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Pakistani couple’s ‘Matka Chai’ unites South Asian families, fosters cultural unity in London

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Pakistani couple’s ‘Matka Chai’ unites South Asian families, fosters cultural unity in London

ISLAMABAD, Jun 25 (APP): Imran Gulzar and Iqra Zahoor, a Pakistani couple from Karachi, have successfully introduced and popularised Matka Chai in London, captivating tea enthusiasts with its unique flavors and presentation.

The couples’ ‘Cha Sha’ outlets throughout London have gained significant recognition for their innovative approach in serving Matka Chai, a traditional Pakistani tea steeped and served in clay pots called “matkas.”

This distinctive method of preparation infuses the tea with a unique flavor profile and creates an unparalleled sensory experience, solidifying its popularity among both tea connoisseurs and individuals interested in immersing themselves in the rich heritage of South Asian culture.

The ‘Cha Sha’ establishments have become highly desired destinations for individuals seeking the unique flavor and allure of Matka Chai.

Their main branch, strategically situated close to Wembley Stadium, has evolved into a bustling center for diverse activities.

In addition to promoting cultural cohesion, they arrange family gatherings and a diverse range of events including Chand Raat gatherings, commemorations of Pakistani and Indian independence days, live singing performances, heartfelt renditions of ghazals, exciting New Year’s Eve countdowns, and many more.

These occasions provide families with the chance to come together, cherishing the company of their loved ones while indulging in the pleasure of sipping tea from traditional clay pots.

Imran and Iqra have created a thriving community hub for the South Asian population in London with their ‘Cha Sha’ outlets.

The flagship location near Wembley Stadium holds a special significance as it brings together a diverse crowd, including sports enthusiasts, families, and individuals from different cultural backgrounds.

The common thread that unites them all is their love for Matka Chai and the welcoming atmosphere thoughtfully curated by Imran and Iqra.

Imran Gulzar and Iqra Zahoor got married in London in 2017 and decided to start a unique kind of business for the people living in the UK.

They decided to sell Chai, as there were hardly any places selling it in London’s several Asian areas.

With lots of nerves, they opened their first branch with the name of “Cha Sha” – a reference to how millions of South Asians on a daily basis ask each other about Chai, whether one wants to have a cup of Chai, sit together and have a little chat.

Saghar terms Indo-US joint statement as misleading

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 25 (APP): The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir (APHC-AJK) chapter Convener, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, has expressed serious concern over the Indo-US joint statement and termed it as misleading.

Mehmood Ahmed Saghar in a statement issued in Islamabad said that it was quite unfortunate that the joint statement did not mention the Kashmir dispute, Indian terrorism, human rights violations and arbitrary arrests of thousands of Kashmiris languishing in different jails of India and Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Kashmir media service reported.

He said that it was most regrettable that the country (US), which has been a co-sponsor of the historic United Nations resolution that acknowledged Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and granted legitimacy to the Kashmir issue, turned a blind towards the abysmal situation in the territory that continues to reel under India’s relentless and brutal repression.

Saghar, while referring to the US stance on Kashmir dispute, said being a strong proponent of the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, it has always sought and supported a peaceful settlement of the Kashmir dispute through dialogue and diplomacy. He said America still supports the UNSC resolutions calling for a referendum in the region.

As far as the issue of Hizbul Mujahideen is concerned, Saghar said that the US should differentiate between a terrorist and a freedom movement. “Hizb is an indigenous Kashmiri resistance organisation whose sole agenda is to liberate Kashmir from India’s illegal occupation”, he said, adding that the Hizb, which has never been engaged in unlawful activities, has been working under the ambit of the UN character.

“As per the UN charter Kashmiris have a legal right to armed resistance”, the APHC-AJK leader said and added that Kashmiris’ ongoing struggle was all about the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, be it a Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist or Christian.

Urging the Biden administration to revisit its wisdom on Kashmir, Saghar said instead of compromising its ideals the US must take a bold stance and play its much-needed role to resolve the lingering Kashmir dispute.

No double-pension for government employees of grade 17-22: Dar

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No double-pension for government employees of grade 17-22: Dar

ISLAMABAD, Jun 25 (APP): Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar clarified on Sunday that there would be no double pension for government employees falling in the category of Grade 17-22.

