Authorities have opened the spillways of Rawal Dam after continuous rainfall increased the reservoir’s water level to 1,748.30 feet.

The spillways were opened early on Saturday morning as part of routine water management measures to regulate the rising water level and maintain the dam’s operational safety.

Authorities Issue Safety Advisory

The district administration has directed all relevant departments to remain on alert and ensure emergency response teams are prepared if needed.

Residents have also been advised to avoid streams, drainage channels and flood-prone areas while water is being released from the dam.

Higher Water Flow Expected in Korang Nullah

Officials said the release of water is expected to increase the flow in Korang Nullah. People living near the watercourse have been urged to remain cautious and avoid crossing the nullah or temporary bridges if water levels rise.

Public Asked to Stay Updated

The district administration has encouraged citizens to follow official weather and safety advisories and to report any emergency situations to the relevant authorities without delay.

Officials continue to monitor weather conditions as rainfall is expected to affect parts of the region in the coming days.

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The Punjab government has announced fixed operating hours for theater performances across the province as part of efforts to improve management and ensure compliance with official regulations.

According to the Punjab Information and Culture Department, theater shows will be held daily between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The decision was made after reviewing reports and recommendations from the relevant authorities.

New Schedule to Continue

Officials said the approved performance timings will remain in effect in the future, with the objective of maintaining an organized schedule for theater activities across Punjab.

Monitoring Committees to Oversee Compliance

To ensure that theaters follow the new guidelines, the provincial government has established special monitoring committees. These teams will regularly inspect theater venues and monitor compliance with the approved operating hours.

The initiative is intended to promote better regulation of theater performances while ensuring that venues operate according to the rules set by the provincial authorities.

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The Sindh government has marked the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week by reaffirming its commitment to promoting breastfeeding and strengthening measures that support the health and nutrition of mothers and young children.

The awareness campaign, which continues throughout August as Breastfeeding Month, focuses on encouraging healthy feeding practices and improving early childhood care across the province.

Government to Strengthen Enforcement of Existing Law

Sindh Health and Population Welfare Minister Azra Fazal Pechuho said the provincial government will continue enforcing the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breast-feeding and Young Child Nutrition Act.

The law regulates the promotion and marketing of infant formula, breast milk substitutes and certain commercial complementary foods for young children. Officials said the aim is to support informed feeding practices and encourage breastfeeding in line with public health guidelines.

Expansion of Baby-Friendly Hospitals

The minister also announced the expansion of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative across tertiary, district and regional hospitals in Sindh.

Under the initiative, healthcare facilities encourage early breastfeeding after birth, support immediate skin-to-skin contact between mothers and newborns, and provide guidance to families on infant feeding practices.

Training for Healthcare Professionals

According to the provincial health department, more than 3,000 healthcare providers have received training in breastfeeding counselling, clinical lactation management and maternal nutrition to improve support services in public hospitals.

Health experts note that exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, followed by the introduction of appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding, can contribute to healthy child growth and development.

UNICEF Supports Awareness Campaign

UNICEF is also supporting awareness activities during the campaign.

Representatives from the organization emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals, families, communities and public institutions to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding and early childhood nutrition.

This year’s campaign highlights the role of breastfeeding in promoting child health, nutrition and long-term well-being while encouraging greater public awareness throughout the month of August.

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Pakistan continues to face challenges in addressing pediatric HIV, with health officials reporting that approximately 7,500 children are currently living with the virus and receiving medical care across the country.

According to available health data, children account for about 12.1% of the nearly 62,000 people undergoing HIV treatment nationwide.

Sindh Records the Highest Number of Cases

Sindh remains the province with the largest number of registered pediatric HIV cases. Around 4,200 children in the province have been enrolled in treatment programs, and health authorities continue to report new cases during 2026.

Punjab has the second-highest number of children receiving HIV treatment, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Cases have also been identified in the Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Importance of Early Treatment and Care

Medical experts emphasize that children living with HIV require continuous healthcare, regular monitoring and proper nutrition to support healthy growth and development.

