ISLAMABAD, JUL 7 /DNA/ – Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Islamabad, Ms. Kainat Azhar Khan, visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Tuesday and held a productive and interactive session with members of the business community to discuss traffic-related challenges and explore practical solutions for improved traffic management in the federal capital.

Addressing the gathering, Ms. Kainat Azhar Khan emphasized that the Islamabad Traffic Police and the business community are partners in the shared objective of making Islamabad a model city in terms of traffic discipline, mobility and public convenience. “We are one family and together we will address and resolve all issues pertaining to traffic management through mutual coordination and understanding,” she remarked.

The CTO assured the business community that her office maintains an open-door policy and remains readily accessible to traders and citizens alike. She stated that she is personally available to receive feedback and facilitate timely resolution of traffic-related concerns. She further announced that she would undertake visits to major commercial centers across Islamabad and engage directly with the office bearers of the respective Traders Welfare Associations to identify challenges on the ground and devise workable solutions in consultation with stakeholders.

Welcoming the distinguished guest, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sardar Tahir Mehmood, highlighted a range of traffic and parking issues affecting both the business community and residents of the capital. He stressed the need for stronger coordination between the traffic authorities and trade bodies to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and promote a culture of discipline and compliance. He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to working closely with the Islamabad Traffic Police to make the capital an exemplary city in terms of traffic management and civic order.

Senior Vice President ICCI, Tahir Ayub, particularly drew attention to the traffic-related challenges being faced by traders operating in the Fruit and Vegetable Market and called for targeted interventions to facilitate smooth transportation and commercial activity in the area.

During the interactive session, ICCI Executive Members, Presidents and senior representatives of various Traders Welfare Associations apprised the CTO of traffic bottlenecks, parking constraints, encroachments and sector-specific mobility issues confronting businesses in different commercial zones of Islamabad. The participants appreciated the proactive approach adopted by the Islamabad Traffic Police and expressed confidence that sustained engagement would yield positive results.

In his vote of thanks, Vice President ICCI, Muhammad Irfan Chaudhry, expressed gratitude to the Chief Traffic Officer for her visit and for engaging directly with the business community. He appreciated her commitment to maintaining close liaison with traders and hoped that her proposed visits to commercial centers would pave the way for effective and lasting solutions to longstanding traffic issues.

Among those present on the occasion were Director Islamabad Police Ms. Ayesha Jameel,  ICCI Executive Members Ms. Fatima Azim, Rohail Anwar Butt, Umer Khayyam Abbasi, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Malik Mohsin Khalid, Waseem Chaudhry, Raja Naveed Satti, Ishaq Sial and Malik Najeeb; former Senior Vice Presidents Khalid Chaudhry and Malik Naveed; ICCI senior members Nadeem Mansoor, Israr Mishwani, Raja Majeed and Ms. Nageena Khaleeque; as well as prominent trade leaders Waheed Cheema, Waseem Abbasi, Raja Zulfiqar, Raja Zahid Dhaniyal and many others.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 7 (DNA) – In a stern move against rampant illegal constructions, the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) on Tuesday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to residents of Sectors G-13 and G-14, directing them to voluntarily remove all encroachments on government land or face swift demolition without any further notice.

The urgent public notice, released by the FGEHA’s Directorate of Enforcement and Vigilance, warns that all illegal sheds, fences, boundary walls, and constructions that exceed the originally approved property limits or sit on state land must be cleared within the deadline. The announcement carries an unambiguous caveat: failure to comply will trigger strict legal action and large-scale demolition operations under the relevant laws.

“All residents are directed to voluntarily remove all illegal constructions, sheds, and fences erected on government land or exceeding approved property limits within 24 hours. Failure to comply within the specified timeframe will result in strict legal action and demolition operations under relevant laws and regulations without further notice,” the notification reads.

The targeted sectors, developed by FGEHA for federal government employees, have long been plagued by encroachments. Over the years, residents and commercial entities have extended porches, built shops on greenbelts, raised boundary walls into service lanes, and constructed additional rooms on public utility spaces. Despite repeated warnings, temporary relief measures, and multiple previous deadlines, the violations persisted, effectively shrinking public spaces and choking civic infrastructure.