Responding to a point raised by Minister for Water Resources Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah in the National Assembly, the minister explained that the restriction would not apply to government employees below Grade 17, as there were instances where some employees retired after 15-20 years of service and started another job.

The minister stated that if some employees (Grade 17-22) were working on a contract basis after retirement, they would have to choose one pension that suited them, as the policy began from the top.

He emphasized that this was an old issue that should have been resolved earlier, which the incumbent government had started to redress.

Ishaq Dar mentioned that there was no specific timeframe for pension payments to the dependents of retired employees and widows after their passing. However, this has now been limited to 10 years.

He stressed that such reforms were crucial because the pension budget had reached Rs 800 billion, which was nearly 50 percent less than the current figure a few years back. He warned that without these reforms, it would become unsustainable for the country.

Addressing concerns raised by Ghous Bux Khan Mahar of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) regarding the withdrawal of the urea subsidy, the minister stated that the government aimed to promote local fertilizer production and achieve self-sufficiency in this sector.

He mentioned that several Pakistani companies were planning to invest over $200 million in the urea production sector.

He assured the House that the challenges faced by the agriculture sector, considered the backbone of the national economy, would be addressed in due course of time through mutual consultation with all stakeholders.

Asad Mehmood calls for review of FATA merger

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 25 (APP): Minister for Communication, Asad Mehmood, on Sunday urged the government to thoroughly review the merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the region.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, the minister emphasized the need to ascertain the desires of the people of FATA through a referendum.

Minister Mehmood highlighted that although progress has been observed in the FATA areas, it is crucial to obtain firsthand information about the issues faced by the local population.

He urged government officials to personally visit the area and assess the ground realities to gain a comprehensive understanding.

Regarding the ongoing discussions about appointments within Pakistan Post, the minister clarified that the matter is currently under review by the committee.

He assured the House that details of the findings will be shared once the committee concludes its deliberations.

He emphasized the need to avoid exploiting this issue for political gain and highlighted discrepancies in the appointment of division personnel.

He said that if it is proven that an individual from one division has been appointed to another division, as claimed by a Member of the National Assembly, he would resign from his position.

Proudly highlighting the achievements of the Pakistan Post, the minister emphasized the organization’s remarkable progress under the diligent efforts of its officers.

Notably, Pakistan Post has successfully overcome financial deficits and received international recognition for its accomplishments.

Minister Mehmood also emphasized the expansion of road networks and motorways throughout the country, resulting in improved connectivity for the citizens.

The Minister revealed that approximately 50 new projects have been included in the current Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), showcasing the government’s commitment to national development.

He disclosed that over the past year, around 2,000 contract employees have been regularized without any discrimination, demonstrating the government’s dedication to providing equitable employment opportunities.

PES finalizes plan to help citizens in emergencies during Eid ul Azha holidays

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PES finalizes plan to help citizens in emergencies during Eid ul Azha holidays

RAWALPINDI, Jun 25 (APP): The Punjab Emergency Service (PES) has finalized arrangements for Eid-ul-Azha and directed all its wings to remain on high alert in all tehsils of the district during the Eid holidays.

The Rescue-1122 Rawalpindi’s Emergency Ambulance, Rescue Motorbike Service, and Fire Service would remain on high alert throughout the district to assist the citizens in emergencies during Eid-ul-Azha holidays, said the Rescue-1122 spokesperson, Muhammad Usman Gujjar.

He informed that District Emergency Officer Rescue 1122 had directed the officials concerned to utilize all available resources to provide help to the victims of emergencies.

Emergency service posts had been set up at cattle markets where trained emergency paramedical staff was available to ensure emergency assistance in case of any emergency, he added.

“If there is flash flooding during Eid holidays, Rescue-1122 will be ready to better deal with emergencies in all districts,” he said.

In Rawalpindi, special duties of rescue personnel had been deployed in control rooms, emergency rescue stations, emergency ambulances, fire tenders, rescue and recovery vehicles, special vehicles, water bowsers and motorbike ambulances, he said adding, moreover, the key points would be set up in cattle markets of Rawalpindi and all other tehsils during on Eid while Eid Gah Sharif, Children Park Gawalmandi, Liaquat Bagh Ground, Jamia Masjid Faizan Madina Adiala Road, Captain Bilal Shaheed Chowk Chaklala Scheme-three, 22 number Chungi and Rawal Park, Kuri Road during Eid-ul-Azha holidays.