Many affected children may face additional health challenges, including recurrent infections, poor weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Early diagnosis, timely treatment and ongoing medical support can significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life.

HIV Treatment Services Across Pakistan

Health authorities are providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) through 99 treatment centers across Pakistan. These facilities offer treatment and follow-up care as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare for people living with HIV.

Experts continue to stress the importance of public awareness, early testing and access to medical services in helping reduce the impact of HIV and supporting affected children and their families.

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Pakistan’s spectacular mountain ranges have become increasingly popular with climbers and trekkers from around the world. Improved transport links to Skardu, better road infrastructure and growing international exposure have helped expand the country’s adventure tourism industry, attracting hundreds of visitors every climbing season.

While this growth has boosted mountain tourism, it has also highlighted the dangers of high-altitude climbing. Every year, experienced mountaineers and newcomers alike face life-threatening conditions on some of the world’s tallest peaks, and not every expedition ends safely.

When climbers become stranded, rescue teams work tirelessly to save lives whenever possible. However, recovery operations become far more difficult when fatalities occur at extreme altitudes. Bringing back the remains of climbers from elevations above 7,000 metres is considered one of the most demanding and dangerous tasks in mountaineering.

In Pakistan, there is no dedicated private high-altitude recovery service. Rescue efforts often rely on the Pakistan Army’s aviation support, experienced local mountaineers and high-altitude porters who volunteer their expertise to help grieving families.

A Mission That Changed Perceptions

One recovery operation played a major role in changing long-standing views about what was possible in extreme mountain environments.

Austrian mountaineer and avalanche safety expert Georg Kronthaler has spent years promoting mountain safety through research, education and the development of avalanche assessment tools. His commitment became deeply personal after the tragic death of his younger brother, Markus Kronthaler, on Broad Peak in 2006.

Markus successfully reached the summit of the 8,051-metre mountain in Gilgit-Baltistan but lost his life during the descent. His body remained only a short distance below the summit, where recovery was widely believed to be impossible because of the dangerous terrain and extreme altitude.

Unable to accept leaving his brother behind, Georg decided to organise a recovery mission. At the time, many in the mountaineering community believed that recovering bodies from such heights was simply too dangerous and should not be attempted.

Despite those concerns, Georg hoped the mission would demonstrate that, with careful planning and the right team, high-altitude recovery could sometimes be achieved safely.

Teamwork on Broad Peak

In 2007, Georg assembled an international recovery team with support from experienced Pakistani climbers and high-altitude porters. The expedition was coordinated with assistance from Asghar Ali Porik of Jasmine Tours in Skardu.

The team included Austrian mountaineers along with six skilled Pakistani climbers whose local knowledge and technical expertise proved essential throughout the operation.

Georg later acknowledged that the mission would not have been possible without the dedication and experience of the Pakistani high-altitude team.

A Difficult but Meaningful Journey

The recovery operation was physically demanding and emotionally challenging. Georg had promised his parents that he would not climb all the way to the location where his brother had died, making the mission especially difficult for the family.

The expedition was later documented in the German-language film “Grab in eisigen Höhen” (Ice Grave), which highlighted the technical challenges and emotional impact of the recovery.

Although the mission faced numerous obstacles, Georg believes it helped change attitudes within the mountaineering community by showing that carefully planned recovery efforts may be possible under certain circumstances.

Today, that operation is widely remembered as an important milestone in discussions about mountain safety, rescue planning and the respectful recovery of climbers who lose their lives in the world’s highest mountain ranges.

The post Mountaineering: The Last Descent – The Challenges of High-Altitude Recovery in Pakistan first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

LONDON: England men’s cricket managing director Rob Key has said that a future international return for former Test captain Ben Stokes cannot be completely ruled out, despite the all-rounder’s recent retirement from international cricket.

Key made the comments a day after the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the appointment of Stephen Fleming as the new head coach of England’s Test team.

England Entering a New Era

England’s Test side has undergone significant changes in recent weeks. Along with Fleming’s appointment, Joe Root has returned as Test captain as the team begins a new chapter.

Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket in late June, bringing an end to one of England’s most influential modern careers. His departure followed a challenging period for the national team, which also included changes to the coaching setup.

Rob Key Keeps the Door Open

When asked about the possibility of Stokes returning in the future, Key said it had not been discussed in detail but suggested that a comeback could never be completely dismissed.

He noted that Stokes has often surprised people during his career and said there are no issues that would prevent a future return if circumstances changed.

Focus on Upcoming Test Season

Although Stephen Fleming will officially begin his role later this year and will not oversee England’s upcoming Test series against Pakistan, Key expressed confidence in the appointment and said selecting the best long-term candidate was the priority.

England will continue preparations for the home Test season under the new leadership, while attention also begins to turn toward the highly anticipated 2027 Ashes series against Australia.

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Sports Correspondet: Imran Sohail

DAMBULLA: Sri Lanka secured a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the three-match Women’s T20 International series after a brilliant unbeaten century from Imesha Dulani at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

Chasing a target of 177 runs, Sri Lanka reached the total with one over remaining. Dulani starred with an outstanding 101 not out from 64 deliveries, guiding her team to a winning start in the series.

Pakistan Register Record Total in Sri Lanka

Earlier, Pakistan posted 176 runs, their highest Women’s T20 International total on Sri Lankan soil.

Opener Shawaal Zulfiqar made an impressive return to international cricket by scoring 63 runs from 41 balls, recording her maiden T20I half-century after returning from injury.

She shared a strong opening partnership with Muneeba Ali, who contributed a quick 42 off 24 balls, helping Pakistan make a fast start during the powerplay.

Debutant Eman Naseer also made a useful contribution with 21 runs, while late cameos from the middle order helped Pakistan finish with a competitive total.

Dulani Leads Sri Lanka’s Successful Chase

Sri Lanka responded positively with captain Chamari Athapaththu, who scored a rapid 39 runs, putting the hosts in a strong position during the early stages of the chase.

Although Pakistan claimed a few wickets through Nashra Sandhu, Dulani remained in control throughout the innings. She built an important partnership with Kavisha Dilhari, who added 32 runs, ensuring Sri Lanka stayed ahead of the required run rate.

Dulani completed her maiden T20 International century and became only the second Sri Lankan woman to score a T20I hundred, leading her side to victory.

Pakistan Look to Bounce Back

Despite the defeat, Pakistan produced several encouraging batting performances, including strong contributions from their top order and two debut appearances during the match.

Following the game, Shawaal Zulfiqar said the team was pleased with its batting display but acknowledged that improvements in bowling and fielding would be important in the remaining matches.

Sri Lanka now hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, while Pakistan will aim to win the next two games to secure the series.

The post Sri Lanka Defeat Pakistan by Six Wickets to Take 1-0 Lead in Women’s T20I Series first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

ZURICH: FIFA is examining the potential impact of expanding the 2030 FIFA World Cup from 48 to 64 participating teams, according to details released about a planned independent study.

The proposal, if eventually approved, would make the centennial edition of the tournament the largest FIFA World Cup in history, giving more national teams the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage.

Independent Study Planned

FIFA intends to appoint an independent research agency to evaluate the possible effects of increasing the number of participating nations.

The study will examine several key areas, including the tournament structure, competitive balance, qualification process, player welfare, scheduling, and the overall international football calendar. It will also assess the financial impact through ticket sales, broadcasting rights and commercial partnerships.

According to FIFA, the research aims to determine whether expanding the tournament would provide long-term value while maintaining the quality and sustainability of the competition.

Expansion Proposal Under Review

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the first edition featuring 48 teams, expanding from the previous 32-team format.

A proposal to increase the field to 64 teams for the 2030 FIFA World Cup has also been supported by South America’s football confederation, which believes a larger tournament would allow more nations to participate during the competition’s 100th anniversary.

Different Views Within World Football

The proposal has generated discussion among football officials. Some administrators have expressed concerns about issues such as tournament scheduling, player workload, and maintaining a high level of competition if additional teams are included.

