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Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
I-Day celebrations turn disruptive
A sea of green and white drapes a street in Rawalpindi's Urdu Bazaar as vendors display a variety of flags, banners, and other patriotic merchandise ahead of Pakistan's Independence Day. PHOTO: AGHA MAHROZ/EXPRESS As Independence Day (August 14) approaches, the streets and neighbourhoods of Rawalpindi have descended into a cacophony of noise, with children and boisterous youths causing widespread disturbance through the use of high-decibel air horns and firecrackers. The incessant and often startling racket has severely disrupted daily life, particularly for women, children, and pedestrians. Groups of young motorcyclists have been observed blasting these horns at full volume while weaving through traffic, often without warning. This reckless conduct has led to several near misses and minor traffic accidents, as startled drivers struggle to maintain control. Across both Rawalpindi and Islamabad, makeshift stalls have proliferated in residential markets and commercial centres, openly selling these dangerously loud horns and Chinese firecrackers in significant quantities. The noise typically begins early in the morning and persists until midnight, turning many areas into virtual war zones of sound. This relentless barrage of noise has led to frequent disputes in residential areas, some of which have escalated into physical altercations resulting in injuries. Despite the mounting tension and risk, the practice shows no sign of abating. Influenced by the older youths, even young children have begun purchasing these horns using their pocket money. Their use has spread across marketplaces, shopping malls, and recreational spaces throughout the city. The cost of these noisemakers has risen since last year. Small horns are currently being sold for Rs70100, medium and large variants for Rs250, while full-size, high-decibel horns fetch up to Rs350. These are readily available at almost every street stall. Firecrackers, too, have seen a price surgewith smaller boxes retailing at Rs100, and louder, premium varieties selling for Rs200. In every corner of Rawalpindi, the shrill "paa-paa" and "dzz-dzz" of horns and firecrackers have reached a deafening crescendo. Stallholder Asad Satti noted that demand remains exceptionally high. "Young people, children, even women, are buying them in bulk. Whatever stock we bring in sells out the same day. It's peak season for us," he explained. Deputy Medical Superintendent at Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, Dr Inayat, warns prolonged exposure to such loud noise can seriously damage hearing, especially in infants, toddlers, and the elderly. "Blasting these horns near people or animals can have dangerous consequences. Avoiding them altogether is the safest option," he advised. The medic described the issue as a broader societal problem that requires coordinated intervention by both the government and civil society. He further suggested that a ban on the manufacture and sale of high-decibel horns could yield meaningful results. Nevertheless, as Independence Day draws nearer, the volume, frequency, and intensity of these disruptive sounds continue to growprompting rising concern among citizens, healthcare professionals, and safety advocates alike.
Express Tribune
22-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Rawalpindi completes Leh dredging
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 Ahead of the monsoon season, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has completed the desilting of Nullah Leh, a key flood channel in Rawalpindi. The project, launched on May 8 with heavy machinery and manpower, concluded recently and cost Rs80 million, funded by the Punjab government. The effort aims to ensure that major water flow during the monsoon can pass through Nullah Leh to the Soan River without causing urban flooding. Seven machines will remain stationed along the channel's banks until September as a precautionary measure. The 8-kilometre-long channel and 15 adjoining sewerage drains within Rawalpindi were cleared of silt, with efforts focused on increasing depth, removing blockages near bridges and culverts, and ensuring uninterrupted water flow. The project underwent two third-party inspectionsby the secretary of housing and the commissioner's teamwith a third inspection scheduled by the Federal Flood Commission. WASA also inspected all its monsoon-related machinery and launched a simultaneous cleaning operation for 15 city drains, expected to be completed by June 30. Additionally, it is working to clean and cover all open manholes, with a six-hour response time for complaint resolution. Preparations for the monsoon also include the establishment of one control room at the WASA headquarters and five emergency camps across the city.
Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Heat drives surge in demand for net curtains
A labourer carries brightly coloured rolls of net curtains on his shoulders for sale on City Saddar Road, aiming to attract customers seeking relief from the scorching heat and protection against insects. PHOTO: AGHA MAHROZ /EXPRESS Amid the ongoing intense summer heat, the demand and prices of colourful net curtains have soared in markets across the city. Residents and shopkeepers are increasingly buying these curtains to cover doors, windows, balconies, courtyards, and lawns, seeking relief from the heat and protection from insects, despite a noticeable hike in prices. Street vendors have also started selling these net curtains. The curtains are available in various colours, including white, blue, red, green, orange, and black. The most basic variety is being sold at Rs450 per meter, while slightly better quality costs Rs650. Good quality curtains are priced at Rs850 per meter, and the highest-quality colourful net curtains are available for Rs1,050 per meter. Stitching charges, depending on the size of windows or doors, are around Rs350. Apart from residential use, many people who keep livestock or pets have begun installing these curtains in animal enclosures to prevent mosquitoes and insects from entering. A large number of people are installing these beautiful net curtains on their balconies. They are also being used to cover water tanks on rooftops to prevent colour fading. These curtains are also in high demand in government and private hospitals, clinics, and dengue wards to prevent mosquito breeding. With the summer heat peaking in May, June, and July, demand for these curtains is expected to remain high. Large shops also have a high demand for the installation of these curtains. A resident, Agha Qizilbash, noted that the prices of net curtains have increased by 30 to 35 per cent compared to last year. However, their installation can significantly reduce the intensity of direct sunlight and provide shade, which is beneficial for livestock and birds. Shahbaz Ali, a street vendor, shared that last year the prices ranged from Rs300 to Rs800 per meter, depending on quality. This year, prices have risen significantly, now starting at Rs450 and going up to Rs1,050 per meter. He attributed the surge to the prolonged heatwave, rising temperatures, and the burden of increased taxes and duties on imported materials. Ali starts selling curtains from the end of May, and it's currently at their peak. After June, the sales of net curtains typically decline.
Express Tribune
06-06-2025
- 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.
