Pakistan's Water Crisis: The Need for Effective Rainwater Management

Pakistan loses approximately 30 to 35 million acre-feet of water annually due to rainfall and floods, a volume that could be effectively conserved through the construction of reservoirs or recharge wells. Water management experts highlight that this lost water is equivalent to the combined storage capacity of the country’s two largest reservoirs, Tarbela and Mangla Dams.

Pakistan receives between 300 to 1,000 mm of annual rainfall, with both its volume and intensity increasing in recent years due to climate change. According to the Meteorological Department, the country experienced 16% more rainfall than normal in 2023, while August 2024 alone recorded a staggering 142% increase above the average. These figures underscore the potential of utilizing rainwater for groundwater recharge, which could significantly improve water sustainability.

Rapid population growth has further intensified the water crisis. Over the past five years, daily water consumption in Pakistan’s urban areas has surged from four million acre-feet to over 10 million acre-feet. However, due to the lack of proper groundwater recharge mechanisms, both the quality and levels of underground water reserves are rapidly deteriorating, making groundwater replenishment more critical than ever.

Approximately 24% of Pakistan's total population resides in its 10 major cities, each receiving varying amounts of annual rainfall:

• Karachi – 6.87 inches
• Lahore – 23.9 inches
• Faisalabad – 13.6 inches
• Rawalpindi – 37 inches
• Gujranwala – 22.8 inches
• Peshawar – 15.1 inches
• Multan – 4.1 inches
• Hyderabad – 5.36 inches
• Islamabad – 31.13 inches
• Quetta – 9.6 inches

Despite this substantial rainfall, there is no structured effort by district administrations or federal and provincial governments to conserve and utilize this water effectively. The absence of a comprehensive rainwater management strategy exacerbates Pakistan’s growing water scarcity, highlighting the urgent need for immediate policy intervention and infrastructure development.

Scientists Have Frozen Light for the First Time – Here’s What It Means

For the first time ever, scientists have achieved something truly mind-bending—they have successfully "frozen" light, making it behave like a supersolid. This remarkable breakthrough could revolutionize quantum physics and pave the way for advancements in quantum computing and photonics.

What Does It Mean to ‘Freeze’ Light?

Typically, when we think of freezing something, we imagine lowering its temperature to turn it into a solid. But in this case, scientists didn’t chill light to freezing temperatures. Instead, they manipulated its quantum properties, effectively making it behave like a supersolid—a rare state of matter that exhibits both solid-like structure and the frictionless movement of a superfluid.

The Science Behind Frozen Light

To achieve this, researchers used a specialized semiconductor setup designed to control light at a quantum level. The key was a material called gallium arsenide, which was structured with microscopic ridges. By exciting this structure with a laser, scientists created polariton condensates—hybrid light-matter particles that allowed them to control how light behaved.

As they increased the number of photons in this system, they observed the formation of structured patterns known as satellite condensates—a clear indication that light was behaving as a supersolid. This means that while light retained some of its fluid-like properties, it also displayed characteristics of a rigid, structured material.

Why Is This a Big Deal?

This discovery isn’t just a cool physics trick—it has enormous implications for future technology. Some key areas that could benefit from this breakthrough include:

• Quantum Computing: More stable qubits for faster and more reliable quantum computers.
• Advanced Photonics: New ways to manipulate light for better optical communication and processing.
• Quantum Research: A deeper understanding of light’s dual nature, leading to future breakthroughs in quantum mechanics.

What’s Next?

Scientists are now working on refining this technique, aiming to achieve even more stable and controlled forms of supersolid light. This could lead to practical applications in ultra-fast computing, next-generation sensors, and even futuristic optical devices.

This discovery proves that light, which we’ve always known as something that moves at incredible speeds, can be controlled and even ‘frozen’ in place—opening up a world of new possibilities in science and technology.

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Tags: quantum physics, frozen light, supersolid state, quantum computing, photonics

Actress Caught Smuggling Gold at Airport – Shocking Investigation Reveals Hidden Tactics

A major revelation has emerged in a gold smuggling case involving Indian actress Rania Rao, who devised a complex plan to transport gold biscuits from Dubai. Investigators have discovered that she learned how to conceal gold in her clothing by watching YouTube tutorials.

How the Smuggling Plan Was Executed

According to an Indian media report, official documents detail how Rania Rao received the gold that ultimately led to her arrest. The stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, she was caught at Bengaluru Airport on March 3 with 14 kg of gold hidden in her clothing. Authorities had already suspected her involvement in a smuggling network.