The rescue posts would also be set up at Central Jamia Masjid Tehsil Gujjar Khan, Central Jamia Ghousia Masumia Masjid Tehsil Kalar Syedan, Central Eidgah Tehsil Kahuta, Central Jamia Masjid Tehsil Kotli Satyan and Masjid Tehreek-e-Mahan Tehsil Taxila.

During three days of Eid ul Azha, the rescuers would be on duty at Allama Iqbal Park, JCP Gulzar Qaid, GPO Chowk Saddar, Jinnah Park, Union Park and T-Chowk Rawat and the district control room would ensure all necessary emergency arrangements, he added.

In addition, mobile posts would be set up at Eid-ul-Azha gatherings to provide effective medical care, where state-of-the-art cardiac ambulance vehicles and trained staff would be available with their emergency medical bags to provide immediate medical assistance in a timely manner, he informed.

District Emergency Officer, Rescue-1122 Rawalpindi advised the citizens to drive carefully with their families before and after Eid holidays to avoid possible road accidents, he added.

Promotion of agro-based industry stressed

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 25 (APP): Chairman Rice Research and Development Board Punjab Shahzad Ali Malik Sunday stressed the urgent need for the promotion of an agro-based industry that’s of immense importance to the country’s economy.

He said agro-industry contributes to GDP, earns foreign exchange through exports, promotes rural development, ensures food security, and adds value to agricultural products.

Talking to a delegation of progressive farmers led Dr Muhammad Arshad Javed, he said a strong and vibrant agro-based industry is crucial for sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction and overall development, says a press release.

He said the agro-based industry is crucial for ensuring food security in Pakistan. With a growing population, it is essential to have a robust agricultural sector that can produce an adequate quantity of food to meet the domestic demand, he added.

Shahzad Ali that value addition enhances the economic viability of agricultural products and increases their shelf life, marketability, and profitability.

He said value-added products from the agro-based industry, such as processed foods, textiles, leather goods, and pharmaceuticals, have a higher value in both domestic and international markets, contributing to higher revenues and economic growth.

He said it’s development leads to improved infrastructure, better access to markets, increased income levels, and improved living standards for rural communities.

Besides, It helps in reducing rural-urban migration by creating employment opportunities locally and supporting the overall socio-economic development of rural areas,he added.

He said agriculture has long been the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, employing a large portion of the population that encompasses various sectors, including crop production, livestock farming, dairy, poultry, fisheries, and food processing.

Fixing commission agents’ nexus to protect small growers

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Fixing commission agents’ nexus to protect small growers

FAISALABAD, Jun 25 (APP): In any agricultural country like Pakistan, the governments ensure special incentives, subsidies, support prices and market access for farmers to make them flourish and provide a food basket also for those not associated with this profession.

Be it India, Pakistan, China, Russia, the United States or any other country, everywhere farmers’ community is subsidized by lessening inputs prices, electricity bills, petroleum fuel prices and provision of irrigation water.

In many cases, their crops are directly purchased by state-owned institutions like PAASCO but most of the time the farmers have to approach Commission Agents at grain markets for the sale of their products.

Knowing well the shortcomings and compulsions of small farmers, these Commission agents usually fleece the hard-earned money of farmers through their nexus either in the name of credit or quality of products or market recession.

They also provide finance-starved farmers the inputs on higher rates in the name of credit but pay less for their crops. As the culture of the Hindu era of pre-partition still reflects in our system, the agents are far away from the Islamic principles of doing business.

Most often they grasp a lion’s share of the produce when they see the grower in dire need of money. This vicious circle of purchasing input from commission agents on higher rates and selling them their crops on cheaper rates continues over decades. Even farmers are not usually paid instant cash but are given a certain deadline for payment during which period the commission agents sell products to retailers, hold their profit first and then pay the farmers.

“This exploitive tendency of commission agents to fleece hard-earned money of poor farmers is painful,” said Muhammad Faizan Khan, a Small Growers Association representative in Faisalabad.

He informed that one of the commission agents bought a 50-kg lemons bag from his friend for just Rs.7000 at a time when its price was almost Rs 20,000. “When I asked my friend why he sold the lemon so cheaper, he said he was in dire need of money and agreed on what he was offered.”

