Market time restriction restored in Punjab

The Punjab government will reinstate prescribed business operating hours across the province from Tuesday, following the end of a temporary Eidul Azha relaxation, requiring markets to close by 8pm daily. The relief granted to markets and restaurants remained in effect until Monday. Now the commercial activities will continue according to the previously notified schedule. Under the policy, markets, shops, shopping malls and commercial centres across Punjab must shut by 8pm. Authorities are expected to monitor compliance and ensure enforcement of the decision. Restaurants, marriage halls and food outlets will be allowed to operate until 10pm. Gyms, indoor sports facilities, the information technology sector and call centres will remain exempt from the restrictions. The government says the measure forms part of its strategy to promote efficient electricity use and reduce energy wastage in an effort to ease pressure on power resources. However, the decision has raised concerns among traders who argue that reduced operating hours could affect sales and overall commercial activity. Read More: Sindh lifts closing time restrictions for markets, restaurants Business representatives say customer footfall typically increases in the evening, when people visit markets after completing their work commitments. “The closure timing will affect business as most customers come after office hours. Evening is the busiest period for traders, and shorter hours will lead to lower sales and losses,” said a local trader, Muhammad Asif. He maintained that earlier closures could adversely affect traders, employees and sectors linked to commercial activities. Traders have urged the government to review the policy in light of prevailing economic conditions and allow flexibility in business hours. They say longer operating hours would offer greater convenience to consumers during the summer season, as daytime heat discourages shopping. The relaxation would help sustain commercial activities during peak evening hours. No fresh notification has been issued to amend the schedule, and the early closure time policy is expected to be enforced from June 2. A temporary relaxation had been introduced ahead of Eidul Azha to facilitate shopping. Announcing the measure on May 15, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ejaz had said that markets in the provincial capital would be allowed to remain open beyond the prescribed hours until June 1 to support the business community and facilitate citizens. Separately, the Multan district administration announced that the Eid relief period had ended and the standard operating hours would be restored. According to the administration, markets in the district will close at 8pm, while restaurants will be permitted to operate until 10pm. The administration said assistant commissioners and other district officials had been directed to ensure implementation of the notification. Bakeries, petrol pumps, medical stores and tandoors will remain exempt from the restrictions.

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Market time restriction restored in Punjab

The Punjab government will reinstate prescribed business operating hours across the province from Tuesday, following the end of a temporary Eidul Azha relaxation, requiring markets to close by 8pm daily. The relief granted to markets and restaurants remained in effect until Monday. Now the commercial activities will continue according to the previously notified schedule. Under the policy, markets, shops, shopping malls and commercial centres across Punjab must shut by 8pm. Authorities are expected to monitor compliance and ensure enforcement of the decision. Restaurants, marriage halls and food outlets will be allowed to operate until 10pm. Gyms, indoor sports facilities, the information technology sector and call centres will remain exempt from the restrictions. The government says the measure forms part of its strategy to promote efficient electricity use and reduce energy wastage in an effort to ease pressure on power resources. However, the decision has raised concerns among traders who argue that reduced operating hours could affect sales and overall commercial activity. Read More: Sindh lifts closing time restrictions for markets, restaurants Business representatives say customer footfall typically increases in the evening, when people visit markets after completing their work commitments. “The closure timing will affect business as most customers come after office hours. Evening is the busiest period for traders, and shorter hours will lead to lower sales and losses,” said a local trader, Muhammad Asif. He maintained that earlier closures could adversely affect traders, employees and sectors linked to commercial activities. Traders have urged the government to review the policy in light of prevailing economic conditions and allow flexibility in business hours. They say longer operating hours would offer greater convenience to consumers during the summer season, as daytime heat discourages shopping. The relaxation would help sustain commercial activities during peak evening hours. No fresh notification has been issued to amend the schedule, and the early closure time policy is expected to be enforced from June 2. A temporary relaxation had been introduced ahead of Eidul Azha to facilitate shopping. Announcing the measure on May 15, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ejaz had said that markets in the provincial capital would be allowed to remain open beyond the prescribed hours until June 1 to support the business community and facilitate citizens. Separately, the Multan district administration announced that the Eid relief period had ended and the standard operating hours would be restored. According to the administration, markets in the district will close at 8pm, while restaurants will be permitted to operate until 10pm. The administration said assistant commissioners and other district officials had been directed to ensure implementation of the notification. Bakeries, petrol pumps, medical stores and tandoors will remain exempt from the restrictions.

