The Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert, forecasting widespread heavy rains across the country from July 14 to 17, warning of potential urban flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage.
According to the Met Office, persistent rainfall during this period could lead to the inundation of low-lying areas in major cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, Peshawar, and Nowshera. In upper regions, the risk of landslides remains high due to saturated soil conditions.
The alert comes in the wake of heavy rainfall in Lahore, where authorities now expect similar downpours across Punjab in the coming days. The effects of Thursday's rain will last for the next 24 to 36 hours, the deputy director of the Met Office told Samaa TV, with a continuing pattern of torrential rains likely over the next several days.
“Travelers and tourists are advised to plan their movements accordingly,” said a PMD spokesperson, warning that weak infrastructure, trees, solar panels, billboards, and vehicles may sustain damage during the rains.
Regional breakdown:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (July 11–17):
Rainfall is expected in Dir, Chitral, Malakand, Swat, Buner, Kohat, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, Waziristan, Hangu, Mardan, Swabi, Mansehra, and Abbottabad.
Punjab & Islamabad (July 13–17):
Heavy rain is forecast for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Chakwal, Jhelum, Attock, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Sargodha, as well as Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, Layyah, and Rajanpur in south Punjab.
Balochistan (July 13–16):
Showers are likely in Quetta, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Ziarat, Sherani, Loralai, and Lasbela.
Sindh (July 15–17):
Rain is expected in Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Sanghar, Karachi, and Benazirabad (Nawabshah).
The Met Office has urged local administrations to remain on high alert and ensure the availability of emergency response teams. Citizens are advised to stay informed through official weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, and take precautions to protect their property and safety.
