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Express Tribune
5 days ago
- General
- Express Tribune
Rawalpindi goes full 'bakra mode'
Women and children gather around a bull destined for sacrifice as part of the Eidul Azha rituals, on the greenbelt of Sector G-6, Islamabad. PHOTO: RAJA ZAFAR/EXPRESS A record number of citizens headed to cattle markets to purchase sacrificial animals of their choice on Thursday. A large number of animals have already arrived for sale at all 23 small and large cattle markets across the city and district. The markets will remain open from 8am to 2am late at night. As Eidul Azha draws closer, despite official restrictions, the sale of small and large sacrificial animals has started in marketplaces, street corners and vacant plots across the city effectively turning the entire city into a livestock market. In Rawalpindi, animals are being sold on major roads, intersections and within densely populated residential areas. Due to the central cattle market at Bhatta Chowk being located 20 to 25 kilometres from the city and the resulting high transportation costs, many citizens are now preferring to buy animals from local neighbourhoods and nearby areas. After the district administration's announcement, the District Council has also declared six official cattle market sites within its jurisdiction, leading to a heavy influx of animals in these areas as well. Currently, cattle markets are active across Rawalpindi city and its outskirts including Ghazni Road, Bagh Sardaran, Pirwadhai, IJP Road, New Katarian, Dhok Hassu, Dhok Dalal, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, Railway Road Bakery Chowk, the area behind the High Court, Swan Camp, Rawat, GT Road, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, Chohar Chowk, Chungi No. 22, Bakra Mandi, Dhok Syedan Road, Chaklala, Dhok Lalyal, Bhatta Mandi, Rahimabad Bridge, Tarnol Phatak, Peshawar Road Pirwadhai, Dhok Chohdrian Car Chowk, and in the tehsils of Chhani Pul, Gujar Khan, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, Kotli Sattian and Taxila. Traffic jams are widespread around market areas and adjacent roads. The large number of loader vehicles, rickshaws and Qingqi rickshaws has made it difficult for people to move and even ambulances are getting stuck in traffic. Due to the constant arrival and departure of animals, the roads inside and around the cattle markets are littered with animal waste. Although traffic wardens have been deployed, the situation has spiralled out of control due to the overwhelming rush. Meanwhile, animal prices are skyrocketing. Bulls and cows are being sold for between Rs300,000 to Rs1.5 million, goats and sheep range from Rs150,000 to Rs500,000, while camels are priced between Rs500,000 and Rs1.5 million. Markets choked with Eid rush Our Correspondent RAWALPINDI: Due to the heavy Eidul Azha shopping rush, traffic came to a standstill across all commercial centres, markets, and plazas in Rawalpindi. With today being both Friday and Chand Raat (the night before Eid), additional security arrangements have been made in the markets. All major shopping areas will remain open until 2am tonight. Saddar bazaars have been made one-way to manage the flow. Severe congestion was reported in Commercial Market, Murree Road, Saddar, Tench Bhatta, Bara Market, Raja Bazaar, and Moti Bazaar — the latter being a popular shopping spot for women. Pedestrian movement became extremely difficult due to overcrowding. Incidents of purse snatching in Moti Bazaar have increased, prompting the deployment of female police officers in the area. On Thursday as well, markets remained packed with shoppers, with widespread encroachments and traffic jams. Despite the presence of traffic wardens, they were rendered ineffective due to the chaos. Illegal parking further worsened the situation. High demand pushes up slaughter charges Our Correspondent RAWALPINDI: With just one day left before Eidul Azha, butchers in Rawalpindi have significantly hiked their charges for slaughtering sacrificial animals, setting new records in rates. Due to high demand, bookings for the first day of Eid have already been closed. Butchers have introduced separate pricing for each of the three days of Eid, with further distinctions for morning and post-Maghrib (evening) slaughter. Temporary butchers from nearby areasparticularly from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's adjoining districts such as Haripur, Abbottabad, and Havelianhave also entered the market to earn during Eid. Many have shared their phone numbers and services on social media. According to current rates, slaughter and meat preparation of a cow or bull will cost Rs22,000 (in morning) and Rs20,000 (in evening), and for a goat or sheep Rs6,000 on first day of Eid. Butchers will charge Rs20,000 for cow/bull (in morning) and Rs18,000 (in evening), and Rs4,500 to Rs5,000 for goat/sheep. For the third day of Eid: rates for cow/bull will be Rs15,00016,000, and goat/sheep Rs4,000.