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Two dead as social media dispute turns deadly

A petty dispute that began on social media escalated into a deadly armed clash in Bhakkar, leaving two young men dead and five others injured. Following the tragic incident, authorities have approved the establishment of a permanent police post at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital to strengthen security and ensure a rapid response to emergencies. As per a notification issued by District Police Officer (DPO) Shahzad Rafiq Awan, the new police post will be staffed by seven personnel, including one female and six male officers. The move is aimed at enhancing hospital security and enabling action in emergency situations. Police said the incident occurred on Gudwala Darya Khan Road within the jurisdiction of Sadar Bhakkar Police Station. A verbal dispute between two groups of youths, which reportedly began on TikTok and other social media platforms, intensified and eventually led to an exchange of gunfire. As a result, one young man from each side, identified as Shiraz and Zohaib, was killed, while five others sustained injuries. Upon receiving information about the shooting, police rushed to the scene, brought the situation under control and shifted the injured to hospital for medical treatment. DPO Shahzad Rafiq Awan took notice of the incident and visited DHQ Hospital, where he met the injured victims. He said police teams were conducting raids at various locations to arrest those involved in the clash and vowed that all suspects would soon be brought to justice. The DPO added that the establishment of a permanent police post at DHQ hospital would further strengthen security arrangements, provide a safer environment for doctors and healthcare workers and ensure an effective quick-response mechanism to deal with any future emergencies or violent incidents. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ehsan Ali Jamali, accompanied by DPO Shahzad Rafiq Awan, paid a special visit to DHQ hospital. SP Investigation Shaukat Ali, Chief Executive Officer Health and Population Dr Mazhar Abbas Khan, doctors, and paramedical staff were also present. During the visit, officials reviewed hospital security arrangements and discussed issues faced by medical staff.

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Hill Park row erupts as MQM-P accuses authorities of land grabbing; mayor denies claim

