#balochistan floods

[rapeculturerealities]

The activists confronting period taboos in Pakistan | Women | Al Jazeera

The monsoon season last year, from June to September, saw record-breaking rainfall. August saw three times as much rainfall as the 30-year national average. Sindh and Balochistan provinces were the worst hit. Sindh, home to 50 million people, received eight times its average rainfall. More than 33 million people were affected by torrential rains and flash floods – that’s one in seven Pakistanis. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described it as a “monsoon on steroids”. “One-third of Pakistan is under water,” said the federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman at the time.

Pakistan needed help on an unprecedented level. The United Nations called for $816m in relief by October. In November, when I visited villages in Sindh and Balochistan, families were still crowded by the side of some main roads under worn tents bearing the names of aid organisations. As large local and international organisations, usually helmed by local male coordinators on the ground, assessed the needs of millions, others wondered about women like Razia. In September, an estimated 73,000 women were expected to give birth. They required birth attendants, newborn care and support, but many women were not allowed to leave their homes and were dependent on husbands or fathers to provide access to healthcare, or to travel with them to medical camps. And then there was the question of more basic needs: How were the 8.2 million women of reproductive age living in the flood-affected areas managing their menstrual needs? Who was considering this?

[thedenizer]

"Tsunami Alert: How Karachi is Preparing for the Worst"

 The Threat of Tsunami in Karachi

KARACHI: Due to the possibility of intensifying monsoon currents in Sindh starting tomorrow (Tuesday).  the Met office issued an urban flooding advisory for Karachi and other cities on            Monday.

Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz, chief meteorologist, noted that the current weather system was anticipated to gradually get worse, first affecting southeast portions of Sindh on Tuesday afternoon or in the evening, and then affecting northeast areas, including Karachi, late at night with sporadic heavy rainfall. According to him, the heaviest rain is predicted to fall starting on June 11 when the low pressure region that is developing in eastern India would enter Pakistan and gather strength from the weather over the Arabian Sea. "After that, it probably will have an impact on all of Sindh. But prior to that, there would be intermittent mild to high falls in numerous areas of the province, he added, noting that the current weather pattern had obstructed the sea breeze, making Karachi hot and muggy.

Areas Which May Be Affected:

According to the Met department advisory, sea conditions are predicted to turn difficult or very rough from Jun 10 through 15, and fishermen are urged to exercise additional caution.rain-thunderstorms with scattered heavy falls are expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Thatta, Sujawal, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Ghotki, Kashmore, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Dadu, Jamshoro and Qambar Shahdadkot during Jun 9-15.

In low-lying parts of Karachi, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Dadu, Jamshoro, Qambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, and Sukkur throughout the projected period, heavy rains may cause water logging or urban flooding. From June 12, rainfall intensity is also anticipated to increase in Balochistan's northeastern and southern districts, which could result in flash floods in the districts of Dadu, Jamshoro, Qambar Shahdadkot, and downstream.

It further said that more strain could be placed on Hub dam, Thaddo dam, and areas downstream by persistently heavy rainfall over the Khuzdar, Lasbela, and Hub districts and across the Kirthar range.

History Of Floods & Tsunami In Coastal Belt Of Pakistan:

Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea. While the city has not experienced a tsunami in recent history, experts have expressed concern that any major earthquake could trigger a tsunami along Karachi's coast due to deep seas and unusual underground geographical changes. In 1945, a deadly earthquake occurred 100 miles south of Karachi in the Northern Arabian Sea, triggering a tsunami which resulted in the loss of over 4,000 lives. Since then, no tsunami has occurred off the coast of Karachi. However, the location of the city makes it susceptible to a host of climatic disasters. Legislation is essential to timely evacuate residents from coastal settlements in the event of an earthquake. In 2005, following an earthquake in Muzaffarabad, the seismic center of Karachi was made more efficient and three tsunami warning towers have been installed since then.

Geography:

Geographically, the coastal belt of Sindh and Balochistan, which covers an area of 1,100 km, has witnessed tsunamis triggered by earthquakes as well as islands emerging in the coastal areas. These extraordinary activities certainly point to the presence of underground gases and other factors.

Risk Of Tsunami:

According to Ameer Haider Laghari, Director Meteorological Department, Karachi, earthquakes have two causes: one is fault line and the other is boundary line. The risk of tsunami in Karachi cannot be ruled out due to the presence of three seismic plates in which the subdivision is slowly sinking.

