Latest

6 official cattle markets active in Islamabad ahead of Eid ul Azha

ISLAMABAD: Animal trading continues at 6 officially established cattle markets in Islamabad ahead of Eid ul Azha, as the district administration reviewed security, traffic and cleanliness arrangements during a visit to the Sangjani cattle market.

Officials also warned that action would be taken against traders involved in animal sales outside approved locations.

Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yousaf, accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Saddar, visited the Sangjhani cattle market to inspect arrangements made for buyers, traders and transport operators.

During the visit, the Additional Deputy Commissioner General reviewed traffic management, parking facilities and cleanliness measures inside and around the market. Officials checked the movement of vehicles, availability of parking space and sanitation arrangements to ensure smooth operations during the busy trading period.

The administration also reviewed security measures at the market. Sahibzada Yousaf directed authorities to deploy additional police personnel to maintain law and order and assist visitors during trading activities.

Officials said traffic police and motorway police personnel would also remain on duty during night hours to manage vehicle flow and reduce congestion on roads leading to the market. The administration aims to avoid traffic problems and ensure safe movement for citizens visiting the cattle markets.

Speaking during the visit, the Additional Deputy Commissioner General said that animal trading is only allowed at officially approved cattle markets established by the administration. He warned that the sale and purchase of sacrificial animals at unauthorized locations would not be allowed.

Sahibzada Yousaf appealed to residents of Islamabad to purchase sacrificial animals only from government-approved cattle markets. He said official markets provide better management, security and monitoring facilities for both buyers and traders.

The administration also warned livestock traders against setting up illegal sale points in different parts of the city. Officials said strict action would be taken against traders found violating government instructions regarding unauthorized animal markets.

Authorities added that monitoring teams are actively checking different areas of the capital to prevent illegal cattle sale activities. The administration said these measures are being taken to maintain order, manage traffic flow and ensure public convenience during Eid ul Azha preparations.

District administration officials said inspections of cattle markets would continue in the coming days to review arrangements and address issues related to traffic, sanitation and security.

Latest

Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

Latest

CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

Latest

GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.