Holiday Announced in Punjab District Due to Heavy Rainfall. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Rawalpindi has announced a one-day holiday in the district following continuous heavy rainfall and severe weather. The decision was taken to ensure the safety of students, government employees, and the general public as rainwater continues to accumulate across major city areas.
This announcement was officially shared by DC Rawalpindi Arsalan Khattak on X (formerly Twitter) on July 17, 2025, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Reason for the Holiday
Rawalpindi has faced non-stop rain since last night, which has led to flooding in several low-lying areas. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded nearly 199 mm of rainfall, one of the heaviest downpours of the monsoon season.
The DC stated that the rain is expected to continue for the next two to three hours, and more showers are predicted throughout the day.
District Holiday Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Affected | Rawalpindi, Punjab Province |
| Announced By | Deputy Commissioner Arsalan Khattak |
| Date of Announcement | July 17, 2025 (10:42 AM) |
| Type of Holiday | One-Day Public Holiday |
| Reason | Continuous Heavy Rainfall and Safety Concerns |
| Expected Duration of Rain | Next 2 – 3 Hours (May Extend) |
| Rainfall Recorded | 199 mm (so far) |
All schools, colleges, and government offices in the district will remain closed for the day, while emergency services will continue to operate.
Weather Condition Update
According to the latest weather update, Rawalpindi and Islamabad have been experiencing heavy to moderate rain since Thursday night.
The rainfall has caused waterlogging in areas such as Saddar, Murree Road, Committee Chowk, and Satellite Town.
Current Weather Highlights
- Rain Type: Continuous Moderate to Heavy Rain
- Rainfall Measured: 199 mm (so far)
- Temperature: Around 27 °C
- Wind Speed: 12 – 18 km/h
- Visibility: Low in early morning hours
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a rain alert for several northern Punjab districts, warning of possible urban flooding and landslides in hilly areas.
Public Safety Advisory
The DC emphasized that the public should cooperate with emergency and civic agencies, including WASA (Water and Sanitation Agency), RWMC (Rawalpindi Waste Management Company), and the District Administration Teams.
Safety Guidelines for Residents
- Avoid unnecessary travel until rainfall subsides.
- Stay away from electric poles and open drainage areas.
- Do not cross flooded roads or underpasses.
- Keep your mobile charged and follow official updates on social media.
- Contact WASA helpline or Rescue 1122 for emergencies.
Rain Emergency Declared in Rawalpindi
Following hours of heavy rainfall, the District Administration has declared a “Rain Emergency.” Teams from WASA, RWMC, and Rescue 1122 have been deployed in multiple areas to clear rainwater and unclog drains.
Emergency Measures in Place
| Department | Action Taken |
|---|---|
| WASA | Pumps deployed to remove standing water from main roads. |
| RWMC | Cleaning drains and garbage collection in rain-affected zones. |
| District Police | Diverting traffic and ensuring public safety at flood-prone points. |
| Rescue 1122 | Emergency response units on standby 24/7. |
Other Affected Areas in Punjab
Besides Rawalpindi, several districts of Punjab have also experienced moderate to heavy rain over the past 24 hours, including:
- Lahore – low-lying areas flooded near Lakshmi Chowk and Shahdara.
- Gujranwala – heavy rain caused traffic jams and power outages.
- Faisalabad – intermittent showers since midnight.
- Murree – mountain slopes slippery, landslide alerts issued.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA Punjab) has directed district administrations to remain on high alert and keep rescue equipment ready.
Impact on Daily Life
The continuous downpour has caused:
- Traffic disruptions across Murree Road and GT Road.
- Power outages in some localities.
- Delayed train and bus schedules.
- Flooding in residential colonies and market areas.
While the holiday offers temporary relief, citizens are advised to exercise maximum caution and avoid unnecessary movement until conditions improve.
Statement by Deputy Commissioner Arsalan Khattak
In his official statement, DC Rawalpindi Arsalan Khattak said:
“The city has recorded nearly 199 mm of rainfall, and heavy showers are likely to continue for the next few hours. The public is requested to remain indoors and cooperate with district teams managing the rain emergency.”
His office has also set up a control room to monitor flood-prone areas and coordinate with relief teams for prompt action.
Government Response and Relief Operations
The Punjab government has activated rain relief units across affected districts and ordered WASA and Rescue 1122 to stay alert round-the-clock.
Key Government Steps
- Deployment of de-watering pumps in major markets.
- Emergency contact numbers shared for public assistance.
- Monitoring teams assigned to critical infrastructure sites.
- Coordination with PMD for real-time weather alerts.
The government has urged the public to report any emergency situation via helplines and to avoid spreading unverified news on social media.
What to Expect Next
The PMD’s forecast suggests that the monsoon system will continue to affect Punjab for the next few days.
There may be further announcements of holidays or early closures if the rainfall intensifies in other districts.
Citizens should regularly check updates from:
- DC Rawalpindi’s official X account
- Punjab Relief Commissioner’s Office
- Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD)
Conclusion
The holiday announcement in Rawalpindi reflects the seriousness of the current rain emergency.
With 199 mm of rainfall recorded and more expected, the district administration has taken the right step to prioritize public safety.
Residents should follow the advisories, stay indoors, and cooperate with WASA, RWMC, and Rescue teams to ensure a safe and smooth recovery from the impact of heavy rainfall.
FAQs About Holiday Announcement
1. Which district in Punjab announced a holiday due to rain?
Rawalpindi District declared a one-day holiday on July 17, 2025, due to heavy rainfall.
2. Who made the announcement?
Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Arsalan Khattak announced the holiday via his official X account.
3. How much rainfall has been recorded so far?
The district has received approximately 199 mm of rainfall.
4. Is this holiday for schools only or all offices?
The holiday applies to schools, colleges, and government offices in Rawalpindi District.
5. When will the weather improve?
According to PMD, rainfall is expected to continue for the next 2 – 3 hours and may subside later in the evening.
