ISLAMABAD, Dec 19: Intermittent rain lashed large parts of the country, on Sunday, ending a protacted dry spell. Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Northern Areas , most parts of the NWFP and Kashmir received abundant rainfall.

Widespread rains in the barani areas of the NWFP and Punjab are expected to have a positive impact on wheat crops.

The amount of rainfall recorded by the Met office is as follows: Islamabad 16mm, Rawalpindi 11mm, Risalpur 33mm, Peshawar 29mm, Kohat 16mm, Saidu Sharif 32mm, Muzzaffarabad 13mm, Sargodha 12mm, Mianwali 10mm, Attok 10mm, Quetta 4mm, Murree 8mm and Kotli 4mm. Lahore and Sialkot received one millimetre each.

Snowfall up to one foot was reported in Chitral, Kalam and Malam Jabbah and in the Northern Areas. The Lowari Top has been closed due to heavy snowfall, disconnecting Chitral from other parts of the country. Air links with Northern Areas have also been cut off in the wake of snowfall. The lowest temperature of -2 was recorded at Skardu on Sunday. -APP