A fresh political confrontation erupted over the future of Karachi's public spaces on Sunday as Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) accused authorities of facilitating illegal land allotments and environmental destruction at Hill Park, while Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab strongly denied the allegations, insisting that no land belonging to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had been transferred to any party. Addressing an emergency press conference at Hill Park alongside senior MQM-P leaders Syed Aminul Haque, former Karachi mayor Waseem Akhtar, Sindh Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi and other party officials, MQM-P senior leader and MNA Dr Farooq Sattar alleged that Karachi's public lands were being systematically handed over to land grabbers under the patronage of the provincial government. Dr Sattar claimed that a section of Hill Park had recently been altered through unauthorised excavation and plotting, alleging that the development did not exist in the PECHS master plan. He accused officials of KMC and PECHS of issuing illegal no-objection certificates (NOCs) and demanded an investigation by accountability authorities as well as suo motu action by the Sindh High Court. Read: Sindh accuses IRSA of violating water accord, urges federal intervention amid growing crisis "If the hill is sold today, the entire park could be sold tomorrow," he warned, calling for action against officials allegedly involved in the matter. The MQM-P leader also criticised what he described as the re-emergence of encroachments on public lands across the city, including areas around Nehr-e-Khayyam, Beach View and Benazir Bhutto Park. He maintained that his party had previously fought legal battles to remove illegal structures from public spaces, including Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, Kidney Hill Park and Empress Market. Former mayor Waseem Akhtar urged state institutions to intervene, alleging that Karachi's public assets were once again under threat from powerful interests. He warned that continued inaction could result in the loss of valuable public land. During the press conference, Dr Sattar also praised former Sindh governor Kamran Tessori for welfare and educational initiatives, particularly free IT training programmes for thousands of students. He further criticised the Sindh government's handling of local government affairs and reiterated MQM-P's longstanding demand for the implementation of Article 140-A of the Constitution to ensure greater autonomy for local bodies. Responding to the allegations, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab categorically rejected claims that KMC had allotted any portion of Hill Park land. "Hill Park was, is, and will remain KMC property," Wahab said, adding that KMC had neither allotted nor intended to allot "even an inch" of land within the park. Also Read: MQM-P, PPP trade barbs The mayor stated that he had personally ordered work in the Hill Park area to be stopped after reports of activity surfaced during the Eid holidays. According to Wahab, KMC officials visited the site on the fourth day of Eid and halted the work immediately. He clarified that while Hill Park falls under KMC's jurisdiction, ownership and regulatory matters concerning surrounding lands and housing societies, including PECHS, are separate issues. Wahab also noted that PECHS is regulated under federal authorities. Defending his administration's record, Wahab said KMC was focused on preserving Karachi's heritage and public spaces. He cited ongoing plans to establish a historical museum at Beach View in collaboration with Citizens Archive Pakistan and the Sindh government, arguing that the project demonstrated the city's commitment to conservation rather than commercialisation. The exchange marks the latest chapter in an intensifying political dispute over land management, urban development and the protection of Karachi's shrinking public spaces, with both sides trading accusations over responsibility for the city's planning and governance challenges. Mayor claims Eid cleanup success, JI cries foul A massive post-Eidul Azha cleanup operation in the city has triggered a fresh political confrontation, with Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab claiming record-breaking waste collection and sanitation performance, while Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) dismissed the exercise as inadequate and accused the city administration of failing to address the metropolis's chronic civic problems. Addressing a press conference on the Eid sanitation campaign, the mayor said authorities had remained on the ground throughout the operation, alongside officials of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), elected representatives and sanitation workers. Praising the efforts of sanitation staff who worked in extreme temperatures, Wahab said the cleanup drive continued for five days, from the Bohra community's Eid celebrations through the fourth day of Eid observed by the Ahl-e-Hadith community. According to official figures, a total of 169,961 tonnes of offal and waste were transported to landfill sites at Jam Chakro, Gond Pass and the Sharafi Goth garbage transfer station. Of this, 81,525 tonnes comprised sacrificial animal remains, while 88,436 tonnes consisted of garbage and animal waste. The mayor said all vehicles participating in the operation were monitored through a centralised tracking system. Authorities collected 9,293 tonnes of offal on the first day of Eid, 27,750 tonnes on the second day, 35,508 tonnes on the third day and more than 8,968 tonnes on the fourth day. Read More: PTI, JI agree on need for no-confidence against Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab He said 99 collection points had been established across Karachi's towns, while 9,326 pieces of additional machinery and equipment, including 341 large dumpers, were deployed for the operation. More than 23,400 sanitation workers participated in the campaign. Wahab said citizens were provided access to a 24-hour helpline and mobile application for complaints and service requests. Of the 1,330 complaints received during the operation, around 90 per cent were addressed, he added. The mayor rejected criticism from opposition parties, particularly JI and MQM-P, saying political rivals had continued to criticise the operation while remaining engaged in their own activities during Eid. "Instead of holding press conferences and indulging in criticism, all stakeholders should work together for the city," he said, adding that partisan politics often hindered efforts to improve municipal services. Referring to remarks made by JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Eid day, Wahab questioned how conclusions about the operation's failure could have been drawn before the cleanup process had fully unfolded. Wahab claimed this year's operation had outperformed previous years. However, JI's elected union committee chairmen strongly disputed the mayor's assessment, accusing the city administration of attempting to conceal poor performance through political rhetoric and publicity. In a joint statement, the party said residents had continued to report complaints regarding uncollected offal, garbage and unhygienic conditions throughout the Eid holidays. It noted that images and reports showing piles of waste in different parts of the city remained visible on television channels and social media platforms until the fourth day of Eid. "If the arrangements were truly exemplary, why did residents across the city continue to complain?" the statement asked. JI argued that Karachi's problems extend far beyond the Eid period, pointing to persistent issues including garbage accumulation, deteriorating roads, sewerage failures and water shortages. The party said citizens were no longer interested in official claims or publicity campaigns and instead expected tangible improvements in municipal services. It accused the Sindh government and local government institutions of failing to resolve basic urban issues, resulting in growing public frustration. The statement further criticised the mayor's remarks about welfare activities, saying public service initiatives undertaken through charitable organisations should not be ridiculed or politicised.

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Sacrificial animal remains boost seasonal income

What many households discard as waste after Eidul Azha becomes a valuable source of income for nomadic communities and sanitation workers, who collect animal remains and sell them in local and international markets. For Abdul Ghafoor, a nomad living in a roadside tent along Sargodha Road, Eid is the most profitable time of the year. He said the seasonal rise in sacrificial animal waste provides him an income he cannot match throughout the rest of the year. He explained that a specific part of cattle intestines, locally referred to in trade slang as "Chodra," holds significant commercial value. According to him, he extracts a football-sized portion of the stomach lining attached to intestines and sells it to local dealers for Rs800 to Rs1,000, earning immediate cash. He said these intermediaries clean, salt, and dry the material before selling it to large traders, particularly in Karachi, from where it is reportedly exported to China. In China, it is further processed for use in medical manufacturing, including surgical sutures used in operations worldwide. These finished products are also imported back into Pakistan for use in hospitals and medical institutions. Ghafoor claimed that by collecting such materials from urban and rural areas during Eid, he earns over Rs100,000 on the first day alone. He added that competition over collection often leads to disputes with municipal sanitation workers, particularly those associated with "Suthra Punjab," as both groups consider the material highly valuable. A District Livestock Department official, Dr Suhail Anjum, explained that large ruminants such as cows and buffaloes have four stomach compartments—rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. He said the part commonly collected and sold in the trade is the omasum, which plays a role in digestion and consists of multiple thin tissue layers. He added that in the international meat and medical supply chain, especially in exports to China, processed omasum (also known as beef tripe) is used in industrial applications, including the production of surgical sutures and other medical materials. Dr Anjum noted that this seasonal trade has grown into a profitable informal industry, which is why both nomadic collectors and sanitation workers actively compete for access to the material during Eid. He said this competition often results in confrontations at dumping sites. He further stated that the livestock by-products market sees a sharp surge during Eid, turning what is normally waste into a temporary but highly lucrative economic opportunity for many low-income workers.

