BAHAWALPUR: The Bahawalpur Waste Management Company (BWMC) has announced a robust anti-smoke campaign aimed at tackling the prevailing issue in the city.

BWMC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Naeem Akhtar said at a meeting on Sunday the indiscriminate burning of waste and garbage was a matter of concern. The goal of the crackdown is to eliminate the pollution caused by waste burning and enhance the city’s environmental conditions. He also emphasised the implementation of the Punjab government’s “Safe Punjab from Smog” initiative and stressed the need for an effective awareness campaign within the city.

In this regard, the company has established a committee led by Manager Muhammad Imtiazullah. In the initial phase, this committee will issue warning notices to traders and residents who are found to burn waste openly. If they persist in violating the company’s instructions, the second phase will involve lodging first information reports with the police against such offenders.

As part of the campaign, a public awareness walk was organised at Khatm-i-Nubuwat Chowk to motivate citizens towards waste-free surroundings.

ILLEGAL BOATING: The irrigation department caught 19 people for unauthorised boating within the reserved area of the Sutlej River at Islam Headworks. They were violating the boating ban and were subsequently handed over to the Hasilpur police.

According to an official statement, an FIR was registered by the Hasilpur police under sections 186 and 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Due to the prevailing flood conditions in the river, the deputy commissioner has imposed a ban under section 144 on private boating within the riverine areas of the district.

DRAMA: In connection with Kashmir Solidarity Day, a drama titled “Rang Liaga Lahoo” was staged at the Bahawalpur Arts Council. The performance shed light on the atrocities committed by Indian forces in India-held Kashmir. The participating artists were highly praised for their roles.

ANP: The General Secretary of the Awami National Party (ANP) Mian Iftikhar Ahmed has pledged his party’s support for the movement advocating the restoration of the Bahawalpur province.

According to a press release issued by the party, the assurance was given to a delegation from the Bahawalpur National Ithehad during their visit to Peshawar. The Bahawalpur delegation met with ANP’s secretary-general at Bacha Khan Markaz in Peshawar.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2023