Measures Taken By Government:

Two more warning towers have been installed in coastal areas of Balochistan in Gwadar and Pisni. About 14 towers will be installed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at various places in Sindh in the near future. The main purpose of installing these towers is to warn residents of coastal areas in case of any emergency. Tide gauges have been installed at various coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan to monitor sea waves. In this regard, not only is the situation monitored but also alerts are issued if the height of waves exceeds 6 meters. A tsunami alert is usually issued for an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale in the Arabian Sea.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD):

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) holds responsibility for seismic monitoring and tsunami early warning in Pakistan. It is their liability to disseminate earthquake information to government and non-government organizations as well as to the public after any event occurs. All stations are linked with central recording stations at Karachi and Islamabad through satellite communication systems. Beside broad band stations, a parallel program for installing short period (1s) sensors for close monitoring of faults and local seismicity is running.

Floods In The History:

In addition to tsunamis, Pakistan has also experienced severe flooding throughout its history. In August 2010, Pakistan suffered one of its most severe floods that affected approximately 20 million people and destroyed homes, crops and infrastructure. The floods caused over $14.9 billion worth of damage and $15.2 billion worth of economic losses. The housing; agriculture and livestock; and transport and communications sectors suffered the most significant damage at $5.6 billion; $3.7 billion; and $3.3 billion respectively. Sindh was the worst affected province with close to 70 percent of total damages and losses followed by Balochistan; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; and Punjab. The floods affected 33 million people and more than 1730 lost their lives. They particularly impacted the poorest and most vulnerable districts with flood waters stagnant in many areas causing water-borne and vector-borne diseases to spread. More than 8 million displaced people faced a health crisis with loss of household incomes; assets; rising food prices; and disease outbreaks impacting vulnerable groups. Women suffered notable losses particularly those associated with agriculture and livestock. The national poverty rate may increase by 3.7 to 4 percentage points potentially pushing between 8.4 and 9.1 million more people below poverty line while multidimensional poverty can potentially increase by 5.9 percentage points implying that an additional 1.9 million households are at risk of being pushed into non-monetary poverty.

National Flood Protection Plan:

The government has already started updating its national flood protection plan by adopting global best practices for updating its flood risk framework. Early warning systems that make use of weather data and modeling can alert authorities to an expected flood and give them time to start evacuations and put in place contingencies for critical sectors such as agriculture.

International Water Management Institute (IWMI):

Flood inundation models developed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and partners have helped to anticipate the depth and extent of flooding in Sri Lanka allowing governments and communities to take preemptive measures that reduce the negative effects. Insurance schemes supported by the government can also help small-scale farmers; businesses; and households recover after a climate event. IWMI and its partners have piloted index-based flood insurance in India and Bangladesh offering protection for agricultural livelihoods during floods limiting the long-term effect on food systems and food security.

Compensation:

Compensation for flood damage to crops totaled $150,000 between 2017 and 2020 allowing 7,000 families to repair their homes and farms and recover from the losses. Another example is the use of nature-based solutions or green infrastructure to harness the ability of ecosystems like wetlands to regulate water flow and absorb flood water.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, while Karachi has not experienced a tsunami in recent history it is important for residents and authorities to remain vigilant and prepared for such an event. The installation of warning towers and tide gauges along with legislation for timely evacuation are important steps towards ensuring safety of residents in case of a tsunami.

Thanks For Reading Thë Denìzer by Sultan Muhammad Yamin!

[girlrants]

We reject the current economic model because it relies on our subjugation within the home and in labour markets, to drive up profits for a few. We are angry and have no patience for policies and systems that are ableist and discard differently-abled bodies, people suffering from mental health, gender minorities and older peoples. In addition, heinous and cruel practices such as that of bonded labour, add to the exploitation of working class communities, especially from Hindu and Christian communities. We condemn this practice and consider this modern-day slavery. We also condemn the sexual exploitation that comes with this practice, where often women are subjected to become sex slaves, and sometimes are brutally murdered. Often the perpetrators of these crimes, rich landlords, are given immunity, when those who try to escape the bondage, are beaten, punished, kidnapped, or raped and even killed. We condemn the immunity that these perpetrators and feudals receive from local police and government officials, and demand from the government to enforce the law, and end this practice. We also thus demand that the government take notice of the continuing practice of bonded labour in Sindh & Balochistan, and elsewhere where a huge number of victims are from scheduled caste minority communities. We demand shutting down all private jails and the abolition of this practice as per constitutional guarantees, federal and provincial laws. We further demand from the government that the accumulated debt payable to landlords or kiln owners by farmers be forgiven, especially in light of the 2022 floods. Caption by: @auratmarch My poster artwork for @auratmarch 2023 on this year’s theme of ‘Climate Change and it’s Impact on Bonded Labourers’. This poster is available for free download and printing (link in bio): http://bit.ly/3yxr93Y Join us tomorrow, 12th March, 2023 at Burns Garden. #AuratMarch2023 #RiyasatJawabDouZulmKaHisaabDou (at Burns Garden) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpphvB0s86O/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[roganohandley]

