Pakistan receives record snowfall in winter

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan

Pakistan's northern and northwestern parts have witnessed record snowfall last month which would help raise the water table in the country, officials said.

"During the last one month the country's northern hilly areas received heavy snowfall -- up to six to seven feet," Abdul Wali Yousafzai, a senior officer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa irrigation department told Anadolu Agency

This is the heaviest snowfall in 48 years, he added.

According to the met department, the country's northern mountains received heavy snowfall in January and the first week of February.

"Snowfall and rain will not only help to raise our water table but also be beneficial for our forests that had been affected by a drought," he added.

Prime Minister Imran Khan welcomed the rain and snow calling it a "blessing from God".

"[...] the rainfall will raise the water table while the snow will melt into our river," Khan tweeted.

Pakistan is running out of fresh water at an alarming rate, experts say, which could spell disaster for the agriculture-based economy.