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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Eid style rewind</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2538207/eid-style-rewind</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2538207/eid-style-rewind#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 06 Apr 25 05:15:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yusra Salim]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[T-Magazine]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2538207</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[This Eid trendsetters showed enthusiasm for vintage fashion, bold colours &amp; a dash of intergalactic fashion]]>
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				<![CDATA[How do you remember Eid back in the 1990s or early 2000s, when glittery frocks, neon-colored glasses, and colorful purses were a thing for children? The same children who are in their 20s or 30s now set new trends over Eid and bring in evolving trends over the years.

In Pakistan, Eid is a cultural celebration that combines tradition, fashion, and creativity, in addition to being a religious observance. Each year, on Chand Raat (the eve of Eidul Fitr), the bazaars and households are full of colour and bustling with feast and sartorial preparation for the big day. From the sweet scent of sheer khurma (vermicelli dessert) to unpacking and trying out clothes picked from the tailor shops and malls, Eid is for family gatherings where everyone shows off their new clothes. 

There has been a change in Pakistani Eid fashion over the years. Even though the religious holiday inspires traditional looks, new fads arrive every year. For instance, this year, bright colour choices and retro fashion were found on retail racks in stores and the same were demanded of the local tailors.

The colours of Eid

Classic whites and soft pastels usually dominate Eid fashion, particularly for ladies. Colours like baby pink, mint green, ivory, and sky blue were popular in the early 2000s because of their sophistication and suitability for the warmth of summer. &ldquo;Since last few years, because Eid was majorly in hot weather, the colours which were in trend were lighter, soothing and mostly pastels. But since the past two years, we have seen a trend towards brighter colours in lighter and breathable fabrics,&rdquo; said Asad Ahmed, who has been in the fashion industry for 15 years. He also said that these lighter colors reflect simplicity and modesty, two qualities strongly linked to Ramazan, the end of which is marked by Eidul Fitr. 

With a dominant shift in favour of bolder and brighter colour schemes over the past two to three years, jewel tones including mustard yellow, ruby red, royal blue, and emerald green, began to appear in clothing. 

A beautifully balanced blend of the extremes was observed during Eid 2025. &ldquo;Deeper hues like maroon and bottle green were heavily used, particularly in formal attire, even though lavender and blue remained popular with minimalists. This year, we have also seen silver and metallic embellishments that surprisingly gave clothes a modern, almost futuristic vibe,&rdquo; shared Ahmed. Pakistan has a rich history of fashion, and Eid is frequently the ideal time for both consumers and designers to delve into the past and unearth buried treasures, he added. 

The Farshi Shalwar

The farshi shalwar was popular during the Mughal era and later in the early years of Pakistani fashion. This Eidul Fitr it was back with a bang. All over social media, was worn by women pairing it with short kurtis and elaborately embroidered dupattas. With elaborate handiwork, mirror embellishments, and gota detailing, many designers jumped onto the bandwagon and brought the flared shalwar back into fashion. This trend gave many women&#39;s Eid outfits an emotional resonance by bringing back memories of their grandmothers&rsquo; outfits. 

Additionally, social media was crucial in spreading the trend. Many fashion influencers displayed their interpretations of the farshi shalwar, some with crop tops or peplum shirts, while others just tried to recreate their grandmother&rsquo;s picture into reality. &ldquo;I tried to copy one of my grandmother&rsquo;s older photos where she was wearing a yellow gota short shirt with farshi shalwar probably sometime in the 1960s. When I wore the dress, my father remembered the picture I took reference from,&rdquo; said 22-year-old Samar Faheem.

Shararas and ghararas never really left the fashion scene, but this Eid saw them being styled in innovative ways. Layered shararas with contrasting kurtas were among the popular picks for younger girls. Fabrics like tissue silk, organza, and jamawar added volume and grace. &ldquo;We are four sisters, and Eid at our house is a grand celebration with fashionable clothes, mehndi, bangles, and what not. One of my dresses on Eid must always be a gharara, either cotton, silk, or any fabric according to the season. When my grandmother was alive she used to stitch for us and now we just keep the trend of wearing them every year,&rdquo; Faheem reminisced. 

Men and their trendy clothes 

Over time, Eid attire for men has become more and more elegant. In place of the once-dominant white shalwar kameez, we now find a fusion of sophisticated detail and minimalism in their clothes. 

The &ldquo;lightening kurta&rdquo; trend, so called because of its delicate metallic threads and soft sheen, was unquestionably this year&rsquo;s biggest fad. These kurtas were perfect for daytime and evening wear because they shimmer softly in the light. &ldquo;The fashion options for men are few and so their fashion trends change less frequently than for women. This year, many men have opted for lightening kurtas. Some went so far as to install battery operated LED lights in their kurtas,&rdquo; said Mansoor Khan, a tailor who was asked to stitch a kurta that can accommodate LED lights in the sleeves and collar.

Other than that, many brands offered kurtas in pastel peach, ivory gold, and platinum grey with a subtle sheen. The ensemble was both regal and contemporary when worn with churidar pajamas or straight trousers.

Another significant trend this year was layering. Men chose open-front sherwanis with eye-catching buttons or textured or embroidered waistcoats over simple kurtas. Additionally, others decided to dress up their appearance with embroidered shawls, especially for formal events or Eid prayers. &ldquo;Just because Eid has been moving towards better weather conditions, layering and shawls are making a return whereas until the last few years men were opting for lighter fabrics due to extreme hot weather,&rdquo; said Khan.

Fashion is not just clothes

Without the appropriate accessories, a fantastic Eid ensemble is incomplete, and Pakistanis don&rsquo;t hold back during Eid. It is one of the festivals for which people shop and plan for months.

Women continued to wear kolhapuris and khussas with hand embroidery, tassels, and mirror work. This traditional style is complete with beautiful jhumkas and matching potli bags. The use of belts with dupattas, a practical yet stylish accent that gave the ensembles a structured edge, was a more recent addition this year. 

Men stick to wearing Peshawari chappals &ndash; from striking colours like midnight blue and brown to the usual tan or black &ndash; but some favoured loafers or simple chapals with their kurta pajamas.

Children&rsquo;s Eid attire usually follows adult fashion trends with matching outfits for parents and children. Nowadays daughters twin with their mothers and sons wear clothes similar to their fathers&rsquo; dress. 

Girls were spotted wearing miniature copies of Farshi ghararas and shalwars, frequently accessorised with bangles and floral hairpieces while boys wore light kurtas and even small waistcoats with elaborate embroidery, with ethnic shoes or soft leather sandals.

Tailors and turmoil 

Without bringing up the tailoring frenzy that engulfs Pakistan during the final week of Ramazan, no Eid trends would be complete. This year was no exception. After the 15th of Ramazan, numerous tailors declined orders due to the tremendous demand. 

What is interesting to see is that some tailors have seen an increase in requests for traditional shalwars and short-length shirts with unique cuts. Naeem Tailors in Bahadurabad, Karachi, said, &ldquo;We had a lot of young women asking for the kind of designs their mothers wore in the &#39;90s, the demand started after the 10th roza, and eventually everyone came back to change their orders, which was more of like vintage styles came back.&rdquo;

Fashion blogs and social media picked up the retro fad hype and then almost every one followed suit. Trending hashtags where everyone tagged and made memes of the trends and captioned their pictures with farshi shalwar trends this year brought attention to the diverse spectrum of fashions worn across the country. 

By artistically repurposing existing clothing, numerous influencers also promoted sustainable fashion. Upcycled waistcoats and do-it-yourself dupatta belts were examples of the increased awareness of mindful fashion. 

As Pakistani Eid fashion keeps developing. This year&rsquo;s trends skilfully combined vintage fashion while embracing modernity, demonstrating once more that style is a celebration of joy, identity, and memories. 

Eid continues to be the occasion when every Pakistani Muslim becomes a style icon in their own right, whether it&rsquo;s a shimmering kurta bringing in the future or a farshi shalwar echoing the past.]]>
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			<title>Murree all set for influx of tourists on Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472119/murree-all-set-for-influx-of-tourists-on-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472119/murree-all-set-for-influx-of-tourists-on-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jun 24 19:34:56 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472119</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Seven facilitation centres  established for tourists in Murree while control room set up for monitoring]]>
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				<![CDATA[On the special instructions of the Punjab chief minister, the district administration has finalised all the arrangements to facilitate the tourists in Murree during the Eidul Azha holidays.

According to a spokesperson for the commissioner&rsquo;s office, all-out efforts would be made to ensure the safety of the tourists and provide them with all possible facilities, particularly during the Eidul Azha holidays.

Earlier, the Rawalpindi Commissioner instructed the authorities concerned, including the police, to finalise all the arrangements to facilitate tourists in Murree.

The spokesperson said Murree is a centre of tourism and tourists from all over Pakistan come to enjoy the beauty of the &lsquo;Queen of Hills&rsquo;, particularly during the summer season. All possible facilities would be provided to the tourists coming to Murree to enjoy pleasant weather during the summer season, he said.

Seven facilitation centres have been established for tourists in Murree while a control room has been set up for monitoring. For the convenience of tourists, pamphlets are also kept at the facilitation centres, which contain all the contact numbers required to deal with an emergency, and there is also a map to guide the tourists.

He said representatives of all administrative institutions, including Murree administration, police, Rescue 1122, tourism department, health department, and civil defence, would remain present at the centres to provide awareness to the tourists.]]>
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			<title>Sacrificial animals fill city streets</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472129/sacrificial-animals-fill-city-streets</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472129/sacrificial-animals-fill-city-streets#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jun 24 19:46:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472129</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Selling and buying of sacrificial animals will reach its peak three days before Eid]]>
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				<![CDATA[As the holy festival of Eidul Azha approaches fast, the streets of the city are filled with sacrificial animals nowadays. Children are seen walking with sacrificial animals in streets, neighbourhoods and markets of the city.

Kids are decorating their sacrificial animals after buying decorations from the markets. On the other hand, the prices of animal decoration items and fodder have increased tremendously.

The government employees, who have received salaries before Eid, are excited to buy sacrificial animals. Cattle markets have also been set up in parts of the city to receive customers. The selling and buying of sacrificial animals will reach its peak three days before Eid as the citizens find it difficult to keep sacrificial animals because of the shortage of space.

Citizens usually serve sacrificial animals for two or three days before sacrificing them for the sake of Allah Almighty. There has been an increase in the purchase of animals in cattle markets since last Sunday, which will reach its peak on Friday.

Child Kamail Hasan says every year he waits for the purchase of a sacrificial animal, buys decorations for the sacrificial animal from his pocket money, loves to decorate the animal and walks around the street.

Another child Tasbee Fatima says she feeds the sacrificial animal with her own hands, an act which gives her extreme happiness. &ldquo;This Eid, I will again decorate my sacrificial animal in the best way,&rdquo; she added.]]>
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			<title>Capital outlines cleanliness plan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472128/capital-outlines-cleanliness-plan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472128/capital-outlines-cleanliness-plan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jun 24 19:45:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472128</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Representatives from various departments focus on managing expected influx of livestock and hygiene standards]]>
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				<![CDATA[Islamabad capital administration conducted a meeting to streamline the operations of cattle markets and maintain cleanliness across the city.

According to a spokesperson for the Chief Commissioner Office, the meeting reviewed preparation for Eidul Azha in the federal capital. Representatives from various departments focused on managing the expected influx of livestock and ensuring that hygiene standards remained high during the festive period.

A control room will be set up to handle any complaints and issues that may arise. This service aims to provide immediate assistance and solutions to residents during the busy days of Eid. Additionally, biodegradable bags will be distributed to help manage waste more effectively.]]>
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			<title>Butchers announce inflated rates for Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472127/butchers-announce-inflated-rates-for-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472127/butchers-announce-inflated-rates-for-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jun 24 19:44:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zulfiqar Baig]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472127</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Butchers at meat shops in F-7, F-6 F-8, F-10, F-11 set Rs6,000 for slaughtering  goat, Rs25,000 for a cow]]>
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				<![CDATA[As Eidul Azha approaches, butchers of all types &ndash; professional and amateur &ndash; have set their inflated rates for slaughtering and slicing the meat of sacrificial animals.

The butchers, in all the big and small markets of Islamabad, have set arbitrary rates. Among the amateur butchers are those who slice chicken and fish meat as they have also sharpened their tools.

The butchers at the meat shops in F-7, F-6 F-8, F-10, F-11, I-8, G-8 and G-9 have set Rs6,000 price for slaughtering a goat, Rs25,000 for a cow and Rs50,000 for slaughtering a camel on the first day of Eid. Unskilled butchers seem ready to slaughter animals and slice mince at lower rates.

Professional butchers in the Abpara market have formed a Qurbani group with the display of contact numbers, locations and time for Qurbani.

Khurshid Qureshi, the head of Jamiat al-Quraish, says they receive advance bookings for Qurbani. Talking to The Express Tribune, he said that a sacrificial animal is the best gift of Allah Almighty and we must take great care to maintain its sanctity. &ldquo;Everyone does not have the opportunity to fulfil Sunat-e-Ibrahimi.&rdquo;

&ldquo;When unprofessional butchers slaughter sacrificial animals, they feel much pain. Special attention should be paid to cleanliness while slicing sacrificial meat,&rdquo; Qureshi added.