Express Tribune
18-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Traffic laws strictly enforced across metropolis
In a decisive move to curb escalating traffic violations and prevent road crashes, a comprehensive crackdown has been initiated on the directives of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah across the city. The campaign targets a wide spectrum of offences, from minor infractions to serious breaches of traffic law, signalling a firm stance on road safety. A detailed report presented to the chief minister by the Karachi Traffic Police outlined the extensive enforcement actions undertaken between May 9 and 16. The report revealed a significant number of violations, prompting immediate and stringent measures. Motorcycles emerged as a main focus, with 43,852 bikes impounded primarily for riders not wearing helmets. Authorities also seized 3,951 vehicles bearing fancy number plates or tinted windows. Furthermore, 685 heavy and light vehicles were impounded for diverse traffic law violations, underscoring the broad scope of the crackdown. Vehicle fitness was another critical area of intervention. The traffic police recommended the cancellation of registration for 25 vehicles deemed unfit for road use and proposed the temporary suspension of registration for an additional 663 vehicles. For more severe offences, 22 formal challans were issued. The chief minister was also briefed on the outcomes of a targeted operation against Qingqi and motorcycle rickshaws, conducted from April 16 to May 16, 2025. This campaign specifically focused on 11 designated model roads where these vehicles are banned to operate. The report indicated that 194 FIRs were registered against drivers for violating the ban, engaging in reckless driving, and overspeeding. During these operations, 434 rickshaws were taken into custody, and their drivers were arrested. Additionally, 25 rickshaws were confiscated for not having any registration. Law enforcement also addressed safety hazards, taking action against 377 vehicles for illegal installation of LPG and CNG kits. In total, the intensified efforts resulted in the issuance of 12,183 tickets, aimed at enforcing regulations and promoting road safety. The chief minister has said that no leniency should be shown to those who disregard traffic laws. In a public address, he stressed the critical importance of adhering to these regulations, emphasising, "Traffic rules are not mere guidelines; they are essential safeguards for your life and the lives of others."
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Drive against illegal vehicles: 311 rickshaws, bike-rickshaws seized
KARACHI: The Sindh government has seized 311 rickshaws and motorcycle-rickshaws and arrested an equal number of drivers during its ongoing crackdown on illegal transport vehicles. Senior Sindh Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the crackdown on Qingqi rickshaws and motorcycle rickshaws has been under way on 11 model roads in Karachi since April 16, 2025. The broader campaign against illegal and substandard transport, which began on April 9, 2025, on the directives of the Sindh government, is also continuing vigorously. He said that during the crackdown, action was also taken against vehicles with fancy number plates, tinted windows, and other illegal modifications. A total of 515 heavy and light transport vehicles were seized for violating traffic rules. He stated that 31,677 motorcycles were seized for various violations. Additionally, 25 vehicles were recommended for cancellation of registration, while registration of 491 vehicles were temporarily suspended and later released under specific conditions. He said that, so far during the crackdown, 104 FIRs have been registered under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code for violating government orders. One FIR has been filed under Section 279 for speeding and reckless driving, while 33 cases have been registered under Section 341 for obstructing public roads. Additionally, 23 unregistered motorcycle rickshaws have been seized. Memon added that 32 illegal LPG/ CNG kits have been confiscated, and challans have been issued to 7,069 vehicles. He said that the aim of the crackdown is to provide citizens with a safe, organised, and law-abiding transport system. Qingqi rickshaws and unregistered motorcycle rickshaws were disrupting traffic flow and posing a threat to public safety and property. Memon emphasized the government's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against illegal modifications and traffic violations, stating that no one will be allowed to act unlawfully on the roads. He said that they want all vehicles to be registered with the Transport Department, possess a fitness certificate, and have drivers who are fully trained and licensed. Citizens are urged to avoid travelling in illegal vehicles and report violations to the authorities. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
