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Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Liaquat Bagh echoes with patriotism
Pakistani women leading a demonstration where they are carrying the Pakistani flag after the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, in Islamabad, on May 10, 2025. — AFP A thanksgiving rally was organised by the district administration at Liaquat Bagh to celebrate Pakistan's historic military success and its strong response to Indian aggression. The rally quickly transformed into a large public gathering, attended by Rawalpindi Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and other senior officials. A significant number of political leaders, youth, traders, lawyers, civil society members, and citizens participated in the event. The crowd danced to the beat of drums, and chants of "Long Live Pakistan" echoed throughout Liaquat Bagh. Addressing the rally, PML-N leader Tahira Aurangzeb said that from Karachi to Khyber, the nation stands united with the armed forces. She praised Army Chief General Asim Munir for giving India a befitting response that, according to her, will be remembered for generations. "Whether it was 1965 or 1971, we always salute our armed forces," she added, emphasising that all political parties must unite. She clarified that Pakistan had no connection with the Pahalgam incident, stating that the Indian military action was responded to appropriately by Pakistan's forces. General (retd) Abdul Qayyum, President of the Ex-Servicemen Society, also addressed the gathering. He lauded the Pakistani troops for crushing India's dream of "Akhand Bharat" and stated that those speaking against the nation and its military had faced disappointment. "There are good people in India too, but they are misled by Indian media," he said, adding that the courage and sacrifice of Pakistani soldiers had shown the world the spirit of true martyrdom. General (retd) Qayyum recalled how Indian forces attacked Kashmir after Pakistan's creation, and how Pakistani soldiers, including the martyr Major Aziz Bhatti, defended the nation in the 1965 and 1971 wars. He also mentioned Pakistan's nuclear tests in 1999 under the former Prime Minister, attributing the achievement to the collective resolve of the nation. "From every section of society, there are patriots ready to sacrifice their lives for the country," he declared. He further stated that when India acquired Rafale jets, Pakistan's response with PL-15 missiles shook their confidence. He praised the media for presenting Pakistan's stance with dignity, especially in light of Indian actions like supporting BLA in Balochistan, launching Kulbhushan Jadhav, attacking the Samjhauta Express, and targeting Pakistani soldiers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He said the current conflict isn't just with India, but with broader adversaries including Zionist forces. "Israeli drones were seen, and their agents were even present in Srinagar. This is a defeat for Hindutva and Zionism, which they will not easily accept," he said, adding that even the US, Europe, and France acknowledge the developments from the battlefield. "France is mourning the loss of its Rafale jets," he added. He urged people not to fear, quoting the Holy Quran: "Victory is yours, as long as your faith is strong." He affirmed Pakistan's commitment to the United Nations and the Vienna Convention, and said Pakistan must continue to stand with the oppressed people of Kashmir and Palestine. The event at Liaquat Bagh was a major show of solidarity and celebration. Children, elders, students, traders, lawyers, and citizens turned out in large numbers.
Express Tribune
24-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Signal-free Mall Road to improve traffic flow
The Punjab government has decided to construct two additional underpasses on Mall Road in Rawalpindi to make it signal-free and smooth traffic flow. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday visited the ongoing GPO Underpass and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Flyover projects on Mall Road to review progress and ensure smooth traffic flow in the city. She also interacted warmly with laborers, waving to them in appreciation. During her unannounced inspection, the chief minister expressed satisfaction over the expected completion of the projects by October 31, and commended the engineers and workers involved in the development. She directed that construction quality must be maintained without compromise and also ordered the plantation of trees on both sides of the roads. On this occasion, PML-N MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Chief Secretary Zahid Zaman Akhtar, and other officials were also present. According to project officials, this initiative is part of the largest development project in Rawalpindi's history, being completed in a record timeframe. The Punjab Secretary of Communications and Works briefed the provincial chief executive on the technical details, informing her that the underpass would significantly ease road crossing for patients traveling to AFIC and MH Hospitals, and facilitate the daily movement of over 200,000 vehicles. In total, 26 kilometers of Mall Road will be made signal-free. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Flyover, starting at Khawaja Corporation, is being built at a cost of Rs2.3 billion, while the underpass project is estimated at Rs4.38b. So far, 85% of the flyover and 60% of the underpass construction has been completed. The overhead bridge piles are fully installed, 56 girders have been prepared, and 32 have already been installed on the flyover. Work on seven drainage systems is ongoing, and the flyover's boundary wall has been completed. Additionally, 2,093 piles and girders for the underpass at GPO Chowk have been completed, and a dedicated pedestrian pathway is also included in the project. Once completed, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Flyover will provide direct access to the Motorway and Rawalpindi Ring Road, benefiting approximately 79,000 vehicles daily. According to the officials concerned, 56 development projects are currently underway in the Rawalpindi Division.
