LAHORE: Punjab and North Western Frontier Province suffered more devastation and misery by fresh deluge on the third day today [Aug 2] of the current devastating rain spell. Over eight inches of rainfall was recorded in 36 hours in several cities of NWFP. Lahore also saw one of the worst-ever rain spells and for full 24 hours till Sunday [Aug 1] afternoon. … Death toll caused by rains and floods throughout Punjab is estimated at anything between 20 and 50.

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Ziarat,] a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto here today [Aug2] carried out detailed district-by-district scrutiny of requirements in the economic and social sectors in Baluchistan. The meeting lasting over 10 hours adopted various measures and the Prime Minister issued appropriate directions to concerned agencies to rectify problems ... an official spokesman said... . ... In order to ensure proper follow-up action so that all genuine demands could be dealt with expeditiously a committee of senior officials was set up. The meeting also carried out a general review of the law and order situation in Baluchistan.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2026