAMABAD: The district administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi launched a joint anti-polio campaign on Friday to protect children from the debilitating virus. The campaign, which started on February 3, was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioners Irfan Nawaz Memon of Islamabad and Hassan Waqar Cheema of Rawalpindi. At the inauguration, both officials personally administered polio drops to … Read more

Education institutes resume activities in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

Education institutes

ISLAMABAD: All educational institutions were opened and educational activities resumed in federal capital Islamabad and Rawalpindi after 4 days.

The normal life was completely restored in twin city after end Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest.

All educational institutions were opened in Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi, after which academic activities resumed in federal schools and colleges.

Officials said that three days will make up for the loss of education caused by the closure of institutions, schools were closed due to protests and road closures.

Blockades on all highways across the city were removed yesterday and commercial activities are fully restored across the city.

The cleaning process has also been completed across the city and citizens can continue to move around the city without any hindrance.

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Normalcy returns to Islamabad and Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi

ISLAMABAD: The normalcy is gradually returning to the federal capital Islamabad and Rawalpindi as Pakistan Tehreak e Insaf (PTI) called off protest.

Motorways, which were closed for 4 days during the protest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, have been opened for all kinds of traffic.

According to the Motorway authorities, Motorway M2, Islamabad to Lahore, Islamabad to Peshawar Motorway M1, Lahore Sialkot, M3, M4 and M5 Motorways have been opened for all types of traffic.

In Islamabad, following a large-scale operation against protestors, normalcy is gradually returning to the federal capital with business activities resuming and educational institutions expected to reopen tomorrow.

The district administration’s cleanup efforts are underway, and containers blocking various roads in the city have been removed.

The roads that had been closed due to the protests are now accessible again, said an official.

The cleanup operations, including the removal of containers from key locations such as the Red Zone, are ongoing under the directives of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, Irfan Memon, who has instructed assistant commissioners to clear their respective areas.

He emphasized that all available resources are being utilized to clear the roads swiftly, aiming to have them open for citizens by morning. He has also directed that cleanup efforts on all city roads be completed by then.

“We aim to reopen the roads for citizens at earliest,” DC Memon stated, underscoring the administration’s commitment to resolving the issue swiftly.

The deputy commissioner also directed his team to ensure cleanliness across all major highways following the removal of obstacles, ensuring that the roads remain safe and accessible for the public.

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Punjab Govt imposes Section 144 in Rawalpindi for 3 days

Punjab Govt

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab Government has imposed Section 144 was imposed in Rawalpindi for 3 days in view of the law and order situation.

A meeting of the District Intelligence Committee was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Hasan Waqar Cheema, in which district officers and administrative officers participated in addition to police officials.

DC Rawalpindi in his statement said that in view of law and order, it has been decided to imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi for 3 days. He said additional security arrangements will be made to maintain the law and order situation.

According to the announcement, all kinds of public gatherings, processions and rallies have been banned in Rawalpindi, public gatherings and other events will also be banned for three days, the ban will be applied from November 8 to 10.

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Punjab Govt imposes Section 144 in Rawalpindi for 8 days

Punjab Govt

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Government has imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi for 8 days, during which political gatherings, sit-ins, rallies and other activities will be banned in the city.

The provincial government imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi for eight days, the purpose of the enforcement of the section is to secure the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) summit.

Political gatherings, sit-ins, rallies and other activities will be banned in Rawalpindi, while double-riding, aerial firing, pigeon flying, flying drones and use of laser lights are also banned within the city limits.

The decision to implement the section has been made at the request of the district administration and to maintain law and order and protect human lives and property, however, representatives of law enforcement agencies will be exempted from restrictions. The Section 41 has been implemented until October 17.

It should be noted that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit(SCO) will be held in Islamabad on October 15th and 16th.

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Marriage halls, restaurants to remain close in twin cities for five days

Marriage halls

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad and Rawalpindi administrations have ordered closure of marriage halls, cafes, restaurants and snooker clubs  in twin cities from October 12 to 16 ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

The SCO summit under the supervision of Pakistan is being held in Islamabad on October 16 and 17, in which the heads of various countries, including Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, will participate.

According to the police, it has been decided to tighten security in the twin cities during the SEO summit, under which marriage halls, cafes, restaurants and snooker clubs have also been ordered to be closed from October 12 to 16.

Police have issued notices to traders, hotel and restaurant owners stating that legal action will be taken against violators.

