Latest news with #HasanWaqarCheema
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Airlines return to Pak skies
Air traffic has returned to normal following recent disruptions caused by Pakistan-India conflict. All international airlines have resumed operations through Pakistan's airspace – except for Indian carriers, which remain restricted. Talking to media at the Lahore Press Club, Director of Public Relations for the Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA), Saifullah, said that international airlines had temporarily rerouted flights during the recent escalation but have since returned to their regular routes. He confirmed that, as per the government's directive, Pakistan's airspace will remain closed to Indian airlines until June 24. Skardu Airport is being upgraded while a new system is being introduced at Chitral and Gilgit Airport. Under a new system, flight operations will continue regardless of weather conditions, said the PAA director. He said bird strike incidents had gone down by 15 per cent in Karachi, while 36 such incidents were reported in Lahore. The PAA official said the authority will run a drive in collaboration with the local governments to dispose of offal during Eidul Azha. He said that there was a policy to outsource airports. Meanwhile, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has imposed a ban on flying drones, kites, pigeons, and other objects around Islamabad Airport. The restriction is placed following bird strike incidents, which cause damage to aircraft, and will remain in effect for a month. The areas around the Noor Khan Airbase and Qasim Airbase will also come under the restriction. Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema has issued a notification under Section 144. Besides, there is also a ban on aerial firing for a month.
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.