The actress claimed that this was her first attempt at smuggling, which ended in failure. She informed investigators that she received an internet call, instructing her to collect the consignment at Gate A of Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.

Upon arriving at the airport’s food lounge, she met a man dressed in a white gown, who handed her two plastic-wrapped packets. Rania described the unidentified person as six feet tall, wheatish in complexion, and speaking with an American accent. The exchange was brief, and after receiving the gold, she proceeded with her plan.

The Smuggling Method – Learned from YouTube

Rania had meticulously planned how to smuggle the gold into India. Before her flight, she purchased adhesive tape from a nearby stationery shop and pre-cut strips, knowing that scissors would not be available at the airport.

After receiving the gold, she went straight to the washroom, where she unwrapped the packets and found 12 gold biscuits and several cut pieces. Following the techniques she learned on YouTube, she:

• Taped gold biscuits around her leg muscles and waist.
• Hid small gold pieces in her shoes and pockets.

Airport Arrest and Smuggling Network Links

Rania Rao arrived in Bengaluru on an Emirates flight on March 3 and attempted to pass through airport security. However, authorities had been tracking her movements. Investigators revealed that she was assisted by a corrupt officer involved in the smuggling operation.

Just as she was about to exit the airport, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted her and found the gold biscuits during a search. She was immediately arrested.

Further investigations revealed that Rania Rao had made 27 trips to Dubai in the past six months, with four of those occurring within just 15 days, raising suspicions of her involvement in a larger smuggling network.

Authorities continue their investigation, suspecting that she was part of an organized gold smuggling ring operating between Dubai and India.

British Woman Raped in India After Social Media Friendship

A British woman was raped in a hotel in Mahipalpur, Delhi, after traveling to India to meet an Indian man she befriended on social media.

Police Action

• The accused, Kailash, and his friend have been arrested by Delhi Police.
• A rape complaint has been officially registered.
• The British High Commission has been informed and is assisting the victim.

Social Media & Safety Concerns

This incident highlights the dangers of online interactions leading to real-life meetings, emphasizing the need for strict safety precautions when meeting strangers abroad.

27 Bottled Water Brands Declared Harmful: A Silent Health Crisis

A recent report has revealed that 27 brands of bottled mineral water in Pakistan are unfit for human consumption, posing severe health risks, including cancer, heart disease, kidney damage, and nervous system disorders. Despite these alarming findings, relevant institutions remain passive, allowing hazardous water to reach consumers unchecked.

Deadly Contaminants Found in Bottled Water

The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) conducted tests on 176 brands from 20 cities between October and December 2024. The results exposed dangerous levels of sodium, arsenic, potassium, and bacterial contamination in 27 brands.

Breakdown of Contaminated Water Brands

1.     High Sodium Levels (10 brands):

o    Marin Drinking Water, Pak Aqua, Gel Bottle Water, New, Aab-e-Dubai, Eltson, Pure Water, Aqua Health, Oslo, More Plus.

2.     Excessive Arsenic Content (5 brands):

o    One Pure Drinking Water, Indus, Premium Safaa Purified Water, Orwell, Natural Pure Life.

3.     Unsafe Potassium Levels (1 brand):

o    Hunza Otar Water.

4.     Bacterially Contaminated (16 brands):

o    SS Water, Sup Sup Premium Drinking Water, Mirin Drinking Water, D-Nova, Sky Rain, New, Pure Water, Dream Pure, Aqua Shro Pure Drinking Water, Marvi, Icewell, Aqab Sky, Karakoram Spring Water, More Plus, Asinsia, Life Inn.

Serious Health Risks Linked to Contaminated Water

Drinking these contaminated water brands can cause:

• Kidney damage
• High blood pressure
• Skin diseases and cancer
• Cholera and typhoid outbreaks
• Nervous system disorders

Regulatory Inaction: A Never-Ending Cycle

Authorities rarely take strict action against companies producing substandard water. Even when a company is shut down, it reopens under a new name, continuing its operations without accountability.

PCRWR only conducts quarterly tests and reports violations to PSQCA and provincial authorities. However, PSQCA’s licensing process lacks strict enforcement, allowing non-compliant brands to continue operations despite repeated failures.

Government Response and Industry Denial

• Some company representatives refused to comment on the report.
• Others denied the findings, claiming that the reports were misleading.
• PSQCA Licensing Director stated that action is taken only after repeated failures, and staff shortages make it difficult to monitor all brands effectively.

