AGP Executive Report

Climate & Health: A Lancet study warns extreme heat risk for people aged 60+ is far worse than assumed, as older bodies lose cooling ability and face “uncompensable” heat stress under global warming. Floods & Water: Torrential monsoon rain battered Rawalpindi and Islamabad, swelling Nullah Lai and forcing evacuations in low-lying areas, with PMD forecasting more heavy downpours and thunderstorms. Environment Governance: A sharp critique says provincial EPAs are overusing sealing and penalties, disrupting industry without practical, fair enforcement of emission and effluent rules. Clean Energy & Air Pollution: A UK-funded project will turn cotton stalks and sugarcane waste into engineered biocoal pellets to cut reliance on imported coal and reduce winter biomass burning. Digital Safety & Security: Pakistan asked Google to consider the country’s “specific circumstances” while tackling online terrorism risks, as Google opens its Pakistan office. Humanitarian Focus: UN officials reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s development and climate resilience, while Sweden marked World Humanitarian Day by highlighting locally-led aid partners. Policy & Courts: The government filed a Supreme Court challenge to an order moving jailed Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital, arguing it could open floodgates for similar prisoner requests.

Monsoon Flood Watch (Islamabad/Rawalpindi): Heavy rain pushed Nullah Lai to dangerous levels, with water at Katarian crossing about 22 feet and warning sirens sounding; authorities deployed WASA teams and machinery, urged residents to avoid low-lying areas, and issued safety guidance as levels later began to recede. Weather Alerts (Across Pakistan): PMD warned more rain and thunderstorms in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas, with flash-flood risk in local nullahs and low-lying spots. Energy & Environment (Circular Debt): Pakistan’s energy circular debt climbed to nearly Rs5.3 trillion in FY2025-26, underlining pressure on gas and power systems. Digital Push (Google in Pakistan): Google inaugurated its first Pakistan office, with the PM highlighting “Digital Nation Pakistan” and youth IT/AI training. Public Health & Youth (Tobacco Use): A call to curb gutka, naswar and similar chewing products—especially among youth—warned of serious health harms and urged law enforcement to lead by example. Humanitarian Values: Zardari and Shehbaz paid tribute to humanitarian workers on World Humanitarian Day. Governance & Water Security: Commentary stressed Pakistan’s water crisis is already here, arguing for smarter capture, reuse, and irrigation reforms beyond big dams.

Monsoon Watch: PMD warns Islamabad, Rawalpindi and parts of Pakistan face widespread monsoon rains with isolated heavy downpours, raising risks of urban flooding and landslides in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree and Kashmir. Energy Planning: The Cabinet Committee on Energy approved the National Integrated Energy Plan 2027–2060, built on Energy, Economics, Equity and Environment, aiming to end fragmented power planning and support a cleaner, climate-resilient energy future. Clean Power Policy: Cabinet also backed amendments to the National Electricity Plan 2023–2027, including steps for renewable power access in remote areas and tariff/transmission measures to improve energy security and competitiveness. Climate Resilience Trees: President Zardari launched the Monsoon Tree Plantation Campaign 2026, targeting 20+ million saplings and stressing survival of planted trees for biodiversity and land-degradation control. Disaster Risk Alert: NDMA issued a landslide alert for KP’s mountainous areas from Aug 19–22, flagging vulnerable routes where rockfalls and debris flows could disrupt travel. Health & Rights: Pakistan’s Supreme Court ordered Imran Khan’s transfer from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment, with a medical board to be formed.

