Police, Rangers on high alert as rains lash city

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Apr, 2026) Sindh Police and Pakistan Rangers Sindh have been placed on high alert across Karachi following ongoing rains on Thursday, with authorities directing swift rescue measures, traffic management and public safety precautions.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Javed Alam Odho on Thursday directed district police and field officers to immediately move into the field and ensure prompt assistance to citizens stranded due to rain. He emphasised that alternative traffic routes should be identified without delay in low-lying and inundated areas to maintain vehicular flow.

The IGP instructed that rescue and traffic management efforts be closely supervised by the Additional IGP Karachi, while police presence be enhanced at sensitive locations during the spell of rain. He further directed traffic police to remain alert on major arteries and ensure smooth movement.

He said coordination with rescue agencies must be maintained to effectively respond to any emergency, adding that citizens should be prevented from approaching electric poles and other hazardous sites. The IGP also called for timely public updates through social media and FM radio, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the rains.

Police control rooms have been put on high alert with instructions to ensure immediate redressal of complaints, while relevant authorities are to be contacted promptly in case of drainage issues, he added.

Meanwhile, Additional IGP Karachi Azad Khan, taking notice of the situation, ordered all field commanders to remain present in their respective areas and continuously monitor developments. Traffic police were directed to adopt effective measures to maintain flow during and after the rains, with diversions at waterlogged points.

Police patrol vehicles have been equipped with necessary tools, including tubes and equipment to recover stranded vehicles, to provide immediate assistance to commuters. Officers have also been directed to maintain close coordination with the city administration to ensure timely response in emergencies.

A Karachi Police spokesperson urged the public to avoid exposed electrical wires, poles, trees and signboards during the rains, advising citizens to take precautionary measures. In case of emergency, citizens may contact Police Madadgar on 15 or traffic helpline 1915.

Separately, a spokesperson for Pakistan Rangers Sindh said the force had been fully mobilized to ensure public safety and timely rescue during the rains. He said comprehensive arrangements had been made to tackle any potential emergency, including urban flooding.

Monitoring in low-lying areas has been intensified, with rapid response teams deployed to ensure swift assistance, the spokesperson added. He said coordination with relevant institutions had been strengthened, while Rangers were assisting in security and traffic management at sensitive points.

The spokesperson urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise caution in low-lying areas and stay away from electrical installations and exposed wires. He also advised the public to rely only on verified information and immediately contact nearby helplines or security personnel in case of any emergency.

Pakistan Rangers Sindh remain fully prepared at all times to safeguard and assist the public, the spokesperson added.