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Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Eight cattle markets approved for Pindi
Rawalpindi divisional administration has approved eight designated cattle markets across the district ahead of Eidul Azha, while imposing a strict ban on animal sales along roads and in unauthorized locations. In a move to ensure hygiene and safety, only certified healthy animals will be allowed for sale. The sale of sick or weak animals has been outlawed, and vendors found violating the directive will face legal action and confiscation of livestock. Traders from South Punjab have complained about excessive entry fees being forcibly collected at the main Bhata Chowk market. According to traders, contractors are charging Rs7,000 per large animal instead of the official Rs3,000, and Rs6,000 per small animal instead of Rs2,000. Despite the high transportation costs from 600 kilometres away, sellers say they are left with no option but to comply, pushing up the overall cost of sacrificial animals. Contractor representatives responded by saying they are recovering the costs of winning a high-value contract. Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak has also ordered that all cattle markets must be equipped with disinfectants, regular spraying, and fire brigade presence for emergencies. Traffic police have been directed to implement traffic management plans around the markets. According to official circulars, three cattle markets have been set up in Tehsil Rawalpindi: the main Bhata Chowk market in Rawalpindi Cantt, another near Koh-e-Noor Mill, and one in Mouza Ranyal near Fatima Jinnah University Campus on Chakri Road. Additional markets will operate at Kallar Syedan Road, near Mankiala Bridge, Gulyana Road, near the slaughterhouse in Tehsil Gujar Khan, Sharif Hospital Stop, GT Road, and Timber Market Road in Tehsil Taxila, Mangal Bypass in Tehsil Kallar Syedan, and Chan Shah Jaliar, Tangi Road in Tehsil Kahuta. Commissioner Khattak has instructed all concerned authorities to ensure proper sanitation, facilities, and traffic control in all markets.
Express Tribune
18-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Water filtration plants to be transferred to PSPC
The Punjab government has decided to transfer all existing water filtration plants in the Rawalpindi division to the Punjab Saaf Pani Company to ensure the provision of clean drinking water according to health standards. New filtration plants will also be installed in areas currently without such facilities. Consultation between the Rawalpindi administration and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has been finalised. WASA will present a comprehensive report on existing and proposed filtration plants to the commissioner. At present, WASA Rawalpindi manages 127 water filtration plants within the city. In a recent meeting chaired by Commissioner Aamir Khattak and WASA MD Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, the focus was on ensuring all filtration units remain in working condition. According to sources, water filtration systems in five cities across Punjab, including Rawalpindi, will be fully transferred to the Punjab Saaf Pani Company. The company will also expand the number of plants and enforce strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including routine inspections, timely filter replacements, and machinery maintenance through an internal monitoring system.
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Patriotic marches fill Pindi streets
People from all walks of life, including businessmen, gather to celebrate the success of Operation Marka-e-Haq against India, observing Friday as Youm-e-Tashakur. PHOTO: EXPRESS In celebration of the success of the Operation Marka-e-Haq against India and the Day of Gratitude, 10 rallies were held in Rawalpindi on Friday. Rallies were also held by various organisations such as WASA, RDA, PHA, universities and the BISE, alongside flag-hoisting ceremonies. Patriotic songs were performed during the events. Prior to the rallies, flag-hoisting ceremonies took place, followed by the "Long Live Pakistan" rallies. Throughout the rallies, slogans like "Long Live Pakistan Armed Forces" and "Long Live the Air Force Shaheen" echoed in the air. The rallies were attended by Commissioner Aamir Khattak, Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, Regional Police Officer (RPO), City Police Officer (CPO), Station Commander, MNAs, Senator Tahir Orangi Zaib, Barrister Daniyal Chaudhry, Nasir Butt, Abdullah Hamid Gul, and Khan Mohammad Khan, President of Tehreek Jawan-e-Pakistan and Chairman of the Rawalpindi Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education. The central event took place at the Post Graduate Girls' Waqar-un-Nisa College, where a Civil Defence contingent presented a Guard of Honour to the guests. Participants in the rallies included officials from the Education Board, Railway Workers Union, Corporation Union, and Sanitary Workers from APCA. A large rally was also led by Shirjeel Mir from the Traders' Association. The day in Rawalpindi began with Quran Khawani. The main ceremony was attended by the Commissioner, RPO, and DC Rawalpindi, along with administrative officers. Ulama, students, teachers, and individuals from all walks of life participated in the event. A flag-hoisting ceremony was held, and MNA Tahira Orangi Zaib, said, "Today, the entire nation is thankful to Allah for granting us victory over the enemy.
Express Tribune
04-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Expensive public clock in shambles
A large clock built at a cost of millions of rupees near the Miyawaki Forest at Rialto Chowk on Murree Road in Rawalpindi stands completely broken. PHOTO: EXPRESS A decorative public clock, installed near the Miyawaki Forest at Rialto Chowk on Murree Road, is in ruins, with all its hands and battery stolen over a month ago. Despite the theft and vandalism, officials from the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) have taken no action. The clock, touted as a "game-changer beautification project" at its inauguration, was part of a costly landscape development aimed at enhancing the city's aesthetics. Built on uneven land designed in a hill-like style to make the clock visible from afar, the project cost hundreds of thousands of rupees. At the time of installation, senior officials, including the director generals of development authorities, announced plans to install similar clocks at other major intersections in Rawalpindi. However, no such initiatives have materialised since. Within just 30 days of installation, the clock was targeted by drug addicts and thieves, who removed all its components. Once a spot where passersby would stop to check the time, the broken structure now draws sarcastic smiles from citizens as they walk past. Interestingly, Commissioner Aamir Khattak and Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema regularly pass by the site but have reportedly issued no instructions to repair or remove the defunct structure. The project, which cost approximately Rs0.5 million, is now considered a financial loss. Sources say the RDA and PHA lack the funds to restore the clock and are searching for local philanthropists to sponsor the repairs. Officials told The Express Tribune that the theft has been documented and they hope to restore the clock soon. However, the culprits behind the theft remain unidentified.
Express Tribune
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Private housing societies' security under review
Authorities have begun a review of security arrangements in private housing societies across Rawalpindi under the supervision of the Divisional Intelligence Committee. According to officials, the aim is to ensure that no Afghan nationals, criminals, or terrorists are employed within these security systems. A search operation is currently underway, they said. The Rawalpindi commissioner has directed the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and other relevant departments to submit a detailed report on the existing security measures in 59 private housing societies. The review will also consider environmental safety concerns related to these arrangements. According to sources, the security systems are being examined in collaboration with the RDA, police, and other departments concerned. In a high-level meeting, Commissioner Aamir Khattak expressed serious concern over security in private housing societies and emphasised the need to prevent Afghan nationals, criminals, or terrorists from becoming part of security teams. The commissioner further stated that a thorough investigation of the security setups will be conducted. Owners of private housing societies have assured full cooperation with the authorities. The RDA director general has been tasked with ensuring implementation of the decisions taken, with strict action promised in case of non-compliance. Sources said City Police Officer Syed Khalid Hamdani has made it clear that negligence in security matters will not be tolerated. All private housing societies have been ordered to submit their security reports by this evening. Meanwhile, the Divisional Intelligence Committee is also independently probing the security networks to identify any Afghan nationals, criminals, or hidden terrorists involved. Owners have been explicitly informed that only approved security companies may be hired, and private guards are not permitted.