Chicken seller Ashiq Abbasi says as the sale of chicken and fish declines on the days of Eid, they earn by slaughtering sacrificial animals. &ldquo;We charge lower rates to facilitate the customers.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>Avoid excessive meat consumption: experts</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472140/avoid-excessive-meat-consumption-experts</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472140/avoid-excessive-meat-consumption-experts#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jun 24 19:58:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Dua Abbas]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472140</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Consuming fat from sacrificial meat leads to obesity, elevated cholesterol levels and increased blood pressure]]>
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				<![CDATA[Nutritionists caution against excessive meat consumption during the festivity of Eidul Adha.

The health experts advise people with conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol to be mindful of their meat intake during the occasion.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Nutritionist Afira Anees Saad said that a healthy adult should limit meat consumption to a maximum of 70 grams per day. She urged citizens to exercise moderation in their meat consumption.

It is recommended to minimise the storage time of sacrificial meat, favouring distribution over preservation. She advised to consume mutton over beef, noting that excessive beef consumption may not benefit even healthy persons.

Afira underscored that consuming fat from sacrificial meat can lead to obesity, elevated cholesterol levels, and increased blood pressure, particularly risky for those with heart conditions. They clarified that consuming meat once a day does not adversely affect health.RNutritionists suggest that elderly persons and those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol should limit beef consumption and opt for fish, local chicken, or mutton instead.

They propose to divide the recommended 65 to 70 grams of daily meat consumption into three to four servings if desired. &quot;A spike in cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, and digestive issues post Eidul Azha due to overindulgence in fatty meats and sweets&quot;, advises the nutritionist.]]>
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			<title>All set for Eidul Azha in northern Sindh</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472135/all-set-for-eidul-azha-in-northern-sindh</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472135/all-set-for-eidul-azha-in-northern-sindh#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Jun 24 19:54:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472135</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Cleaning and sprinkling lime have been ensured, said Mayor Arslan]]>
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				<![CDATA[All is set for celebrating Eidul Azha in Sukkur, Khairpur, Ghotki, Noshehroferoze, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore- Kandhkot and other districts of the northern Sindh with religious fervour and enthusiasm on Monday.

Muslims are preparing to celebrate the annual festival of Eidul Azha or the Festival of Sacrifice, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and in commemoration of Prophet Abraham&#39;s readiness to sacrifice his son to show obedience to God. Sacrifice commonly known as &#39;Qurbani&#39;, means slaughter of a permissible animal generally goats, sheep, rams, cows and camels in the name of God on the 10th, 11th or 12th of the Islamic month of Zil Hijjah.

Mayor Sukkur Barrister Arslan Sheikh on Monday reviewed arrangements for pick up garbage from all streets and neighbourhoods in a timely manner and deliver it safely to the collection points on all days of Eidul Azha. Cleaning and sprinkling lime have been ensured, said Mayor Arslan.

There are large congregations to be held in Sukkur for Eid prayers. There are 1143 Masjid, 63 Imambargahs, 27 Eid congregations where the Eid prayers would be offered and 36 places where combined sacrifices of the animals would take place as well as 58 camps of hides collection throughout the region.]]>
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			<title>Courts grant bails to delinquents ahead of Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2471083/courts-grant-bails-to-delinquents-ahead-of-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2471083/courts-grant-bails-to-delinquents-ahead-of-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 24 19:58:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Qaiser Shirazi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2471083</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Uphold tradition of judicial clemency, allowing jail inmates to celebrate with family]]>
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				<![CDATA[As Eidul Azha approaches, 203 inmates of Adiala Jail, who have been accused in various cases, have filed bail applications in anticipation of the principle of judicial &quot;clemency&quot; which is expected around the time of Eid.

So far, 111 accused have filed applications in the Sessions Civil Magistrate and Special Courts, as well as the Islamabad High Court. These applications are being heard on a daily basis by the respective courts. In the last two days, a total of 39 accused have been granted bail. The hearings will continue until Saturday, June 15.

Courts are granting bail by following a swift and efficient process, and issuing release orders on the same day, without any delay. The efforts to clear the backlog of bail applications are not limited to Rawalpindi, as Additional Sessions, Civil Judges, and Magistrates from other tehsils in the district, including Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, Gujjar Khan and Taxila, have also started hearing bail applications on a daily basis.

In compliance with the High Court&#39;s orders, the court staff responsible for processing the release orders of accused inmates in Adiala Jail are required to remain on duty until 7pm each day till Saturday, June 15, which will be the last working day before Eidul Azha.

Rawalpindi District and Sessions Judge and Islamabad District and Sessions Judge will visit Adiala Jail on Friday to grant personal bail to those accused who were arrested for minor offences. As a result of the President&#39;s decision to grant clemency in consideration of the spirit of Eidul Azha, the incarcerated individuals will be set free on Saturday evening, June 15th to celeberate the festival with their loved ones.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12th, 2024.]]>
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			<title>Eidul Azha in Pakistan: Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to convene for Zilhaj moon sighting on Friday</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469916/eidul-azha-in-pakistan-ruet-e-hilal-committee-to-convene-for-zilhaj-moon-sighting-on-friday</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469916/eidul-azha-in-pakistan-ruet-e-hilal-committee-to-convene-for-zilhaj-moon-sighting-on-friday#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jun 24 11:49:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2469916</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Zilhaj moon expected to be sighted on Friday June, 7 making Eidul Azha's celebration on Monday, June 17]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene in Karachi on Friday to sight the Zilhaj&nbsp;moon. The meeting, led by Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, will take place at the Meteorological Department office.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted that Eidul Azha is likely to fall on Monday, June 17.

According to the Climate Data Processing Centre, the Zilhaj&nbsp;moon is expected to be sighted on Friday June, 7 making Eidul Azha&#39;s celebration on Monday, June 17.

Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz stated that the new moon, which marks the start of the Islamic month of Zilhaj, will be born precisely at 5:38 pm local time on June 6, with sunset expected at 7:20 PM. The moon is likely to be visible for 72 minutes after sunset.

He said that there were high chances of the moon being sighted on June 7 as it would be of more than 26 hours by then.





Eidul Azha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim&rsquo;s willingness to sacrifice his son for God.

The festival is traditionally marked by the slaughter of animals, with the meat shared among family, friends, and the poor. The sacrificial practice, in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim, continues for the three days of Eid.

Zilhaj, the 12th and last month of the Muslim lunar calendar, is itself considered one of the holiest in the Islamic year and Muslims often fast on its first nine days.]]>
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			<title>Cattle traders offered free sale points</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2467853/cattle-traders-offered-free-sale-points</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2467853/cattle-traders-offered-free-sale-points#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 24 20:47:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2467853</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Govt bans leaves of municipal staff in Eid season]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Punjab government has decided not to charge any fee from sacrificial animal traders at all sale points to be set up ahead of Eidul Azha.

The animal sale points will be established on a no profit-no loss basis, Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique said while presiding over a video link meeting of the chief officers of municipal bodies across Punjab. The department&rsquo;s pan for the Eid was finalised in the meeting.

It was decided that leaves of municipal staff would be banned during 10 days before and three days after the Eid.

The minister issued directives that eco-friendly bags should be provided free of cost to every house where sacrifice will be conducted so that disposable of the waste could be made easy.

Zeeshan Rafique said the municipal staff should arrange the disposal of waste without waiting for the deadline.

The minister sought the strategies for the occasion in writing from every municipal committee and asked the chief officers to display their mobile phone numbers at prominent places.

A provincial monitoring cell will be established in the local government secretary&rsquo;s office.

The minister said the elected representatives of each area should also be included in the monitoring process. &quot;Negligence in cleanliness will not be tolerated during the Eid holidays,&quot; he warned. He said immediate action should be taken on media reports regarding in this regard.

He warned that he would make unannounced visits to the sale points in different cities to assess the provision of facilities. The chief minister had conveyed instructions that there should be no compromise on cleanliness arrangements, he added. He directed the senior officers of the department to carry out field visits to ensure the implementation of the instructions.

Local Government Secretary Shakeel Ahmad Mian said written instructions had been issued regarding the Eid functions and all chief officers should ensure their implementation.

He said the network of the Suthra Punjab programme should also be utilised for cleaning arrangements on Eidul Azha.

Additional Secretary Maria Tariq and the secretary of the Local Government Board also attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider announced that 10 cattle markets will be established in Lahore for selling sacrificial animals.

Chairing a meeting, she said responsibilities for the arrangements in the markets had been assigned to the assistant commissioners in each tehsil.

The DC instructed the assistant commissioners to visit the proposed sites along with officials of the relevant departments to ensure basic arrangements in the cattle markets.

The livestock department will ensure protective sprays at checkpoints, while the traffic police will complete a plan to maintain smooth vehicular flow around the cattle markets.

No buying or selling of animals will be allowed outside the designated cattle markets, and any such activity within the city will face regulatory action, she added.

The Dc said all possible measures would be taken for the convenience of the traders and buyers. A help desk will be established in each cattle market to assist citizens, and the Lahore Waste Management Company has been instructed to maintain cleanliness in all markets, she said.

With additional input from APP

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2024.]]>
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			<title>No sweet exchange between Rangers, BSF on Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462427/no-sweet-exchange-between-rangers-bsf-on-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462427/no-sweet-exchange-between-rangers-bsf-on-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 13 Apr 24 05:11:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Asif Mahmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2462427</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Last week, forces also skipped symbolic gesture on Holi festival]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Amid tension between Pakistan and India, the forces of the two countries guarding their international borders skipped a symbolic goodwill gesture of exchanging sweets and well wishes for each other on this Eidul Fitr.

For the past many years, it has been a tradition that the border forces of both countries, the Pakistan Rangers and India&rsquo;s Border Security Force (BSF), extended goodwill on each other&#39;s religious and national festivals.

However, last week, the Pakistan Rangers and the BSF did not exchange sweets on the Hindu religious festival of Holi, as relations between the two neighbours had dipped since August 2019, when India revoked special status of occupied Kashmir.

A similar situation was witnessed on Eidul Fitr on Wednesday, when the local commanders of the border forces did not exchange sweets, a source confirmed on Friday.

Relations between Pakistan and India have remained strained since Pakistan suspended bilateral trade in response to India&#39;s unilateral move on August 5, 2019, to end the semi-autonomous status of the Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

However, despite the tensions, sweets and gifts were exchanged on important national and religious festivals during the previous caretaker government in Pakistan. Now under the newly-elected government, this process has ceased.]]>
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			<title>PM Shehbaz pays tribute to security forces for ensuring peace during Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462312/pm-shehbaz-pays-tribute-to-security-forces-for-ensuring-peace-during-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462312/pm-shehbaz-pays-tribute-to-security-forces-for-ensuring-peace-during-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 24 08:16:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2462312</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Security forces have made endless sacrifices for the establishment of peace and order, says premier]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the Pakistan Army, police and security agencies of the country on Thursday for ensuring peace and order on the occasion of Eidul Fitr, said a statement by the Prime Minister&#39;s Office (PMO).

The premier appreciated the actions of the soldiers and officers of the army, the IGs of the four provinces, heads of security agencies and other officers.

&quot;The officers and personnel of the Pakistan Army and security agencies have made endless sacrifices for the establishment of peace and order in the country,&quot; said the prime minister.&nbsp;

The statement added that Shehbaz also appreciated the security forces of the country for performing their duties while being away from their loved ones.&nbsp;

Read&nbsp;CM Maryam orders strict security on Eidul Fitr

Pakistanis celebrated Eidul Fitr a day earlier with religious fervour and devotion with large prayer gatherings organized in mosques, Eidgahs, and open grounds.

Special prayers were offered for national security, prosperity, and the well-being of fellow Muslims, particularly those in Palestine.

Strict security measures were also taken on the occasion to avoid any untoward incident.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Gazans live on memories of past Eid festivals as war ruins special day</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462301/gazans-live-on-memories-of-past-eid-festivals-as-war-ruins-special-day</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462301/gazans-live-on-memories-of-past-eid-festivals-as-war-ruins-special-day#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 24 13:35:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2462301</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[In Gaza survival is paramount amid Israeli airstrikes, shelling, a ground offensive, and a humanitarian crisis]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Palestinians visited the graves of loved ones killed in the Gaza war and prayed beside the wreckage of a mosque and in shattered streets as the devastating conflict cast a pall over the Eidul Fitr holiday.

Millions of Muslims around the world are observing Eid, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramazan, with festivities, feasts and family gatherings.

But few in Gaza can take solace from this special time. After six months of war, their focus is on surviving Israeli air strikes, shelling, a ground offensive and a humanitarian crisis.



Palestinians holding Eidul Fitr prayers by the ruins of al-Farouk mosque in the southern Gaza Strip April 10, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS

Amany Mansour and her mother stood at her young son&#39;s grave, recalling happier times. She said the last Eid was the best one of her life.

&quot;My son was beside me, in my arms, getting him ready. Everything he wanted I did for him,&quot; she said.

&quot;I wish he was here with me. He would go to the mosque in the morning and say to me &#39;prepare my present for when I return&#39;. Gone. Everything good about my life is gone.&quot;

&#39;Sad for the days that have passed&#39;

During better times, people like Mahmoud al-Hamaydeh in Gaza&#39;s southern city of Rafah would gather with family and friends for festivities and big meals during the Eid holiday.

&quot;This day, for me, is heartbreaking, compared to last Eid. I look at my children and I feel heartbroken. When I sit with them and I start to cry, feeling sad for the days that have passed,&quot; said Hamaydeh, who is now pushed in a wheelchair after being wounded by the Israeli military.

