Pakistan crash out of Champions Trophy after New Zealand beat Bangladesh

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday forecast rain, wind, thunderstorms and snowfall in northern and western parts of the country till March 1, urging citizens to exercise caution during this period.

Parts of the South Asian country last week received rains after a months-long drought severely impacted crops like wheat, a staple food, as well as vital cash crops like potato in several regions, according to the Pakistani climate change ministry.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said rainfall from Sept. 1 to Jan. 15 was 40 percent below normal across Pakistan, with Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab being the most affected provinces with deficits of 52 percent, 45 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

However, the NDMA says a strong westerly wave is expected to bring fresh rains, thunderstorms and snowfall in upper parts of the country between Feb. 24 and Mar. 1.

“Islamabad, upper Punjab, Pothohar Region, central and southern/northeastern Punjab, is expected to experience rain, wind, and thunderstorms accompanied by snowfall or hailstorms. Heavy rainfall may trigger flash floods in vulnerable areas,” the NDMA said in a statement.

“In Balochistan, rain, wind, and thunderstorms with snowfall over hills are anticipated in western, northwestern, and northern parts of the province, with the possibility of flash flooding in susceptible regions.”

Similarly, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province is likely to witness rains, winds and hailstorms along with snowfall over the hills in upper and western parts, including the Malakand and Hazara divisions, according to the NDMA.

In Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), rain and snowfall are expected over the hills, which may disrupt travel and routine activities. Sindh is likely to experience mostly cold and dry weather throughout this period.

“Heavy rainfall in northern KP may lead to flash flooding and landslides,” the authority said. “The NDMA is closely monitoring the evolving situation and coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure timely response and mitigation efforts.”

Meanwhile, local authorities have issued warnings regarding potential hazards associated with the weather system, particularly the risk of heavy snowfall in Murree, Galliyat and other northern regions, which may impact travelers and tourists.

KARACHI: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), a government agency for the enforcement of economic competition laws, said on Monday it would pay cash rewards to people who exposed cartels involved in the manipulation of various markets.

The development comes ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, during which various elements hoard essential items and artificially increase prices at local levels to make unjust profits.

The artificial increase in prices of goods and services in Pakistan, and a lack of quality goods is largely the result of business cartelization in the markets, according to the CCP.

Cartels are formed when suppliers in a market coordinate or enter into agreements to fix prices for goods and services and control the supply which is an illegal practice.

“If any individual is aware that a business association or product suppliers have colluded to fix prices or control supply, he is urged to immediately report such information to the CCP,” the watchdog said.

“Those who provide information and evidence regarding such illegal cartels will be rewarded with amounts ranging from Rs200,000 ($714) to Rs2,000,000 ($7,146). It is important to note that the identity of the informant will remain confidential.”

People can reach the CCP through WhatsApp number 0304-0875255 or its website www.cc.gov.pk to report any cartelization in the country.

“If your information is verified, you will not only receive a reward but also be recognized as a national hero,” it said.

The CCP said the initiative is aimed at promoting public participation in eliminating illegal business practices and the scheme would not only provide a legal avenue but also encourage the public to be part of protecting the country’s economy and their economic rights.

To ensure the provision of better-quality goods and services at fair prices to consumers, it is essential that all suppliers in the market compete with each other by offering better services and products at better prices, rather than colluding to fix prices, according the watchdog.

Engaging in agreements or understandings to control prices or supply of goods and services for unjustifiable profits is a serious crime under the Competition Act 2010.

“The Competition Commission of Pakistan has called for cooperation from the public in general and the concerned stakeholders in particular to take strict action against such illegal business nexus and cartels and to report any such act,” it said.