Faisalabad plans plastic-free zones in major markets

The district Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has stepped up its campaign against plastic pollution, announcing stricter enforcement measures and a complete ban on plastic bags below 75 microns ahead of World Environment Day on June 5. Deputy Director EPA Usman Azhar, while briefing media persons, said the initiative was part of a broader strategy directed by provincial authorities to establish plastic-free zones in major markets and reduce environmental hazards caused by single-use plastics. He said the department had significantly expanded its enforcement activities over the past year. From 2025 to date, the EPA conducted 14,002 inspections covering industries, brick kilns, plastic markets, hospitals, anti-dengue sites and areas affected by fugitive dust. As a result of these operations, 150 notices were issued, 154 premises sealed and 64 cases registered, while fines amounting to Rs6.85 million were imposed on violators. In addition, authorities recovered Rs3.3 million from non-compliant units and demolished 41 business premises for serious environmental violations. Azhar said these measures reflected the department's commitment to strict enforcement despite limited resources. Highlighting environmental initiatives, he said approximately 70,000 trees had been planted across the district, with a survival rate of 70% to 80%. Under anti-dengue operations, two larvae cases were detected and 145 sites were cleared, while 13 sprinkling systems had been installed on key roads to control dust pollution. The deputy director said that during the intensified anti-plastic campaign, 12,500 kilograms of single-use plastic had been confiscated, while 1,743 kilograms were voluntarily surrendered by traders and businesses, indicating growing awareness among stakeholders. On regulatory matters, Azhar said 66 site inspection reports had been forwarded to the EPA headquarters, while 12 cases were processed at the district level and 45 environmental approvals issued to various projects. He emphasized that addressing public complaints remained a top priority, adding that 290 complaints had been received and resolved through prompt action. Azhar also outlined measures to strengthen enforcement capacity, including the provision of operational vehicles for each tehsil and the formation of dedicated squads for plastic control and vehicle emissions monitoring.

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Islamabad administration revises business timings under austerity measures

The capital administration on Tuesday issued a revised notification regarding closing times for markets, businesses, and commercial activities in light of ongoing austerity measures. According to a notification issued by the office of Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, all shops, markets, and shopping malls would close at 8pm throughout the week, including Saturdays and Sundays. The notification said that pharmacies, medical stores, medical supply stores, medical laboratories, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations and milk and dairy shops were exempt from the restriction. The Office of the District Magistrate, ICT Islamabad has issued a notification regarding revised closing timings for markets, businesses, and commercial activities in light of ongoing austerity measures. Shops, Markets & Shopping Malls All will close at 08:00 PM throughout the… pic.twitter.com/8sa8MJ9X8i — DC Islamabad (@dcislamabad) May 5, 2026 It added that restaurants and food outlets, tandoors, grocery stores, meat shops, fruit and dry fruit shops, vegetable vendors, and bakeries would close at 10pm. However, it stated that “there shall be no restriction on takeaway and home delivery services”. The notification further said that marriage halls, marquees, and other commercial venues hosting events would close at 10pm throughout the week, including functions held at private premises. “This order will come into effect from May 5 and shall remain in force till further orders,” it added. The government in March announced austerity measures across the country due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which disrupted supply chains and pushed crude oil prices to a two-year high. Both federal and provincial governments have since introduced a range of measures, including an additional weekly holiday, cuts in free petrol allocations for ministers, limits on protocol vehicles, and proposals for subsidised fuel for students. The federal government has also urged the public to adopt austerity measures in daily life and cooperate with authorities in conserving energy amid the fuel crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

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FM Dar reaffirms commitment to advancing Pak-China iron-clad partnership

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further advancing the iron-clad all-weather strategic partnership with China across all sectors in a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong. According to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Chinese envoy called on the FM Dar. The ambassador congratulated FM Dar on Pakistan’s decisive success on the anniversary of ‘Marka-e-Haq’ and reaffirmed the enduring strength of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China. "FM Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further advancing the iron-clad All-Weather Strategic Partnership with China across all sectors," it said. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, today called on DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50. The Ambassador congratulated DPM/FM on Pakistan’s decisive success on the anniversary of #MarkaEHaq and reaffirmed the enduring strength of the All-Weather Strategic… pic.twitter.com/YlbeVMgMqo — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 5, 2026 In March, the Chinese envoy met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and discussed Pakistan’s economic ties with China and ongoing bilateral projects. The prime minister extended his congratulations to the Chinese leadership on the successful conclusion of the “Two Sessions,” thanking President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi for their warm greetings on Pakistan Day. The PM emphasised Pakistan's ongoing commitment to furthering China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, with a particular focus on agriculture, industrial cooperation, and key infrastructure projects. Read More: PM Shehbaz, Chinese envoy discuss CPEC, economic ties Ambassador Jiang expressed China’s appreciation for Pakistan’s resilience and reform efforts, offering continued support in trade and investment. Both sides acknowledged progress in strengthening bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction with ongoing exchanges. They also looked forward to marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with high-level engagements.