Clean Water for All: Charitable Efforts to Tackle Pakistan’s Water Crisis

Pakistan faces one of the most pressing water crises in the world. With rising population, industrial demands, and rapid urbanization, access to clean and safe water has become increasingly scarce. Many communities in Pakistan struggle daily to find uncontaminated sources, and as climate change accelerates, the availability of water is projected to dwindle further. This crisis calls for urgent intervention from both governmental organizations and non-profit charities, who are working tirelessly to provide clean water to every corner of Pakistan.

Understanding Pakistan’s Water Crisis

Pakistan’s water crisis stems from various factors, including climate change, poor water management, urban pollution, and depletion of natural resources. The majority of Pakistan’s water supply comes from rivers fed by Himalayan glaciers. However, with these glaciers receding due to rising global temperatures, the water flow in these rivers is diminishing.

Key Causes of Water Scarcity in Pakistan

Population Growth: Pakistan is the fifth most populous country, and as the population grows, so does the demand for water. Unfortunately, water resources have not kept pace with this growth, resulting in a significant shortfall.

Agricultural Demands: Agriculture consumes over 90% of Pakistan’s water supply. The country relies heavily on irrigation to support its agricultural economy, putting immense strain on already limited water resources.

Industrial Pollution: Factories often release untreated waste into water bodies, contaminating rivers and making water sources unusable. The lack of stringent regulations exacerbates the problem, posing serious health risks to nearby communities.

Urbanization: Rapid urban growth has led to excessive water usage in cities, often at the expense of rural areas. Additionally, urban areas frequently lack the infrastructure to recycle or reuse water effectively.

Climate Change: Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have caused irregular rainfall, which impacts agriculture and drinking water supplies. In addition, glacial melt, floods, and droughts further complicate the situation.

Health Implications of Unsafe Drinking Water

The health impact of Pakistan’s water crisis is severe. Contaminated water carries bacteria and viruses, leading to waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis. In rural regions, where access to healthcare is limited, these illnesses can be particularly deadly. Moreover, water scarcity forces families to drink unclean water, which poses long-term risks, especially to children who are more vulnerable to infections and dehydration.

Charitable Efforts for Clean Water Access

Numerous charitable organizations are stepping in to alleviate the water crisis in Pakistan. Through innovative solutions and substantial funding, these organizations are making strides toward providing clean water to remote areas, educating communities on water conservation, and improving sanitation.

1. Shifa Foundation

Shifa Foundation has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most reliable humanitarian organizations. They recognize the importance of clean water for overall health and have developed various programs that focus on water access and sanitation. By building water filtration plants and installing hand pumps in underserved communities, Shifa Foundation has made clean water accessible for thousands of families across Pakistan. Their commitment goes beyond immediate relief, with a focus on long-term sustainability to ensure that these communities have ongoing access to safe drinking water.

2. WaterAid Pakistan

WaterAid Pakistan is committed to improving water quality and sanitation in some of the most vulnerable areas of the country. They have implemented projects in Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab, where they collaborate with local governments to provide sustainable water solutions. WaterAid builds community water tanks, promotes hygiene education, and works to enhance sanitation facilities in schools, which helps improve the overall health and safety of communities.

3. Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS)

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society plays a vital role in responding to natural disasters and the water crisis. They provide emergency water relief to communities affected by floods, droughts, and other disasters. PRCS also focuses on water purification and sanitation projects, which are critical for health in regions where natural disasters are frequent. Their work includes deploying portable water treatment units during emergencies and constructing community-based water infrastructure to ensure that people have access to clean water year-round.

4. Paani Project

The Paani Project is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing Pakistan’s water crisis. This group raises awareness internationally and funds the construction of water wells in areas without access to safe drinking water. By working with local partners, the Paani Project ensures that water solutions are sustainable and adapted to community needs. They also educate communities on water conservation techniques to ensure that new water sources remain viable.

