Rain, hailstorm lashes parts of Capital

By Uzma Zafar

ISLAMABAD: Light rain accompanied with hailstorm lashed different parts of the federal capital on Monday and turned the weather cold.
The rain and hailstorm started at day time and continued for a while bringing the temperatures down by a few notches.
The cold weather after rain reminded the people not to plan packing their warm staff, blankets and quilts due to unpredictable weather conditions.
Along with rain, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of unusually hot and dry weather to persist in the southern regions of the country. According to the synoptic situation, a shallow westerly wave was affecting upper parts of the country and may persist till next 24 hours.
On Monday, mainly dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while cold in upper parts.

UNFPA representative calls on Minister for Human Rights

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative in Pakistan Dr Luay Shabaneh called on Federal Minister for Human Rights Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada here on Monday.
They exchanged views on the issues related to population planning, its impact on economic growth, gender equality, women rights in Pakistan and support from UNFPA under its mandate for population planning and development. Secretary Human Rights Ali Raza Bhutta and senior officers were also present in the meeting, said a press release.
The minister welcomed the honorable guest and stated that Pakistan was fully committed to upholding and implementing the UN charter. He commented that “we are far behind in population planning that is indeed the major reason behind scarcity and better resource allocation in the country.”
He said: “Pakistan is a country with population mismanagement and disproportionate growth. There is a need for interventions, advocacy, awareness, more funds allocation, and proper enforcement of laws on this subject. For that we are looking forward to more collaboration, especially from non-governmental bodies.”