Islamabad and many other parts of the country received torrential rain followed by thunder and lightning, submerging low-lying areas and creating power disruptions in various sectors for durations.

The musical platform at the Sports Complex in Islamabad collapsed due to strong winds during the downpour. Falling trees damaged automobiles and hindered traffic flow in Sector F-10.

Haripur also had rain with gusty winds. Two persons were hurt in a tree fall incident in Paniya and water logged roads in different areas.

After rain in Peshawar, the extreme heatwave eased, offering respite to locals.

The torrential rain with thunder and lightning in Batkhela also caused surging streams and drains and disturbed the power transmission system.

Swabi also saw heavy rain and low-lying areas were submerged, making life tough for the locals.

More rain is anticipated across the country until September 17, according to the Meteorological Department.

Rain is forecast in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while hot and humid weather is expected in Sindh and Balochistan.

The Airport Health Department said international travelers will not be able to fly without a vaccination certificate given by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) starting September 14.

In a statement, the department has asked Umrah travelers to get their NADRA immunization cards before leaving.

The letter said that the Federal Government Civil Dispensary was the only center designated for vaccination of international travelers.

The airlines have also been asked to verify that Umrah pilgrims have proper immunization certificates when they board their flights.

Those who choose to get vaccinated at the airport have been advised to arrive at least six hours before their scheduled flight.

The airport health department said vaccinations and online registration for international travelers will be carried out at the international departure section of the airport.

The new requirement will be effective September 14.

Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan submitted his Letters of Credence to President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, marking the appointment of Pakistan’s first ambassadorial level envoy to Armenia after the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025.

The credentials were given at a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan.

President Khachaturyan warmly greeted Ambassador Khan, congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success in his term and effective implementation of his diplomatic duties.

The president voiced his readiness to support the efforts aimed at further development of the Armenia-Pakistan ties and expansion of the cooperation in the spheres of mutual interest.

Ambassador Khan expressed congratulations and best wishes of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan to President Khachaturyan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further deepen bilateral relations with Armenia.

The two sides stressed the great potential to develop bilateral collaboration, especially in trade and investment, education, culture, people-to-people exchanges and other sectors of economic cooperation.

The presentation of his credentials is a significant milestone in the Pakistan-Armenia relations following the establishing of diplomatic relations in 2025. It is Pakistan’s first ambassadorial appointment to the Republic of Armenia.

Earlier, Ambassador Khan met with Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Armenia. The minister welcomed Ambassador Khan and congratulated him on his appointment and wished him success in the fulfillment of his diplomatic obligations. The two sides addressed the bilateral agenda and ways to improve cooperation and exchanged perspectives on regional and international issues.

Ambassador Khan also called on Mnatsakan Safaryan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and delivered a copy of his Letters of Credence.

The decision to establish diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Armenia was an important policy decision of the leadership of the two nations, Deputy Minister said. The two sides reviewed the possibility of further expanding cooperation in bilateral and multilateral settings.

The Ambassador Khan’s activities in Yerevan reinforced the commitment of Pakistan and Armenia to the progress of bilateral relations and gave an opportunity to discover new channels for cooperation in a broad spectrum of mutually beneficial fields.

Ambassador Khan is also Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and non-resident Ambassador to Armenia.