Climate & Health: A new US study in The Lancet Planetary Health says the danger of global warming to older people has been underestimated, because earlier heat-risk research focused on younger, healthier adults. Flood Response (Rawalpindi/Islamabad): Heavy rain triggered a rain emergency in Rawalpindi and Islamabad; WASA reported Nullah Lai water levels rising to 10.5 feet at Katarian and 8.5 feet at Gawalmandi, with machinery deployed at key low-lying points like Liaquat Bagh and underpasses to prevent accumulation. Climate Policy (KP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa launched Pakistan’s first Sub-National Disaster Risk Reduction policy, shifting the province from reactive disaster response to preparedness and risk-informed action. Clean Energy: Masood Textile commissioned 6.2 MW solar PV, with an additional 3.8 MW under way to reach about 10 MW, aiming to cut energy costs and grid reliance. Agriculture (Pakistan–Egypt): Pakistan sought Egypt’s technical help to boost cotton yield and quality, including seed, crop management, and water-efficient farming. Urban Safety (Lahore): Lahore installed 40,000+ QR panic buttons in public transport to speed up emergency response and improve commuter safety. Health Concerns (Imran Khan): Former President Arif Alvi and KP CM Sohail Afridi raised alarms over Imran Khan’s reported medical condition while calling for better access to care.

Monsoon Watch: Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts rain and thunderstorms across upper catchments and major cities, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab likely to see heavy downpours that could trigger urban flooding and landslides; Flood Impact in Twin Cities: Rawalpindi and Islamabad reported severe flooding in low-lying areas, with Nullah Lai drains rising sharply and a deadly multi-vehicle crash on the M-2; Governance Reform Debate: SDPI discussions on new administrative units and stronger local governments renewed calls for decentralisation, better power distribution, and more accountable spending; Agriculture & Water-Smart Farming: Pakistan and Egypt agreed to boost cooperation in climate-resilient agriculture, focusing on improving cotton yields and quality plus water-efficient irrigation; Local Environment & Water Safety: Authorities warn of flash-flood risks tied to monsoon spells, while Lahore and Islamabad remain on alert for heavy showers; Energy & Emissions Angle: Indonesia’s B50 biodiesel push highlights a regional move to cut fossil fuel imports and pollution, offering a reference point for Pakistan’s clean-energy transition.

Monsoon Flood Watch (Islamabad/Rawalpindi): Heavy rain has flooded low-lying areas, with Nullah Lai water levels rising to alert levels at Kattarian (about 19–20 feet) and Gawalmandi (about 17–17.5 feet). Residents near the nullah were warned to stay alert and evacuate if levels hit 20 feet; water also entered homes in areas like Dhok Khabba and Sadiqabad. Rain Forecast (Punjab & Upper Central): Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts an extended spell of rain, wind and thundershowers across upper and central regions through Aug 21, with possible urban flooding in low-lying spots. Water & Sanitation Pressure (Policy): Parliament’s agenda includes calling attention notices on growing water scarcity in Islamabad and delays in water purification and key public infrastructure. Agriculture Stress: Farmers face rising costs (fertiliser, electricity, diesel, labour) while crop prices lag, widening Pakistan’s food trade deficit as imports rise and exports fall. Industrial Jobs (Port Qasim): A Port Qasim garment city is planned to create about 138,000 jobs and boost exports, with an emphasis on environment-friendly technology. Renewables Angle (Regional): Turkey and Saudi Arabia plan to expand renewable energy cooperation to 5,000 MW, adding 3,000 MW via a new agreement.

Monsoon Watch: PMD and PDMA warn of a sixth monsoon spell from Aug 17-21 with rain, wind and thunderstorms, including isolated heavy falls that could trigger urban flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas across Punjab, KP and Islamabad. Flood Risk Escalates: Tarbela Dam has hit maximum storage after heavy rains, with low-level flooding reported on the Indus at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma and Taunsa, and more river flooding expected in the Ravi and Chenab over the next 24-48 hours. Karachi Environment Alert: A crude oil pipeline burst in DHA Phase VI (NRL), spilling oil onto a road; SEPA says containment and clean-up are underway with excavation to locate the leak and safe disposal of contaminated soil. Clean Energy Push: Northumbria University leads Pakistan’s first full-scale plant converting cotton stalks and sugarcane waste into bio-coal pellets, aiming to cut smog from crop burning and create women-led income via waste collection. Wildlife-Safe Cities: Experts say kite-flying manja is harming birds and call for safer practices beyond just banning the string. Governance Debate: SDPI experts urge new administrative units to improve service delivery and address public grievances more effectively. Local Human Impact: Lahore’s sanitary workers face hazardous conditions, while a Karachi mental-wellbeing piece highlights “green therapy” through small nature and cleanliness steps.

