Islamabad: Pakistan Meterological Department (PMD) on Tuesday forecast dry weather for most parts of the country during the next 24 hours.

However, cloudy weather with chances of rain-wind/thunderstorm is likely in Southwest Balochistan.

Heavy rainfall may generate flash flooding in local nullahs/streams of Balochistan specially Gwadar, Kech, Awaran, Kharan, Panjgur, Washuk, Noshki and Kalat on April 17.

According to the synoptic situation, a trough of strong westerly wave was affecting western parts of Balochistan and likely to grip most parts of Balochistan on April 17.

During the last 24 hours, cloudy weather prevailed over most parts of the country with rain-wind/thunderstorm occurred in upper Punjab, south/central Balochistan, Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The rainfall recorded during the period was Punjab: Sialkot (City 40 mm , Airport 16) , Narowal 11, Murree 08, Jhelum 06 , Chakwal 4 , Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mangla, Jhang 02, Rawalpindi (Chaklala 01) , Islamabad (Airport 0 1) ,Balochistan: Panjgur 24 , Kalat 16, Kashmir: Garhi Dupatta 17 , Muzaffarabad (City 11 ,Airport 08), Kotli 07 , Rawalakot 04 , Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Kakul 12 , Balakot 09 , Cherat 08 , Drosh 07 , Dir (Upper 06 ,Lower 02) , Pattan 06 , Chitral, Kalam, Malam Jabba , Mir Khani 05 , Parachinar 02 , Saidu Sharif , Takht Bai 01 , Gilgit Baltistan: Astore 12 , Gilgit 11, Chilas 10 , Bagrote 09 , Skardu 04 , Gupis 03 and Bunji 01mm.

The highest maximum temperatures recorded were Mithi 41C, Chhor and Shaheed Benazirabad 39C.

Islamabad: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday finalized a bilateral implementation mechanism to closely coordinate and execute investment related matters at the functional level to turn the sovereign commitments into tangible economic outcomes.

The matters related to the investment opportunities in Pakistan’s multiple sectors were discussed at Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Investment Conference held here and attended by the visiting high-level Saudi delegation led by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, according to a Foreign Office press release. Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar warmly welcomed the Saudi delegation at the SIFC emphasizing the deep-rooted ties and mutual strategic interests between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

He highlighted the significance of enhanced bilateral strategic and economic partnership and the crucial role of Saudi investments in nurturing this relationship. He explained how Pakistan through the SIFC platform aimed to streamline investment processes and ensure rapid decision-making, fostering a flourishing investment-friendly environment in Pakistan.

The foreign minister showcased Pakistan’s abundant opportunities in agriculture, IT, and mining sectors, inviting Saudi investors to engage in mutually beneficial partnerships. He expressed confidence in the strengthened bonds between the two countries, envisioning significant economic growth and lasting benefits.

Dar concluded with a call for constructive engagement and collaboration towards mutual prosperity and development. The SIFC officials gave comprehensive briefings encompassing the potential and investment opportunities in key sectors of Pakistan’s economy. Both sides held exhaustive deliberative sessions at functional level to crystallize investment opportunities in Pakistan.

The Saudi side expressed great significance and interest in the improving investment ecosystem in Pakistan, appreciated SIFC’s role in amicable resolution of Saudi Arabia’s legacy investment/business related issues, and showed keen interest to invest in key sectors of Pakistan. The Pakistani side assured the Saudi side of maximum support and facilitation in fast-tracking the Kingdom’s prospective multibillion dollars investments in Pakistan.

Beijing: Recently, 5,000 sets of household photovoltaic power generation systems, supported by China, have been completed and will soon be shipped to Pakistan.

This project is one of the South-South cooperation material assistance projects of China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment to address climate change. It is contracted and implemented by Lattice Technology Co., Ltd of China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP).

The 5,000 sets of household photovoltaic power generation systems included approximately 80,000 products across 9 categories. From program design to production inspection, Lattice High-tech successfully completed the project in less than 30 days.

The aid will be installed in Balochistan province, where the temperature in some parts can exceed 50 degrees Celsius. Lattice High-tech fully investigated the local climate environment and people’s electricity habits to customize the design of household photovoltaic power generation systems, Chinese media reported.

The system mainly consists of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic modules, lithium iron phosphate batteries, solar controllers, inverters, LED lamps, power boxes, photovoltaic brackets, etc. These components are utilized to power home lighting and small household appliances by converting solar energy into electricity.

According to Lattice High-tech, in addition to production, they will also invite Pakistani technicians to China for technical and installation guidance training to enhance China-Pakistan technical exchanges and share Chinese experience.

The successful implementation of this aid project will effectively alleviate the pressure on local electricity supply, address the issue of lighting in remote areas, and enhance Pakistan’s capacity to deal with climate change.