Faizan said, this is how the commission agents exploit the farmers. “The small farmers hardly meet their ends and when an urgent need arises, they approach commission agents who exploit the opportunity.”

“This is the saga of thousands of farmers and goes on for decades. Therefore, appropriate corrective measures were direly needed to release farmers from the clutches of the commission agent mafia,” he pleaded.

He demanded some effective legal forum where farmers could approach a remedy. “We need to educate our farmers, fix all commodities prices especially fruits and vegetables like wheat, rice, sugarcane and cotton.”

“When support price is fixed for each produce, the growers can better bargain,” he said. “Moreover, the government should provide facilities of warehouses or big stores near markets, to preserve farmers’ perishable products.”

He recommended to ensure better management at already established procurement centers as he claimed that presently either there is a capacity issue or the staff deliberately delays purchasing in connivance with the commission agents.

He suggested to expand the scope of organizations like Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) for procurement of agricultural edibles.

Chaudhary Tahir Razzaq Chairman Kisan Council also mentioned to financial problems of small farmers who have to borrow money from commission agents and in response have to sell their agri commodity to the same agent usually at compromised prices.”

He demanded support prices for agricultural commodities and said in the absence of support prices, the tomato growers had to bear severe losses during the last season while the commission agents earned hefty profits.

Chaudhary Maqsood Ahmad Chairman Potato Growers Association proposed to set up Farmers’ Rights Protection Committees at Union Council level for ensuring better payback to farmers for their products.

Rana Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, a representative of the Small Growers’ Association, said that role of commission agents could be cut to size by fixing their nexus and reducing their unjustified profit through their registration and documentation.

“If each commission agent is registered and his profit margin is fixed, the small growers can easily get the real price of their produce”, he added.

He recommended a fair weighing system and silos for growers near grain and vegetable markets and implement a check and balance system in markets.

Zia-ul-Haq said the government had planned to provide growers’ space in markets to sell their products but the Qabza mafia and Arhatis hindered its proper implementation.

Meanwhile, Chaudhary Abdul Hameed Director Agriculture has said that farmers have been provided Kisan Cards to purchase inputs on subsidized rates and are apprised of the latest commodities rate through a digital system.

He said by the time the government ensures documentation of market committees and preparation of their monthly income and expenditure reports. In the next phase, the commission agents would also be registered also fixing their profit margin.

He said weighing bridges and boards have been installed at major markets and this facility would also be available in other markets very soon. “Market committees are bound to display commodities and commission rates, remuneration of a functionary, rate of market fee and license fee, etc.”

He said the agriculture department has installed digital electronic rate boards at 27 sites in major cities of the Punjab province. “We have also introduced a mobile application named AMIS Punjab for price information.”

As only registered farmers may benefit from these steps, there is a dire need for the agriculture department to get more and more farmers registered for benefitting from in-time information about crop rates, weather conditions, subsidies and incentives announced by the government from time to time.

‘School on Wheels’ – a much needed project to boost child literacy

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 25 (APP): Having a high percentage of youth among its population – almost 64% below the age of 30 – Pakistan is blessed to have these numbers, which if utilized properly and given the right direction and platform can put the country on the path of development and prosperity in a matter of years.

Provision of quality education is the prerequisite for a country to produce leaders in different fields, the department in which Pakistan needs to work hard.

With an overall literacy rate of almost 63%, the data shows that it is higher in urban areas (76%) as compared to rural areas (51%), prompting the need to concentrate more on the latter which lacks basic educational infrastructure.

Keeping in view this important issue, the federal coalition government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) launched a project named ‘School on Wheels’ which has been highly praised for providing education to children whose parents are unable to send them to schools.

The initiative would increase the literacy rate in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas. The project also aims to offer equal educational opportunities to children with mobile libraries, which would promote a reading culture among them.

Talking to APP, Deputy Director Research and Development Federal Directorate of Education Muhammad Nadim, who is also looking after the project “School on Wheels” said, initially, the mobile school project consisted of two buses which were providing primary-level education to children, especially between ages 3-5 of the rural areas including Tarnol and Nilore sectors of Islamabad Capital Territory.

He said five more buses were being prepared whose work was in the final stages and hopefully these buses would start functioning just after Eid ul Adha.