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Somali pirates demand direct talks with Pakistan

The Ansar Burney Welfare Trust has established direct contact with Somali pirates who seized the Honor 25 oil tanker, in an effort to secure the release of the abducted crew members. However, the pirates insist that they will present their demands only to representatives of the Pakistani government. The pirates have also sent recent photographs of the 17 crew members, including 10 Pakistani citizens, who are being held hostage. The Honor 25 was taken over on April 21 by Somali pirates, and for the past two weeks, the families of the kidnapped Pakistani crew members have been deeply worried about their loved ones. Ansar Burney, head of the trust, said although contact with the pirates has been successfully established, no practical steps have yet been taken by the government. Qurat-ul-Ain Advocate, Director of the Ansar Burney Trust, said the pirates have clearly stated that they would present their demands only to a representative of the Government of Pakistan. However, she added that the government has not responded even to an email sent by the pirates to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She further said that the pirates had also contacted the governments of Indonesia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, as seven crew members from those countries were also being held captive on the vessel. Meanwhile, the federal government maintained that it was in contact with the relevant parties to secure the release of the Pakistani hostages. Eighty-year-old Umar Farooq is striving for the safe release of his son. "I have been forced to go from place to place in distress at this age," he said. His son, Kashif Umar, is among those held on the ship. Ali Akbar, the brother of another hostage, Imran Ali, appealed to the government to take immediate action so that the Pakistani captives could return home safely. He said the latest photographs of the hostages have brought some relief, as they confirm they are still alive. The families of the hostages gathered at the Ansar Burney Trust office and collectively demanded that the government at least form a committee to keep them informed about efforts being made for the release of the Pakistani captives. They said they do not know where to turn or whom to approach for help in securing the release of their loved ones.

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Bara alliance to stage May 7 Peshawar sit-in

The Bara Political Alliance has announced a protest sit-in in Peshawar on May 7, demanding resolution of issues facing the displaced people of Tirah Valley, ensuring their dignified return, and protesting against rising unrest in Bara Akakhel. The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after a joint jirga of Afridi tribes, organised by the Bara Political Alliance. The jirga was attended by alliance president Hasham Khan Afridi, leaders of various political parties from Bara and Tirah, social activists, officials of social organisations and unions, and local elders and notables. Speaking on the occasion, Amir of Khyber chapter chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, Shah Faisal Afridi, said the Bara Political Alliance had been begging the government for peace for the past four years. "We have held dozens of protests and peace marches, but sadly peace could not be established in our region due to the negligence and carelessness of the federal and provincial governments," he added. Shah Faisal Afridi accused the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister of misleading the public by claiming that decisions made in closed rooms were unacceptable. "The reality is that he himself is part of those closed-room decisions," Afridi charged. Meanwhile, young leader Khan Wali Afridi told jirga participants that the time had come for them to unite. "The issue of peace is our common problem. Our children and women are falling victim to mortar shells on a daily basis," he said. Khan Wali Afridi added that the Constitution and laws of the country allow them to demand their rights. "We are demanding peace through peaceful protest. Living in a peaceful environment is the right of every citizen, and we will come out on May 7 for this right," he asserted. Separately, the Tahrik-e-Mutasireen Tirah announced its support for the May 7 protest demonstration in Peshawar. Movement spokesman Sohbat Khan Afridi told The Express Tribune: "We, the Tirah victims, support the protest demonstration being held in Peshawar on May 7 under the auspices of the Bara Political Alliance." However, he added a caveat: "If at any point we feel that the Bara Political Alliance is merely doing politics over us and compromising on the issues of Tirah victims and their dignified return, we will immediately withdraw from this protest sit-in and announce a boycott. But if they speak only for the dignified return of Tirah victims and restoration of peace, we will stand with them." It may be recalled that a tribal Loya Jirga (grand council) was convened at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar under the chairmanship of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The jirga was attended by parliamentarians elected from tribal districts, along with local elders, notables, and youth. Releasing the decisions of the jirga, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said the Loya Jirga strongly condemned the killing of women, children, and elderly people in drone strikes. All participants demanded negotiations with stakeholders.

