Category: 1. Pakistan

Yaum-i-Ashura processions commenced across the country on Sunday amid tight security, police said.

Yaum-i-Ashura is observed every year on Muharram 10 with solemnity to pay homage to Imam Husain — the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — and other martyrs of Karbala.

Earlier in the week, Karachi Traffic Police issued a traffic plan for Muharram 8 to 10, outlining the procession routes as well as alternative traffic flows.

Stringent security measures are being taken across the country, such as army deployment as well as a crackdown on sectarian content and hate mongers, ahead of Ashura (Muharram 10), being observed today.

In Karachi, the Ashura majlis commenced at Nishtar Park at around 8:30am, according to an alert from the police. “The number of participants is approximately 3500 to 4000 and it is being led by Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi.”

Traffic has been closed from main Numaish to MA Jinnah Road up to Kharadar Husseinia Irania Imam Bargah, with the exception of Bab-e-Urdu Chowk, Karachi traffic police said in a post on X.

A total of 7,004 police personnel are present for surveillance and security for the main procession.

Additionally, 733 NGOs, as well as senior officers of Karachi Police, and 6,271 head constables and constables are performing duty today. Expert police snipers have also been deployed alongside the main procession.

“Traffic police officers and personnel have been deployed to maintain traffic flow on the main procession routes and crossings, including alternative traffic routes arranged for the 10th Muharram procession, so as to keep the traffic flowing by keeping the public safe from any inconvenience,” said a statement from the office of Karachi’s additional inspector general of police.

“Karachi Police is providing complete security to the mourners participating in the 10th Muharram processions.”

The statement urged the public to keep an eye on their surroundings and immediately inform the police on Madadgar 15 of any suspicious or unusual situation.

Pots of Haleem were cooked at Sindh Governor House niaz distribution and distributed among the people on the instructions of Governor Kamran Tessori.

In Multan, 225 majlis and 283 processions have commenced across the city, according to commissioner Aamir Kareem Khan. More than 5,000 police personnel are providing security, and 12 vigilance teams have also been formed for monitoring.

The processions are expected to conclude at Haram Gate, where mourners will offer asr prayers.

“Special reserves are in place to deal with any kind of emergency that may arise,” said a statement from the Multan police. “In addition to rooftop duty, police personnel in white uniforms are also present on procession routes for surveillance.”

CCTV cameras have been installed at more than 180 places across Multan and are strictly monitoring the processions and gatherings , according to Deputy Commissioner Wasim Hamid Sindhu.

“Law and order across the province is being monitored from the central control room of the Home Department,” Multan City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali Dogar said.

Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 put in place several measures, including 600 rescue personnel, 15 fire tenders, 30 ambulances, 93 motorbike ambulances, and two special vehicles deployed in Multan’s Shujaabad tehsil and Jalalpur Pirwala.

Similar arrangements have been made across Punjab on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, with more than 12,000 rescuers deployed for Ashura and routine rescue operations, according to Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer.

“Across Punjab, 815 ambulances, 2,166 motorbikes, and 316 fire and rescue emergency vehicles have been deployed,” he said.

Meanwhile in Lahore, 55 emergency ambulances, 300 rescue motorbikes, 44 fire and rescue and specialised emergency vehicles have been deployed, as well as 1,350 rescuers deployed.

In Islamabad, over 4,000 police officers and personnel were deployed to ensure the safety of 12 processions and 48 religious gatherings scheduled for the day.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi is personally monitoring all security arrangements across the federal capital and supervising operations on the ground, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

A total of 57 security checkpoints have been established across Islamabad to secure processions and majalis, and more than 300 traffic officers have been deployed to ensure smooth vehicular flow and assist the public throughout the day.

“All security operations are being monitored through Safe City surveillance, body-worn cameras, drones, as well as both mobile and central control rooms,” IG Rizvi said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, saying that Ashura gives us a message of sacrifice, truthfulness, sincere determination, and standing up for the truth.

In their separate messages on Yaum-i-Ashura, they urged the nation to uphold the values and principles of fortitude and courage demonstrated by the martyrs of Karbala and to exhibit perseverance in the face of trials, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

President Zardari said that Karbala is a symbol of an eternal struggle against falsehood. “This day is not only an unparalleled story of sacrifice, loyalty, and patience but also a bright lamp that shows the path of truth and righteousness in the darkness of every era.”

In his message, PM Shehbaz said: “Karbala teaches us that although the path of truth is difficult, it is the path that leads to the pleasure of Allah Almighty and the satisfaction of hearts and eternal prosperity.”

He said the message of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) is not limited to his time but is a universal message, which even today convinces us that a Muslim stands for the truth, supports the oppressed, and advocates justice in all circumstances.