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Achakzai urges Chaman reopening

Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai has expressed concern over the continued closure of the Chaman border crossing, describing the situation as unfair to communities whose livelihoods depend on trade and cross-border movement. Speaking at a public gathering on Friday, Achakzai, who belongs to Balochistan, questioned the reasons behind the prolonged restrictions and urged authorities to review the decision. He argued that peaceful citizens engaged in business and economic activity should not face continued uncertainty. Referring to the wider security and political environment, the veteran politician who also heads an opposition parties alliance—the TTAP—stated that people advocating peace, development, and lawful trade appeared to be facing restrictions. "However, those involved in violence seem unaffected by this closure. This is a contradictory situation that calls for a more balanced and transparent policy approach," he said. Achakzai also alleged that customs-related disruptions at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border are part of a planned effort, saying the closure had negatively affected traders, transporters, and families dependent on border-related commerce. Emphasizing constitutional governance, he stressed the importance of democratic institutions and said parliament should remain central in shaping national policies. "Political parties across the country should work together to strengthen democratic values, uphold the rule of law, and protect equal rights for all citizens," he said. He further highlighted the need to expand economic opportunities for people living in border regions, particularly those involved in legal trade with neighboring Afghanistan. According to him, sustainable development and prosperity depend on inclusive policies and recognition of the rights of all communities across Pakistan. The crossing remains an important economic route for thousands of families involved in transportation, trade, and daily movement, making its closure a continuing topic of public discussion in the region. The border crossing between Balochistan's Chaman district and Afghanistan's Spin Boldak has remained closed since October 2025 following intense clashes between Pakistani forces and the Afghan Taliban.

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India’s Dulhasti-II project on Chenab River deepens hydro-political tensions with Pakistan

In a move that has sharply escalated hydro-political tensions, India has approved the controversial Rs 3,277.45 crore Dulhasti Stage-II run-of-the-river hydroelectric project of 260 megawatt capacity on the Chenab River in Indian-occupied Kashmir, further undermining the Indus Waters Treaty and threatening Pakistan’s downstream water security. The project includes a 3,685-metre-long diversion tunnel, horseshoe pondage, surge and pressure shafts, and an underground powerhouse with two 130MW units. It requires 60.3 hectares of land, including 8.27 hectares of private land from Benzwar and Palmar villages. The Environmental Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of India cleared the Dulhasti Stage-II project, which will draw water from the existing Dulhasti Power Station (Stage I) through a separate 3,685m-long tunnel with a diameter of 8.5m, leading to the construction of a horseshoe pondage for Stage II. In addition to the pondage, the project will feature a surge shaft, a pressure shaft, and an underground powerhouse equipped with two units of 130MW each, resulting in a total installed capacity of 260MW. India’s approval of the Dulhasti Stage-II Hydroelectric Project while keeping the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance reflects a growing pattern of unilateral upstream infrastructure expansion that undermines the principles of cooperative transboundary water governance. The construction of additional tunnels, pondage structures, and flow-regulating infrastructure on the Chenab River system raises serious concerns regarding India’s increasing capacity to manipulate downstream river flows critical to Pakistan’s agricultural and food security. By withholding hydrological data and limiting technical transparency despite repeated international queries, India is weakening confidence in treaty-based mechanisms designed to ensure stability, predictability, and equitable river management in South Asia. India’s continued hydropower expansion on western rivers, without the sharing of critical hydrological data, risks exacerbating hydro-political tensions and increasing vulnerability for millions dependent on the Indus Basin irrigation system. Read More: Arbitration court upholds Pakistan's stance on Indus Waters Treaty The Dulhasti Stage-II project illustrates how run-of-the-river infrastructure can acquire strategic significance when combined with non-cooperative water policies and the suspension of institutional obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty. In an era of accelerating climate stress and water scarcity, India’s manipulation of transboundary rivers reflects an increasingly irresponsible approach toward regional water security and sustainable basin governance. The growing network of upstream hydroelectric projects on the Chenab River enhances India’s operational control over seasonal water flows, creating uncertainty for downstream crop cycles, irrigation planning, and long-term agricultural resilience in Pakistan. India’s refusal to restore full treaty cooperation while simultaneously expanding strategic hydropower infrastructure raises broader concerns regarding the politicisation of water resources and the erosion of international legal norms governing shared river systems.

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