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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Eid exodus overwhelms bus, train stations
Rawalpindi Railway Station is crowded with travellers departing for their ancestral villages and towns to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. PHOTO: AGHA MAHROZ/EXPRESS The bus stands and railway stations in the twin cities have become immensely crowded as non-resident workers leave to spend Eid Holidays with their loved ones in their hometowns. The exodus has led to a massive crowd at transportation hubs, including the Rawalpindi railway station, General Bus Stand Pir Wadhai and other smaller and larger transportation terminals. Transporters took advantage of the situation by significantly increasing fares, leading to disputes and altercations with passengers throughout the day. Surprisingly, no special Eid trains are operating from Rawalpindi this year, and neither are there any 20 per cent discounted tickets like in the past. Passengers were informed that the discount would only be applicable during the Eid holidays and not before. Transporters have increased fares by Rs100 to Rs 150 for various routes, including Peshawar, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Jhang, Sialkot, Bahawalpur, Mardan and Kohat. Although the railway has reduced fares by up to 20 per cent for all trains, passengers have complained about being charged Rs90 in excess. The fare from Rawalpindi to Lahore is Rs1,140. Trains from Rawalpindi to Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar are fully booked, with passengers struggling to secure seats. Those who could not find seats on buses headed to the railway station. Traffic of travellers crowds the Rawalpindi and Chaklala railway stations, particularly for those heading to Karachi and Multan. In addition, local transport, including buses and coaches, have been diverted to long routes due to Eid which has caused difficulties for people travelling within districts and nearby areas.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
WAPDA issuesinflow, outflow data for water reservoirs
A destitute couple braves the polluted waters of Nullah Leh in Rawalpindi, searching for discarded items to salvage in Dhok Ratta, Rawalpindi. PHOTO: AGHA MAHROZ/EXPRESS The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has issued inflow and outflow data of water in rivers and water reservoirs. According to statistics issued by Wapda, the water inflow at Tarbela Dam in Indus River was recorded at 1,76,600 cusec and outflow at 1,26,900 cusec, while the water inflow and outflow at Nowshera in Kabul River was registered at 43,000 cusec and 43,000 cusec. Likewise, water inflow and outflow at Khairabad Bridge stood at 1,36,900 cusec and 1,36,900 cusec; inflow and outflow at Mangla in Jhelum River, 43,300 cusec and 18,000 cusec; inflow and outflow at Marala in Chenab, 46,100 cusec and 20,400 cusec. The minimum operating level of Tarbela Dam was recorded at 1402 feet, current level of water in the reservoir at 1473.21 feet, and the maximum level of water storage at 1,550 feet. Similarly, the minimum operating level of Mangla was recoded at 1050 feet, current level of water in the reservior at 1154.90 feet, and the maximum level of water storage at 1,242 feet. In addition, the minimum operating level of Chashma Barrage was recorded as 638.15 feet, current level of water in the reservoir at 644.40 feet, and the maximum level of water storage at 649 feet. The recent escalation between Pakistan and India has brought the water reservoirs into limelight as India threatened to suspend the World Bank-brokered Indus Waters Treaty unilaterally.
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Authorities enforce waste management regulations
A destitute couple braves the polluted waters of Nullah Leh in Rawalpindi, searching for discarded items to salvage in Dhok Ratta, Rawalpindi. PHOTO: AGHA MAHROZ/EXPRESS The Directorate of Solid Waste Management has informed citizens that the Islamabad Territory Solid Waste Management Regulations 2023 are being strictly enforced to maintain high cleanliness and safety standards in the city. Under these regulations, dumping waste, including garbage, construction debris or other materials in streets, green belts, waterways or public spaces within Islamabad's limits is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, in accordance with the regulations, legal action will be taken against those who throw shopping bags or trash from vehicles onto roads while travelling. Similarly, discharging water, sewage or burning solid waste such as garbage on streets, roads or public spaces is also illegal. Section 22 of the regulations states that any such or similar actions are against the law. All residents, housing societies, and private sector and other segments of society are also requested to dispose of waste and garbage only in designated bins. Violators will face legal action and fines under the regulations without further notice. The helpline numbers 1334 and 9213908 along with WhatsApp number 0335-5001213 are being shared with the public.