On the other hand, the police have sought shorty bonds from the businessmen and hotel owners, while a public holiday has also been announced in both the cities from October 14 to 16.

Due to the summit, suspects at Adiala Jail will also not be presented in court for five days. Courts have started rescheduling all important cases for hearing after October 16.

Commandos and sniper shooters will be deployed on the rooftops of multi-story buildings throughout the city.

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CTD arrests 18 terrorists across Punjab

CTD

LAHORE: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Punjab arrested 18 terrorists while conducting intelligence-based operations(IBO) in various cities of province.

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) conducted 134 intelligence-based operations in various cities of Punjab, during which 18 terrorists were arrested.

The spokesman said that operations were carried out in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and other cities.

 

He said three very dangerous terrorists of “Fitna al-Khawarij,” were arrested from Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and arms and explosives were seized.

Officials said that during the operation, explosives, 18 detonators, an IED bomb, bullets, maps and other items were recovered.

The terrorists wanted to spread fear by operating at different places.

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Punjab imposes Section 144 in four cities of province

Section 144 imposed in Punjab for two days

LAHORE: Punjab Government has imposed Section 144 in four cities of Punjab including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha.

The Punjab government has enforced Section 144 in 4 cities in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha and issued a notification in this regard.

The spokesperson of the Punjab Home Department said that Rangers have also been called for in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Attock. The services of 6 companies of Rangers have been called for in Rawalpindi and Attock for October 4 and 5.

The services of 3 companies of Rangers have been requested in Lahore for October 5, while 10 platoons of Frontier Constabulary have also been recommended to be deployed in Attock.

The spokesperson said that all kinds of political gatherings, sit-ins, meetings, demonstrations, protests and all such activities are banned in Punjab.

The Punjab government imposed Section 144 in Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha for 3 days, the ban will be applicable from Friday, October 4 to Sunday, October 6, while in Lahore, the section is in force from Thursday, October 3 to Tuesday, October 8.

The ban in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock and Sargodha was decided on the recommendation of the district administration.

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Govt appoints three new officers in Adiala Jail

Govt appoints

RAWALPINDI: Punjab Home Department has appointed three new officers including Additional Superintendent in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

According to prison sources, Ali Amir Shah has been appointed Additional Superintendent Jail Rawalpindi, while Amir Fayaz Bhatti has been appointed Deputy Superintendent Education.

Jail sources say that Jamaat Ali has been appointed Deputy Superintendent Judicial Adiala Jail.

Jail sources say that the three officers have been posted in Adiala Jail on the instructions of Punjab Home Department.

It should be noted that the former Deputy Superintendent of Adiala Jail, Muhammad Akram, was detained on August 14 on the charge of alleged facilitation and abuse of powers by PTI founder chairman, and Tahir Siddique Shah was appointed as Deputy Superintendent Adiala Jail .

According to the sources, questioning of two more officers of Adiala Jail has been started on the suspicion of PTI founder’s alleged facilitation in the jail.

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Heavy rainfalls being observed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

Heavy rainfalls being observed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit Islamabad, Rawalpindi. Lahore experienced power outages due to rain-related disruptions. Karachi forecasts hot and humid weather with chances of light rain. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have been observed during the ongoing fourth monsoon spell in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and various areas of Punjab, including Lahore. In Lahore, early morning rain brought … Read more

Father kills two daughters, injured wife in Rawalpindi  

Rawalpindi  

RAWALPINDI: A father killed two killed and injured his wife in tragic incident in Tench Bhatta area of ​​Rawalpindi.

The suspect, identified as Usman, attacked his wife with a knife, cutting her jugular vein.

According to rescue officials, the rescue team shifted the injured woman to the hospital after providing medical aid.

On the other hand, the police said that the accused has been arrested and according to preliminary investigation, the incident took place due to a domestic dispute.

The police said that the accused is being interrogated, the statement of the mother of the deceased girls will also be recorded.

City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani took notice of the incident and asked for a report from the concerned police officers.

Police officials say that evidence is being collected from the spot, investigation is being done from all angles of the incident.