Flood Response: PM Shehbaz Sharif ordered NDMA to use all available resources for maximum relief to flood-affected people, directing tight coordination with provinces and praising AI and modern tech at the National Emergencies Operations Centre. Punjab Preparedness: Punjab’s disaster chief Khawaja Salman Rafique said health, rescue, livestock and other departments are fully active, with river flows normal and camps, boats and evacuation plans ready in sensitive areas. Flood Watch: PDMA reported low-level flooding at Kalabagh and Chashma on the Indus, while Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej remain within normal levels. Flood Plan Delayed: Pakistan’s Fourth National Flood Protection Plan is running behind due to missing donor funding, leaving major protection targets unmet. Water & Sanitation: A World Bank team visited WASA Lahore and discussed future investment in wastewater treatment plants and digital systems. Youth & Jobs: LCCI backed stronger industry-academia links to equip youth with practical skills. Climate & Safety: Gilgit-Baltistan’s mountaineering season was disrupted by storms, high avalanche risk and unstable snow, with no climbers summiting K2 or Gasherbrum-I this summer. Geopolitics: Taliban marked five years in power, with rights and aid groups warning of worsening humanitarian and natural crises. Trade Links: ICCI and Turkish partners explored new Pakistan–Türkiye business deals in Istanbul. Regional Politics: Nawaz Sharif urged AJK rivals to keep differences from turning into enmity while pushing for a development push.

Flood Relief Push: PM Shehbaz ordered NDMA to use all resources for faster flood relief, with tighter coordination between federal and provincial disaster teams and a push to strengthen rehabilitation alongside emergency aid. Climate Risk at Home: A new report highlights how Pakistan’s date workers in Sindh are facing “unbearable” heat, with workers reporting heatstroke and fainting as temperatures rise. Heat + Safety Tech: SBP’s Regulatory Sandbox is set to shape how fintech innovations like remittances and open banking are governed, as the regulator moves toward modern rules for emerging tech. Cleaner Policing: Islamabad Police finally received 30 new vehicles after a 14-year wait, including EVs, aiming to improve response times and cut fuel costs. Regional Disaster Lessons: China’s Xi Jinping urged stronger disaster prevention, early warnings, and better flood-control as extreme weather worsens. Security + Environment Link: Iran says it reached an agreement with Oman on Strait of Hormuz shipping routes, while tensions keep shipping risky. Humanitarian Pressure Abroad: Afghanistan marks five years under Taliban rule as aid groups warn of worsening crises, especially for women and girls.

Flood Response: PM Shehbaz Sharif directed NDMA to use all resources for maximum relief to flood-affected people, with coordination across provinces and PDMAs, as monsoon-linked risks continue. Flood Watch: Pakistan Meteorological Department warns Chenab and Ravi-linked nullahs may see low to medium flooding, with tributaries capable of high flood levels from Aug 15-21. Water Infrastructure: Karachi’s water buffer gets a boost as canal lining at Kalri Baghar Feeder Upper creates about 83,300 acre-feet additional storage at Keenjhar Lake. Local Governance: KP plans a Rs17.55bn World Bank-backed initiative to strengthen village councils and public service delivery in merged areas, including flood response and emergency support. Environment & Health: A report says Sahiwal’s coal plant has disrupted livelihoods, irrigation, drinking water and mobility, with agriculture-dependent households reportedly dropping sharply. Climate Impacts on Work: AFP highlights Sindh date workers facing rising heat and health risks as temperatures intensify. Planting for Sustainability: PTCL and WWF join the “Plant for Pakistan” tree drive in Islamabad, tying greening efforts to net-zero goals. Cyber Resilience: Pakistan inaugurated the National Cyber Security Operations Centre to monitor, detect and respond to threats for critical infrastructure and citizen data. Regional Security: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye’s Makkah defence pact is discussed as a defensive, collective-deterrence step, with Pakistan’s leadership briefing President Zardari on implementation. Cotton Research: Pakistan’s Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University and China’s ICR-CAAS sign an MoU for cotton germplasm and biotechnology cooperation, citing climate pressure on yields and cultivation areas.