&quot;I remember last Eid and I remember this Eid. Last Eid, I was surrounded by my children, looking at them with joy. But today I am injured, unable to move or go anywhere.&quot;

Instead, he endures Israeli airstrikes that have turned much of Gaza, a densely-populated Hamas-run enclave, into rows of rubble and dust.

The war erupted on Oct. 7 when the Palestinian Islamist group burst across the border and rampaged in southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel responded with ferocious air strikes and a ground invasion which has killed over 33,000 Palestinians, wounded more than 75,000 and created a humanitarian crisis.

Read also:&nbsp;Israel to bar some Muslim citizens from Jerusalem mosque in Ramazan

Most of the enclave&#39;s 2.3 million people are homeless. Hospitals have been destroyed, medicine is in short supply and many Gazans are at risk of famine.

As Palestinians look around the Gaza Strip, there is little to celebrate. Israel has said it will keep up the military pressure until it destroys Hamas.

Children played among the crushed cement and twisted medal left by airstrikes, near the ruins of Rafah&#39;s al Farouk mosque that was struck in an Israeli attack.

Another resident, Abu Shaer, called on his fellow Muslims to try to draw some strength from the Eid holiday.

&quot;Despite the great feeling of pain and the continuous Zionist killing during the last six months of our lives, we must show joy on this day,&quot; he said.

Prayers and protest

Worshippers knelt in the street next to the wreckage of the the mosque, laying out their prayer mats in the shadow of a white minaret, still standing amid the otherwise flattened building.

More than one million people are crammed into Rafah, on Gaza&#39;s southern border with Egypt, having fled bombardments of their homes further north.

It is the last relatively safe place in Gaza. But Israel has repeatedly flagged plans to assault Rafah to destroy remaining battalions of Hamas.

Elsewhere in the Middle East, where many have lived through war and sectarian bloodshed, Muslims prayed for an end to the war.



Palestinian women visit graves of people who were killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas, on the day of Eidul Fitr, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip April 10, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS

&quot;We turn to God asking for a near relief and victory for our brothers in Palestine,&quot; said Omar Nizar Karim in Iraq&#39;s capital Baghdad. &quot;This is a message we are sending today from this blessed place to our people in Gaza and to our people in Palestine.&quot;

In Jordan, pro-Palestinians gathered near the Israeli embassy in Amman to show their solidarity with Gaza&#39;s people.

&quot;The title of the protest today is &#39;There is no Eid while Gaza is annihilated&#39;,&quot; said Abdel Majid Rantisi. &quot;Our Eid is on the day of the victory of the resistance, the victory of Gaza.&quot;]]>
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			<title>US envoy extends Eid greetings, emphasises Pak-US friendship</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462305/us-envoy-extends-eid-greetings-emphasises-pak-us-friendship</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462305/us-envoy-extends-eid-greetings-emphasises-pak-us-friendship#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 24 18:59:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2462305</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Ambassador Blome expresses appreciation for the hospitality and warmth extended to him by the Pakistani people]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a heartfelt message to the Pakistani people, US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, extended warm wishes for Eidul Fitr, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramazan, in a video message on Wednesday.

Ambassador Blome began his message with the traditional greeting of &quot;Aslam o Alaikum&quot; and conveyed &quot;Eid Mubarak&quot; on behalf of the US mission to Pakistan and the American people.

Ambassador Blome expressed his appreciation for the hospitality and warmth extended to him by the Pakistani people, particularly during the month of Ramazan.

He acknowledged the significance of this auspicious occasion in fostering bonds of friendship and community between nations, emphasising the enduring ties between the United States and Pakistan.

&quot;As the holy month concludes,&quot; Ambassador Blome remarked, &quot;let us continue to cherish the bonds of friendship and community between our countries.&quot;

Eidul Fitr, a joyous festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide, symbolises the culmination of a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

Read also: US consulate general joins Karachi&#39;s Chaand Raat festivities

This video message follows after officials from the United States Consulate General in Karachi extended warm greetings to all Pakistanis for a Happy Chaand Raat on Tuesday night as they joined in the Eidul Fitr shopping frenzy.

In a heartwarming gesture, the US Consulate General in Karachi shared their experience of partaking in the local traditions. &quot;Like all of you, we also ventured into the colourful bazaars of Karachi to immerse ourselves in the joy of Chaand Raat and Eid shopping. And this time, we chose Karachi&#39;s renowned Jama Cloth Market!&quot; a post on their social media pages read.

At the bustling market, Consul General Conrad Tribble and diplomats Heather and Anna Maria enthusiastically joined fellow shoppers in selecting colourful earrings, sparkly bangles, and beautiful shoes for themselves and their loved ones.

&quot;Thanks to the incredible variety of stalls at Jama Cloth Market, we were able to purchase many essential items for Eid. Karachi once again demonstrated that it is a city of lights and splendour!&quot; the post exclaimed.

The consulate general further engaged with their audience, inviting them to share their own Eid shopping experiences. &quot;Have you also shopped for Meethi Eid? What is your favourite place to shop? Let us know by commenting below!&quot; they asked, fostering a sense of community and celebration among their followers.]]>
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			<title>Shawwal moon not sighted in Saudi Arabia, Eidul Fitr on April 10</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462091/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-in-saudi-arabia-eidul-fitr-on-april-10</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462091/shawwal-moon-not-sighted-in-saudi-arabia-eidul-fitr-on-april-10#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Apr 24 16:10:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2462091</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Eidul Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, in the kingdom]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In Saudi Arabia, the awaited announcement regarding the celebration of Eidul Fitr has been made following the outcome of the moon sighting for the month of Shawwal 1445 Hijri. The authorities confirmed on Monday that the moon for Shawwal has not been sighted, thereby determining that Eidul Fitr will be observed on Wednesday, April 10.

The pivotal meeting of the Ruet-e-Hilal committee, convened to sight the Shawwal moon, took place at the Sudair observatory in Saudi Arabia. Comprising members of the Ruet-e-Hilal committee and astronomers, the gathering aimed to ascertain the sighting of the moon across various regions.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, arrangements were made for moon sighting in locations including Tamir, Taif, Jazan, and Makkah al-Mukarramah. Citizens were actively encouraged to partake in the sighting process, aligning with directives issued by the Saudi Supreme Court.

Following diligent observations, the Ruet-e-Hilal committee declared that the moon remained unseen throughout the country. Consequently, the official announcement was made that Eidul Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, marking the joyous culmination of Ramazan in Saudi Arabia.

Read also: Ruet-e-Hilal Committee meeting convened to sight Shawwal moon on Tuesday

In Pakistan on the other hand, there are promising prospects for the Shawwal moon sighting on April 9.

As per the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), by April 9, the moon&#39;s age is expected to range between 19 to 20 hours, with an anticipated duration of moon sighting after sunset exceeding 50 minutes on the horizon.

Most regions across the southern parts of the country, including Karachi, are expected to experience clear skies on April 9. However, northern areas may encounter cloudy conditions during the moon sighting.]]>
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			<title>Hyderabad's delicate Eid bangles go from furnace to forearms</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462084/hyderabads-delicate-eid-bangles-go-from-furnace-to-forearms</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462084/hyderabads-delicate-eid-bangles-go-from-furnace-to-forearms#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Apr 24 13:26:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2462084</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Over a dozen may contribute to crafting a single bangle, from factories to skilled designers decorating them by hand]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Layers of intricately decorated bangles are a staple fashion accessory for women, a carefully considered part of their Eidul Fitr celebrations.

More than a dozen people can be involved in the making of a single bangle, from sweltering factories to the homes of designers who skilfully decorate them by hand.

&quot;Whatever the fashion trends, when we attend any event and wear any outfit it feels incomplete without bangles,&quot; said 42-year-old Talat Zahid, who uses beads, stitching and embroidery to embellish bangles.

&quot;Even if you don&#39;t wear jewellery but wear bangles or a bracelet with your outfit, the outfit looks complete.&quot;

In the lead-up to this week&#39;s Eidul Fitr festivities that mark the end of Ramazan, market stalls are adorned with a glittering array of colourful bangles, each turned over and inspected for their beauty and imperfections by women who haggle for a good price.



Labourers work at a glass bangle factory in Hyderabad, March 31, 2024. PHOTO: AFP

They are often sold by the dozen, starting at around Rs150 and rising to Rs1,000 as stones and silk are added.

Hyderabad is home to the delicate &quot;churi&quot; glass bangle, where a single furnace can produce up to 100 bangles an hour from molten glass wire shaped around an iron rod.

The work is arduous and frustrating &ndash; labourers are exposed to oppressive temperatures in unregulated factories prone to frequent power cuts, while the fragile glass threads can snap easily.

Read also:&nbsp;Eid shopping spree reaches its peak

&quot;The work is done without a fan. If we turn on the fan the fire is extinguished. So, the heat intensity is high. As it becomes hotter our work slows down,&quot; said 24-year-old Sameer, who followed his father into the industry and earns less than the minimum wage of Rs32,000 a month.

After the partition of British-ruled India in 1947, migrating Muslims who had produced bangles in the Indian city of Firozabad took their trade to Hyderabad &ndash;- where hundreds of thousands of people rely on the industry.



Worker Saima Bibi (R) along with her children, adds decorative elements to glass bangles at a home workshop in Hyderabad. PHOTO: AFP

But soaring gas prices after the government slashed subsidies have forced many factories to close or to operate at reduced hours.

&quot;The speed at which the government has increased the gas prices and taxes, (means) the work in this area has started to shrink instead of expand,&quot; said 50-year-old factory owner Muhammad Nafees.

Most bangles leave the factory as plain loops, sent off to be embellished to different degrees by women who work from home, before they&#39;re finally passed on to traders to be sold in markets.

The production is often a family affair.

Saima Bibi, 25, works from home, carefully adding stones to bangles with the help of her three children when they return from school, while her husband works at the furnaces.

&quot;They go through a lot of hands to be prepared,&quot; she said.]]>
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			<title>Saudi scholar to lead Eid prayers at Faisal mosque</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462035/saudi-scholar-to-lead-eid-prayers-at-faisal-mosque</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2462035/saudi-scholar-to-lead-eid-prayers-at-faisal-mosque#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Apr 24 04:39:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2462035</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa likely to meet key govt functionaries during 10day visit]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, a distinguished figure in the realms of religion and philanthropy, on Sunday arrived in Pakistan for a significant visit from April 7 to April 16, aimed at fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

As the secretary general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Council of Muslim Scholars, Dr Al-Issa has long been at the forefront of promoting a more inclusive and tolerant understanding of Islam. Dr Al-Issa&rsquo;s efforts to combat Islamophobia and promote religious co-existence have garnered international acclaim.

In 2019, he spearheaded a groundbreaking dialogue among Muslim and non-Muslim scholars, resulting in the signing of &ldquo;The Charter of Makkah,&rdquo; a testament to his dedication to fostering understanding and mutual respect.

During his current visit to Pakistan, Dr Al-Issa is set to lead the Eidul Fitr prayer at Faisal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, located in the capital city of Islamabad. Additionally, he will inaugurate the groundbreaking Seerat-un-Nabi Museum.

The museum, the first of its kind in Pakistan, is dedicated to showcasing relics. It employs modern technologies such as virtual and augmented realities to elucidate the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).

Dr Al-Issa&rsquo;s itinerary also includes high-level meetings with key figures in the Pakistani government, including the prime minister, chief justice, and chief of army staff, underscoring the importance of fostering strong diplomatic and cultural ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.]]>
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			<title>Ticketing nightmare as Eid travellers flock to homes</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461953/ticketing-nightmare-as-eid-travellers-flock-to-homes</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461953/ticketing-nightmare-as-eid-travellers-flock-to-homes#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Apr 24 05:10:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2461953</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Travellers complain about exorbitant prices of tickets]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As Eidul Fitr approaches, droves of locals are making a beeline for their hometowns to revel in the festive spirit with family and friends.

However, the journey home is not without its challenges as with the rush for tickets and boarding buses, people are feeling the strain, and the issue of overcharging persists.

Eid travellers in Lahore were left disappointed upon discovering that all train tickets to Karachi and Quetta are fully booked until Thursday, the day of Eid.

Passengers in most cities found themselves grappling with getting tickets and securing transport, all while transporters exploited the situation by hiking fares. Officially, the Eidul Fitr holidays kick off on April 10.

While those living away from homes have already set off for their native areas, those left behind are facing a ticketing nightmare.

Despite queuing up for hours, tickets remain elusive. In districts where tickets are available, exorbitant fares add insult to injury, with people complaining about feeling abandoned without assistance.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan Railways (PR) has arranged four special trains to accommodate passengers during Eid, with all tickets for the Eid special trains from Karachi to Lahore already sold out.

However, reports suggested that only 70 per cent of the tickets for the Eid special train from Quetta to Peshawar have been booked so far.

As per the PR administration&rsquo;s schedule for Eid special trains, the first train will depart from Karachi on April 7 at 6:10 pm, arriving at Peshawar Cantonment at 1:15 pm the following day. The second train will leave Quetta for Rawalpindi at 10 am on April 7, reaching Rawalpindi at 4:15 am the next day.

The third train will depart from Karachi to Lahore at 9 pm on April 8, arriving in Lahore at 5:55 pm the following day.