Urgent Need for Action

With 81 brands already missing from the market, loopholes in enforcement are allowing hazardous products to circulate freely. Stronger regulations, frequent inspections, and legal action against violators are necessary to protect public health.

Bolan Operation Successfully Concludes: All 33 Terrorists Eliminated, Hostages Rescued

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has confirmed the successful completion of the Bolan Operation, resulting in the elimination of all 33 terrorists and the rescue of 346 hostages. While no hostages were harmed during the clearance operation, 21 civilians were martyred due to terrorist brutality before the military intervention. Additionally, four Frontier Corps (FC) personnel embraced martyrdom during the operation.

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Joint Military Operation Details

The operation was carried out with the joint efforts of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, Frontier Corps (FC), and the Special Services Group (SSG). According to Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, Director General of ISPR, the following key strategies were executed:

• Elimination of Suicide Bombers: The suicide attackers were neutralized first to prevent further casualties.
• Hostage Rescue in Phases: The hostages were systematically freed in carefully planned stages.
• Use of Human Shields by Terrorists: The attackers attempted to shield themselves using women and children, but expert marksmen eliminated them with precision.
• Direct Afghan Terrorist Link: Intelligence reports confirm that the attack was orchestrated by a terrorist leader based in Afghanistan, who maintained direct contact with the attackers via satellite phones.

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Misleading Propaganda by Indian Media

Following the operation, Indian media engaged in disinformation by circulating old photos, AI-generated content, and manipulated videos to distort the events. The nexus between terrorists and their foreign facilitators was evident, highlighting a coordinated effort to undermine Pakistan’s security.

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Political Responses and Government Tributes

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his admiration for the armed forces, stating that the professionalism of security forces and the leadership of the Army Chief ensured minimal losses during the operation. He extended prayers for the martyrs and their families.

Several high-ranking officials also acknowledged the security forces' dedication:

• President Asif Ali Zardari
• Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
• Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi

Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar criticized certain political elements for exploiting the tragedy for political gains. He condemned the Indian media, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for spreading misinformation about the incident.

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Timeline of the Attack and Military Response

According to Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the attack unfolded as follows:

• March 11, 1:00 AM: Terrorists blew up the railway track in the Osipur area of Bolan, Balochistan, targeting the Jaffar Express with 440 passengers on board.
• Initial Terrorist Actions: The attackers held passengers hostage, using them as human shields.
• Terrorist Communications: The militants were in direct contact with handlers in Afghanistan.
• First Phase (March 12): 100 hostages released.
• Final Clearance (March 13): All terrorists eliminated, remaining hostages rescued.

During the operation, three FC personnel stationed at the railway picket were martyred initially, with one additional FC soldier embracing martyrdom during the mission.

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Aftermath and Future Counterterrorism Measures

• The bomb disposal squad has been deployed to clear the train and surrounding areas.
• Intelligence agencies are tracking down facilitators and terrorist sympathizers.
• The Pakistani government has urged the Afghan interim government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif emphasized that terrorists targeting innocent Pakistani citizens will be brought to justice, and the Jaffar Express attack has changed the counterterrorism landscape in Pakistan.

Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring national security and combating terrorism at all levels.

Source: Jang E-Paper

Suspect Involved in Online Exploitation of Minor American Girls Arrested in Karachi

Karachi, March 13, 2025 – The Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Cyber Crimes Circle has arrested a suspect accused of blackmailing and exploiting minor American girls online. According to Cyber Crimes Investigation Officer Amir Khoso, the suspect, identified as Agha Sarwar Abbas, was apprehended as part of an investigation coordinated with the FBI in the United States.

The suspect allegedly made indecent videos of the minors and then blackmailed and threatened them. A case was registered at the FIA's Cyber Crimes Circle in Karachi on a complaint from the American Consulate. During the raid on the suspect's residence in New Rizvia Society, Gulzar Hijri, a laptop, iPad, mobile phone, and other devices were seized.

Analysis of the recovered devices revealed the suspect had accessed and exploited the data of minor American girls, communicating with them through adult websites and video chat rooms. He allegedly posed as an American citizen named 'Brandon Lechier' to carry out the crimes.

The suspect, who was deported from the United States a year ago, has confessed to his involvement in child pornography and misusing the confidential information of American minors. The FIA has arrested the accused as part of the FBI's investigation into the exploitation of American children.

News Source: Jang E-Paper