Extreme Heat & Public Health: A new report warns Europe’s heat death toll has topped 25,000 this year, highlighting how lack of cooling turns heat into a mass-casualty risk. Climate Risk for Pakistan: Another piece flags Pakistan as highly exposed to deadly heat-humidity conditions, with millions projected to face extreme heat for long stretches by 2030. Monsoon Weather Watch: PMD forecasts more intermittent rains and gusty winds in Islamabad/Rawalpindi and parts of Punjab, with isolated heavy downpours and flood/landslide risks in vulnerable areas. Water & Environment in Courts: Pakistan’s environment directions were reaffirmed by the LHC in an eight-year public litigation, underscoring that development can’t ignore environmental rules. Karachi Water Costs: Karachi’s water and sewerage charges are set to rise (7.05%), adding pressure on already water-stressed households. Balochistan Disruptions: Mobile internet and train services were suspended in parts of Balochistan amid security concerns, cutting key connectivity for residents. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan and France held multilateral consultations in Paris, focusing on UN reforms, peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and sustainable development.

Monsoon & flood risk: Pakistan’s NDMA and PMD have issued alerts as river flows rise and heavy rains are expected across Punjab and other regions through mid-August, keeping landslide and flash-flood fears in focus. Urban environment & water: Sindh approved a 7.05% hike in Karachi Water and Sewerage charges for 2026-27, with KWSC citing revenue needs for sustainable supply and sewerage upkeep. Climate & labour heat: Reports from Sindh’s date-growing areas show workers facing “unbearable” heat, with heat illness becoming more common as temperatures rise. Energy & environment-linked revenue: Petroleum levy collection hit a record Rs1.567tr in FY26, exceeding targets—fuel charges remain a major driver of government finances. Governance & services: A national debate led by SDPI argues Pakistan needs changes in institutional behaviour and political culture, not just administrative restructuring, to improve service delivery. Independence Day context: Leaders used 79th Independence Day to call for unity, reforms, and stability—while security arrangements were reviewed for public safety in Islamabad. Space & science: Suparco named Pakistan’s first lunar rover “Jinnah-1,” targeting a Moon south-pole mission in 2029.

Makkah Defence Pact: Turkey’s defence ministry says the Türkiye–Pakistan–Saudi Arabia pact is “defensive in nature,” with no country named as a common enemy, and sets up political-military coordination plus joint exercises and defence industry cooperation. Weather Watch: PMD warns Independence Day rains and gusty winds across Lahore and Punjab, with heavy downpours and urban flooding risks in Lahore, Islamabad/Rawalpindi and other cities, plus landslides in vulnerable hilly areas. Court on Smog: Lahore High Court issued a detailed verdict in the smog case, calling climate change a man-made disaster and ordering strict protection of trees along the Yellow Line project. Youth & AI: Tanweer Ahmed urged AI skills for Pakistan’s youth, highlighting ACT AI and MicroCerts to improve access to practical AI tools. Energy & Environment: A new report argues “climate action” must not throttle energy access, linking energy abundance to health and poverty reduction. Pakistan–Norway Ties: PM Shehbaz invited Norwegian firms to invest in Pakistan’s oil and gas, while both sides discussed trade, climate resilience and technology. Space Milestone: SUPARCO named Pakistan’s first lunar rover “Jinnah-1,” planned for a Moon south-pole mission in 2029. Trade/Investment Push: PRBC met Sindh police chief to stress modern policing and investor confidence. WWF Tree Drive: PTCL and WWF launched “Plant for Pakistan” tree plantation under Independence Day campaign.