According to sources within the Enforcement Directorate, a fresh, detailed survey of both sectors was conducted last month, identifying hundreds of fresh and long-standing violations. The survey report categorised encroachments into minor boundary extensions, permanent structures on parkland, and commercial kiosks set up without authorisation. With the monsoon season under way, the unauthorised structures have also been blamed for obstructing natural drainage, leading to waterlogging in several blocks.

“We have exhausted every channel of persuasion. Notices have been pasted, warnings have been issued, but compliance has been negligible. This 24-hour deadline is the final opportunity,” a senior FGEHA official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity. “After the expiry of the stipulated time, no individual will be served a personalised notice. Our demolition squads, equipped with heavy machinery, will move in directly, accompanied by police and local administration personnel. The cost of the operation will also be recovered from the violators.”

The authority has already stationed earth-moving equipment and formed joint teams comprising enforcement officers, Capital Development Authority (CDA) staff, and contingents of the Islamabad Police to ensure the operation proceeds without obstruction. Residents have been urged to cooperate and clear the encroachments themselves to avoid the humiliation and financial loss of forced demolition.

The FGEHA has also made it clear that any resistance or attempt to obstruct official duties will attract criminal cases. “Legal provisions allow for imprisonment and heavy fines in addition to demolition. We will not hesitate to register FIRs against those who challenge the writ of the state,” the official added.

The move is being seen as part of a wider anti-encroachment drive across the federal capital, where multiple housing sectors have faced similar crackdowns in recent months. For the residents of G-13 and G-14, the countdown has begun, and all eyes are on whether the 24-hour deadline will finally restore the master plan of these long-suffering sectors or witness another round of tense standoffs. The operation, once launched, is expected to continue until every identified illegal structure is razed.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 7 (DNA): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country, as the country’s security forces were working tirelessly and the day was not far when the menace would be completely eliminated.

Addressing the federal cabinet at the start of its meeting, the prime minister paid tribute to Pakistan Air Force Group Captain Asim Tariq, who was martyred a few days ago in Islamabad while intervening to stop an assault on a woman. He prayed for the elevation of the martyr’s ranks and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

The prime minister said the accused had been arrested and would be brought to justice in accordance with the law. He also lauded the sacrifices of the country’s security forces in the fight against terrorism, referring to the recent killing of 15 terrorists in Balochistan. He said the armed forces and law enforcement agencies were continuing operations day and night to restore lasting peace across the country.

The cabinet offered Fateha for the martyrs on the prime minister’s request.

Highlighting his recent foreign engagements, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif referred to his visit to Türkiye, where he attended a comprehensive business conference featuring presentations on the privatization of Pakistan’s power distribution companies, renewable energy, transmission losses, and investment opportunities in the mines and minerals sector.

He said a large number of Turkish investors and business leaders attended the conference and expressed keen interest in Pakistan’s economic potential. The prime minister said extensive preparations by both sides had helped present Pakistan’s investment prospects effectively, including opportunities in the maritime sector and other key areas.

He expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, adding that productive discussions were held with Turkish leadership on expanding collaboration in multiple sectors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the support of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and said both countries remained committed to deepening their longstanding brotherly ties. He expressed optimism that Pakistan-Türkiye relations would continue to grow stronger in the days ahead through enhanced trade, investment and strategic cooperation.

RAWALPINDI, JUL 7 /DNA/ – Funeral prayers of Group Captain Asim Tariq Shaheed, who embraced Shahadat while courageously intervening to rescue a woman in distress in Islamabad, were offered today. The martyred officer was laid to rest with full military honours in recognition of his exceptional courage, selfless devotion and unwavering sense of duty.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff, attended the funeral prayers alongwith senior officers, airmen and a large gathering of civil community to pay final respects to the valiant officer and honour his supreme sacrifice.

Chief of the Air Staff paid rich tribute to Group Captain Asim Tariq Shaheed, stating that the sacrifice epitomizes the finest traditions of the Pakistan Air Force and the Armed Forces of Pakistan. He observed that by laying down his life while protecting an innocent citizen, the martyred officer demonstrated that the men and women of the Pakistan Air Force remain steadfast in their commitment not only to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers, but also to protecting the lives, dignity and honour of their fellow countrymen.