PM says winter rains ‘worth billions to economy’

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that winter rains are worth billions of rupees to the economy as they replenish the water resources of the country.

In a tweet on social media, the prime minister said: “We should all thank Allah almighty for the continuing winter rains that are worth billions to the economy apart from replenishing our water table and glaciers plus countering air pollution. InshaAllah we will have a bumper wheat crop this year.”

Pakistan is witnessing an unusually prolonged winter this year. On Wednesday, chief meteorologist of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Khalid Malik said Malakand, Hazara, Murree, Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Kashmir divisions have received 22.5 inches of snow so far.

“More than 25 to 30 per cent rain has been recorded this winter in various parts of the country, due to which the Tarbela and Mangla dams level are also more than normal,” he said.

The PMD also said that rain with thunderstorm and snowfall over the hills is expected at scattered places in Quetta, Zhob, Kalat, Malakand, Hazara, Kohat, Bannu divisions along with Kashmir and G-B.

Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Faisalabad. Dera Ismail Khan, Peshawar, Mardan and Islamabad are also expected to receive rain with thunderstorms.