Water crisis: Imran Khan seeks overseas Pakistanis' help
Islamabad, Sep 7 : Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday sought assistance from overseas Pakistanis to help overcome the "biggest issue" of water crisis in the country by donating to the dams fund set up by the Supreme Court.
"The largest problem is the water issue in the country," Khan said in a televised address to the nation, adding that it was crucial for Pakistan to build dams as failure to do so could be detrimental to its future generations.
"Experts say if we do not make dams we will face a drought in seven years. We have to start making dams from today."
"I want to commend Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar (for starting the dams fund), but this was not his job," Khan said. "This was the job of civilian leaders who knew this was going to swell into a crisis but did nothing to thwart it."
Khan urged overseas Pakistanis to contribute to the dams fund. "If every overseas Pakistani contributes to this we will be able to construct the dams and our reserves will also improve," the Prime Minister said.
He appealed to Pakistanis in Europe and the US to contribute at least $1,000. "Pakistanis working in the Middle East and other countries can also contribute according to their capacity," Khan said, adding that the Prime Minister's fund for dam would be now part of Chief Justice's fund and both will be merged.
This was Khan's second address with the nation since assuming office. In his first address, he had outlined austerity measures and the need to tackle corruption to bring Pakistan on track.
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Thunderstorm hits Lucknow, IMD issues red alert across multiple UP districts
Lucknow: Shortly after the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert warning of severe weather conditions in the region, a sudden thunderstorm hit Lucknow and adjoining districts on Monday morning.
The Indian Express reported that the skies turned dark around 8:45 am as strong winds lashed parts of the city. Incidents of tree falls were reported from several locations, disrupting traffic and normal movement.
The weather department said thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail and gusty winds of 40 to 60 kmph are likely to continue over the next three hours across several districts.
A red alert has been issued for districts including Unnao, Barabanki, Hardoi, Sitapur, Bahraich, Gonda, Shravasti and Lakhimpur Kheri, where moderate thunderstorms with hail and strong winds may damage trees, power lines and temporary structures.
An orange alert is in place for Rae Bareli, Amethi, Kanpur Nagar, Ayodhya, Kanpur Dehat, Auraiya, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Shahjahanpur and Balrampur, where thunderstorms with lightning and winds up to 60 kmph could lead to localised disruptions.
Major parts of the state remains under yellow alert, including districts such as Prayagraj, Agra, Bareilly, Aligarh and Moradabad, where light rain, lightning and winds of 30 to 40 kmph are expected.
Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors, avoid open areas and trees during lightning, and secure loose objects.
