Flight operations shut at several Indian airports, IPL match moved amid Pakistan standoff

KARACHI: Pakistan Air Force has won two prestigious awards at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in the United Kingdom, said an official statement on Saturday, where its newly deployed JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets made their debut amid heightened interest following a recent military standoff with India.

The JF-17 Block-III was awarded the coveted “Spirit of the Meet” Trophy, a rare honor given to the aircraft that best embodies the ethos and excitement of the global event. Pakistan’s C-130H Hercules, painted in a custom livery themed “Eyes in the Skies,” also received the “Concours d’Elegance” Trophy for best-maintained and most aesthetically presented aircraft, according to Pakistan’s military.

The awards come just days after Pakistan deployed these aircraft to the RIAT, one of the world’s most prestigious military air shows, as part of a broader push to display its airpower and modernization drive.

“Winning these prestigious awards is a testament to our professionalism, technical expertise and relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, who congratulated the PAF contingent on its performance, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“Keeping the nation’s flag high has always been the hallmark of Pakistan Air Force,” he added.

The JF-17 Block-III is a 4.5-generation, multi-role fighter equipped with a long-range beyond-visual-range missile capability. Co-developed by Pakistan and China, the aircraft is central to Pakistan’s indigenous defense strategy.

It also played a vital role in the intense, four-day military standoff with India in May when Pakistan shot down advanced Indian fighter jets.

The aircraft flew from Pakistan to Royal Air Force Base Fairford in southern England earlier this week, successfully conducting air-to-air refueling mid-flight — a maneuver the military described as evidence of the PAF’s growing long-range operational capabilities.

“PAF’s outstanding performance at RIAT-2025 not only cements its standing among leading global air forces but also serves as a source of immense pride for the entire Pakistani nation,” the ISPR said.

Pakistan has previously won honors at RIAT in 2006, 2016, and 2018, reinforcing what the statement described as a consistent record of aviation excellence.

ISLAMABAD: Authorities were conducting relief operations in several areas across Pakistan after this week’s torrential rains appeared to largely subside, with the death toll from rain-related incidents nearing 200 since late June.

Pakistan’s most populous Punjab province has been the hardest hit with 114 deaths, followed by 40 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 21 in Sindh, 16 in Balochistan and one each in Islamabad and Azad Kashmir since June 26, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

Authorities rescued four special persons who were stranded in floodwaters, while 18 others were evacuated to safety in Kacha Rokhri area in Punjab’s Minawali district, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party said on X, citing authorities.

“Immediate cleaning of landslide-affected roads in different areas of Chakwal has started. Administration, rescue and heavy machinery are present on the spot,” the party said.

“Deputy commissioners have been instructed to remain in the field until rainwater drainage is completed.”

The downpours have also damaged nearly 700 homes across the South Asian country, according to the disaster management authorities. Rations, blankets and tents are being distributed by local administrations in affected areas.

“Scattered thunderstorm/rain with isolated heavy falls is expected over Sindh, East Balochistan and South Punjab,” the NDMA said in its weather outlook for Saturday and Sunday.

Monsoon season brings South Asia 70 to 80 percent of its annual rainfall, arriving in early June in India and late June in Pakistan, and lasting through until September.

The annual rains are vital for agriculture and food security, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers. But increasingly erratic and extreme weather patterns are turning the rains into a destructive force.

In 2022, record-breaking monsoon rains combined with glacial melt submerged nearly a third of Pakistan, killing more than 1,700 people and displacing over 8 million. In May, at least 32 people were killed in severe storms, including strong hailstorms.