LHC signals crackdown on Qingqi rickshaw factories
Listen to article The Lahore High Court on Thursday indicated it may seal factories manufacturing Qingqi rickshaws as part of a broader crackdown on environmental pollution and traffic-related issues in the provincial capital. The remarks came during a hearing on petitions related to the government's measures against smog. Justice Shahid Karim expressed frustration over traffic congestion caused by ongoing protests on Mall Road, stating, 'Protest and dialogue do not mean the entire city should come to a standstill.' 'Demonstrations have been ongoing on the streets for days. Speak to the protestors and find an alternative location for them,' Justice Karim told the Assistant Advocate General. 'Blocking a single road is impacting traffic across the city,' he added. Justice Karim also highlighted the growing impact of climate change, noting that Punjab experienced three extreme weather events in April alone, intense heat, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms. 'We must find a long-term solution to this,' he remarked. During the proceedings, Lahore's Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Azhar Waheed presented a report regarding action against street beggars, emphasising the need for dedicated legislation. Justice Karim agreed, saying, 'The court has long stressed the necessity of permanent legal reforms.' CTO Waheed also informed the court that a request to ban Qingqi rickshaws had been forwarded to the Home Department. In response, Justice Karim stated that the court would temporarily halt licensing for Qingqi rickshaw manufacturers. 'Manufacturers must ensure compliance with transport regulations within three months or face closure,' he warned. CTO Waheed added that Qingqi rickshaws have contributed to several fatal accidents. 'These vehicles are causing deaths,' he said. Justice Karim instructed the Punjab government's counsel to issue a three-month notice to rickshaw manufacturers. 'There must be a ban on illegal Qingqi rickshaws. A summary should be sent to the Chief Minister next week,' he ordered. The court also noted that increased traffic due to protests worsens air pollution. 'Just 10 minutes of gridlock can significantly raise pollution levels. With rising heatwaves expected in the coming days, the situation must be improved,' Justice Karim said. CTO Waheed reported that 10 people had died in Qingqi-related accidents. 'It is critical to bring these vehicles under control,' Justice Karim concluded. The court emphasised that without immediate regulation, Qingqi rickshaws would spread unchecked across the city. 'If necessary, factories producing them should be shut down,' it said, directing the government to submit a summary to the Chief Minister and report back at the next hearing. The court adjourned the proceedings until 25 April.
Arab News
08-04-2025
- Arab News
8 killed, 12 injured in road accident in Pakistan's Faisalabad district
ISLAMABAD: Eight people were killed and 12 others injured in a road accident when a bus collided with a rickshaw in Pakistan's eastern Faisalabad district on Sunday, state-run media reported. Fatal road accidents are common in Pakistan where traffic rules are rarely followed and roads as well as a majority of vehicles are in poor condition. The accident occurred in Lundianwala's Lahore Road area in Faisalabad district, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported, adding that the injured were shifted to Jaranwala hospital. 'Eight people were killed and twelve others injured in a road accident near Lundianwala when a bus collided with rickshaw on Lahore road on Sunday,' Radio Pakistan said. According to a report in the Express Tribune, all the victims belonged to the same family. The accident took place when they were returning home after spending Eid holidays when the Lahore-bound bus struck the three-wheeled Qingqi rickshaw in which they were traveling due to the driver's negligence. The report said that as per eyewitnesses, the accident took place after the driver of the speeding bus attempted to overtake another vehicle and collided head-on with the rickshaw carrying the family, crushing it completely. Pakistan reports several accidents each year during the Eid holidays when people travel from all parts of the country to their hometowns to visit relatives.