Express Tribune
18-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Underpass projects on Mall Road see 60% work
The Cantonment Board Rawalpindi has mounted a huge clock at Telegraph Chowk, Mall Road. Photo: AGHA MAHROZ/EXPRESS Construction work on two underpasses and an underground pedestrian route along Rawalpindi's Mall Road has reached 60 per cent completion, with traffic expected to resume on the corridor by June. Launched in mid-February 2025 under the supervision of Punjab's Communication and Works (C&W) Department, the projectexecuted by NESPAK and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO)aims to create signal-free passage between TM Chowk and Mall Plaza Chowk, along with a pedestrian tunnel between Medicine Market and the AFIC-Cantonment Board Office. The cost of this segment stands at Rs4.38 billion. Officials from C&W Department state that the work is progressing rapidly, with efforts underway to wrap up construction by the end of June 2025. Once completed, these areas will see uninterrupted traffic flow, including adjustments at Shalimar Chowk to facilitate signal-free movement. Meanwhile, the PC-1 for a major extensionflyovers and additional underpasses at the congested Kutchery Chowkis in its final planning phase. The project is expected to cost between Rs8 to 8.5 billion and has been included in Punjab's Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the 202526 fiscal year. Funding approval will pave the way for awarding construction contracts. Efforts are also underway to include the proposed Rs1.5 billion Qasim Market Underpass project in the upcoming ADP. The Qasim Market junction currently sees severe congestion, with vehicle queues often stretching up to half a kilometre during peak hours. Currently, round-the-clock work is ongoing with a target to complete the ongoing phase within four and a half months.
Express Tribune
30-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Shopping frenzy grips markets
Women explore the bustling jewelry stores of Moti Bazaar, Rawalpindi, in search of the perfect accessories to complete their Eid outfits. PHOTO: AGHA MAHROZ/EXPRESS The last Sunday before Eid which also marks Chand Raat (Eid's eve) is witnessing overwhelming crowds in commercial centres. Security has been heightened, with the deployment of female security personnel, bicycle patrol squads, and female police commandos in the markets. Rawalpindi's largest women-only shopping hub, Moti Bazaar, has become completely congested due to an overwhelming number of female shoppers. The movement has become difficult, and incidents of pickpocketing by female thieves have surged 24 women reported their purses stolen in a single day. Police arrested two female pickpockets in connection with the thefts. To control the situation, authorities have banned young men from entering Moti Bazaar after repeated complaints of harassment. Now, only men accompanying female family memberswives, sisters, or daughtersare allowed access on Saturday and Chand Raat. With Eid just days away, shopping in the twin cities has reached its peak, resulting in massive traffic congestion across commercial hubs. In Rawalpindi, roads leading to Commercial Market, Chandni Chowk, Rehmanabad, Raja Bazaar, Fawara Chowk, Bani Chowk, and Moti Bazaar are witnessing severe gridlock, making both vehicle movement and pedestrian access difficult. Temporary stalls set up by vendors have further clogged market spaces, especially with the closure of Ramazan discount bazaars. Traffic jams are worsening as parking spaces are consumed by motorcycles and cars, leaving no room for pedestrians. While thousands flock to buy Eid essentials, the surge in demand has driven up the prices of garments, shoes, and artificial jewellery, making shopping even more expensive. Many markets, including those in Saddar and Commercial Market, now remain open from 10am until 5am to accommodate late-night shoppers. Despite heavy deployment of traffic wardens and police, the traffic system has collapsed due to overcrowding. Special squads of female police officers on bicycles and scooters were introduced for security, but they have been criticised for focusing more on social media activities than law enforcement. Shoppers continue to pour in from Iftar until Sehri, causing severe vehicle congestion throughout the night. In key shopping hubs such as Tench Bhatta, Bank Road, Kashmir Road, and Ghakkar Plaza, unregulated parking, illegal stalls, and street vendors have exacerbated the chaos. According to Traders Association Vice Chairman Hammad Qureshi, the situation is dire due to the lack of parking management and traffic regulation. box Matching bangles in high demand our correspondent ISLAMABAD. As Ramazan nears its end, markets are bustling with women eagerly searching for matching bangles, a cherished part of their Eid celebrations. Shopkeepers have adorned their stalls with a dazzling array of colours and intricate designs, while the rhythmic clinking of glass and metal fills the air. According to a report aired by a private news channel, women across the twin cities are flocking to market stalls, carefully selecting bangles to complement their Eid outfits. The vibrant tradition of wearing matching bangles on Eid is deeply rooted in South Asian culture, symbolizing joy, festivity, and good fortune. Shopkeepers note that demand surges every year during the final days of Ramazan, with many believing that the melodious sound of clinking bangles brings prosperity and happiness. This cultural staple remains a must-have accessory, adding a touch of tradition to modern Eid fashion. Women of all ages take great pride in selecting the perfect matching bangles that complement their Eid outfits. As the demand for matching bangles surges during Ramadan, vendors and shopkeepers stock up on an array of designs, colours and materials to cater to diverse tastes and preferences, said a shopkeeper in Islamabad. "Women come from all over to find the perfect matching bangles and we take great pride in helping them make their Eid celebrations even more special," said a vendor. The prices of matching bangles vary greatly, depending on the material, design, and quality. Traditional glass bangles are relatively affordable, starting from as low as Rs500 to Rs1000 while high-end metal and crystal designs can cost upwards of Rs5,000. Despite the varying prices, women are willing to splurge on the perfect matching bangles. "For me, Eid is not just about celebrating the end of Ramazan, but also about looking and feeling my best," said a young woman shopping for matching bangles. "I am willing to spend a little extra to find the perfect bangles that will complete my Eid outfit." As Ramazan draws to a close, the demand for matching bangles is expected to peak.
