Lahore Airport experienced an unprecedented blanket of fog, causing significant disruptions to flight schedules and operations.
With visibility dropping to just 50 meters, the airport authorities issued strict instructions for pilots to obtain permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC) before attempting landings or take-offs.
In response to the thick fog, the airport made a crucial decision to close the runway, resulting in a complete halt to all flight operations.
This closure had a severe impact on numerous flights, leading to multiple cancellations and significant changes in schedules.
Various airlines were adversely affected by the disruption caused by the fog. Flight PK 185 heading to Sharjah was canceled, and both PIA’s flight PK 898 bound for Kuala Lumpur, and Airblue’s PA 471 from Jeddah faced similar cancellations.
In the midst of the chaos, some flights were rescheduled to adapt to the adverse weather conditions. For example, the timings for Flight PK 204 from Dubai to Lahore were adjusted for a 2:20 AM operation on Wednesday, and PA 411 was rescheduled for a 4:30 AM departure on the same day.
Silent Pandemic: ADB Report Highlights Alarming Rise of Domestic Violence in Pakistan
Meanwhile, a study report published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlights that domestic violence is becoming a silent pandemic in Pakistan, presenting a significant challenge to both society and the state.
The report, titled “Gendered Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Central and West Asia”, references a recent survey conducted in Punjab and Sindh, revealing an increase in threats of physical violence (40%) and physical assault from spouses (46%).
The study aims to illuminate the pandemic’s impact, focusing on initiatives and results from policy and public investments, particularly ADB projects in nine countries in Central and West Asia.
The report notes that gendered data on COVID-19 cases and deaths are not consistently available or updated across the region.
The report attributes the rise in violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Pakistan to factors such as economic hardships and restrictions, leading to a loss of livelihoods.
Development partners in the country stress the urgency of changing the narrative to address this concerning trend.
Countries where agriculture is a primary sector of employment for women, including Pakistan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan, are encouraged to pay more attention to women’s inclusion in agriculture.