LAHORE: The Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Order reviewed security arrangements in the province for Muharram, while Chief Secretary (CS) Zahid Akhtar Zaman and IGP Dr Usman Anwar visited Multan to assess the security arrangements.

The committee reviewed security and CCTV monitoring arrangements of ongoing Ashura processions across Punjab during a meeting on Saturday.

Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi briefed the committee about the latest situation of Ashra and processions and added that some 113,000 policemen were performing duties across Punjab.

He said the Home department’s cyber patrolling cell had reported some 1,600 social media accounts to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. He said that 170 individuals were arrested for inciting hatred on social media.

CS and IGP visit Multan

Committee Chairman Salman Rafique said the government had ensured foolproof security arrangements at entry and exit points of all districts across Punjab. He said police, district administration, Rescue, health and sanitation departments were alert and working in close coordination.

Meanwhile, the CS and the IG reviewed the security of Multan’s central procession in Mumtazabad and inspected the monitoring systems at the control room established at the Deputy Commissioner office.

Divisional Commissioner Aamir Khayam Khan and Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid gave a briefing on the arrangements.

During their visit, they also met members of the peace committees, community leaders and organisers of Muharram processions and Majalis.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Zaman said the government took ‘exemplary’ measures to promote religious harmony, peace and brotherhood during Muharram. All departments were alert and working in close coordination, he added.

Dr Anwar said that foolproof security was being provided for all processions and gatherings.

“We are conducting intelligence-based operations in collaboration with the Special Branch, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and other security agencies,” he said.

The IG said district administrations and law enforcement agencies were coordinating with religious scholars, procession organisers and other stakeholders.

“Control rooms have been set up in all districts, and live monitoring through CCTV cameras is ongoing round the clock,” he said.

South Punjab Additional Chief Secretary Fawad Hashim Rabbani, Dr Qazi, South Punjab Additional IG Kamran Khan, CTD Additional IG Waseem Sial, Multan RPO Captain (r) Sohail Chaudhry and CPO Multan Sadiq Ali Dogar were also present during the visit.

The CS also visited the central control room of the Home Department to review security and monitoring mechanisms for Muharram.

During the visit, he received briefings on the ongoing processions from control rooms of various districts via video link. He instructed the control rooms to remain alert. He also directed the district administrations and police to remain present in the field and to monitor the situation continuously.

The CS also inspected the cyber patrolling cell of the Home department. Dr Qazi briefed him on the department’s cyber surveillance operations.

Dr Qazi said that live monitoring of over 37,000 Majalis and more than 9,800 processions across the province was underway.

To support police in maintaining law and order, 59 companies of the Pakistan Army and 79 companies of Rangers were deployed throughout Punjab, he added.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2025

SWAT: The anti-encroachment drive launched following the devastating Swat flood incident that killed over a dozen tourists, has sparked outrage among hotel, restaurant, and shop owners, with all major political parties calling for immediate halt to the punitive operation.

Businesses were left devastated after the district administration demolished their buildings, declaring them as encroachments along the Swat River.

The operation, initially aimed at clearing illegal structures, swiftly dismantled properties belonging to numerous small business owners, leaving them grappling with substantial financial losses.

One affected restaurant owner, Sardar Ali, said, “We have worked hard for years to establish our businesses here. The demolition came as a shock. We didn’t even get any notice before losing everything we built.”

Swat business owners, Dir MPC demand immediate end to operations

Another shopkeeper, Faizan Khan, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “They just tore down our shops without any warning. How are we supposed to feed our families now?”

However, the campaign was unexpectedly halted when the anti-encroachment machinery reached a hotel owned by federal minister Eng Amir Muqam, situated along the Swat River in the Fizagat area.

Despite the ongoing demolitions in surrounding areas, the authorities ceased all further demolition activities around Muqam’s property without offering any clear explanation for the change in direction.

This sudden pause has raised suspicions of favouritism towards influential figures.

Local business owners, along with civil society members, have expressed frustration at what they describe as a double standard in the enforcement of the anti-encroachment laws.

“It’s clear those with power are protected while the rest of us are left to suffer. The government’s actions are unfair and biased,” said Shahid Hussain, another restaurant owner.

In light of the situation, the business owners have threatened protests if the government doesn’t halt the operation. They demanded compensation for the losses they incurred due to the destruction of their properties.

“We won’t remain silent. The government needs to take responsibility for the havoc it has caused. If it doesn’t compensate us, we will protest until our voices are heard,” said Amjad Ali, a shopkeeper, whose store was demolished.

Similarly, political and social activists in Lower Dir have expressed deep concern over the ongoing anti-encroachment drive, warning that the demolition and sealing of hotels and restaurants under the pretext of illegal constructions is damaging the local economy and discouraging tourism.