FIFA’s planned study is expected to evaluate both the potential benefits and the challenges before any decision is made.

Decision Expected After Review

FIFA is expected to appoint the independent agency in August, with the research scheduled to be completed within a few weeks. The findings will help guide future discussions on whether the 2030 tournament should remain at 48 teams or expand further.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be hosted primarily by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each stage one match as part of the tournament’s centenary celebrations.

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RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Heavy rainfall affected Rawalpindi, Islamabad and nearby areas on Friday, leading to water accumulation on roads, flooding in low-lying neighbourhoods and traffic disruptions. Emergency services and local authorities remained on alert as water levels increased in Leh Nullah and weather officials forecast more rain over the coming days.

Leh Nullah Monitored as Water Level Rises

Officials reported that the water level in Leh Nullah reached around 10 feet at Kattarian Bridge and 9 feet at Gawalmandi Bridge. Although the level remained below the official danger mark, rescue teams and relevant departments closely monitored the situation as a precaution.

Personnel from Rescue 1122, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Civil Defence and other departments remained deployed to respond quickly if conditions worsened.

Rainfall Recorded Across the Region

The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded significant rainfall across Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Murree. According to the department, several locations received moderate to heavy rain, contributing to waterlogging in urban areas.

Weather officials have forecast additional rainfall during the next few days and advised residents to remain updated on official weather advisories.

Roads and Residential Areas Affected

Heavy rain caused water to collect on several major roads, slowing traffic in many parts of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Some low-lying residential areas also experienced flooding, with residents working to remove water from their homes.

In Bhara Kahu, standing water on the main road created difficulties for motorists and motorcyclists, while traffic congestion was reported at several busy intersections across Rawalpindi.

WASA teams used heavy machinery to clear accumulated rainwater from affected roads and improve drainage.

Power Supply Temporarily Disrupted

Electricity outages were reported in parts of Rawalpindi during the rainfall. Power officials stated that some interruptions were carried out as a safety measure, with supply gradually restored after weather conditions improved.

Attock District Also Hit by Heavy Rain

Heavy rainfall also affected Pindigheb in Attock district, where overflowing water entered homes and commercial areas. Rescue teams assisted residents after floodwater spread through several low-lying localities.

Local authorities visited the affected areas to review rescue and relief operations and assess the impact of the flooding. Emergency teams continued to monitor the situation and provide assistance where needed.

More Rain Expected

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted further rainfall over the coming days and advised the public to remain cautious, particularly in low-lying areas that may experience urban flooding. Residents have been encouraged to follow official weather updates and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain.

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Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage delivered a memorable performance to win the men’s javelin throw gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, becoming the first Sri Lankan athlete to claim the Commonwealth title in this event.

Competing at Scotstoun Stadium, Pathirage produced a winning throw of 89.75 metres, finishing ahead of India’s Neeraj Chopra, who earned the silver medal with 85.83 metres. Another Indian athlete, Yash Vir Singh, secured bronze after recording 85.41 metres.

Grenada’s Anderson Peters finished fourth with a best throw of 83.88 metres, while Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem placed ninth after reaching 77.41 metres.

Historic Achievement for Sri Lanka

Pathirage’s victory is a landmark moment for Sri Lankan athletics and adds another memorable chapter to the country’s Commonwealth Games history. He expressed pride in winning the gold medal and representing Sri Lanka on the podium.

From Cricket to Javelin

Before focusing on athletics, Pathirage played cricket as a fast bowler. His successful transition to javelin has made him one of the sport’s emerging talents on the international stage.

Looking Ahead

In recent Commonwealth Games, South Asian athletes have consistently performed strongly in the men’s javelin event. Pathirage’s latest success further highlights the region’s growing strength in the discipline.

The Sri Lankan athlete is also supported through an Olympic scholarship programme, which helps athletes with training, equipment, travel and competition expenses as they prepare for future international events, including the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

The post Commonwealth Games 2026: Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage Wins Historic Javelin Gold first appeared on Daily Systematic Metro EPaper News National and International Political Sports Religion.