In Pakistan, massive thunderstorms and a dust storm lashed Punjab and Sindh provinces, killing at least 23 people, injuring scores of others yesterday.

According to media reports heavy rain and storm caused by a westerly wave uprooted electricity poles and trees in different parts of the country and also damaged properties.

In Balochistan province, authorities declared emergency yesterday after torrential rains and flash flooding wreaked havoc and killed at least nine persons, including a child.

In separate incidents related to the dust storm that hit Karachi, four persons, including two young girls died, an equal number of fishermen went missing and dozens of others suffered injuries.