The issue was the focus of a multiparty conference organised by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl in Timergara on Saturday, chaired by former MPA and ANP district president Haji Bahadur Khan.

Representatives from major political parties, including Jamaat-i-Islami, PTI, ANP, JUI-F, PPP, PML-N, and the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, attended the moot.

JUI-F district chief Sirajuddin, former provincial minister Muzaffar Syed Advocate, Timergara tehsil chairman Mufti Irfanuddin, PTI MPA Malik Shafiullah Khan, ANP district president Haji Bahadur Khan, Malik Mohammad Rasheed Khan, Jamaat’s KP North information secretary Eng Yaqoobur Rehman, PPP Lower Dir general secretary Naeemullah Khan, PML-N general secretary Javed Akhtar Advocate, Timergara traders’ union president Haji Anwaruddin, former chamber of commerce president Mian Noor Alam Bacha, PkMAP president Sartaj Khan, civil society activist Akbar Khan, and PPP’s Nawabzada Irfan, were among those in attendance.

The participants condemned the administration for launching demolitions without prior notices, saying the crackdown was targeting properties built with the hard-earned money of overseas Pakistanis.

They called for an immediate halt to the demolition campaign and reopening of all sealed hotels and restaurants. They demanded that the district administration first properly demarcate the riverbed area, as officials themselves were unclear about the river’s actual boundaries.

In a joint declaration, the MPC announced that two separate delegations would approach higher authorities to voice their concerns.

One, led by PTI MPA Malik Shafiullah Khan, will meet Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the chief secretary. The other, headed by PML-N general secretary Javed Akhtar Advocate, will seek a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. If the demands are not met, speakers warned, political and public resistance will intensify.

Meanwhile, JI’s KP North chief and former provincial minister Inayatullah Khan, speaking separately to the media on Saturday, criticised the government, calling the operation an “attack on the livelihoods of the poor.” He warned of mass protests if the sealed businesses were not reopened.

He said the administration’s actions — taken in the aftermath of the Swat tragedy — have left daily-wage workers jobless and pushed poor families toward starvation. “Destroying poor people’s businesses in the name of anti-encroachment drive is economic murder,” he said, accusing the provincial government of deflecting blame for its own failures.

Critics also blamed the district administration for environmental damage, claiming the auctioning of minerals from the Panjkora riverbed — worth Rs70 million — had already devastated the river’s natural flow. They questioned why construction was previously allowed if it was illegal, and demanded accountability of former officials who approved it.

Meanwhile, a large-scale anti-encroachment operation launched along the banks of the River Indus in Dera Ismail Khan has also sparked public outcry.

Among the critics is JUI-F’s district general secretary Chaudhry Mohammad Ashfaq Advocate, who strongly condemned the demolition near Mehmood Eye Hospital along the riverbank. He described the operation as “a gross violation of law and humanity,” likening it to an invasion rather than a legal enforcement measure.

Ashfaq alleged that private and legally owned properties were demolished in the presence of the deputy commissioner, assistant commissioner and police officials with utter disregard for due process. “Livelihoods were crushed, homes were razed, and the scene resembled a natural disaster,” he said.

He further criticised the administration for using the Swat incident as a pretext to unleash fury on innocent citizens. “Instead of reforming the system, PTI’s 12-year rule has brought devastation upon the people,” he added.

Ashfaq also questioned the decision of the chief secretary to issue circulars that in his view, left poor riverside residents abandoned. “If there truly was a flood threat, the legal method would have been to issue timely alerts and allow a grace period for evacuation,” he said, lamenting that even multi-million rupee properties were bulldozed without notice or compassion.

“This cruelty and unconstitutional action rests squarely on the shoulders of the provincial leadership. JUI-F not only condemns this operation but also reserves the right to pursue legal action,” he declared.

The operation, spearheaded by tehsil municipal administration, is targeting unlawfully built shops, huts and other encroachments within the river’s natural pathway. According to TMA officials, this action aims to restore the river’s original flow and reduce the risk of future floods.

The authorities clarified that the operation is being conducted in phases and will not be influenced by political or personal pressure.

Officials said prior notices were served on all affected individuals and alternate spaces have been arranged for them in some cases.

However, the operation has sparked significant unrest among locals, many of whom staged protests and chanted slogans against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2025

TAXILA: At least 34 people, including women and children, trapped in the heavily flooded waters of the River Indus were rescued in two separate operations in different parts of Attock on Saturday.

In the first incident, four people, including a 14-year-old boy who were herding livestock in a greenbelt, were trapped near Bagh Neelab when the water level suddenly rose after the release of water from the Tarbela Dam.