5. Alkhidmat Foundation

Alkhidmat Foundation has been active in water relief efforts for years, constructing thousands of hand pumps, water wells, and filtration plants across Pakistan. They aim to serve regions where water shortages are acute, such as Tharparkar and other arid parts of Sindh. Alkhidmat also prioritizes women and children’s access to water, as they are often the most affected by water scarcity. By reducing the time spent collecting water, Alkhidmat's efforts help families focus on other aspects of life, such as education and economic activities.

Sustainable Solutions for Pakistan’s Water Future

Addressing the water crisis requires a combination of short-term relief and long-term solutions. Charitable organizations, with the support of governmental bodies, are pioneering projects that aim to create a sustainable water future for Pakistan.

Community-Based Water Management

A sustainable approach to the water crisis involves empowering communities to manage their water resources. Training programs educate residents on water conservation, water safety, and proper sanitation practices. By encouraging communities to take responsibility for their local water sources, these programs foster a culture of sustainability and promote the judicious use of resources.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is a viable solution to Pakistan’s water scarcity, particularly in rural areas. This method involves collecting and storing rainwater for domestic use, irrigation, and livestock. Charitable organizations are helping communities set up rainwater harvesting systems, reducing dependence on depleting groundwater resources. This method not only provides clean water but also mitigates flood risks and helps maintain groundwater levels.

Water Filtration and Purification Technologies

Innovative filtration technologies are critical to delivering safe drinking water in areas affected by contamination. Many organizations now install solar-powered water filtration systems in remote regions. These units purify water using solar energy, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for villages without access to electricity. Solar-powered filters require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for long-term deployment in underserved areas.

Educational Programs on Water Conservation

Charities also emphasize education on water conservation. By teaching families and communities the importance of conserving water, these programs reduce wastage. Community workshops and school-based programs instill valuable lessons in sustainable water practices, which are passed down through generations, creating a long-lasting impact on water use behaviors.

How You Can Help

The scale of Pakistan’s water crisis demands global solidarity. Individuals and corporations can support these charities by donating funds, volunteering, or raising awareness of the crisis. Even small contributions can fund water filtration units, build wells, and bring relief to communities in dire need. Joining efforts to solve Pakistan’s water crisis is a step towards a healthier, more sustainable world.

Conclusion

As Pakistan faces a severe water crisis, the efforts of charities are invaluable in providing safe drinking water and establishing sustainable practices across the country. Organizations like the Shifa Foundation, WaterAid, and the Paani Project are leading the way, creating impactful solutions for communities lacking access to clean water. Their initiatives not only address immediate needs but also foster a culture of sustainability and conservation that can shape the nation’s water future.

By supporting these organizations and spreading awareness, we can work together to ensure clean water for all in Pakistan, helping future generations to thrive.

[smqazi]

SO-CALLED ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN, WHICH IS NEITHER ISLAMIC NOR REPUBLIC, UNFORTUNATELY!

A Lawless State?

A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission on Human Rights Day 2014

Speaking about the rule of law in Pakistan is fatuous. This is a state where “might is right” and anarchy, in its worst connotations, rule supreme. Corruption, nepotism, red tape, and a dishonest bureaucracy pollute the “land of the pure”.

In terms of enforcement, the government has failed to reform the criminal justice system, which has resulted in providing absolute power to the police, paramilitary, military, and state intelligence agencies. People have begun taking law in their hands and many incidents of lynching have been reported this year, with over a dozen persons killed.

The chaos can be exemplified by recalling the Christian couple thrown in a kiln on the charge of committing blasphemy and burned alive in presence of the police. The real cause of conflict was that the couple had been unable to pay back a loan from the kiln owner. In a similar case, a landlord that was upset with his tenants, beat their 10-year-old son and tied the boy to a well pump, mangling his arms to the point that they needed to be amputated. Likewise, killings in the name religious affiliation continue to plague the country. More than 2500 persons were killed in such sectarian and communal violence.

In 2014, there were a vast array of unconscionable acts, of omission and commission, by arms of the Pakistani state. The year began with killings, bombardments, and disappearances in the bloodbath associated with the operation of Zarb-e-Azb, where the Pakistan Army attempted to flush out militants from the North Waziristan region. The civil government was not taken into confidence by the military and media coverage was insufficient. According to the Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) the number of internally displaced persons in the wake of the Zarb-e-Azb operation rose to 800,000.

Then there is the case of a political worker and seven human rights defenders who were booked on sedition charges in Gilgit and have been sentenced to life imprisonment. Baba Jan, one of those framed, has the distinction of being sentenced to life imprisonment for the second time. His first conviction was for holding protests for the payment of compensation to those displaced by floods, and to the family of a father and son having been killed by police.