Monsoon Watch: PDMA warns rain and thunderstorms across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Aug 13-15, with landslide risk in mountainous areas and possible urban flooding in low-lying parts of Mardan and Swabi. Water & Sanitation: Karachi’s water and sewerage charges rise 7.05% after Sindh approved revised tariffs for FY 2026-27, with rates varying by property size and usage. Women’s Safety in Policing: Lahore police will deploy women officers 24/7 at 84 stations to help women file complaints and get legal support, following recent incidents. Climate Diplomacy: Norway’s FM Espen Barth Eide commended Pakistan’s “important and constructive role” in the Iran-US conflict as both countries pledged deeper cooperation on trade, investment, climate change, maritime affairs and education. Energy & Shipping Fallout: Oil prices hold gains as Hormuz reopening talks stall; a wider Red Sea shipping and environmental crisis continues, with an oil slick reported reaching Oman’s coast. Regional Security: A UN report links India’s Nov 2025 Red Fort attack to AQIS, warning the group is evolving into a regional terror network with decentralised cells. Governance: FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial gets a three-month extension in additional charge as Secretary Revenue Division, alongside multiple bureaucratic reshuffles.

Monsoon Watch: PMD forecasts another widespread rain spell across upper and central Pakistan from Aug 13–15, with thunderstorms, gusty winds, urban flooding risks in low-lying areas (including Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore), and landslide danger in hilly regions like Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir. Flood Damage in KP: Heavy downpours and flash floods hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing a woman in Lower Dir after a mud-built room collapsed and disrupting the Chitral-Peshawar route as floodwaters swept away bridges and damaged shops. Climate Diplomacy: President Asif Ali Zardari told the UN Resident Coordinator that Pakistan is determined to push sustainable development and tackle climate change, praising UN support for disaster response and nutrition programmes. Shipping Security & Red Sea Risks: Pakistan said it is ready to support the Saudi-led maritime coalition after Houthi attacks in the Red Sea killed Pakistani nationals, as tensions around Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb keep energy routes under pressure. Clean Transport Push (Safety Gap): Lahore’s rapid shift toward electric motorcycles is outpacing safety planning, with concerns that silent, fast e-bikes are increasing risks for pedestrians and children. Bilateral Climate Talks: Norway’s FM Espen Barth Eide will visit Pakistan Aug 13–14 to discuss trade, renewable energy, climate cooperation and education.

Flood Watch (Twin Cities): Heavy rain has pushed Nullah Lai to dangerous levels in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, triggering flood warning sirens and evacuations in low-lying areas like Gawalmandi and Katarian; the Pakistan Army has been asked to assist as officials report rising water levels and forecast more showers. Food & Climate Risk: The SBP warns global food inflation could rise more than expected due to higher energy and fertiliser costs, supply disruptions and growing El Niño risk—hitting Pakistan’s already stressed agriculture. Local Governance & Preparedness: Punjab’s Rescue 1122 held a night pre-flood mock exercise in Lodhran to test emergency camps, control rooms and response readiness ahead of monsoon hazards. Climate Governance Debate: A Senate committee questioned the need for a separate Pakistan Climate Change Authority, saying it may duplicate the ministry’s role as climate governance budgets tighten. Tax Pressure on Creators: FBR’s Withholding Tax Card 2026 sets 10% withholding for social media influencers/content creators not on the Active Taxpayers List (backdated to July 1, 2026). Business Climate: FBR hints at further tax relief for businesses, including possible withdrawal of super tax and sales tax reductions, as industries warn of low capacity and investment flight. Maritime Safety: Pakistan says at least three Pakistanis were killed in a Houthi attack on a commercial ship in the Red Sea, with help being coordinated for repatriation and the injured.