The helpless shepherds made an SOS call to the District Emergency Office, Attock, at around 2am on Saturday. Upon receiving the alert, teams from Rescue 1122 reached the site. The rescue workers managed to safely extract the four individuals from the powerful current.

Separately, two nomad families comprising women and children were trapped in floodwaters in a basin near Shadi Khan in

Hazro village after the water level rose following the release of water from the nearby Tarbela Dam.

Seeing the families in a helpless condition, some people present there made an SOS call to the District Emergency Office, Attock. Upon receiving the alert, Rescue 1122 teams reached the site and rescued 30 people from the area submerged in water.

The rescue and evacuation operation was supervised by Deputy Commissioner Atif Raza, while Assistant Commissioner Hazro Ayesha Badar was also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, legal action was taken against as many as 14 people for bathing in the River Indus near Attock Khurd Bridge in violation of Section 144 imposed by the district administration, which prohibits bathing and swimming at water spots due to persistent weather conditions.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2025

RAWALPINDI Pakistan’s Meteorological Depart­ment on Saturday issued an alert for heavy rains in the upper parts of the country, including the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, for July 6 and 7.

The alert said that heavy to very heavy rainfall from Sunday to Monday may trigger flash floods in local streams of Murree, Galiyat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Buner, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Nowshera, Swabi, Mardan and Islamabad/Rawalpindi.

Flash flooding is also possible in the hill torrents of D.G. Khan, northeast Punjab, Kashmir and parts of Balochistan.

Officials warned that landslides and mudslides could cause road closures in vulnerable hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat and Kashmir during the wet spell.

Chilas records its highest temperature since 1997, hitting 48.5 degrees Celsius

The department said heavy downpours may also cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera and Peshawar.

An official said moist currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are entering the country and are likely to strengthen. “A westerly wave is also expected to affect upper part from Sunday evening,” he said.

“Mainly hot and very humid weather in most parts of the country with rain-wind/thundershower is expected at isolated places in Kashmir, upper/central Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, southeastern Sindh and north/southern Balochistan”

He added, “Heavy falls are also likely at few places in Kashmir, northeastern Punjab, Potohar region and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period.”

On Saturday, heavy rain fell in Rawalpindi and Islamabad in the early hours. The maximum rainfall of 75 millimetres was recorded in Saidpur.

Separately, the Met Office reported that Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan recorded a temperature of 48.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday, its highest since 1997. The last record was set on July 17, 1997.

On the other hand, people in many parts of Balochistan braved a very hot day, as 48 degrees Celsius was recorded in Naukundi, 46 degrees in Dalbandin, and 45 degrees in Sibi.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Poland have agreed to enhance collaboration thro­ugh the exchange of high-level visits, parliamentary interactions and dialogue.

The agreement was reached during the 9th round of Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between Pakistan and Poland held in Warsaw.

According to the Foreign Office, Pakistani delegation was led by Ambassador Muhammad Ayub, Additi­onal Foreign Secretary (Europe), while the Polish delegation was headed by Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wadysaw Teofil Bartoszewski.

The Ambassador of Pak­is­tan to Poland, Muhammad Sami-ur-Rehman, and the Polish Ambassador to Pakistan, Maciej Pisarski, were also present during the consultations. The two sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations.

The additional foreign secretary reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further broadening and deepening its ties with Poland in various fields, including trade, investment, energy, security and defence cooperation, science and technology, agriculture, migration and mobility and higher education. Regional and global issues of mutual interest, including developments in South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe were also discussed in depth.

The two delegations found convergence on key issues and agreed to continue cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations. It was mutually agreed that the next round of consultations will be held in Islamabad in 2026.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2025

KARACHI: Security has been beefed up across the province and more than 50,000 policemen and Rangers personnel have been deployed to provide security for the main Ashura processions in all major cities and towns of Sindh, particularly Karachi, on Sunday (today).

The government has decided to partially suspend cellular services in the areas that fall on the route of the Ashura processions.

On Saturday, 9th Muharram mourning processions culminated peacefully in various cities amid tightened security and deep religious devotion to commemorate the martyrs of Karbala.

In Karachi, the main mourning procession was taken out from Nishtar Park after the main majlis. It proceeded along designated routes under heavy police presence. Other processions emerged from various imambargahs, including Bab-i-Fatima Imam­bargah.

Cellular services were suspended along the procession routes and certain roads and streets were blocked or diverted to manage traffic flow.

The Sindh government also imposed a ban on pillion riding in major cities of the province.

MA Jinnah Road in Karachi was closed to traffic and markets and shops in areas like Saddar, Empress Market and Regal Market were sealed as the main mourning procession passed through the major artery and culminated at Hussainiya Iranian Imambargah in Kharadar.

Over 49,600 police personnel have been deployed across major cities in the province.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2025