In anticipation of the increased demand during Eid, Pakistan Railways has procured 1,542,000 litres of diesel from PSO to mitigate any potential fuel shortages.]]>
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			<title>Govt eyes Senate session before Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461948/govt-eyes-senate-session-before-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461948/govt-eyes-senate-session-before-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Apr 24 04:58:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Naeem Asghar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2461948</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Newly elected lawmakers likely to take oath on April 9]]>
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				<![CDATA[The government is planning to convene the Senate session on April 9, the day before Eidul Fitr, when the newly elected lawmakers will take their oaths.

Since March 11, the upper house of parliament has been non-functional following the resignation of 52 senators, including the Senate chairman and deputy chairman.

Elections for the vacant seats were conducted on April 2, with several senators in Punjab and Balochistan being elected unopposed.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) postponed elections at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly due to the non-administration of oaths to a group of provincial lawmakers elected on reserved seats.

The current inactivity in the country&#39;s upper house is attributed to the absence of a chairman and deputy chairman. Despite the Senate elections, no session has been convened yet, raising concerns about further delays in the Senate&#39;s proceedings.

However, there are reports indicating that the government is considering summoning a Senate session on April 9, with preparations already underway for this purpose.

Sources suggest that the Senate session is likely to be held on April 9, during which the newly elected senators will be sworn in. In this inaugural session, 43 senators are expected to take their oaths.

The PPP has nominated Yousuf Raza Gillani as its candidate for the position of Senate chairman, but the election can only proceed after the newly elected senators have taken their oaths.
&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Peshawari chappal charms Eid shoppers</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461310/peshawari-chappal-charms-eid-shoppers</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461310/peshawari-chappal-charms-eid-shoppers#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Apr 24 21:06:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2461310</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[People from different districts trek long distances to buy famous footwear]]>
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				<![CDATA[As the Eidul Fitr festivities draw near, the Peshawari chappal, renowned for its captivating traditional designs, has begun to entice customers. Buyers are flocking the markets to acquire these exquisite footwear pieces, each boasting timeless craftsmanship and unique designs, and evoking the rich cultural heritage of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Peshawar&rsquo;s Jahangirpura market, near the historic Qissakhwani Bazaar, has been the hub of skilled cobblers where they are burning the midnight oil to meet the growing demands of people for the upcoming festive occasion.

People from different districts have trekked long distances to purchase decent, shiny and unique designs for themselves and their family members.

Besides its cultural relevance, one contributing factor to the increased preference for durable readymade chappal is the skyrocketing costs of foreign footwear, which the salaried, middle class and low-income groups can barely afford.

Barkatullah Khan, a local shoemaker who has been involved in this demanding business for the past 20 years in Jhangirpura, noted that people&#39;s demand for this traditional chappal has increased manifold due to its durability and shine.

&ldquo;Currently, we cannot accept more orders due to shortage of time, power loadshedding and fasting,&rdquo; he said.

Barkat felt proud of adhering to these skills from his forefathers, who were associated with this profession for decades with expertise, skill and craftsmanship.

&ldquo;Peshawari chappal is my favorite and my Eid seems incomplete without it,&rdquo; Zeeshan Khan, a government employee and resident of Nowshera, said while selecting the footwear for himself and his family members at Jhangirpura.

&ldquo;I purchased six sets of handmade designs of Peshawari chappal for Rs5,500 each this year as against Rs4,500 last year for myself, brother, and orphans,&rdquo; he maintained, adding that purchasing shoes and clothes for poor people would double the joy on Eid. 

He urged the government to regulate the business of Peshawari chappal and fix rates for the footwear to facilitate the customers.

Professor Ehtisham Khan, a resident of Nowshera, emphasised that Peshawari chappal remained his top choice for Eid, as it not only added a traditional touch when paired with shalwar qameez but also seamlessly complemented trousers and jeans, aligning with contemporary trends.

&quot;I purchased plain black and green designs of this famous chappal as requested by my brothers,&quot; he said, noting that other designs of the footwear, both for girls and boys, featuring various prints embellished with stones, offered a distinct look and individual style, thereby attracting an influx of buyers this Eid.

The unique footwear is not only exported to South Africa, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Europe, Afghanistan, and Russia but is equally popular in Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Punjab, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Professor Ehtisham urged the provincial government to announce a special financial package for the shoemakers. He observed that the centuries-old Peshawari chappal business could flourish only if the authorities provided interest-free loans to the labourers.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2nd, 2024.]]>
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			<title>Tailoring charges soar as Eid approaches</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461202/tailoring-charges-soar-as-eid-approaches</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2461202/tailoring-charges-soar-as-eid-approaches#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Mar 24 21:34:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2461202</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[To meet the rising demand, tailors claim they have hired extra worker]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Demand for ready-made clothes has increased in the city due to high tailoring charges as Eid approaches. Citizens claim tailors are charging Rs1,500 to Rs2,000 per suit for stitching. 

To meet the rising demand, tailors in Gardezi Market, Cantt, Hussainagahi and interior city claim they have hired extra workers, which is why the prices have been raised. Mehboob Ali, a tailor in Gardezi Market, said his business increases on Eid every year so this is the right time to make profit. He explained, charges for suit stitching are almost double because of the workload, increase of electricity charges, rents, labour wages and relevant material. 

Shopper Akash claimed, &ldquo;Buying a ready-made suit with Rs2,000 to 2,500 was more convenient than purchasing an unstitched suit at Rs2,000 and then visiting tailors shops for stitching with Rs1,500 to 2000.&rdquo; He maintained that he would prefer a ready-made white Shalwar suit for this Eid keeping in view high charges of the tailors. Another customer, Maryam Hamza said that tailors have increased stitching charges due to improper check and balance by the quarters concerned. She said that the district administration must pay attention towards the issues for providing relief to the masses by controlling over-charging.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1st, 2024.]]>
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			<title>At least 50 killed, scores injured in blast near Eid Miladun Nabi procession in Mastung</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2438428/at-least-50-killed-scoresinjured-in-blast-near-eid-miladun-nabi-procession-in-mastung</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2438428/at-least-50-killed-scoresinjured-in-blast-near-eid-miladun-nabi-procession-in-mastung#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 23 06:52:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Syed Ali Shah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2438428</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[DSP Mastung among those killed, emergency declared in hospitals]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[At least 50 people, including a senior police official, were killed when a suspected suicide bomber blew himself up near a procession commemorating Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) in Balochistan&#39;s Mastung district on Friday, confirmed police.

Police officials confirmed that DSP Mastung Nawaz Gishkori was among those killed. Secretary Health Balochistan Asfandyar Khan Kakar said at least 100 people were injured in the attack.

Officials expressed fear that the number of casualties may increase.

According to Mastung&#39;s assistant commissioner, the blast took place near Al-Falah Mosque, where people were gathering to participate in the procession.







The area was cordoned off by law enforcers and rescue personnel shifted the casualties to nearby medical facilities. Emergency has also been declared in hospitals and staff has been instructed to report to work immediately.

Balochistan&#39;s interim Information Minister Jan Achakzai said rescue teams have been dispatched to Mastung and those seriously injured in the attack are being shifted to Quetta. The minister also condemned the blast.

Security forces on alert

Following the bomb attack in Mastung, Karachi Police stated that police will remain &ldquo;completely on high alert&rdquo; on the directions of Additional Inspector General Khadim Husain Rind.

The senior police official ordered the force to tighten security measures to safeguard Eid Miladun Nabi events and processions across the city.



ایڈیشنل آئی جی کراچی خادم حسین رند نےمستونگ میں دھماکے کے تناظر میں کراچی پولیس کو مکمل طور پر ہائی الرٹ رہنے کے احکامات جاری کیے ہیں۔

کراچی پولیس کو شہر میں عید میلادالنبی اور نماز جمعہ کے حوالے سے سیکیورٹی اقدامات مزید سخت بنانے اور انتہائی متحرک رہنے اور غیر معمولی سرگرمیوں&hellip;
&mdash; Karachi Police (@KarachiPolice_) September 29, 2023


The Punjab Police also said the force was diligently protecting all religious events and Friday prayers to safeguard the citizens.



پنجاب پولیس کے مستعد اہلکار صوبہ بھر میں نماز جمہ کے لیے مساجد کی حفاظت کے فرائض انجام دے رہے ہیں#JummahMubarak #PunjabPolice #SecurityDuty #RabiulAwalMubarak #12RabiulAwwal pic.twitter.com/FE03SriJnW
&mdash; Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) September 29, 2023


Condemnations

Shortly after the blast, condolences poured in. &quot;The morale of the nation cannot be weakened by cowardly acts of terror,&quot; said Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi.

&quot;All of Pakistan is united against the scourge of terrorism. Terrorist elements do not deserve any concession,&quot; he said, adding that with the cooperation of security forces, the &quot;monster of terrorism&quot; will be eliminated completely.

Solangi also offered condolences to the aggrieved families and prayed for the departed souls while strongly condemning the attack.

In a similar statement made on X, formerly Twitter, Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that attacking innocent people during an Eid Miladun Nabi is a &quot;terrible act&quot;.

He condemned the &quot;heinous attack&quot; and said that all resources would be used for the rescue and relief operation.



Strongly condemn the heinous attack in Mastung. Attacking innocent people during the Eid Milad-un-Nabi procession is a terrible act. We&#39;ll use all resources for rescue and relief operations, ensuring best medical care for the injured. We&#39;re committed to a zero-tolerance policy&hellip;
&mdash; Senator Sarfraz Bugti (@PakSarfrazbugti) September 29, 2023


The minister vowed &quot;best medical care&quot; for the injured, adding that the government is committed to &quot;a zero-tolerance policy against terrorists&quot;.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former premier Shehbaz Sharif said that carrying out such a despicable act on an occasion marking the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBHU) is detestable now and in the Hereafter.

He condemned the attack and offered condolences to the families of the deceased and injured. The latter should be given the best facilities for treatment, he added.

US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller also condemned the suicide attacks in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. &ldquo;Pakistanis deserve to practice their faith without fear. Our deep condolences to families who lost their loved ones,&rdquo; he wrote on his X handle.



The U.S. condemns suicide attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that killed and injured worshippers and others. Pakistanis deserve to practice their faith without fear. Our deep condolences to families who lost their loved ones.
&mdash; Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) September 29, 2023



Earlier this month, senior Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah on Thursday survived a bomb attack with non-lethal injuries, while travelling in the Mastung district of Balochistan.

Read: JUI-F&rsquo;s Hafiz Hamdullah survives bomb attack

The bomb blast targeted Hamdullah&rsquo;s vehicle in the Choto area, while he was going to Mangochar via Mastung Road.

Police said that at least 11 people, including Hamdullah, were injured in the explosion. The injured were taken to Mastung hospital but Hamdullah was later shifted to Quetta.

The bomb attack came a day after the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) killed a key IS commander in Mastung district.]]>
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			<title>Eid tour arranged for street children</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2413850/eid-tour-arranged-for-street-children</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2413850/eid-tour-arranged-for-street-children#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Apr 23 19:46:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Peshawar]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2413850</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[During the tours, children participated in various recreational events]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The three-day excursion tour and recreational activities organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) and the Child Protection Department for street children of Zamong Kor on Eid-ul-Fitr has ended.

The objective and aim of the tours is to provide these children with chances for enjoyment and recreation on Eid. The children visited tourist places including the pipeline track, Nathia Gali Park, and Sajikot waterfall.

Tourists present at these places appreciated the efforts of KPCTA to arrange tours for deserving children and said that these kids are part of our society and have the same rights to enjoyment and entertainment.

They said that it is the collective responsibility of society to facilitate them and provide opportunities to grow and prosper.

They said that children should be informed about their rich traditions and cultural values so that they can be preserved and transferred to the next generation.

During the tours, children participated in various recreational events and fully enjoyed the ambiance and environment of tourist places.

They also lauded the efforts of KPCTA and the Child Protection Department and said that these activities would also help increase the confidence of children and enable them to become a useful part of society.

The children also visited the Tourism Facilitation Center Abbottabad, where they were informed about the facilities and help being provided to tourists.

On the third day, the children visited Harnoi Park and the Havelian-Nathiagali bypass, where they enjoyed boating, horse riding, camel riding and swings in the adjacent park.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, April 27th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>Nation celebrates Eidul Fitr as economic uncertainty looms large</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2413301/nation-celebrates-eidul-fitr-as-economic-uncertainty-looms-large</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2413301/nation-celebrates-eidul-fitr-as-economic-uncertainty-looms-large#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Apr 23 05:41:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2413301</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Eidul Fitr is being celebrated across Pakistan on Saturday as the nation passes through tough economic times with sky-high inflation dampening the traditional fervour of the occasion.&nbsp;

Congregational prayers were held across the country to mark the end of the holy month of Ramazan.

Special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah.

The Ulema in their sermons highlighted the significance and philosophy of Eidul Fitr.

In the federal capital, the main Eid congregation was held at the Faisal Mosque where top government officials and envoys of Muslim countries offered Eid prayers.

Strict security arrangements were in place in every city including provincial capitals, with personnel in large numbers deployed at venues.

The federal government declared a nationwide public holiday for five days on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

The holidays began on Friday, April 21, and run until Tuesday, April 25, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior.]]>
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			<title>Govt employees denied salary advances</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2413302/govt-employees-denied-salary-advances</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2413302/govt-employees-denied-salary-advances#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Apr 23 05:42:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ahtesham.khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2413302</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Buying new clothes, shoes for Eid made unfeasible for officials and their dependents]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[As most salaried or self-employed individuals rush to the markets to wrap up Eid shopping, government employees in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) have no choice but to envy them since a majority of them have been denied salary advances.

