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Sindh declares Tharparkar calamity-hit district as drought destroys crops

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  • The Sindh government has decided to declare Tharparkar a disaster-hit area as severe drought conditions have affected all seven districts of the taluk, causing 90 percent crop destruction or failure in the district.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered immediate emergency measures to deal with the worsening situation, with particular focus on drinking water supply, agricultural losses and the impact on livestock. The decision was taken at a meeting presided over by CM Shah where officials apprised him of the severity of the drought and its impact on communities whose livelihood depends on agriculture and animal husbandry.

According to the briefing, all seven talukas of Tharparkar experienced drought-like conditions with 85-90 per cent crops destroyed or losing productivity. The Department of Agricultural Extension estimates the total crop loss at around 90 percent, underscoring the gravity of the situation facing farmers in the region.

Uneven and insufficient rainfall has been recognized as a major factor causing agricultural losses. Officials told the meeting that due to erratic rainfall, crops and natural grass dried up before they matured, further exacerbating hardships for local communities and livestock owners.

Rainfall data released during the meeting highlighted the extent of the problem. In September 2026, seven Tharparkar talukas received between 1mm and 36mm of rainfall, leaving large areas stuck with inadequate water supply.

emergency measures

After the briefing, Murad Ali Shah directed the concerned departments to ensure continuous supply of drinking water to the people of the drought affected areas. He ordered the immediate repair and rehabilitation of idle reverse osmosis (RO) plants to increase access to safe drinking water. Authorities have also been asked to immediately restore all existing water supply sources so that affected communities have access to basic supplies. The Chief Minister stressed the need for immediate intervention and long-term measures to address recurring water problems in the region.

He instructed the Chief Secretary to look into the possibility of laying a water pipeline from Norkot to Miti, a proposal aimed at improving water supply in the region. The Chief Secretary has been asked to evaluate the project and prepare long-term planning to ensure more reliable water supply in the region.

The proposed pipeline is part of a wider effort to improve water supply in Tharparkar, where limited rainfall and depletion of natural resources are putting pressure on existing supplies. livestock support

The impact of the drought on livestock was also highlighted during the meeting where the Chief Minister sought advice on measures to support animals affected by deteriorating conditions.

Natural grass dries out before it matures, increasing the challenges for livestock owners, making animal support another important aspect of relief operations. CM Murad Ali Shah directed officials to assess what assistance can be provided to protect livestock and help communities cope with the effects of prolonged drought.

He also ordered continuous monitoring of relief operations in drought-affected areas to ensure that emergency measures are effectively implemented and reach the needy. The Chief Minister said that the Sindh government would not leave the people of Tharparkar alone in facing the crisis and would extend all possible help to the affected communities.

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Police constable, five-year-old son shot dead in Tank

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A police constable and his five-year-old son were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on them in Khadrianwala area of ​​Tank on Sunday, police said.

According to the District Police Department (DPO), Constable Saadat was on his way to the market with his son to buy groceries when unidentified gunmen attacked them.

The constable died on the spot, while his injured son was shifted to Dera Ismail Khan for medical treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The bodies of the father and son were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. After the incident, the police launched a search operation in the area to find the culprit.

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DG ISPR highlights Pakistan’s regional security challenges and peace efforts

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The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) highlighted Pakistan’s regional security challenges and efforts to maintain peace during interactive sessions with students.

DG ISPR visited University of Lahore, University of Central Punjab (UCP) and King Edward Medical University (KEMU) where special sessions were arranged with students and faculty members. The meeting discussed domestic and international affairs, the geopolitical situation in the region, particularly Afghanistan, and the role of the Pakistan Army in maintaining regional peace.

Teachers and students publicly expressed their opinions and raised questions on various issues to which the military spokesperson gave detailed answers. Students welcomed the initiative to engage directly with the academic community and stressed the importance of holding such interactive sessions in the future.

They also congratulated the armed forces for their victory at Marka-e-Haq and prayed for the promotion of soldiers who were killed in the line of duty.

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NEPRA increases electricity price by Rs2.36 per unit under fuel adjustment

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The National Electricity Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has hiked electricity tariffs by Rs 2.36 per unit of electricity under the Monthly Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA), adding to the financial burden on electricity consumers.

According to a statement released by NEPRA, the increase is due to fuel cost adjustments in September 2026. The correction represents the difference between the actual fuel costs for electricity generation and the previously determined reference fuel costs.

According to the decision, electricity consumers will have to pay an additional charge of Rs 2.3673 for each company present in their accounts under the applicable FCA mechanism.

The adjustment will be reflected in electricity bills for November 2026.

Meanwhile, NEPRA has approved a Rs2.32 per unit increase in electricity rates for additional consumption by industrial and agricultural consumers, raising the applicable rate from Rs22.98 to Rs25.30 per unit. The decision has been sent to the federal government for further action and the revised rates are proposed to be effective from the billing month of November 2026.

As part of the existing rescue package, the government provides electricity price subsidies to industrial and agricultural consumers who exceed electricity consumption in the same period last year. The federal government has launched a three-year relief package under which power will be provided to agricultural consumers at Rs 22.98 per unit instead of Rs 38 per unit, while industrial consumers will get the same rate for additional electricity consumption instead of Rs 34 per unit.

However, NEPRA has now approved an increase in the discount rate per unit by Rs 2.32 to Rs 25.30.

The regulatory authority’s decision was taken through the casting vote of its chairman, while two members recorded their disagreement with the proposal.

NEPRA members Amna Ahmed and Maqsood Anwar Khan submitted dissenting notes, describing the proposed rate of Rs25.30 per unit as unjustified.

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