Moreover, a Memorandum of Understanding was in pipeline with the British Council under which around 20 more state-of-the-art buses would be provided to the Federal Education Ministry to decrease the number of out-of-school children, he added.

Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Rana Tanveer Hussain during his visit to a foreign country closely monitored this project and planned it for Pakistan.

In addition to mobile libraries, meals are also being provided to the students enrolled in mobile classrooms, fostering a culture of reading and nourishment.

The bright-colored buses are decorated with balloons and windows painted with alphabets and cartoons. The inside of the mobile classrooms is bright and clean, its interior filled with images of alphabets, numbers, days of the week and pictures of fruit and animals.

Children are seen sitting on colorful chairs inside the bus as teachers use an interactive whiteboard for teaching.

Muhammad Nadim further explained that some private organizations like “Right to Play” were also providing support to the government to make the project successful.

These NGOs provide free teachers besides helping in discipline-related issues, he said, adding, the buses roam specifically in rural areas where no school was nearer particularly attracting minor children for education.

“The buses are focusing on rural areas where schools are far away and minor children are unable to go to schools. After providing basic education, the students will be shifted to nearby schools for proper education”, the deputy director mentioned.

He was of the view that children were taking special interest in these schools, particularly afghan refugees living in suburbs of the federal capital territory.

Nadim said each bus would be equipped with computers, desks, whiteboards, Smart Boards, LCDs, ACs and Washroom.

“I am a daily wager and always wanted my children to get education, but cannot afford sending them to school. This initiative of the government has provided me an opportunity to get my kids educated and that too on my doorstep,” said Jamal Ahmed, a father of four children and a resident of Nilore area.

He said his younger son now waits for the bus and gets ready early in the morning, adding this initiative would help many poor people like him to fulfill their dream of educating their children.

It is to mention here that the project was launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in February 2023. The government has a plan to increase the number of buses and expand the project to the rest of the country.

“My son was always very fond of learning new things but my resources were not allowing me to get him enrolled in a school. But, now teachers come to our vicinity regularly on a bus and my son goes there with sheer excitement and joy,” said Munawar Khan, a resident of Tarnol.

Pakistan spends only 2% of its GDP on education which is quite lower than other countries. Norway and Chile spend the highest percentage of their GDP on education, 6.6, followed by Israel and New Zealand 6.2, the United Kingdom 6.1, and the United States 6.0.

Despite all the efforts made by the government to increase the literacy rate and bring more children into schools, there was still a lot needed to required for the provision of quality education and better infrastructure particularly in far-flung areas of the country.

APP/qsr/ati (App Feature Service)

Govt urged for encouraging furniture Industry

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Govt urged for encouraging furniture Industry

ISLAMABAD, Jun 25 (APP): Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Mian Kashif Ashfaq Sunday urged the government to encourage investments and create a favorable business environment for furniture manufacturers.

He said the furniture industry in the country can be successfully promoted and positioned as a competitive player in the global market with effective marketing with the right combination of factors, including export potential, design and innovation, technology adoption, and skill development.

Chairing the PFC executive committee meeting, he said Pakistan has a skilled labor force and a rich heritage of craftsmanship in furniture making.

He said the country can leverage these strengths to expand its presence in the global furniture market, he said adding that by promoting Pakistani furniture internationally, the industry can attract foreign buyers and increase export earnings.

By encouraging designers to create unique and contemporary furniture designs that cater to both domestic and international markets, the industry can also gain a competitive edge and attract more buyers, he added.

He said the use of modern technology and production techniques can enhance the efficiency and quality of furniture manufacturing.

Promoting the adoption of advanced machinery and production processes, such as computer-aided design and computer numerical control machines, can help the industry produce high-quality furniture at a faster rate, he added.

He said Investing in skill development and training programs for craftsmen and furniture manufacturers can improve the overall quality of furniture produced in Pakistan.

By enhancing the skills of artisans and workers, the industry can create products that meet international standards, thereby increasing its marketability, he added.

Mian Kashif Ashfaq said the government plays a vital role in promoting the furniture industry by providing incentives such as tax breaks, subsidies, and export facilitation.