With Eid just around the corner, markets and shopping malls are buzzing with buyers, who were lucky enough to get their monthly pay checks in advance or are sole proprietors. However, government employees in the northern-province have been denied an advance this year, which has shattered both their hopes and that of their dependents, and put a damper on their spirits.

One such individual is Mubeen, a former constable at the police department, who is still struggling to recover from the financial strain exerted on his budget by supplementary groceries during Ramadan.

&ldquo;I have no savings from the preceding month since my entire pay check was spent on rations for Suhoor and Iftar. The salary advance before Eid was my family&rsquo;s only ray of hope, but now we are anticipating a very gloomy Eid,&rdquo; winced Mubeen.

Naveed, a tube well operator in the Gulbahar area working for a local government department, was in a similar situation but seeing his children distraught at not having anything new to wear for Eid, made him take drastic measures. &ldquo;Every year I would take my family out shopping after receiving an advance. This year however, I did not receive my salary in time. Therefore, I was impelled to take a loan to put a smile on my children&rsquo;s faces,&rdquo; he informed.

However, not many can afford to take loans to cover the added expenditure on Eid shopping, and have to put up with their families&rsquo; sadness.

As per an investigation conducted by The Express Tribune and the information made available to it, as many as 600,000 government employees, holding designations across various departments, are going through such a predicament, as they have been denied salary advances, worth Rs45 billion by the provincial finance department.

When quizzed about the plight of government employees across the province, Himayatullah Khan, who is the incumbent Chief Minister&rsquo;s Adviser on Finance, acknowledged the problem and the resultant dissatisfaction being exhibited by government employees. &ldquo;This is not in our hands. The provincial government is currently undergoing a serious financial crisis, which has left us with no choice but to delay the crediting of salaries to the 1st of May, after Eid,&rdquo; regretted Khan.

On the other hand, apart from demoralising multitudes of government employees and their households, the denial of salary advances has also affected the businesses of clothing retailers, who resent the unprecedented drop in their sales, given the poor state of the economy. &ldquo;Last year, during this time, you could not find space to stand in my shop due to the influx of customers. But this time around, it&rsquo;s deserted. When so many employees have not been paid their due salaries, how can they be expected to shop?&rdquo; questioned Zakir Khan, a children&rsquo;s garments retailer in Peshawar&rsquo;s Meena Bazaar.]]>
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			<title>Inflation crimps Eid festivities for Karachi orphans</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2412803/inflation-crimps-eid-festivities-for-karachi-orphans</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2412803/inflation-crimps-eid-festivities-for-karachi-orphans#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 23 15:55:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2412803</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The crisis drove inflation to a record high of 35% in March, following a depreciating rupee currency]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Women pedal sewing machines, deftly lining up seams and pleats as they assemble brightly coloured dresses for young girls at an orphanage in Pakistan, in preparation for Eid al-Fitr.

Yet as an economic crisis forces people to tighten their belts, fewer find themselves able to afford charity donations for the approaching festival, usually a time of generosity.

&quot;This year no dress came from outside,&quot; said Laiba, a 16-year-old who lives in Karachi, as she was being measured for her clothes.

&quot;But Bhabi purchased us unstitched cloth which we will wear after stitching here,&quot; she added, referring by an affectionate name to Saba Edhi, who is in charge of the Edhi center&nbsp;across Pakistan.&nbsp;

&quot;It is good,&quot; added Laiba, who goes by one name. She is one of about 30 residents of the home who said they were glad to get new shoes and clothes, despite the rising cost of living.

Edhi, who was helping to embroider the clothes, said she had to dip into savings to cover the cost of the Eid gifts, as this year no donations of readymade garments or unstitched cloth had come in, unlike previous years.

&quot;We purchased some readymade items and unstitched cloth, jewellery, bangles, shoes and other things from our own funds.&quot;

The crisis drove inflation to a record high of 35% in March, following a depreciating rupee currency, a rollback in subsidies and higher tariffs, while food inflation rose to more than 47%.

&quot;Slowly, the hardships are increasing,&quot; said philanthropist Faisal Edhi, the head of Pakistan&#39;s largest charity operation, the Edhi Foundation, which runs the orphanages, home to more than 8,000 children.

The three truckloads of donated items, such as old clothes, shoes and other household effects that the Edhi centres in Karachi usually received every week have dwindled to just one now, he added.

Also read:&nbsp;Soaring inflation dampens Eid holiday spirit

&quot;We are worried,&quot; he said. &quot;We are trying to get more donations but people have tightened the purse strings, and we are receiving fewer items as donations now.&quot;

With less than a month&#39;s worth of foreign exchange reserves, Pakistan awaits a bailout tranche of $1.1 billion from the IMF delayed since November over policy changes sought by the lender.

That is part of a $6.5-billion bailout package approved in 2019, which analysts say is critical for the nation of 220 million to avert default on external payment obligations.

Still, despite growing pressure on the Foundation&#39;s resources, Edhi was undaunted.

&quot;We will stand with our country at this moment of distress and we will try to fulfill needs with our limited resources,&quot; he said.]]>
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			<title>PRGMEA opposes long Eid holidays’ decision</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2412010/prgmea-opposes-long-eid-holidays-decision</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2412010/prgmea-opposes-long-eid-holidays-decision#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Apr 23 19:57:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2412010</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says it can cost the nation billions in external trade]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) Central Chairman Mubashar Naseer Butt has expressed his disapproval of the government&rsquo;s decision to give five days off during Eid. He warns that the extended break will have a significant negative impact on the country&rsquo;s economy, causing a loss of billions of rupees in exports.

&ldquo;The government&rsquo;s decision to allow for five holidays during Eidul Fitr, which will possibly be extended further, will leave Pakistan disconnected from the world for almost a week,&rdquo; said Butt.

&ldquo;The long closure of banks will lead to delays in opening Letters of Credit (LCs) and making payments, creating problems for the trade and industry as well as the common man,&rdquo; he said, adding that the ATM system is not efficient and might aggravate the liquidity problem.

Keeping in view the current economic situation, Butt urged policymakers to adopt a pragmatic approach that suits the national interest. 

&ldquo;The government has made it a precedent to declare long holidays to please government employees, who already do not have a tendency to work seriously,&rdquo; lamented the PRGMEA chief. He urged policymakers to refrain from allowing such an extended spell of holidays, which would only hurt the country&rsquo;s economy both economically and socially.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15th, 2023.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>Bring your Eid outfits to life with Ideas' Luxury Pret Collection 2023</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2411761/bring-your-eid-outfits-to-life-with-ideas-luxury-pret-collection-2023</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2411761/bring-your-eid-outfits-to-life-with-ideas-luxury-pret-collection-2023#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Apr 23 14:50:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2411761</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Embrace Eid in style with Ideas's fabulous Luxury Pret Collection]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The humdrum in markets and bazaars across the city continues to pick up as Eid ul Fitr gets closer. While historic inflation has cut into the purchasing power of people, Eid shopping can still turn out to be a cascade of trendy cuts and vibrant colours.

If you are one of those people who are always looking for a fancy Eid outfit, then guess what, you just got lucky.

The Luxury Pret Collection 2023 by Ideas boasts high-quality fabric with intricate embroidery, captivating designs, and colour schemes bound to tug at your heartstrings! The Luxury Pret Collection will definitely turn you into a shopping junkie!

Finalising a last minute Eid outfit? Make the celebration even more special by shopping for outfits from Ideas&rsquo; Luxury Pret Collection.

The collection includes a classic combination of eastern elegance and heritage with a blend of modern and ethnic wear. Hence, take your fashion game to the next level by donning classy suits made with high-quality, durable fabric that will certainly be the talk of the town.

From earthy to brighter tones with intricate embroidery, the collection comprises some unique and dazzling designs with on-trend cuts and prints that will surely garner all the attention you truly deserve. The Luxury Pret Collection is now available in-store and online!




The chic day look 

This powder blue soft net panelled shirt comes with intricately embroidered sleeves, neckline, and daman with pearl establishments that exude beauty on another level. The three-piece suit is designed on a high-quality, soft net fabric with printed raw silk culottes, and a pastel colour breathtaking net dupatta to complete the look.



&nbsp;


Gleaming comfort 

This luxury yellow raw silk embroidered shirt is paired with a jacquard embroidered dupatta that adds the perfect amount of oomph to the outfit.

The delicate embroidery with lacing details on opulent fabric makes for a perfect day-to-evening outfit in the scorching heat. The look is incomplete without the gleaming Dhaka pajama that exudes desi vibes. The intricate embroidery adds a rustic charm that elevates the look even further.



&nbsp;


A tale of exquisiteness

Pair this three piece ravishing black khadi net suit with your favourite jhumkas and khussaas to look like the trendsetter that you are. The combination of embroidery and printed motifs on the premium, non-fading black Thai silk inner fabric oozes luxurious vibes like no other! The raw silk embroidered trouser along with the gorgeous two-tone dyed organza dupatta adds charm to the look to help you look your best all day long!

&nbsp;



&nbsp;


Bling the night away

Have a dinner planned with your loved ones? Slip on this lavish three piece maroon pret suit with beautiful golden intricate embroidery on soft net to add comfort, and class to your outfit.

The screen-printed lehenga and organza dupatta will make you the star of the night! The best part is that Ideas hasn&#39;t compromised on the quality of the fabric. The dapper, high quality fabric is worth every cent which will surely make you look like a diva. Be prepared to garner all the praise and take some Insta-worthy selfies!

&nbsp;



&nbsp;

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and check out Ideas&rsquo; Festive Eid Ready-to-Wear Collection 2023! We&rsquo;re sure you&rsquo;ll end up falling in love with their premium fabric, intricate designs, and trendy cuts.

If you don&rsquo;t want to waste time running about the malls, shop online at www.gulahmedshop.com. Ideas has surely made the shopping convenient for everyone.

Delivery charges are PKR 99 only in Pakistan and 30-day exchange policy. Hurry up and shop these swanky Eid clothes before you miss out on the amazing festive collection!

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Artificial jewellery shines on Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2411119/artificial-jewellery-shines-on-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2411119/artificial-jewellery-shines-on-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Apr 23 10:30:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Dua Abbas]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Karachi]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2411119</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[It is affordable and available in various designs]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[With ever-increasing gold prices, gold jewellery has gone out of the reach of most people. In such situation, artificial jewellery is one of the must-buy items when women go shopping for Eid. Since it is cheap, women can afford artificial jewellery despite the neck-breaking inflation in the country.

The most popular areas for artificial jewellery shopping include Hyderi Market, Tariq Road, Bahadurabad, Jama Market, Liaquatabad, PIB, Saddar, Bohri Bazaar, Bolton Market, Gulistan-e-Johar, Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Metro Mall, Gulf Centre, Karimabad, Dolmen Mall and Hyper Star. Women say that changing the design of gold jewellery is difficult. &quot;Nowadays, more than 90 per cent women wear artificial jewellery on Eid, weddings, and other events,&quot; one woman told The Express Tribune.

&quot;The best thing about artificial jewellery is that we can have it matching with dresses for different events,&quot; she added. Shopkeepers and traders say that artificial jewellery is 20-30 per cent dearer than last year. This year the variety of artificial jewellery is limited because the government has banned imports of several items due to the dollars shortage in the country. Last year earrings from China and India were popular among women, but they have simply disappeared from the market this year. In summer, women prefer light tops, pendants, bracelets, and rings instead of heavy jewellery because they have to prepare meals for their families even on Eid day. On the other hand young girls try to buy the jewellery designs they find on social media.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic in 2020 had triggered a trend among women to shop for artificial jewellery online. This also led to more and more middle-class women entrepreneurs joining this online business and now we see a large number of ecommerce websites doing roaring business, getting orders not only from Pakistan but also from abroad. Such women are not only financially independent but also employ other women. &quot;Quality artificial jewellery made in modern designs is becoming expensive day by day,&quot; said Sana, a woman shopper on Tariq Road.

&quot;In such a situation, it is unimaginable to buy even artificial jewellery manufactured by top brands,&quot; she added. Working women prefer to buy foreign artificial jewellery. &quot;There is no point in buying heavy and expensive artificial jewellery on occasions like Eid because these ornaments cannot be worn afterwards,&quot; Aliya, a working woman, told The Express Tribune. &quot;Light and sophisticated artificial jewellery, such as pendants and rings, can be also worn in daily life,&quot; she added.

According to shopkeepers, women from middle and lower middle classes prefer to buy light jewellery in the range of Rs1,500-2,000 due to the rising inflation. Such jewellery is not only attractive but also affordable. President of Bolton Market Artificial Jewellery Association, Anwar Mamo, said that there is an increasing trend among women to buy jewellery matching with their dresses. &quot;Because of this, jewellery with zircon gemstones has become popular,&quot; he said. &quot;Zircon jewellery can cost you from a few hundreds to thousands. The imported zircon jewellery is very expensive,&quot; he added. &quot;The best thing about zircon jewellery is that the gems never come off and if it becomes dirty or dusty, it could easily be polished again,&quot; he said.

Apart from main market, temporary stalls of artificial jewellery have been set up in different bazaars and markets of the city. Prices of jewellery at these stalls are reasonable compared to shops.]]>
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			<title>Eid cattle markets compound LSD spread</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2366307/eid-cattle-markets-compound-lsd-spread</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2366307/eid-cattle-markets-compound-lsd-spread#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 16 Jul 22 20:20:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Jamil Mirza]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2366307</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Livestock official says 200 animals quarantined, 37,000 vaccinated in Rawalpindi district]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) that affected a large number of animals at the cattle markets set up during the Eidul Azha has now started to spread in seven tehsils of Rawalpindi.