The newly enacted Pakistan Protection Act (PPA), 2014, has given sweeping powers of arrest and detention to law enforcement agencies, to the extent that they now have powers to shoot on sight. The Act has legalized disappearance following arrest and exonerated past incidents of disappearance. It has allowed law enforcement agencies to detain suspects for 90 days without producing them before the courts. Following the enactment of PPA, incidents of torture, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings have increased further in comparison to the same during the previous military government.

In 2014, more than 750 persons were killed in fake police encounters. In Karachi, the largest industrial and commercial city of the country, 260 persons were killed in operations against criminals, extortionists, and target killers. In Punjab Province alone, 350 persons were killed in encounters.

In Punjab, where Sharif’s younger brother rules, police have been allowed to quash political protests and activists ruthlessly. On June 17th, 14 political activists, including two women of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) Party, were killed in a police shooting. The provincial police refused to file the criminal case on behalf of the deceased families, and instead filed a case against the opposition PAT leaders. The leader of the Parliamentary party of MQM, Mr. Altaf Hussain has claimed that in the past two years 379 of their supporters have been killed extrajudicially and this year 25 workers have disappeared.

In Balochistan and Sindh provinces, the nationalists and secular forces have been the main targets of state violence, in the form of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearance, torture, and extrajudicial killings. In January, three mass graves were found and 169 mutilated bodies were recovered in Balochistan. The government announced an inquiry so Pakistan Army and its intelligence agencies would not be humiliated. In Sindh, more than 60 bodies of activists from Nationalist parties arrested by police have been found dumped this year. The Nationalist groups of Sindh, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) and Jeay Sindh Mutehida Mahaz (JSMM) have claimed that the security establishment killed more than 100 persons in 2014.

In Thar, at least 550 children died due to malnutrition and famine. The Sindh government, instead of taking responsibility and remedial action, blamed different political parties.

In terms of corruption, terrorism, and general law and order, the situation continues to deteriorate under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, whose return to power remains mired by protests that continue to erupt throughout the country.

The political uprising against the Nawaz Sharif government, spearheaded by Imran Khan and Maulana Tahir-ul-Qadri, alleged that Sharif rigged votes to grab power. The slogan “go Nawaz go” became a political mantra for the elite and neo-conservatives of Pakistan in 2014. The protest procession that began in Lahore on 12th August culminated in a “sit in” outside the National Assembly in Islamabad, with about 10,000 protestors arriving from across the country. Maulana Tahir-ul-Qadri played the religious card well, terming the “sit in” as a jihad against oppression.

On 31st August, three of the protesters were killed and around 534 injured, as violent clashes between PTI and PAT activists and law-enforcement personnel occurred in the “Red Zone” of Islamabad. The protestors turned violent on 2nd September 2014, when they attacked the Pakistan TV station located nearby, destroying equipment.

The grim reality facing Pakistan, which is struggling on political, social, and economic fronts, is that the nation has yet to confront the evils ailing its core. Pakistani society is polarized into “haves” and “have-nots”. With the economic gap widening, the masses, with barely enough for two square meals a day, harbor hatred against elites that live in their “dreamland” where all is well. This polarization has yielded intolerance, illiteracy, militancy, and unemployment; and, as a result, the moral fabric of the society is fast unraveling.

The situation in Pakistan is dire. There is constant conflict between powers jostling for control in Pakistan, as well as their mutual abuse of the civilian population. The only thing that is certain is that the rule of law cannot exist amidst such lawlessness.

[pakistanweekly]

Militant attacks increased 38 per cent in April

In April, Pakistan saw a flood in aggressor assaults, prominently in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) where 73% of episodes happened, basically in its southern regions. The Pakistan Organization for Struggle and Security Studies detailed 77 aggressor assaults, bringing about 70 passings and 67 wounds from one side of the country to the other. In spite of a 38 percent increment in assaults contrasted with Spring, fatalities marginally diminished. Security powers defeated numerous expected assaults, killing 55 thought assailants and capturing 12. Central area KP, particularly D.I. Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Tank, endured the worst part, while ancestral regions additionally confronted critical episodes. Balochistan and Punjab experienced elevated aggressor exercises too.

The discoveries distributed by an Islamabad-based think tank, Pakistan Establishment for Struggle and Security Studies (PICSS) show the flood in its month to month security evaluation. A sum of 77 assaults have been noted in the examinations during April which have brought about 70 fatalities including 35 regular folks and 31 individuals from security powers.

