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Karachi residents experienced a dampened start to Eid ul Fitr on Saturday as rain and thunderstorms swept across the city. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted continued unsettled weather, attributing the conditions to a western weather system impacting much of Pakistan.

Disrupted Celebrations and Travel

The early morning downpour, accompanied by thunder and lightning, significantly impacted Eid celebrations. Rainfall was widespread, affecting areas including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area, PIB Colony, and Gulshan-e-Hadeed. Strong winds were also reported throughout the city.

The weather led to the cancellation of Eid prayers at Polo Ground and created challenging conditions for those attempting to reach other Eidgahs. Many outdoor religious gatherings were delayed or disrupted. Significant waterlogging occurred on major thoroughfares, including University Road, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Hassan Square, Nipa Chowrangi, Ancient Sabzi Mandi, Liaquatabad No 10, and Gurumandir, causing widespread traffic disruptions.

Regional Impact and Forecast

The PMD reports that the western weather system is affecting a large portion of Pakistan, with rain and thunderstorms expected in several districts of Sindh, including Karachi, Larkana, Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Thatta. The forecast indicates a possibility of storms and lightning in some areas.

Looking ahead, the PMD anticipates partly to mostly cloudy skies over Karachi on Sunday, and Monday. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 28°C and 30°C. Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures due to the potential for lightning strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Were any specific rainfall amounts recorded?

Yes, the highest rainfall was recorded at Jinnah Terminal Airport at 13.2 mm. Gulshan-e-Hadeed received 11.4 mm, PAF Base Masroor 11 mm, and the M-9 motorway recorded the lowest amount at 2.2 mm.

What areas beyond Karachi are expected to be affected?

The PMD states that several districts of Sindh are expected to experience rain and thunderstorms, including Larkana, Sukkur, Hyderabad, and Thatta.

What is the forecast for the next two days?

The PMD predicts partly to mostly cloudy skies over Karachi on Sunday and Monday, with maximum temperatures ranging between 28°C and 30°C.

As the weather system continues to move across the region, will Karachi residents experience further disruptions to daily life?

Pakistan is actively working to de-escalate rising tensions in the Middle East, with a focus on fostering dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah stated on Saturday that Pakistan remains committed to its agreements with Saudi Arabia and is promoting rapprochement between the two regional powers.

Escalating Regional Conflict

The current surge in tensions follows US and Israeli air strikes last month that resulted in the assassination of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. This triggered retaliatory attacks from Iran, targeting US military bases in Gulf countries and significantly expanding the scope of the conflict. Since February 28, Gulf Arab states have experienced over 2,000 missile and drone attacks, impacting diplomatic missions, military bases, oil infrastructure, ports, airports, hotels and residential areas.

Saudi Arabia has publicly expressed its desire to avoid military confrontation but has also reserved the right to act against Iran after being targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles. Iran, in turn, has accused Israel of attacking facilities in the South Pars gas field and has vowed further attacks on oil and gas targets throughout the Gulf, including missile launches at Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong strategic commitment to Saudi Arabia while simultaneously urging restraint to prevent a wider regional conflict. Sanaullah emphasized that Pakistan condemns aggression against Iran and any other Muslim country, while also expressing solidarity with the Islamic world.

Pakistan’s Regional Role and Internal Challenges

Sanaullah stated that Pakistan currently enjoys the confidence of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, positioning the country as a “symbol of peace and unity” within the Muslim ummah. He also underscored the importance of national unity and political stability in addressing both internal and external challenges facing Pakistan.

Sanaullah indicated that Pakistan is successfully addressing multiple challenges under the prime minister’s leadership, strengthening its international standing. He also addressed tensions with Afghanistan, stating Pakistan desires that Afghan soil not be used against any country, particularly Pakistan, and that tensions could end with assurances to that effect.

Operation Ghazab Lil Haq is currently underway, targeting terrorist hideouts based on intelligence information, with security forces reportedly dismantling several terrorist training sanctuaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pakistan’s position on the conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia?

Pakistan is committed to its agreements with Saudi Arabia and is making efforts to reduce regional tensions by promoting rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

What prompted the recent escalation in the Middle East?

Tensions escalated sharply after US and Israeli air strikes assassinated Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials last month.

What has been Saudi Arabia’s response to the attacks?