The livestock department&#39;s mobile teams are visiting seven tehsils and have quarantined around 200 animals so far. They are also providing treatment urgently in Rawalpindi tehsils and have vaccinated around 37,000 animals after Eidul Azha.

The officials confirmed that animals transported from all over Punjab for sale at the cattle markets in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Eidul Azha were the main cause of the rapid spread of the disease that started from South Punjab.

The teams of the livestock department have inspected the animals at the cattle farms in tehsils of Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, Gujar Khan, Taxila and confirmed that the animals are suffering from LSD.

The infected animals have been quarantined and are being given proper treatment by the veterinary doctors of the livestock department. Additionally, the sick animals are first isolated from the other animals under SOPs to protect healthy animals from the effects of LSD.

Livestock Department&#39;s Additional Director Dr Naveed Sahar Zaidi said, &quot;It is possible to cure animals with lumpy skin disease and make them healthy again, but in the case of negligence, the animal&#39;s life might be at risk. Furthermore, if consumed, the meat of such an animal may be dangerous to human health; thus, animals affected by LSD must be treated immediately.&quot;

Dr Zaidi said that the teams of the livestock department are visiting seven tehsils to test the animals for lumpy skin disease after examining and inspecting them.

The department has also started a regular campaign to create awareness among the farmers and cattle owners. They are advised to take immediate precautions and isolate any animals that have lumpy skin disease symptoms from other animals.

Moreover, the livestock department should be notified about the issue so that a team can be dispatched there to inspect the animal.

Dr Zaidi said, &quot;Animals in Gujar Khan and Adiala Road were quarantined following the confirmation of disease.&quot; No cases of Congo virus had been reported in the district since Eidul Azha.

A couple of days ago, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research has decided to import vaccine for the lumpy skin disease as the virus has killed more than 100,000 animals, triggering fears of milk and meat scarcity.

According to sources in the ministry, it has been decided to seek vaccine for the disease as soon as possible, and for the purpose, the Animal Husbandry Commission &ndash; a department of the ministry &ndash; has started working with the agencies concerned.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Hundreds of vehicles impounded on Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365676/hundreds-of-vehicles-impounded-on-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365676/hundreds-of-vehicles-impounded-on-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 22 05:30:04 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2365676</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nearly 2,400 traffic wardens served on duty on Eid]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Traffic police impounded 310 motorcycles over reckless driving, 339 vehicles over tinted windows and 1,276 for violation of oneway during the Eid days in the provincial capital.

Chief Traffic Police Officer Muntazir Mehdi said in a statement that one-wheeling, rioting and speeding were curbed through strict measures, including action against about 3,000 juvenile drivers.

He said 72 vehicles were seized for overcharging and heavy fines was imposed on 532 vehicles for overloading during the holidays.

About 2,400 traffic wardens performed duty on the Eid.

Mehdi said a comprehensive traffic plan had been chalked out for cattle markets, shopping malls, markets, public places and parks during the holidays.

Traffic police personnel were also deputed at mosques and other Eid prayer venues, along with all the recreational places in the city.

He said additional personnel were deployed in the Iqbal, Jallu, Model Town and other parks, on busy roads and in the vicinity of the cemeteries.

Under the traffic plan, 11 DSPs, 133 inspectors and 2,400 personnel performed duty.

The traffic wardens continued to perform their duty as usual in the holidays.

Mehdi also paid surprise visits to review the traffic arrangements around the parks.]]>
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			<title>Exorbitant livestock prices put a downer on Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365669/exorbitant-livestock-prices-put-a-downer-on-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365669/exorbitant-livestock-prices-put-a-downer-on-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 22 05:08:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rizwan Asif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2365669</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Collective sacrifices are being preferred this year as individual ones now cost an arm and a leg]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Despite Eid being on the horizon, cattle markets have not seen the same hustle and bustle this time around as they used to owing to a mixture of concerns regarding lumpy skin disease in livestock and back-breaking double digit inflation.

Sacrificial animals too like daily use commodities are being sold at high rates which has deterred many from taking part in the religious ritual or forced them to partake in collective sacrifice.

A survey conducted by The Express Tribune from various livestock markets across Lahore estimates that sacrificial animals will cost anywhere from 30 to 40 per cent more this year, whereas butchers will charge 25 per cent more.

Rana Javed, who was moving from vendor to vendor in one of the city&rsquo;s cattle markets, told The Express Tribune, that he was dumbfounded with some of the rates being quoted this Eid.

Javed&rsquo;s astonishment was mutual amongst buyers as the price of a medium-sized goat which was between Rs 50,000 to Rs 55,000 last year is Rs 70,000 this year.

Similarly, cows would set back customers Rs 95,000 to Rs 130,000 last year depending on their size; however, this time around cows are going from anywhere between Rs 190,000 to as much as Rs 400,000.

Another buyer, who identified himself as Ehtesham, said, &ldquo;sacrificing a goat or sheep is now beyond the means of middle-class people.&quot;

When asked how we would address this predicament, Ehsteham replied that his neighbours and him would pool in for a joint sacrifice.

On the other hand, Ikram Ali, a trader who was beckoning people towards the livestock he had on offer, said that the high prices were not in their control.

One of the reasons he cited for exorbitant sacrificial animal rates was the increase in petrol and diesel prices, which has doubled the fare for transporting animals to markets.

When asked what effect the rates had on sales, Ikram stated: &ldquo;The larger animals are selling fast but the smaller ones are not. People seem to be all for collective sacrifices this time around.&rdquo;

During its survey, The Express Tribune found that Rs 18,000 is the going rate for a share in a smaller animal whereas a share in larger animals is between Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000.

Another aspect of the inflated livestock prices is that butchers are demanding more as well.

The Express Tribune learnt that butchers in Lahore are charging anywhere from Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 for slaughtering a goat or a sheep; demanding Rs 18,000 to Rs 22,000 for a small cow and Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 for slaughtering larger animals.

Market conditionsApart from the sky-high rates of livestock and butchers, customers visiting Lahore&rsquo;s cattle markets are irked with how the provincial Livestock Department&rsquo;s arrangements have fallen short.

Mubashir Shah, an elderly customer in one of the city&rsquo;s largest cattle markets, said that the markets were looking like swamps after the recent rains.

&ldquo;The district administration has failed to provide a hygienic environment. No measures are in place to protect the animals from lumpy skin disease. We do not even know if the animals are sick or not,&rdquo; an irate Shah, who had rolled up his trousers to avoid the mud, said.

When asked about the poor conditions, Deputy Commissioner Lahore&rsquo;s spokesperson, Imran Maqbool, said, &ldquo;government camps have been set up in all markets where any complaint can be lodged.

Customers who are not satisfied with any arrangement should lodge their complaints in the camps.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>Hamza visits homeless kids on Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365668/hamza-visits-homeless-kids-on-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365668/hamza-visits-homeless-kids-on-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jul 22 05:07:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2365668</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM felicitates children, staff at SOS village]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Hamza Shehbaz visited the SOS Children&rsquo;s Village on the Eid day and spent quite some time with the homeless children living there.

He felicitated the children and the staff of the facility and gave the &lsquo;Eidi&rsquo;.

The CM also visited the library and community centre at the village and announced a gift of solar panels for the building.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz commended the LWMC and other agencies for their arrangements for Eidul Azha in the province.

In a video message, the CM said the best arrangements were evidence of good governance.

The administration followed the instructions regarding sanitation and excellent arrangements were made in the cities.

He said the government would work hard restore for the province&rsquo;s people the conditions left by the previous PML-N government in 2018 while striving to restore the beauty of Lahore.

Talking to the media, the CM stated that the state and economy needed to be managed more than politics.

In the current circumstances, if someone obstructs the affairs of the country in the garb of politics, the nation will never forgive such elements, he added.]]>
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			<title>Sales slow at Pakistan Eid holiday market</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365389/sales-slow-at-pakistan-eid-holiday-market</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365389/sales-slow-at-pakistan-eid-holiday-market#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 09 Jul 22 05:12:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[AFP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2365389</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Inflation, dwindling economy hit animal sales]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Business was quieter than usual at one of Pakistan&#39;s biggest livestock markets Friday as an economic crunch stopped customers from splashing out on cows, sheep and goats for the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday.

Farmers have been camped at the I-15 cattle market between Islamabad and Rawalpindi for two weeks, hoping to sell their stock ahead of the holiday, which starts Monday, but buyers are scarce.

Pakistan&#39;s economy is in the doldrums, with rampant inflation affecting everything -- including holiday spending.

Muhammad Mumtaz, who brought 50 animals to market, still had 30 left to sell.

&quot;Inflation is so high that customers do not have the purchasing power,&quot; he told AFP as he sat on a wooden bed.

&quot;We can&#39;t sell them cheaply,&quot; he added.

&quot;Feed is expensive, wheat is expensive, the truck fare has doubled... so there is nothing left for us.&quot;

Like Muslims elsewhere in the world, Pakistanis usually buy an animal for slaughter over Eid al-Adha, keeping a third for themselves, a third for friends and relatives, and a third for charity.

Muslims say it commemorates the readiness of Ibrahim -- Abraham in the Christian and Jewish faiths -- to sacrifice his son to show obedience to Allah.

&quot;Prices are very high,&quot; Khurram Taseer, a bank employee, told AFP after splashing out 140,000 rupees (around $700) for a bullock.

He said his extended family usually bought two cows for the holiday, but this year had cut down to one.

The market is divided into sections according to the type of animal, with bulls selling for 100,000 to 700,000 rupees, while goats and sheep fetch between 40,000 and 100,000.

The farmers spend time cleaning and grooming the animals, festooning them with floral garlands in the hope of attracting customers.

Still, many would-be buyers left empty-handed.

&quot;Most people are not sacrificing animals because of the prices,&quot; said farmer Mulazim Hussain.]]>
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			<title>Experts warn against looming risk of Congo virus</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365370/experts-warn-against-looming-risk-of-congo-virus</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365370/experts-warn-against-looming-risk-of-congo-virus#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 22 20:57:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2365370</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Speakers urge public to make sure their cattles are tick-free]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Public health experts have warned of the risk of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV), which had increased. This was expressed by the experts, in an awareness seminar on Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, organised by the Institute of Public Health (IPH) on Friday.

The participants of seminar were informed about the symptoms of Crimean Congo fever, precautionary measures and protective measures for doctors and nurses treating infected patients in the hospital.

The experts urged the people to make sure that when buying sacrificial animals, there would be no ticks on the animals&rsquo; bodies, as tick bites transmit the disease.

The experts said if the blood of an animal infected with Congo virus is mixed with a wound on a person&#39;s body, the virus could be transmitted. It is imperative to be very careful when slaughtering animals, as accidental cuts with a knife could cause infection.

Medical experts outlined that the symptoms of Congo virus are very similar to dengue, but Congo virus is very dangerous as it starts bleeding at very initial stages.

Dr Sobia Qazi said if any patient came to the hospital infected with Congo virus, the doctors, nurses and other staff should treat the patient wearing full protective kit to avoid contracting the deadly virus. She added that the affected patient should be quarantined and all standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be strictly followed during treatment.

Dr Saima Ayub said by using disposable gloves while washing the meat and by cooking it well, there was no risk of Congo fever and fully cooked meat was completely healthy.

She added that it was also the responsibility of animal keepers and handlers to apply anti-tick spray to the animal&#39;s body, so that ticks might not stick to the skin of the animals.

Acting Dean IPH said that the Institute of Public Health would continue to play its role in raising awareness about public health issues.

Prof of Infectious Diseases Dr Sobia Qazi, Acting Dean IPH Dr Saima Ayub and Senior Entomologist Asif Mehmood delivered lectures in the seminar. The seminar was attended by doctors and other staff of the institute.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Punjab govt to set up sanitation control rooms</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365167/punjab-govt-to-set-up-sanitation-control-rooms</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365167/punjab-govt-to-set-up-sanitation-control-rooms#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 22 19:33:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2365167</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM approves month-long Eid remission for prisoners convicted of minor crimes]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Punjab government has decided to set up a control room headed by the Local Government Board secretary for effective monitoring of sanitation arrangements on Eidul Azha along with similar arrangements in all districts.

Local Government Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch has issued instructions that the control room would be fully activated one day before Eid. It will work round the clock on all three days of Eid.

He said 103 employees had been posted to run the control room.

The facility will be operated in three daily shifts.

The provincial secretary announced that citizens could also lodge complaints on the phone numbers of the control room

He said the citizens of the provincial capital could also contact the helpline number 1139 of the Lahore Waste Management Company. 

Similar control rooms will work in the districts round the clock.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz Sharif approved remission of one month in the jail terms of prisoners sentenced for minor crimes.

A number of inmates of prisons across the province would be able to celebrate Eid at their homes because of the remission.

The chief minister said while approving the Eid remission that prisons should become reform houses.

&ldquo;The main objective should be to reform the prisoners being brought to the prisons for committing minor crimes,&rdquo; he maintained.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Six check posts set up to curb LSD spread</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365172/six-check-posts-set-up-to-curb-lsd-spread</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2365172/six-check-posts-set-up-to-curb-lsd-spread#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 22 19:35:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Raja Nau Bahar]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2365172</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Official says free veterinary camps also established at cattle markets]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Livestock Department Jhelum has set up six check posts at all entrances to combat the spread of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) as Eidul Azha is just a couple of days ahead.