In contrast with April, Walk recorded 56 assailant assaults bringing about 77 fatalities and 67 wounds. As per the examination, a flood of 38% should be visible in the assailant assaults, despite the fact that there was a nine percent decrease in passings, with no adjustment of the quantity of wounds.

The security report additionally highlighted the endeavors of the country's security powers in frustrating various likely goes after during the month. Something like 55 thought aggressors were killed and 12 others captured, incorporating people engaged with the Basham self destruction assault, denoting a 55 percent increment in aggressor passings contrasted with Spring.

The report additionally said that 73pc of the absolute number of assailant assaults announced in April occurred in KP, including its ancestral regions. 56 assaults were accounted for in the region during the earlier month. The assaults killed 43 individuals — 26 individuals from security powers and 17 regular people.

There have been more goes after in the central area regions contrasted with ancestral locale, a sum of 31 assaults in the central area, with 25 fatalities and 10 wounds. The areas that were casualty to hostility were D.I. Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Tank were the most impacted, with D.I. Khan and Lakki Marwat confronting seven aggressor goes after each, Bannu confronting six, and Tank encountering two assaults. Together, these regions represented 71pc of the assaults in central area KP.

Also, Peshawar confronted four assaults, while Smack, Swabi, Charsadda, Shangla, and Battagram experienced one assault each.

In the ancestral regions of KP (previously Fata), PICSS recorded somewhere around 25 assaults, bringing about 18 fatalities and 22 wounds. North Waziristan, Bajaur, and South Waziristan were the most impacted areas, with nine, five, and four assaults announced, individually.

As per the report, Balochistan confronted 16 assaults, bringing about 21 fatalities, including 17 regular folks and four security faculty, with 31 people harmed. A large portion of these assaults occurred in the Baloch belt of the region, especially in the south and southwest. In particular, three assaults were accounted for in Khuzdar, two in Kech, Kohlu, and Quetta, and one each in Chaman, Dera Bugti, Duki, Kalat, Kharan, Mastung, and Nushki.

Punjab likewise saw a flood in assailant exercises, with four assaults detailed in April contrasted with one in Spring, bringing about three fatalities. One assault was accounted for in Sindh, bringing about three fatalities.

In the initial four months of the year, the nation experienced 323 assailant assaults, bringing about 324 fatalities and 387 wounds.

[news-makers]

Balochistan: Relief operations for flood-hit people continue

http://dlvr.it/T5pSDV

[economic-outlook]

Balochistan: Relief operations for flood-hit people continue

http://dlvr.it/T5pQ3x

[pakistannewsdigest]

Balochistan: Relief operations for flood-hit people continue

http://dlvr.it/T5pLjK

[pakistannewswire]

Balochistan: Relief operations for flood-hit people continue

http://dlvr.it/T5pJ03

[pakistanpressreleases]

Corps Commander Balochistan vows to ensure provision of timely aid to flood affectees

http://dlvr.it/T3bK0j

[disasterriskreductionday]

Post-Floods Reconstruction and Building Climate Resilience.

As part of the program agreed with the Government of Pakistan to respond to the devastating floods that hit the country last summer and build a climate-resilient Pakistan, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved $213 million in financing to improve livelihoods and essential services and enhance risk protection in communities affected by the 2022 floods, with a focus on Balochistan Province.

“We will be working closely with the Government of Balochistan to support the affected communities by providing livelihood support and rehabilitating irrigation and flood protection infrastructures,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. “This will not only help restore livelihoods but also protect the population by improving their resilience to potential future climate-related disasters and natural hazards. This project is part of the comprehensive package of post-floods rehabilitation and resilient-reconstruction program agreed with the authorities.”

The Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP) will provide housing reconstruction grants to approximately 35,100 homeowners to rebuild their homes following resilience standards and livelihood grants to smallholder farmers to support livestock, promote climate-smart agriculture and other productive activities. It will also help restore essential services by rehabilitating damaged community infrastructure and facilities such as water supply, irrigation, roads, and community facilities.

“Balochistan is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its geographical location, socioeconomic background, and climate change,” said Yoro Sidibe, Senior Water Specialist at the World Bank. “This project will help provide economic opportunities to the affected communities while ensuring social inclusion and participation. It will also strengthen institutional capacity in terms of preparedness and response to future disasters.”

The project will benefit approximately 2.7 million people in selected communities in calamity-declared districts across Balochistan. It will mitigate flood risks through a combination of resilient protection infrastructure, enhancing early warning systems, while ensuring that women have access to this system and disaster risk management information. IFRAP will restore degraded watersheds and strengthen institutional capacity at both the provincial and local level.