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Abbottabad court stays water supply scheme

A local court in Abbottabad has issued a stay order on the Janderbari Water Supply Scheme following a petition filed by over a hundred residents from various village councils, including Janderbari, Phulkot, Dhakki Khaitar, and Aziz Bang. The petitioners, represented by social activist Shezad Gul Awan, have raised concerns over potential water shortages and environmental implications stemming from the project. Renowned lawyer and Secretary General of the District Bar Association, Asad Khan Jadoon, while presenting arguments before Civil Judge-V Altaf Khan, contended that the scheme, which aims to divert local water resources to Abbottabad city, threatens residents' access to the Nadi Dor water source - vital for drinking, agriculture, and other essential needs. They fear this diversion could lead to a severe water crisis in their communities. Concerns have also been raised about the impact on local tourism, particularly as Nadi Harno serves as a major picnic spot for both local and national tourists. The Janderbari Water Supply Scheme, costing Rs18 billion, is part of the KPCIP projects and is claimed to meet Abbottabad's water demand for the next 50 years. Despite significant infrastructure development, including the installation of 24-inch diameter pipelines across the city, experts say the pipelines have not been connected to the main Janderbari source. Concerns over the viability of the project persist, as reports indicate the source may provide only 60 to 80 litres per second (LPS), while the scheme aims to deliver around 200 LPS. Community leaders claim that around 60,000 residents could be negatively impacted by the project, alleging that its proponents are pressuring locals to withdraw their objections. This has led to unrest in the community, with demands for the immediate halt of the project, which they say threatens their rights and livelihoods. Independent assessments linked to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have raised further concerns, suggesting that only 38 to 45 per cent of the required water is currently available at the source for the proposed scheme. Local residents have also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of adequate consultation from the outset, saying that meaningful community input could have highlighted critical insights about seasonal water flow variations. Technical experts have criticised several engineering decisions, including the selection of a two-foot diameter pipeline despite reported water supply constraints, and the proposed transmission route, which could lead to further inefficiencies. In response to these concerns, advocates have called for a comprehensive technical reassessment of the scheme to ensure responsible resource management and sustainable benefits for local populations. They emphasised the community's fundamental right to access the Nadi Dor water channel - an essential resource that has historically supported local livelihoods - and argued that the government must safeguard it for present and future generations.

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CPNE elects Kazim Khan unopposed as president, flags press freedom concerns

