Widespread rain and hailstorms swept through upper parts of Pakistan and several cities in Punjab on Saturday, offering much-needed relief from an intense heatwave but also triggering disruptions and infrastructure damage.
In the federal capital, Islamabad, heavy rain and a severe hailstorm led to the collapse of a canteen roof at Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU). In nearby Rawalpindi, authorities declared a rain emergency, directing the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to mobilize field staff and heavy machinery.
Islamabad’s deputy commissioner instructed officials to closely monitor low-lying areas and under-construction structures, while keeping a vigilant eye on local nullahs to prevent flooding.
Power outages were reported in multiple localities due to the storm, as fierce winds and large hailstones raised concerns over damage to windows and rooftop solar panels.
Dark clouds engulfed the skies, turning day into night and forcing motorists to switch on their headlights as visibility dropped dramatically.
The storm system also swept across Punjab, hitting Gujrat, Daska, Wazirabad, and Gujranwala, where high-velocity winds tripped power feeders and uprooted trees. Several billboards collapsed, damaging parked vehicles, while strong winds in Mandi Bahauddin and nearby areas further intensified the weather disruption.
In Attock, rain and hail accompanied by violent winds caused significant damage. A tree fell onto cars parked at the city police station, resulting in financial losses estimated in millions of rupees.
Other parts of the city reported similar incidents involving fallen trees and collapsed walls. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.
Further north, Swat, Mingora, and adjoining areas experienced torrential downpours and hail, leading to flash floods in local streams and nullahs.
Similar weather conditions were observed across Haripur, Mansehra, Balakot, Abbottabad, Galyat, Thandiani, Muzaffarabad, and Hatyan Bala. Rain and hail also struck Tirah Valley in Khyber and surrounding regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further thundershowers and hailstorms across parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and central and southern Punjab. Cities likely to be affected include Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, Sargodha, and surrounding areas.