[newsupdate-nu]

Rain-triggered floods disrupt road link b/w Balochistan & Sindh

http://dlvr.it/SszHHz

[shahananasrin-blog]

[ad_1] QUETTA: The heavy rains causing floods lashed Balochistan on Friday as multiple roads, including a part of the Quetta-Sukkur N-65 Highway, remained blocked.According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) late in the evening, Sibi-Quetta section on the Sukkur-Quetta N-65 Highway was blocked, cutting off Balochistan’s link to Sindh. Meanwhile, routes connecting Harnai to Sanjawi, Gandhawa to Notal, Sibi to Kohlu, Pinjra Bridge road in Bolan were also blocked amid flash floods, the report said.The main Pinjra bridge on the Bolan river in Kachhi district was swept away in the last year’s super flood and it has not been rebuilt by the National Highway Authority so far despite the passage of over one year.The alternative route being used in its place, too, has been washed away now, according to the PDMA and Bolan district administration.In light of the situation, the administration asked the citizens to avoid travelling.Meanwhile, Pishin Deputy Commissioner (DC) Qasir Bazai said that a 14-year-old died today after he was swept away by the flood water.According to the PDMA data — which does not include the fatality reported from Pishin today — 10 people have lost their lives and 13 suffered injuries in rain-and-flood-related incidents in Balochistan since June 19. Meanwhile, the data show, 112 houses have been completely damaged and 223 completely damaged.PDMA Director Faisal Naseem said in a statement that relief and rescue activities were under way in different areas of the province and food items were being provided to the affected people.The extent of the damage would be determined by relevant district administrations and the PDMA in the next phase, he added.A part of these measures, a control room has been setup at the Chief Minister Secretariat on the directives of CM Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo, a statement issued by the Secratariat said,The control room would be used to monitor the relief and restoration activities, as well as situation created due to “extraordinary torrential rains”, the statement said, adding that it would remain operational round the clock.Separately, a statement issued by the provincial finance department said funds for the assistance of affected citizens had been released to relevant districts.“Rs150 million has been issued to the deputy commissioners and heads of the district disaster management authority in 36 districts on the directives of the chief minister,” the statement said, adding that the DCs would be able to use these funds only for the providing assistance to the people affected by floods and rains. [ad_2]

[businessinsights-bi]

WHO to Rebuild Balochistan’s Health Facilities After Floods

http://dlvr.it/SspW9v

[mariacallous]

The U.S. military retreated from Afghanistan two years ago, leaving behind weapons that are now turning up in far-flung trouble spots where terrorists are fighting and killing America’s allies. In markets that have sprung up across the southern and eastern badlands, where the hottest fighting of the war took place, merchants with Taliban permits are offering U.S.-made automatic assault rifles and handguns for sale alongside hardware from Russia, Pakistan, China, Turkey, and Austria. Business, like terrorism, is thriving.

Under weather-beaten tarps slung across wooden poles, in isolated strip malls deep in the desert, or laid out on dusty carpets along bumpy tracks off the major highways, these ad hoc weapons bazaars are offering rockets and bombs, shoulder-fired grenade launchers, night vision goggles, sniper rifles and scopes, and ammunition. The wares are priced in afghanis, rupees, and dollars; recent price increases reflect the business acumen of one of the world’s richest criminal cartels that has sought to keep tight control on supply.

Left-behind American assault rifles command a premium: an M4 in good condition can fetch up to $2,400, a status symbol with as much cachet in the Himalayan tribal belt as a luxury handbag in Manhattan. In contrast, a Pakistan-made knock-off of an AK-47, the world’s most ubiquitous killing machine, can go for as little as $130.

It’s a new arms race—and it’s threatening global security. The Taliban, allies of if not quite affiliates of al Qaeda, are at the center of a global smuggling web that earns billions of dollars from heroin and meth. Now they appear to be funneling small arms to like-minded extremists inspired by their victory, not least next door. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Pakistan’s torn northwest tribal regions and separatists in restive Balochistan are using made-in-America weapons to kill police and soldiers in an escalating war against the Pakistani state.

Dramatic TTP videos show apparent attacks on Pakistani police and army outposts by militants armed with American weapons and using night vision and thermal sights, which Afghan Peace Watch said in a new report are “highly sought-after accessories supplied to Afghan Special Forces.” The report quotes a Taliban fighter in Nangarhar province, bordering Pakistan, as saying night vision items sell for $500 to $1,000.