Prominent journalist Kazim Khan was once again elected unopposed as president of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) during its annual general meeting held on the eve of World Press Freedom Day on Saturday, while Ayaz Khan was elected senior vice president. During the meeting, Ghulam Nabi Chandio was elected general secretary and Tanveer Shaukat deputy general secretary. The announcement was made by election committee chairman Ali Raza Lehri, who congratulated the newly elected members. The annual general meeting discussed the future of print media, the expanding influence of digital platforms and the economic challenges facing the media industry. 1-روزنامہ دنیا کے ایگزیکٹو ایڈیٹر کاظم خان سی پی این ای کے صدر منتخب ہو گئے ۔ روزنامہ پاک سندھ کے ایڈیٹر غلام نبی خان چانڈیو سیکرٹری جنرل منتخب ۔ 2-سال 27-2026 کو “ مزاحمت “ کا سال قرار دینے کا اعلان۔ صدر سی پی این ای 3- جس صحافت نے عزت دی آج اسکی عزت خطرے میں ہے ۔ کاظم خان 4-… pic.twitter.com/HjEmp4mEwk — Kazam Khan (@presidentCPNE) May 2, 2026 Addressing the meeting, Kazim said World Press Freedom Day would be observed as a year of “resistance and protection of press freedom in 2026”, adding that “resistance will begin at home”. He said efforts would be made to counter fake news propagandists, dummy newspapers and those shaping narratives on the payroll of political parties and institutions. “Every writer, every speaker, and everyone sitting in front of a camera is not a journalist. Journalism that once gave respect is now under threat,” he said, adding that powerful forces were attempting to control journalism. He further said those summoning journalists to offices and issuing threats in broad daylight must be resisted. Participants of the meeting noted that although digital media was expanding rapidly, print media would continue to retain its position as a credible and documentary source. Concerns were also raised over a sharp reduction in government advertising, which has created financial difficulties for newspapers and magazines. The decline in budgets and advertising share for regional newspapers was described as a serious issue. Speakers called on the government to provide subsidies or financial support to print media, ensure fair distribution of advertisements, restore quotas for regional newspapers and formulate a clear and transparent media policy. Suggestions were also made regarding digitalisation, including the establishment of an effective digital platform under CPNE, expansion of digital reach and adoption of modern technology. Participants stressed the need to counter the growing trend of fake news by promoting credible journalism, calling both print and electronic media a source of public trust. The meeting also discussed organisational reforms, media policy and financial structures, agreeing that CPNE must modernise its strategy in line with current challenges. It was further emphasised that integrating print and digital media was necessary to build a strong, sustainable and credible media system to uphold journalistic standards and promote democratic values. A special condolence session was held in memory of former CPNE secretary general late Amir Mahmood, where his services to press freedom and the organisation were acknowledged by his son Taimur Aamir, President Kazim Khan, Secretary General Ghulam Nabi Chandio and other members. At the conclusion of the meeting, Kazim and Chandio thanked all participants and appreciated the services of the CPNE secretariat staff. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz congratulated the new officebearers. صدرِ مملکت کی صحافتی تنظیم کاؤنسل آف نیوز پیپرز ایڈیٹرز کے نو منتخب صدر کاظم خان، سیکریٹری جنرل غلام نبی چانڈیو، سینئر نائب صدر ایاز خان، نائب صدور شکیل احمد ترابی اور انور ساجدی، سیکریٹری اطلاعات منزہ سہام سمیت دیگر عہدیداران کو مبارکباد۔ صحافتی اقدار، حقائق پر مبنی رپورٹنگ اور… pic.twitter.com/pgqSzqCb3L — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 2, 2026 وزیراعظم کا صدر کاظم خان، سیکریٹری جنرل غلام نبی چانڈیو، سینئر نائب صدر ایاز خان، نائب صدور شکیل احمد ترابی اور انور ساجدی، سیکریٹری اطلاعات منزہ سہام سمیت دیگر عہدیداران کے لیے نیک تمناؤں کا اظہار آزاد، ذمہ دار اور باخبر میڈیا جمہوری معاشرے کا بنیادی ستون ہے، امید ہے سی پی… pic.twitter.com/AsDxrVl6xe — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 2, 2026 وزیراعلی مریم نواز شریف کی سینئر نائب صدر ایاز خان، نائب صدور شکیل احمد ترابی سیکریٹری جنرل غلام نبی چانڈیواور دیگر کے لیے نیک تمنائیں امید ہے سی پی این ای کے نو منتخب عہدیدار آزاد، ذمہ دارانہ صحافتی اقدار کے لئے بھرپور کردار ادا کریں گے. سی پی این ای قیادت سے قومی مفاد… pic.twitter.com/6OZ9RXBiNe — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 2, 2026 Other elected office-bearers Other elected office-bearers include Arif Baloch as finance secretary and Manzah Saham as information secretary. Regional vice presidents were also elected: Qazi Asad Abid (Sindh), Shakeel Turabi (Rawalpindi/Islamabad), Mian Ahmad Hassan (Punjab), Tahir Farooq (Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa) and Anwar Sajdi (Balochistan). The joint secretaries include Munir Baloch (Balochistan), Maqsood Yousufi (Sindh), Tanveer Siddiqui (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa), Babar Nizami (Punjab) and Yahya Sadozai (Rawalpindi/Islamabad). Other members of the standing committee include Hamid Hussain Abadi, Sardar Muhammad Siraj, Sher Muhammad Khawand, Abdul Rehman Mangrio, Zia Tanoli, Mudassar Iqbal, Shehzad Amin, Irfan Athar, Zulfiqar Ahmed Rahat, Abdul Salam Bhatt, Mumtaz Ahmed Sadiq, Faqir Manthar Mangrio, Ayaz Ali Memon, Nisar Khattak, Akmal Chauhan, Dr Zubair Mehmood, Masood Khan, Fazl Haq, Ali Ahmed Dhillon, Abdul Khaliq Ali, Taimur Aamir, Syed Intizar Hussain Zanjani, Mian Aslam, Hamza Ali Afghan and Mehmood Alam Khalid. Bilal Aslam and Obaid Aleem were also named as committee members, while the two-member arbitration committee comprises chairman Hassan Abbas and member Wazir Zada.

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