Karachi’s Sea View Road Blocked as Cyclone Per Joy Approaches
In a precautionary measure to ensure public safety, authorities in Karachi have blocked Sea View road to prevent people from venturing out into the open sea. The move comes as the parks and meteorological department announced that Cyclone Per Joy, now classified as an extremely severe cyclonic storm, is approximately 600 kilometers away from the coastal city.
The Sindh government has initiated an evacuation drive from the coastal areas, particularly in Badin, to safeguard the lives of residents. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited the Shahbandar area, accompanied by Local Bodies Minister Nazar Shah and Chief Secretary Sohail Rajput, to assess the situation and oversee preparations to mitigate the impact of the impending cyclone.
Evacuation Efforts
Recognizing the potential threat posed by Cyclone Per Joy, the Sindh government has declared an emergency and mobilized the army to assist in relocating over 80,000 people living in vulnerable coastal areas. The objective is to ensure the safety of the residents and minimize the loss of life. The government’s swift action underscores its commitment to protecting the citizens from natural disasters.
Anticipated Impact
Coastal communities in Pakistan’s southern Sindh province are expected to face surges of up to 12 feet, which could lead to the inundation of low-lying settlements. Additionally, heavy rainfall of up to 30 centimeters is forecasted, further exacerbating the risk of flooding. To address these challenges, the government and relevant authorities are working tirelessly to implement effective measures to safeguard the affected areas.
Monetary Policy Committee Meeting
In other news, the State Bank of Pakistan recently held a meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee to review the country’s economic situation. The committee expressed its expectation that domestic demand would remain subdued due to various factors such as a tight monetary stance, uncertainty within the country, and ongoing external pressures.
The committee also acknowledged several significant developments since its last meeting, including the unveiling of the fiscal year 2024 budget, which reflects a slightly contractionary fiscal stance compared to the revised estimates for fiscal year 2023. Furthermore, the committee noted the recent easing of global commodity prices and financial conditions, which are expected to continue in the near future.
Shift in Import Policy
Pakistan has made a noteworthy shift in its import payment policy by conducting its first government-to-government import of Russian crude oil in Chinese currency. This marks a significant departure from its previous reliance on U.S. dollar-dominated export payments.
The first shipment of discounted Russian crude oil, arranged under a new agreement between Islamabad and Moscow, has arrived in Karachi and is currently being offloaded at the port. While specific details regarding pricing and discounts remain undisclosed, the move signals Pakistan’s intention to diversify its import sources and explore alternative payment arrangements.
Resolution Condemning May 9th Riots
The National Assembly of Pakistan has passed a resolution condemning the riots that occurred on May 9th, during which military installations and state buildings were targeted by violent protesters. Defense Minister Khwaja Asif, who initiated the resolution, accused a political party and its leader of orchestrating the attacks. He urged swift action and punishment for those responsible. The riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9th in a draft case.