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Punjab govt approves glass train service from Rawalpindi to Murree

Punjab govt approves glass train service from Rawalpindi to Murree

LAHORE: The Punjab government has sanctioned a new tourism initiative, the glass train service, which will connect Rawalpindi and Murree. The decision was made during a comprehensive five-hour session presided over by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and PML-N President Nawaz Sharif. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb provided an extensive overview of the Murree Development … Read more

PM Shehbaz attends funeral of sepoy Haroon William

PM Shehbaz

RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attended the funeral of sepoy Haroon William, a brave soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The funeral service of Sepoy Haroon William, a 29-year-old resident of  Islamabad, was held today at Saint Paul’s Church, Rawalpindi.

Sepoy William, a devoted Christian soldier, made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the motherland and embraced martyrdom in Kurram District yesterday while on duty in counter terrorism operations.

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Defence Minister, Interior Minister, Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Chief of Army Staff, senior civil and military officers, soldiers, citizens, and relatives of the martyr.

The prime minister praised the contributions and sacrifices of the Christian fraternity, lauding their role in the country’s progress.

He emphasized that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are a cohesive unit, comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds, striving for the collective defence of the state.

Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) honored the sacrifice of Sepoy Haroon William, Sepoy Anosh Rufun, and their comrades, stating that their unity and bravery exemplify the strength of the nation. He reaffirmed that the nation will always be indebted to their services and sacrifices for the honor of the motherland.

Sepoy Haroon William was laid to rest with full military honors in Rawalpindi. Funeral prayers for Havildar Aqeel Ahmed (Okara), Lance Naik Muhammad Tafeer (Poonch), Sepoy Anosh Rufun (Attock), and Sepoy Muhammad Azam Khan (Haripur) were also held in their respective hometowns with full military honours.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan remain resolute and committed to eradicating terrorism from the motherland at all costs, the press release added.

Later, addressing the memorial service of Pakistan’s Army’s sepoy Haroon William in Saint Paul’s Church, PM Shehbaz Sharif paying tributes to the martyr said that the history of Pakistan Armed Forces was filled with such unmatched sacrifices.

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Earthquake hits Islamabad, KP cities   

Earthquake jolts parts of Balochistan

ISLAMABAD: The earthquake tremors were felt in Islamabad , Rawalpindi and cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa(KP).

Earthquake tremors were also felt in North Waziristan, Parachinar, Lower Dir, Hangu and surrounding areas. The earthquake tremors were also felt in Charsadda and Swabi.

According to the seismological center, the magnitude of the earthquake was 4.7 and the center of the earthquake was the region of South-East Afghanistan, the depth of the earthquake was 98 kilometers.

It should be noted that earthquake shocks were felt in different cities of Pakistan even a few days ago.

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More rains & gusty winds predicted in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

More rains, gusty winds likely in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts scattered rain, wind, and thunderstorms in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and other parts of the country from Tuesday through Thursday due to a shallow westerly wave. These conditions are expected to bring relief from the prevailing heatwave, particularly in the twin cities and certain regions including the Potohar area, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, … Read more

Lahore faces unannounced load shedding after defict surges past 5000 MW

Lahore faces unannounced load shedding after defict surges past 5000 MW

Lahore and other regions in Pakistan are currently grappling with a severe energy crisis, exacerbated by intense heat and unexpected power cuts. The power deficit has surged past 5,500 megawatts as of Saturday. Electricity shortages have intensified due to a sharp rise in consumption. Power companies, including LESCO, are unable to keep up with the … Read more

Oil Tankers Owners Association stops fuel supply to Twin Cities 

Oil Tankers

ISLAMABAD: The Oil Tankers Owners Association (OTOA) stopped the fuel supply in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

According to the Oil Tankers Owners Association, the delivery of petroleum products will also remain suspended in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, while the supply of petroleum products to airports has also been stopped.

The association said that Pakistan State Oil (PSO) officials have introduced a new automated system of petrol filling, PSO officials and DC Islamabad have informed about the concerns, and filling demand should be met under a metered system.

In this regard, Chairman All Pakistan Oil Tankers Owners Association Mir Shams Shahwani has said that the country and the nation are with the government in this critical situation, and have asked to continue the supply to all the depots.

Mir Shams Shahwani demanded that action and a case be registered against the blackmailers.

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Rawalpindi Set for Four Consecutive Public Holidays

Another holiday announced in Punjab district

The Deputy Commissioner of Rawalpindi, Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, has declared multiple public holidays in the garrison city in honor of Pakistan Day Parade on March 23rd. In an official announcement made on Wednesday, the district administration has declared local holidays on Thursday and Friday, extending the weekend with Saturday and Sunday, resulting in a … Read more