Moreover, they have set up free-of-cost veterinary camps at cattle markets throughout the district.

Livestock Department&#39;s Additional Director Dr Masood Hussain said, &quot;Check posts have been set up at Turkish Toll Plaza, Mangla Bridge, Jhelum Toll Plaza, Misri Morr Jhelum, Choa Saidan Shah and Allah Interchange in Jhelum where the department&#39;s staff are on duty around-the-clock.&quot;

Around 443 cattle trucks have been stopped at various checkpoints, and 4,840 animals have been inspected and sprayed. In contrast, the animals in 3 vehicles were sent back as they were diagnosed with lumpy skin disease.

The staff at the district administration&#39;s free veterinary camps at all the cell points sprayed 7,648 animals while 418 were provided treatment, said Dr Hussain. He added that staff members were working vigorously and were fully prepared to combat the spread of lumpy skin disease.

Free shopping bags

Meanwhile, the District Administration of Jhelum has decided to provide free shopping bags to the citizens to fill the remains of sacrificial animals on this Eidul Azha. Sanitary workers will go door to door and distribute bags to the citizens. For this purpose, distribution points will be set up by municipal committees at various places across the district.

Instead of dumping the garbage onto the streets and alleys, the citizens will put it in a shopping bag and take it to the nearest filth depot from where the staff of the municipal committee will take it to the dumping points for proper disposal.

Deputy Commissioner, Kamran Khan, has appealed to the public to seal the bags properly after putting garbage in it. He said, &quot;Do not throw rubbish onto streets, courtyards or sewers as it would cause blockage during rainfall.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Police on high alert for Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364716/police-on-high-alert-for-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364716/police-on-high-alert-for-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 22 21:22:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2364716</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sindh IG orders security of routes leading to cattle market]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh Inspector General, Gulam Nabi Memon has put the police of each precinct on the routes leading to Super Highway Cattle Market on high alert to prevent incidents of robberies snatchings and other street crimes ahead of Eidul Azha.

The decision has been taken keeping in view that people carry huge amounts of cash to buy sacrificial animals, while sellers also have millions of rupees in pockets making them vulnerable to robbers.

In this regard, Sindh police chief chaired a meeting to review in detail measures taken in connection with Eidul Azha security. 

Memon said tha implementation of security measures and other decisions regarding Eidul Azha contingency plan should be ensured. 

He directed that a full briefing should be given to police personnel deployed on security duties at district level. 

He said that security at Eidgahs, mosques, imambargahs, animal sacrifice places and main routes of cattle market and adjoining areas should be made very solid and exceptional.

According to a spokesperson of Sindh Police, the IG said that implementation of code of conduct regarding sacrificial of animal should be ensured and in this regard, the registered organisations and welfare agencies and other stakeholders should be taken into confidence. 

IG Sindh also directed that safety of passengers should be ensured on all the highways of Sindh and the police in all districts should make liaison with the concerned motorways and highway police more effective and better. 

Memon directed officers to conduct t checking and surveillance on inbound and outbound routes of Sindh as well as video recording should be ensured while police picketing and patrolling on highways, roads and other selected places should be coordinated.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Traders hail relaxation in market closure hours</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364622/traders-hail-relaxation-in-market-closure-hours</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364622/traders-hail-relaxation-in-market-closure-hours#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 22 19:07:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2364622</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Govt approves proposal to keep shops open till late night ahead of Eidul Azha]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The traders have started to decorate their shops following approval from Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz Shareef to keep their shops open till late night before Eidul Azha.

A present, markets and shopping in City Market, Main Market, Niya Bazar, Tehsil Road Market, Kanari Market, Dulhan Bazaar, Shandar Chowk, Muhammadi Chowk, Chowk Gunbadwali Masjid, Railway Road, Civil Line Road, Kachehri Road, Old GT Road, Machine Mohalla Road and other shopping malls.

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has also hailed the announcement of federal government to suspend the market closure policy keeping in view the upcoming Eid ul Azha. They termed it a positive and business-friendly decision that would facilitate the people to do Eid shopping with ease and help the traders to boost the business activities.

Muhammad Shakeel Munir, President ICCI while addressing a meeting of the business community thanked Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah for giving a kind consideration to the demands of the traders for lifting timing restrictions for Eid ul Azha and suspending market closure policy in the capital territory until July 10, 2022.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Alert issued for surveillance of infected sacrificial animals</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364647/alert-issued-for-surveillance-of-infected-sacrificial-animals</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364647/alert-issued-for-surveillance-of-infected-sacrificial-animals#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 22 20:43:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2364647</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Development comes after 20 LSD-infected animals found at Rawalpindi’s Bhata cattle market]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Rawalpindi District Health has issued an alert for surveillance of cattle markets for possible Congo virus and lumpy skin disease infections in sacrificial animals ahead of Eidul Azha.

The development comes after 20 lumpy skin disease-infected animals were detected at the Rawalpindi&rsquo;s Bhata cattle market a few days back.

At a joint meeting of health and livestock departments held on Monday, it was decided to deploy teams of veterinarians from health and livestock departments in all 11 cattle markets established in the Rawalpindi district.

The Rawalpindi District Health office on Monday issued the alert for containing Congo, coronavirus and lumpy skin disease infections in sacrificial animals.

The teams will hunt infected animals in every cattle market and move them for quarantine to save the livestock from catching the contagion in the cattle markets. It was also decided that the health department team will also check coronavirus vaccination cards of people and only those will be allowed to enter cattle markets who have received booster shots after receiving two doses of vaccines against Covid-19.

According to the health department, people must apply mosquito repellent lotions on body parts to avoid catching the infection from sacrificial animals.

Similarly, buyers have also been instructed to thoroughly check sacrificial animals to ensure that their bodies did not have ticks.

The meeting decided to put in place a robust regime to curb the spread of coronavirus, Congo virus and lumpy skin disease in animals in cattle markets.

Meanwhile, the district administration and the health department have again implemented the coronavirus SOPs after the steady rise of cases in the Rawalpindi district.

They also decided to put banners in all public places to raise awareness of the re-emergence of the coronavirus. Citizens have also been instructed to wear masks, keep social distancing and get themselves vaccinated and get a booster shot if they have already received the initial two doses against the deadly coronavirus.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Prices of finery for sacrificial animals go up</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364642/prices-of-finery-for-sacrificial-animals-go-up</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364642/prices-of-finery-for-sacrificial-animals-go-up#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 22 20:40:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[qaiser.shirazi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2364642</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Children start tending to sacrificial animals brought home for Eidul Azha]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[As sacrificial animals are already being sold for all-time high rates, prices of traditional decorative items for the livestock have gone up in local markets and on stalls set up in Rawalpindi city and Cantonment areas.

With Eidul Azha just around the corner, tending and petting sacrificial animals has become a source of amusement for children who could be seen taking their animals for grazing on green belts, roads and streets of the city.

The devotion of their days and nights to their cattle has further cemented the bond between the animals and children.

The children seem to be happy to decorate sacrificial animals with garlands, ornaments and other decorative items they have bought from their own pocket money.

The joy of children becomes double when the sacrificial animals come home. The children happily bathed the animals. They take the animals for a walk and a parade in the streets with gusto.

Feeding and watering animals also become a favourite pastime of children.

Student Kameel Hassan said that he forced his parents to buy white colour oxen for Eidul Azha. He said that he has decorated his oxen from his own pocket money. He said that he also gets fodder and takes care of it all day long.

Student Tasbeeh Fatima said that she was very happy when the animal was brought home. She said that she washes her goat to save it from the extreme heat. She said that she has ordered items to decorate her goat.

Vendors have also taken advantage of this to make decorative items more expensive.

Curls tied around the feet of animals are being sold at Rs250, sehra at Rs2,000, necklaces at Rs300 to 450 and saddles wrapped around the animal&rsquo;s waiste at Rs500. However, children are happy to buy these things at their own expense to decorate the animals.

Mukhtar Malik, a shopkeeper at the Bhata Chowk cattle market, who sells sacrificial animal decoration items, said that the decoration items were very expensive this year. &ldquo;I had bought half of the decorative items last year and they were left unsold. I am now selling them at new rates. Most buyers of this product are children. Elders buy animals and if they are accompanied by children they must buy these items,&rdquo; he said.

Theft of sacrificial animals has also increased in the city. In the last two days, 12 bulls, 16 goats and two cows were stolen in 16 incidents within the limits of different police stations in Rawalpindi. Their cases have also been registered at the police stations.

Meanwhile, butchers have also increased the rates for slaughtering sacrificial animals many folds as compared to the previous year.

Those who buy sacrificial animals face difficulty in getting the services of experienced butchers, who have already been engaged by citizens for the three days of Eid.

Butchers are demanding up to Rs25,000 for slaughtering a bull and a cow in the morning on the first day of Eidul Azha and up to Rs20,000 in the evening on the first day. The butchers are demanding Rs18,00 on the second day and Rs15,000 on the third day of Eidul Azha.

Similarly, the butchers have fixed the rate of Rs3,800 for slaughtering a goat on the first day, Rs3,000 on the second day and Rs2800 on the third day of Eidul Azha.

In addition, a large number of butchers along with whole teams from distant villages have started pouring into the garrison city to place reservations.

Butchers Union Vice-President Faisal Qureshi said that they get the chance to mass slaughter cattle once a year. &ldquo;This is our season. No one buys meat from a shop until at least a month after the Eidul-Azha. The butchers&#39; business remains closed for two to three weeks. That is why the rates have been increased,&rdquo; he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>112 prisoners granted bail by courts ahead of Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364645/112-prisoners-granted-bail-by-courts-ahead-of-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364645/112-prisoners-granted-bail-by-courts-ahead-of-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 22 20:41:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2364645</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Several under-trial prisoners moved applications, seeking bail to celebrate Eid with their families]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench and all lower courts in the Rawalpindi district have approved bails of some 112 under-trail prisoners on humanitarian grounds and as a gesture of clemency ahead of Eidul Azha.

Over the weekend, several under-trial prisoners had moved applications, seeking bail to celebrate Eid with their families and loved ones.

Courts have also issued orders for immediate release of the bail granted prisoners languishing in Adiala and other jail of the Rawalpindi district.

Sources said that ahead of Eidul Azha, all courts were catering to bail applications on a priority basis. 

According to the sources, 32 under-trial prisoners have also filed applications in various courts seeking bail ahead of Eidul Azha.

The sources said 50 more petitions were expected to be filed by the accused for hearing in the next two days.

A district and sessions judge has issued instructions to judges of lower courts to dispose of all bail applications ahead of Eidul Azha. 

The sources said that all the courts will complete the hearing of bail applications of the under-trial prisoners by the last working day.

Mohammad Khan, an accused, who appeared before the sessions court on Monday, said that it was a virtuous decision by courts to grant bail to suspects for Eid celebrations. This will promote good tradition, he said.

Advocate Syed Masood Al Hassan Shah said that prior to Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha, lawyers file bail petitions for the prisoners involved in petty crimes such as drug, theft, robbery, gambling, fight, fake dubious cheque and fraud cases. He said that judges show compassion and mercy and grant bail.

The sources said that on the last working day ahead of Eidul Azha, the district and sessions judge will visit Rawalpindi&rsquo;s Adiala jail and would issue release orders of the accused facing petty crimes after granting them bail on personal surety.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Eid shopping picks up pace despite inflation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364537/eid-shopping-picks-up-pace-despite-inflation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364537/eid-shopping-picks-up-pace-despite-inflation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Jul 22 19:19:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saleh Mughal]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2364537</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police deploy additional personnel for security of main markets and shopping centres]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[With Eidul Azha just around the corner, shopping has started to gain momentum in Rawalpindi with a large number of people, particularly women and children, flocking to main markets, bazaars and malls in Rawalpindi.

Temporary stalls selling readymade clothes, bangles, earrings and cosmetics have also sprung up throughout the garrison city.

Earlier, the Punjab government lifted the restriction on the closure of markets and shopping centres at 9pm, till July 9 (Chaan Raat) to facilitate the public ahead of Eidul Azha.

Traders also expressed their satisfaction over the relaxation regarding the business hours announced by the Punjab government.

Earlier, the Punjab government shortened working hours for markets and business centres across the province including in Rawalpindi. The government had shortened the working hours for markets and businesses aimed at conserving electricity to save the country from going deep into a power crisis and providing relief to the people against the scourge of load-shedding.

Markets and bazaars in Rawalpindi remained abuzz with customers on Sunday as buyers resorted to Eid shopping without being worried about the early closure of shops.

A festive environment in shopping was noticed at the busy markets including Saddar, Lalkurti, Commercial Market, Moti Bazar and several other markets of the garrison city.

Trader Muhammad Nadeem said that the Punjab government&rsquo;s decision to relax business hours was a great relief for traders and the people at large in the scorching heat as most customers prefer to venture out after the sunset.

He said that the relaxation of the business hours will not only facilitate customers but also help traders to sell out the stock they had booked for Eidul Azha.

A citizen, Gohar Rehman, said that he works and could not find time for shopping during the daytime. Now, the timing relaxation has made it easier for him to do Eid shopping at night.

On the other hand, the Rawalpindi police have increased the security of the bazaars and markets by deploying additional personnel.

Meanwhile, special arrangements have also been made by the Rawalpindi City Traffic Police to ensure traffic flow.