“The proliferation of such arms has not only made it difficult to combat terror networks regionally, the night vision equipment, in particular, is used to target Pakistani security personnel and police on a daily basis,” said Iftikhar Firdous, editor of the Khorasan Diary, an independent organization based in Pakistan that monitors non-state groups.

U.S. assault weapons have reportedly been used in recent attacks by non-state groups in Kashmir, bitterly divided between India and Pakistan, and in Israel’s Gaza Strip. Yasin Zia, formerly a general with the Afghan Army and now leading the opposition Afghanistan Freedom Front, said weapons are also likely going to TTP operatives relocated, in a deal between the Taliban and Pakistan, to northern Afghanistan. “They won’t be welcome and will need to defend themselves” against hostile locals, Zia said.

For the Taliban, who’ve made so much money from other illicit trades, arms deals are just another source of income: The Taliban likely control and tax the new black market, said Asfandyar Mir, a South Asia expert at the U.S. Institute of Peace. And as the Taliban (and allied terrorist groups) seek new recruits, few things talk more eloquently than fancy, deadly kit.

The ubiquitous AK-47 flooded into the Afghan mujahideen for their 1979-1989 war against the Soviets. Easy to maintain, easy to use, lethal, and manufactured more widely than any other gun in history, the AK-47 became the symbol of insurgents everywhere. But it’s still a low-end weapon. Terrorists who are moving on up trade up. TTP and Islamic State propaganda shows “a general trend toward the gradual replacement of Kalashnikov rifles with NATO weapons,” Firdous said. Militants are shown “armed with M24 sniper rifles; M4 carbines with Trijicon ACOG scopes; M16A4 rifles with thermal scopes; M249 machine guns, AMD-65 rifles, M4A1 carbines, and M16A2/A4 assault rifles,” he said.

Thanks to both American largesse and Taliban smuggling networks, those arms are going everywhere. Experts say the same routes that proffer drugs, gems, and assorted other contraband get weapons to Islamist terrorists like al-Shabab in sub-Saharan Africa and Islamic State affiliates in the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the same Persian Gulf countries that produced Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda in the first place. Apart from Afghanistan, where the insurgency ended in victory in August 2021, the number of people killed in terrorist attacks is rising, according to the Global Terrorism Index. The Taliban, who funded their war with drugs and other contraband, continue to reap the profits of death.

And the American largesse that created the Taliban’s boon in the first place was staggering. The U.S. Department of Defense estimated that left-behind stockpiles of arms and vehicles were worth $7.12 billion of the $18.6 billion spent from 2002 on arming the Afghan security forces. “This included roughly 600,000 weapons of all calibers, nearly 300 fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, over 80,000 vehicles of several models, communications equipment, and other advanced materiel such as night vision goggles and biometric systems,” according to the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). After the military exit in the summer of 2021, SIGAR quoted a Taliban official as saying, “The group took possession of more than 300,000 light arms, 26,000 heavy weapons, and about 61,000 military vehicles.” That’s on top of what they already had.

Much of this could have been predicted. U.S. material was used by the Taliban for years before the republic collapsed, sold by corrupt, impoverished, or demoralized Afghan forces. The Pentagon never got a handle on exactly what went where.

“What happened in Afghanistan is probably the largest case of diversion in modern history, with the huge quantities of weapons and ammunition that the Taliban received,” Justine Fleischner, a war and weapons expert and head of research at Afghan Peace Watch, told Foreign Policy. “You had a system whereby, of course they know what went into Afghanistan, but there’s no record of what was used, what was broken, what was lost, what needed to be repaired, what was in service, what was out of service. Diversion was happening for the entirety of the U.S. engagement in Afghanistan.”

Research by Afghan Peace Watch and the Small Arms Survey found that weapons markets are proliferating in southern and eastern Afghanistan and in neighboring Pakistan, offering weapons and other equipment from the Afghan battlefield. Clandestine factories are churning out counterfeit guns, like AK-47s. Workshops set up with U.S. funding are back in business, servicing small arms and light weapons as U.S.-trained specialists are invited back to work for the Taliban regime, said Habib Khan Totakhil, Afghan Peace Watch’s founder. Efforts to disarm civilians and demobbed Taliban supporters have fizzled, as it’s just too difficult to keep track of them, and many former fighters regard their guns as their own, rather than the state’s.

The Taliban, Firdous said, have ostensibly banned weapons exports, with much the same energy as it has tackled opium production. The clampdown has led to tighter supply and higher prices—but little more.

“There is much evidence to suggest that these weapons will continue to flow from Afghanistan, making it more difficult for nation-states to combat non-state actors,” Firdous said.