Skyrocketing prices of animals forces people towards ‘Ijtamai Qurbani’

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Skyrocketing prices of animals forces people towards ‘Ijtamai Qurbani’

RAWALPINDI, Jun 25 (APP): The record increase in prices of sacrificial animals is being witnessed across the country and the trend of ‘Ijtamai Qurbani’ is becoming popular under which the citizens are arranging for the religious obligation of ‘Ijtamai Qurbani’.

Due to skyrocketing prices of sacrificial animals, most of people are giving preference to the collective Qurbani ritual instead of sacrificing animals individually on Eid ul Azha.

This was revealed in a survey of the cattle market conducted by this scribe.

The residents of various localities have arranged for combined sacrifices with the cooperation of various religious and social organizations including local madrassas and mosques.

A large number of people have also arranged for combined qurbani with their relatives and friends.

“It is better to take part in the collective Qurbani arranged by a nearby madrassa or mosque during these hard times of inflation, and we will do so because we will have to spend only Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 for a share and its affordable,” said a local resident Faisal.

The prevailing economic crunch leading to limited incomes and livelihood amid steady increases in animal prices in recent years has led to the trend of collective sacrifices, another citizen Altaf said.

The prices of the sacrificial animals have further increased this year as compared to the last year owing to an increase in transportation charges and other associated expenses.

The prices of bulls in the market have increased from Rs50,000 to Rs150,000 per animal as compared to last year while the price of A category bull has increased from Rs100,000 to Rs200,000 and onwards and the price of B category bull has increased from Rs50,000 to Rs100,000 and prices of C category has surged from Rs40,000 to Rs70,000. The prices of goats and sheep have also increased by up to 50 per cent.

The price of A category goat/sheep has increased from Rs30,000 to Rs50,000. Prices of B category has increased from Rs20,000 to Rs30,000 and C category to Rs15,000 and above.

The price of a goat and sheep in the cattle market was witnessed from Rs 60,000 to Rs 130,000 while the prices of bull were recorded from Rs 250,000 to Rs 350,000.

Meanwhile, as Eid day was drawing near the sale of sacrificial animals was gaining momentum.

Rawalpindi district administration had set up temporary cattle markets at 11 different places in the district in connection with Eid ul Azha.

According to a district administration spokesman, the administration on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi had finalized all the arrangements.

Five cattle markets were established in Rawalpindi city, two in Gujjar Khan, two in Taxila, and one each in Kallar Syedan and Kahuta.

Bhatta Chowk near Koh-e-Noor Mills, Misrial, Gulistan Colony, Dhok Hassu, Kalyal village markets are for Rawalpindi city, he added.

A cattle market was established at Mandra Stop Ground and Gulyana Road near Slaughter in Tehsil Gujar Khan.
Similarly, cattle markets were also established in Taxila near Sharif Hospital, G.T Road Wah Cantt and HIT near Sunday Bazaar Timber Market, he added.

A temporary cattle market was set up in connection with Eid-ul-Azha at cattle market established on Kalar Syedan near Mangal Bypass.

A temporary cattle market had also been set up at Sakhi Sabzwari Chowk near KRL Check Post in Kahuta.
Assistant Commissioners, Chief Officer Municipal Corporations concerned had been directed to supervise the cattle markets, he informed.

Earlier, the DC office through a notification had directed the authorities concerned to make all necessary arrangements so that the sellers and buyers could be accommodated with necessary precautionary measures in a hygienic environment in the light of the guidelines issued by Punjab government in this regard.

The spokesman informed that no one is being allowed to set up market of sacrificial animals in city areas.

Special teams had been formed to take action against the violators, besides imposing fines and confiscating their animals.
Like last year, the sellers of sacrificial animals are not being allowed to enter the city in a bid to keep the city clean.

According to RCB sources, sale of sacrificial animals had been banned in cantonment areas.

Special teams had been formed to fine the violators and even confiscate their animals, they added.

The officials of Livestock and Health department talking to APP informed that they have established special camps at city’s entry points, all cattle markets and sale points of sacrificial animals for the prevention of Congo virus.

All possible precautionary measures in this regard were being taken, they said adding, solid steps for the treatment of animals suffering from any disease including Congo virus were also being taken so that the citizens could be protected from any threat. Besides all the sale points and cattle markets were being sprayed, they added.

The staff of the authorities concerned had also been deployed and the exercise would continue without any break till Eidul Azha, they said.