Latest news with #Eid-ul-Azha
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Suthra Punjab programme now fully operational: minister
LAHORE: Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique said that the Suthra Punjab programme has successfully moved beyond its experimental phase, and he expects that 100 percent results from the waste management companies. He conveyed these remarks while chairing a review meeting on Friday which included Punjab Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Special Secretary Asia Gul, and Additional Secretary Ahmer Kaifi. Rafique emphasised the importance of addressing the accumulation of garbage in corners, in addition to the ongoing cleanliness operations in residential areas. He directed officials to improve the waste collection process, stating that it is inadequate to collect garbage only in the morning. He advocated for a model of waste collection that operates twice daily in commercial areas. The Minister stated there will be zero tolerance for any failure to comply with directions issued by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who is currently visiting various districts. He underscored that there is no room for laxity in meeting cleanliness targets and stressed the need for better performance from field monitoring officers. 'The CEOs of waste management companies must leave their offices and conduct frequent visits to the field," he said. He referred to the exemplary measures taken during Eid-ul-Azha and suggested that the same model could be applied on ordinary days for improved results. He also mentioned that villages should be cleaned in a phased manner, and contractors are expected to deploy their full resources to ensure cleanliness in every village. He warned that action would be taken if the villages remained unclean. The meeting concluded with a decision to establish a special monitoring cell at the provincial level to oversee practical measures on a daily basis. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Business Recorder
State will ensure justice: CM terms Degari killing case ‘test case'
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Monday clarified that there was no marital relationship between the man and woman who were brutally killed in an alleged honour killing in Sanjeedi Degari, a suburb of Quetta. Terming it a 'test case' for his administration, he vowed that all those responsible for the crime would be brought to justice. Speaking at an emergency press conference in Quetta, the chief minister said that 11 suspects had so far been arrested, and law enforcement agencies were conducting raids to apprehend more. 'Whoever is involved in this case will be arrested, produced before a court, and punished in accordance with the law,' he asserted. CM Bugti rejected the widespread impression on social media that the deceased were a recently married couple. 'There was no marital relationship between the two,' he said, adding that both the woman and the man were already parents—she had five children and the man had five or six. The clarification comes in the wake of a disturbing video that went viral last week, purportedly showing the execution of the couple in the name of honour. The incident, believed to have taken place days before Eid-ul-Azha, sparked national outrage and prompted the Balochistan High Court to take suo motu notice. The chief minister said the provincial administration had taken notice of the incident even before the video gained attention on social media. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice, stating that the state would not abandon the oppressed. 'This case involves victims, and the state is firmly standing with them,' he said. He also confirmed that the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) concerned had been suspended for negligence, and further disciplinary actions would be taken against those who failed in their duties. Calling the Degari killings a 'test case,' Bugti stressed that no individual or group could be allowed to operate above the law. He said the incident had raised questions about the misuse of Jirga systems and tribal authority in criminal matters. 'No attempt is being made to disarm tribal society, but no society can condone such killings,' he said. 'The factors behind this crime must be uncovered. Jirgas that promote such actions are being actively stopped by the state. The government will be run under the Constitution.' In response to questions about the broader law and order situation in the province, the chief minister said that security forces had killed 10 militants in an operation conducted the previous day. 'These terrorists seek soft targets and attempt to flee after carrying out attacks. But our forces are effectively countering them,' he said. Bugti criticised elements that he claimed were exaggerating the security threat in Balochistan, stating that the situation was gradually improving. 'The people should not be afraid. We are defeating terrorism and will restore peace across the province.'
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pakistan: Viral video shows 'honour killing' in Balochistan desert; 11 held
A shocking video has gone viral on social media showing a couple being murdered in broad daylight in Balochistan, allegedly over an "illicit" relationship. The footage shows a group of men taking the couple out from vehicles into a desert area, where they are gunned down at close range. In the video, the woman, her head covered with a shawl, can be seen walking ahead of a man while a crowd looks on. Speaking in Brahvi, a local language, she says, "You are only allowed to fire at me, nothing else," before she is shot multiple times. She collapses after the third shot, with several more gunshots heard afterward. The incident, believed to have taken place three days before Eid-ul-Azha, has drawn widespread outrage across Pakistan. Civil society groups, religious leaders, and political figures have condemned the killings, demanding swift justice. Balochistan chief minister Sarfaraz Bugti confirmed on Monday that 11 people have been arrested in connection with the crime. An FIR was registered by Station House Officer Naveed Akhtar at Quetta's Hanna-Urak police station after the video surfaced online. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly condemned the act, calling the accused 'beasts' who deserve no leniency.
Business Recorder
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
64,553 cashless transactions recorded in cattle markets
KARACHI: In a major push towards digital financial inclusion, a total of 64,553 cashless transactions amounting to Rs 4.656 billion were recorded in cattle markets across the country under the 'Go Cashless' initiative, launched by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The drive aims to promote the adoption of digital payment solutions in livestock trading, marking a significant step toward a more transparent and efficient financial ecosystem. In this regard, SBP Banking Services Corporation (SBP BSC), hosted an award ceremony on July 16, 2025, in Karachi to honour high-performing banks for their outstanding contributions to the Go Cashless in Cattle Markets Campaign 2025. Managing Director of SBP Banking Services Corporation, Maraj Mahmood while addressing the ceremony, appreciated the efforts of the participating banks and acknowledged their key role in promoting digital financial services in the country. Furthermore, Executive Director, Digital Financial Services Group, SBP, Sohail Javaad also addressed the ceremony and highlighted SBP's efforts in promoting a digital economy. Launched before Eid-ul-Azha, the Go Cashless campaign aimed to promote Digital Financial Services (DFS) and reduce reliance on cash transactions in urban cattle markets. With the participation of 24 partner banks, the campaign was successfully implemented in 54 major cattle markets across Pakistan, resulting in 64,553 transactions valued at Rs. 4.656 billion. This campaign was highly appreciated by the buyers and sellers in the cattle markets, as it reduced their reliance on cash. In recognition of the regional impact of campaign, SBP field offices have also organized recognition ceremonies for participating banks in their respective regions. These efforts underscore SBP's dedication to promoting financial inclusion through innovative digital initiatives. Digital payment systems play a vital role in modern economies by offering transparency, reducing fraud risks, and providing secure, convenient, and inclusive access to financial services. Initiatives like Go Cashless are crucial in building trust and driving the adoption of digital platforms among a wide range of users, including livestock buyers and sellers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab PA Speaker distributes cheques among sanitation workers
LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan distributed award cheques among hardworking sanitation workers in Kasur under the 'Suthra Punjab Programme' initiated by the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in recognition of their excellent cleanliness arrangements during Eid-ul-Azha. On this occasion, the Speaker not only distributed the award cheques on behalf of the Punjab government but also announced an equal amount of personal reward for each worker — a gesture that was warmly appreciated by the attendees. Addressing the workers, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan paid tribute to the leadership of the Government of Punjab and stated that the vision of public service envisioned by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is now being implemented in letter and spirit. The successful execution of the 'Suthra Punjab' initiative is a prime example of this. The Speaker commended the efforts of the Suthra Punjab workers, stating that hardworking individuals are the backbone of a province's progress and development. 'Loyal and dedicated individuals like you are our pride,' he said. 'The true beauty of our society lies in the hands that serve silently and selflessly.' Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan especially acknowledged the commitment, discipline, and sense of duty demonstrated by these workers during the Eid holidays. 'Their performance is truly commendable,' he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
