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Express Tribune
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
President, PM condemn North Waziristan attack, vow to defeat terrorism
Listen to article President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday strongly condemned the suicide attack on security forces in North Waziristan, terming it a cowardly act sponsored by external forces aiming to destabilise the country. In their separate statements, the president and the prime minister paid tribute to the 13 soldiers martyred during the operation and praised the security forces for eliminating 14 terrorists in the ensuing exchange of fire while offering prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families. Both leaders also wished a swift recovery for the three civilians – including two children and a woman – who were injured in the attack. Read More: 13 troops martyred in suicide attack on military convoy in North Waziristan President Zardari said the Pakistani nation and its armed forces were determined to uproot terrorism, particularly the 'Indian-sponsored' networks operating in the region. He stressed that the sacrifices of the martyrs would never be forgotten and that national resilience would prevail over all attempts to destabilise the country. Prime Minister Sharif, in his statement, said the nation saluted the martyred personnel and stood united in its resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms. He reiterated that such cowardly acts would not shake Pakistan's commitment to peace and security. The coordinated attack occurred early Saturday morning in Dandi Dir Dawani village of Mir Ali tehsil, where a suicide bomber targeted a military convoy. According to sources, the incident took place at 7:45am during curfew hours imposed due to troop movements. Also Read: CDA to be dissolved, all powers to shift to Metropolitan Corporation: IHC The Inter-Services Public Relations, in a statement, confirmed the loss of 13 servicemen and injuries to three civilians in the suicide attack. The military's media wing said the bomber's vehicle was intercepted by the lead group in the convoy, but the attackers managed to detonate the explosives, resulting in significant casualties. Following the blast, a sanitisation operation was launched in the area. In a separate statement, the ISPR said 14 terrorists were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire. The operation was still ongoing to clear the area of any remaining threats, it added. A relatively lesser-known militant outfit, Aswadul Harb, claimed responsibility for the attack and identified the suicide bomber as a man named Abdullah. The group is reportedly linked to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur network, a faction aligned with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), believed to be operating from safe havens in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province. Read More: What India calls 'terrorism' is a legal struggle for rights: field marshal Army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and vowed to unmask what he called the 'true perpetrator of terrorism in the region.' He praised the courage and professionalism of the troops involved in the operation, stating that the armed forces 'continue to confront and neutralise the Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij with exemplary valour.' 'The people of Pakistan stand united in their resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations until the threat is decisively eliminated from the country,' the ISPR quoted the army chief as saying.


Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Capital to crack down on illegal cattle trade
Islamabad's district administration has started planning ahead of Eidul Azha to manage cattle markets and prevent illegal animal trading in the federal capital. In this regard, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, chaired a meeting to review the arrangements. Assistant commissioners and the Director of the Metropolitan Corporation attended the meeting. During the meeting, officials were briefed on the locations where cattle markets will be allowed. According to the plan, five designated spots across the federal capital will host animal markets this year. Markets will be established in Sangjhani, Sector I-15, and Bharakahu. Two additional markets will be set up along Lehtrar Road and Islamabad Expressway. These venues have been selected to manage the flow of people and livestock more efficiently and to minimise disruption in residential areas. The briefing further outlined that no trading of animals will be allowed outside these official markets. The district administration has decided to strictly enforce this rule to maintain order and hygiene in the city during the Eid days. Memon directed authorities to prepare for a city-wide crackdown on illegal cattle markets. He said any unapproved trading spots that emerge in local neighbourhoods or along roadsides will be removed without delay. He emphasised that only authorised markets will be allowed to operate and instructed the assistant commissioners to remain active in their respective areas to monitor the situation. Apart from administrative measures, coordination with the police and municipal authorities will be enhanced to regulate traffic around market areas and maintain law and order. Emergency services and medical teams will also be put on standby to deal with any incidents.


Express Tribune
04-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Capital to have five cattle markets for Eidul Azha
As Eidul Azha approaches, the district administration of Islamabad has decided that the unauthorised animal selling points will be shut down, and five official cattle markets will be established in different areas under clear rules. The Islamabad administration has also launched a plan to manage cattle trade in the city. Meanwhile, the district administration has started cracking down on illegal animal sale points set up at various locations, said the ICT spokesperson. In this regard, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, said that five official cattle markets will be established in different areas of the capital. These include Sangjhani, Sector I-15, Bharakahu, Lehtrar Road, and Islamabad Expressway. According to the deputy commissioner, tender notices for setting up these markets have already been issued. He said that the official markets will be opened from the 1st to the 13th of Zilhajj. No buying or selling of animals will be allowed before this period. Any cattle market outside the selected locations will be considered illegal. Furthermore, teams have been formed to monitor illegal animal trading points. Action has already begun against unapproved sale stalls in different parts of the city. Officials said such setups often lead to sanitation problems, causing difficulty for residents. The official cattle markets will be equipped with basic facilities like water, electricity, and proper entry and exit points. Health teams will also be deployed to check the animals. According to the deputy commissioner, the goal is to provide a controlled and safe environment for both sellers and buyers. The city's administration has also reached out to relevant departments, including the Metropolitan Corporation, police, and health services, to coordinate the arrangements. All stakeholders have been asked to work together to ensure the smooth running of these markets. Meanwhile, the district administration urged the public to report any illegal cattle markets in their areas. A dedicated helpline and monitoring team will be available to address complaints. The administration has also requested citizens to avoid purchasing animals from unauthorised locations to support the organised setup. In previous years, random animal sale points had caused several problems in urban areas, including piles of garbage, animal waste, and noise complaints. This year, the administration is aiming to avoid such situations by strictly controlling the sale process.