Saudi Arabia has publicly stated We see working to prevent a military confrontation but has reserved the right to act militarily against Iran after being targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles.

As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, what role might Pakistan play in preventing further escalation?

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has refuted reports of a near-miss incident involving one of its flights near Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The airline characterized claims of a missile attack as “entirely baseless and false” in a statement released Thursday.

Clarification Following Social Media Reports

The airline’s clarification followed the circulation of social media posts alleging a PIA flight was at risk during landing due to a potential Iranian missile strike near naval facilities adjacent to Fujairah Airport. PIA stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the news was false and that no such statement had been issued by its spokesperson.

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, PIA announced operational changes to its Gulf routes on Wednesday, suspending flights to Fujairah for 48 hours. Services have been limited to Al Ain, an inland oasis city on the eastern border with Oman.

Disruptions to Pakistan’s Air Travel

The suspension of flights to Fujairah comes as broader conflict in the Gulf triggered widespread disruption to Pakistan’s air travel on Wednesday. At least 92 inbound and outbound flights were cancelled across major airports, impacting key international routes linking Pakistan with the Gulf and beyond.

Airline officials stated the situation remains under constant review, and further adjustments are likely if tensions persist. Passengers have been advised to regularly check flight schedules and remain in contact with airlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did PIA say about the missile attack reports?

PIA stated that reports of a missile attack near Fujairah involving one of its flights are “entirely baseless and false.”

Where is PIA currently flying in the UAE?

PIA is currently limiting its services in the UAE to Al Ain, an inland oasis city on the eastern border with Oman.

How many flights were cancelled due to the Gulf conflict on Wednesday?

At least 92 inbound and outbound flights were cancelled across major airports in Pakistan on Wednesday due to the conflict in the Gulf.

As regional tensions continue to evolve, will airlines prioritize passenger safety through further route adjustments or service suspensions?

A recent survey by Gallup Pakistan reveals significant disparities in educational access across the country, with girls and rural students facing the most substantial barriers to enrollment and continued study. While overall school enrollment has increased, deep-rooted inequalities persist, hindering many children from receiving a quality education.

Unequal Access to Education

Nearly 28% of children between the ages of 5 and 16 are not currently enrolled in school. This issue disproportionately affects girls, with 34% of girls out of school compared to 22% of boys. The survey highlights that these challenges are particularly acute in rural areas, where exclusion from education is significantly worse.

The national literacy rate stands at 63%, with a notable gap between male and female literacy – 73% for men and 52% for women. Urban areas demonstrate higher literacy rates at 77%, while rural areas lag behind at 56%.

Declining Enrollment at Higher Levels

Initial enrollment rates are relatively high, with 68% of children enrolled in primary school. Still, enrollment numbers decline sharply as students progress through the education system. Only 40% are enrolled in middle school, and approximately 30% continue to matriculation. This drop-off is attributed to structural barriers such as school distance, safety concerns, and increasing economic pressures as children age.

Economic pressures, domestic responsibilities, and limited post-primary schooling options contribute to students exiting the education system. For girls, these challenges are further compounded by social expectations and the prevalence of early marriage.

Provincial Disparities

Educational opportunities are not evenly distributed across Pakistan’s provinces. Punjab currently has the highest literacy rate at 66%, followed by Sindh at 61%, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 55%, and Balochistan, which lags significantly behind at 43%. Balochistan faces unique obstacles, including inadequate infrastructure and limited access to educational resources.

Looking Ahead

The Gallup Pakistan analysis suggests that policymakers may demand to focus on improving retention rates, ensuring gender equity, and reducing the impact of geographic and economic barriers to education. Future initiatives could prioritize addressing the specific challenges faced by girls and students in rural areas. Further study could explore the effectiveness of targeted interventions designed to support students through the transition from primary to middle school. Analysts expect that continued attention to these inequalities will be necessary to achieve broader educational goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of children aged 5-16 are not enrolled in school?

Nearly 28% of children aged 5–16 are not enrolled in school, according to the survey.

What is the literacy rate for women in Pakistan?

The national literacy rate for women is 52%, lagging behind the male literacy rate of 73%.

At what level of education does student enrollment decline most significantly?

The transition from primary to middle school is identified as a point of attrition, with enrollment dropping from 68% in primary school to 40% in middle school.

What steps can be taken to address the educational inequalities highlighted in the survey?