China to launch space mission Thursday as Pakistani astronaut selection begins for future flights

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s largest port operator, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT), on Tuesday issued a list of precautions to be taken in case of heavy rains, winds and flooding during the upcoming monsoon season, including monitoring the safety of ships and boats and securing dredges, barges and cargo.

The upcoming monsoon season is expected to begin earlier than usual and bring heavier rainfall, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said last week. The season is likely to begin around June 26–27, roughly three to four days ahead of its typical onset. Rainfall across the country is likely to exceed normal levels by up to 5 percent, with northeastern Punjab bracing for a 50 percent increase.

“Monitor the safety of ships at berths closely and assess their security and ensure mooring lines are properly set,” the KPT said in an advisory. 

“Pilots should be on standby to cast off vessels to sea in heavy weather. Tugs, pilot boats, and shipping boats must be ready for emergencies.”

Small boats should be parked in less exposed locations and properly secured and dredgers and barges must also be well secured, with doubled-up mooring ropes and manned appropriately, KPT said. 

All cargo such as vehicles, appliances, sensitive and lightweight goods, should be secured and covered with tarpaulin. 

“Ensure technical staff is available 24/7 for support. Medical team and ambulance must be on standby,” the advisory added. 

“Roofs should be maintained to prevent leakages and seepage. High winds and lightning can damage power lines and transformers; maintenance of electrical items is necessary.”

KPT also recommended the availability of standby generators and backup power on short notice during heavy rain.

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change. In 2022, devastating floods blamed on climate change killed more than 1,700 Pakistanis, affected another 33 million and caused the country over $30 billion in economic losses.

KARACHI: Pakistani superstar actors Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed, currently in the UAE to promote their upcoming romantic comedy ‘Love Guru,’ were honored at a special ceremony by Pakistani Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, the envoy’s office said on Tuesday.

Khan and Saeed have recently toured the US, UK and Canada for red carpet events, fan meet-and-greets and exclusive press interviews to promote Love Guru, which will hit cinemas during the Eid Al-Adha holiday next month. 

“During the ceremony, Ambassador Tirmizi presented commemorative shields to the artists, celebrating their dedication and achievements,” the Pakistan Embassy in the UAE said in a statement.

“In his remarks, the ambassador highlighted Pakistan’s rich cultural and artistic diversity, underscoring the vital role of the creative industry as a form of soft power in shaping global perception of Pakistan.”

Love Guru made history last week when its trailer was showcased at New York City’s Times Square, the first time a Pakistani film has ever been featured on the landmark’s giant digital screens. The trailer launch attracted a crowd of onlookers, fans, and members of the South Asian diaspora who gathered to watch the film’s stars unveil the preview in person.

In the upcoming film, Saeed plays the character of a flirt pretending to be a relationship expert who is striving to win over Khan, who is playing an architect.