Eid shopping is picking up momentum in the federal capital city as buyers swarm markets and shopping malls all over the city during the last days of Eidul Azha.

Several local and international brands have begun displaying their latest Eid editions of dresses, shoes, and other essential accessories to attract buyers and gain maximum profits. Families come out for shopping soon after iftar and are seen buying shoes, cosmetics, ready-made garments, eye-catching artificial jewellery, multi-coloured bangles, and other items for the upcoming festival of Eid ul Fitr. A colourful variety of stalls have been set up displaying earrings, glittering bangles, embroidered clothes, and jewellery, said a citizen.

A bangle seller said &ldquo;The number of customers is gradually picking up and hopefully it will go further up as Eidul Azha approaches.&rdquo; A customer said, &ldquo;I have completed shopping for my kids and I have bought clothes and matching shoes.&rdquo;

Hawkers are also making brisk sales of clothes, footwear, cosmetics, and other goods as these products are generally purchased by low-income people ahead of Eid, said another citizen. Several Eid shoppers also complained of overpricing, especially of women&rsquo;s and kids&rsquo; clothing.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Sindh govt relaxes business hours</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364544/sindh-govt-relaxes-business-hours</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364544/sindh-govt-relaxes-business-hours#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Jul 22 19:39:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2364544</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Relaxation will last till Edul Azha on July 11]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Sindh government on Sunday relaxed early market closure timings and suspended all notifications pertaining to operational hours of businesses &quot;in the public interest&quot; for a week.

The amended notification was enforced with immediate effect, allowing businesses and market to operate late at night till July 10 in view of Eidul Azha.

The timings have been eased to facilitate the traders and the public, the notification issued by the provincial government said and added that the restrictions will be re-enforced from July 11.

&quot;In view of Eidul Azha, the Government of Sindh is pleased to suspend the operation of this department notifications [&hellip;] regarding imposing restrictions on closing hours of various shops, restaurants, wedding halls, etc in the territorial jurisdiction of Sindh province with immediate effect,&quot; the notification read

The decision came a day after the Punjab government its loosened its restrictions concerning the closure of markets at 9pm, allowing traders and shopkeepers to avail the relaxation till July 9, the eve of Eidul Azha.

The Punjab Government had on Saturday announced the &quot;big news&quot; on its official Twitter handle.

Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad had earlier this week announced that the Zilhaj moon was not sighted and Eidul Azha will fall on July 10 (Sunday).

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, he said: &quot;No testimony of the moon being sighted was received from any part of Pakistan.&quot;

Therefore, it was decided with a unanimous consensus that Eidul Azha would be celebrated on July 10.

The Sindh government had ordered to close all markets, shops, and shopping malls in the province by 9pm, even in the commercial hub of Karachi, whereas wedding halls were to be shut by 10:30pm and hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and cafes by 11pm.

The provincial government had stated that the measures were being taken in light of the country&#39;s energy crisis.

The crisis, it added, had prompted the Sindh government to invoke sections of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Act, 2010 and issue an order to reduce operational hours of shops and restaurants.

However, shops in many areas continue to flout the early closure orders and stay open till late in the night.

Moreover, representative bodies of traders say that they had agreed to early closure, subject to end of load-shedding.

As per traders of Rex Shopping Centre, a major retail hub for leather goods, whether they close early or not, power outages continue.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>WSSCA staff holidays cancelled to ensure disposal of offal</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364219/wssca-staff-holidays-cancelled-to-ensure-disposal-of-offal</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364219/wssca-staff-holidays-cancelled-to-ensure-disposal-of-offal#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 22 18:29:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2364219</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[People will be given bio bags for disposing of remains of sacrificial animals]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Water and Sanitation Services Company Abbottabad (WSSCA) CEO Engineer Javed Abbasi has canceled the holidays of all operational staff to ensure timely disposal of sacrificial animal offal and remains and to ensure an uninterrupted supply of water to the citizens.

The CEO also chaired a meeting regarding sanitation and water supply in Abbottabad. Heads of all the departments also attended the meeting on Friday.

Abbasi while instructing the staff said that necessary repairs of vehicles and other machinery before Eidul Azha should be done like in previous years and the city would be cleaned in time with the cooperation of citizens.

Assistant Manager Planning Engineer Mohsin Shehzad gave a detailed briefing on the preparations and requirements of the operations.

The media department would distribute bio bags for sacrificial animal offal and remains in all the four union councils and 130 designated places, said the WSSCA spokesperson, adding that banners would also be placed for the awareness of the masses,

He said that pamphlets and posters would be distributed and placed to encourage people to dispose of garbage only at the designated points. WSSCA would be in touch with all stakeholders before and during the operations, Omer Swati said and added special requests would be made to the Ulema to highlight the importance of cleanliness and water during the Friday sermons and Eidul Azha, to save money and ensure cooperation with WSSCA staff.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Three special trains for Eid announced</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364303/three-special-trains-for-eid-announced</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2364303/three-special-trains-for-eid-announced#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Jul 22 05:53:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2364303</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Trains to connect Quetta, Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Railways announced three special Eid trains to facilitate the extra passengers travelling home to celebrate Eidul Azha.

According to the PR schedule issued on Friday, the first Eid special train will operate on July 8 from Quetta to Peshawar via Lahore. The second Eid special train will operate between Karachi and Lahore on the same day.

As for the third train, it will leave Lahore for Karachi on July 13 to ensure that all passengers heading to and from their hometowns to celebrate the holy festival are facilitated.

The trains will include economy class coaches with air-conditioned business class coaches and standard air-conditioned coaches.

Central Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad had earlier this week announced that the Zilhaj moon was not sighted and Eidul Azha will fall on July 10 (Sunday).

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, he said: &quot;No testimony of the moon being sighted was received from any part of Pakistan.&quot;

Therefore, it was decided with a unanimous consensus that Eidul Azha would be celebrated on July 10.]]>
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			<title>Vendors flout ban on sale of sacrificial animals on roads</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2363454/vendors-flout-ban-on-sale-of-sacrificial-animals-on-roads</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2363454/vendors-flout-ban-on-sale-of-sacrificial-animals-on-roads#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 26 Jun 22 18:59:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Syed Qaiser Shirazi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2363454</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[All markets, roads and neighborhoods in garrison city turn into cattle markets]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Rawalpindi district administration, the metropolitan corporation and Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment Boards have completely failed to enforce the ban on the sale of sacrificial animals on roads, streets and markets.

As a result, all markets, roads and neighbourhoods of the Rawalpindi city and Cantonments have been turned into cattle markets.

A large number of cattle sellers have preferred to sell their herd in the open market instead of taking them to the dedicated cattle market at Bhata Chowk due to what they said the increased market fee.

Earlier, the Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation, the Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment Boards had banned the sale of sacrificial animals on stalls or streets ahead of Eidul Azha.

In this regard, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Tahir Farooq had issued a notification imposing a ban on the open sale of sacrificial animals. According to the notification, violation of the ban will result in the confiscation of animals and the imposition of fines.

However, sellers of all the adjoining areas of Rawalpindi district including Kotli Satyan and Murree have stopped taking animals to the dedicated cattle market and have started selling a pair of four to five small animals and two large animals at the temporary set up stall, streets and streets in the city. After selling the animals, the sellers bring more animals to sell them to residents of the garrison city.

Several areas including Rawal Road, Murree Road, Ghazni Road, Adiala Road, Sawan Chowk, GT Road Rawat to Sawan Camp, Faizabad, IJ Principal Road, Sadiqabad Road, Double Road, Syedpur Road, Bani Chowk, Misryal Road, Dhok Syedan ​​Road, Liaquat Road, Railway Road, Rahimabad Chowk, Chaklala Scheme-3 Road and Rehmatabad Road have turned into cattle markets. Sacrificial animals like goats, oxen and camels are being sold all day long till late at night on roads and streets.

A cattle seller, Sain Shaukat, said that the huge tax of Rs3,000 for large animals and Rs2,000 for small animals at the cattle market was adding to the cost of animals they did not want to lose customers.

Another seller, Ashiq Hussain, said that transportation cost has increased by 30 per cent and with the addition of the entry fee and fodder, the prices of animals go up further and most people could not afford to buy animals at exorbitant price.

Another seller, Malik Fayyaz, claimed that there was no arrangement of shade, water and electricity in the cattle market, so by roaming around in the city, they sell animals on roads and streets easily and at cheap rates and fetch a handsome profit.

Buyer Mehmood Khan said that the cattle market was far away and the fare from the cattle market to the city was up to Rs4,000. He said that the prices of animals in local bazaars were up to Rs20,000 cheaper as compared to the cattle market. &ldquo;We are not insane to go to the cattle market and purchase animals at exorbitant prices,&rdquo; he said.

Another buyer, Sohail Chaudhry, said that the rates in the cattle market were so high that bargaining could not be clinched while a deal can easily be made with sellers on the streets.

Another buyer, Ahmar Abbasi said that it become quite difficult to select and pick animals in the cattle market and it was also a wastage of time. He said that he purchased the animal from a roadside seller at a cheaper rate as compared to the cattle market.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Tahir Farooq said that there was a ban on the sale of animals in city streets, bazaars and roads. Complaints of violation of the ban have been received and notice has been taken in this regard, he said adding that action will be taken against those who sell animals in the city bazaars. He said that an operation against the illegal sale of animals will be launched and animals will be confiscated and the owners will be fined.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Over 1,000 cops to serve at cattle markets</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2363344/over-1000-cops-to-serve-at-cattle-markets</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2363344/over-1000-cops-to-serve-at-cattle-markets#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jun 22 19:33:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2363344</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Lahore police devise security plan for cattle traders, buyers ahead of Eidul Azha]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Lahore police have devised a security plan for cattle traders and buyers at animal markets during Eidul Azha days. 

According to the plan, over 1,000 police officials, including four SPs, six DSPs, 10 SHOs and 34 upper subordinates would be deployed for security, whereas 160 anti-riot force personnel would also ensure law and order. 

The CCPO said strict action would be taken against illegal cattle markets and sale points at any place other than those approved by the district administration. Effective measures would be taken to protect cattle traders and buyers against swindlers, pickpockets and other criminals. 

Personnel in plainclothes would also keep a close watch on suspicious persons and activities in the cattle markets. Dolphin Squad, Police Response Unit and surveillance vehicles would ensure effective patrolling around cattle markets and selling points. 

The CCPO further said that strict security arrangements would be made at the entrances and exits of cattle markets.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Zakat beneficiaries will not receive cash on Eidul Azha</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2363162/zakat-beneficiaries-will-not-receive-cash-on-eidul-azha</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2363162/zakat-beneficiaries-will-not-receive-cash-on-eidul-azha#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 22 19:25:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2363162</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Former PTI government gave Rs12,000 on Eidul Azha, Eidul Fitr]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Around 10,000 Zakat beneficiaries in the Rawalpindi district would not receive presents on Eidul Azha this time around.

Sources said that it has been decided not to offer gifts to Zakat beneficiaries on Eidul Adha this year due to the financial crisis.

The former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government gave Rs12,000 on Eidul Azha last year and on Eidul Fitr this year.

The sources said that no gifts will be given to orphans, widows, low-income families, people with disabilities or leprosy-affected families on this Eid.

Eid gifts of Rs9,000 used to be given to persons with disabilities, Rs12,000 to widows, orphans and low-income families and Rs6,000 to leprosy-affected families on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

According to sources in the Zakat department, neither money nor instructions had been given to them regarding the Eid gifts this year by the Punjab government. However, more deserving beneficiaries will receive cash donated by philanthropists to the zakat department. Many deserving families visit the Zakat department&#39;s office seeking gifts for Eid, but they were sent back empty-handed.

The sources said that if the Punjab government decides to provide funds at the last minute, they will distribute the cash among the beneficiaries as they have electronic records of them.

Tens of thousands of deserving families around the district are in a state of despair after they heard the news about the non-payment of the cash amount.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Traders demand waiver of 9pm deadline until Eid</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2362740/traders-demand-waiver-of-9pm-deadline-until-eid</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2362740/traders-demand-waiver-of-9pm-deadline-until-eid#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 22 21:25:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2362740</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Say shops closure time can be readjusted after the Eidul Azha]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The business community across the country has demanded the government to lift the recently imposed restrictions on business hours maintaining that the respite be given at least in wake of ongoing business season of Eidul Azha. 

The 9pm deadline for shops should be lifted for Eidul Azha season, said All Pakistan Traders Association President Kashif Chaudhry while addressing a convention on Tuesday. 

He said that after Eidul Adha, business hours could be fixed in consultation with the representatives of traders and the government. 

Chaudhry said that the current energy crisis in the country, the rise in the value of the dollar, rising rates of various taxes and other issues have destroyed business and commercial activities in the country. The business community is in a quandary as business is affected. Closing markets and shops early will not solve the energy crisis. If the business is done at night then the government also gets revenue in different ways. Unemployment is rising due to working hours.

Addressing the convention, he further said that the business community was also worried about the rise in prices of petroleum products. He said the the business community demands the Prime Minister to formulate a comprehensive strategy for obtaining electricity from alternative sources to solve the energy crisis while also boosting the business activity in consultation with traders.

Business leaders Hakeem Shah, Jamal Sehti, Mansoor Jake Asif Gulfam and others also addressed the convention and urged that a strategy be formulated through mutual consultation to solve the problems of the business community. Uncertainty has been growing among the traders as every incoming government aggravates the problems through its policies instead of solving them, they said.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2022.]]>
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