The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a nationwide weather alert, warning of heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides and damaging windstorms through Monday, as authorities in Punjab activate emergency response measures.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) also forecast monsoon rain in most districts of the province over the next 24 hours and directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert.
Rain is expected in Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Kasur, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Khanewal, Vehari, Lodhran, Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah and Bhakkar.
In an advisory issued on Saturday evening, the PMD said Sunday night and Monday morning are expected to bring the most intense rainfall, increasing the risk of flash flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Azad Kashmir.
The department also warned that strong winds and lightning could damage weak infrastructure, including solar panels, electricity poles and billboards.
According to the PMD, the weather system is being driven by moist currents from the Arabian Sea moving into the upper and central parts of the country, combined with a westerly weather system affecting northern Pakistan.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious as emergency services remain on high alert in anticipation of severe weather.