Across Pakistan, authorities remained vigilant on the first day of Eidul Azha amid a significant rise in emergency incidents, stringent enforcement actions, and widespread sanitation campaigns. Rescue teams, law enforcement, and municipal officials were actively engaged to manage the increased public activity during the holiday.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rescue 1122 handled a total of 677 emergencies, as stated by Director Rescue Shah Fahad. The responses included 122 traffic accidents, 453 medical emergencies, 47 fire outbreaks, 16 crime-related incidents, and two cases of building collapses. Medical assistance was provided to 629 individuals who were transported to hospitals and safe locations. Peshawar recorded the highest number of emergencies with 129 cases, followed by Mardan with 87, and Nowshera with 49, underscoring the heavy demand on emergency services during Eid celebrations.
Meanwhile, in Lahore, police and district officials intensified efforts to curb illegal activities related to the festival. DIG Operations Muhammad Faisal Kamran announced the arrest of 45 individuals involved in unauthorized collection of sacrificial animal hides, with 38 cases officially registered. He emphasized that only organizations registered with the Charity Commission are permitted to collect hides during Eid. Additionally, 38 people were detained for the unauthorized cooking and sale of “siri paye.” Notably, no aerial firing incidents were reported in Lahore during Eid, indicating a marked improvement in public safety.
In Karachi, a large-scale sanitation operation is underway to clear sacrificial animal waste from the city. The Sindh Solid Waste Management Board reported that 225 dumpers have transported waste to landfill sites. Over 343,000 large animal remains and more than 118,000 small animal remains have been disposed of so far. Enforcement of Section 144 against dumping animal waste on roads has led to 43 arrests for violations.
However, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) criticized the municipal authorities for what it described as a sluggish and insufficient sanitation response in Karachi. The party highlighted severe waste accumulation and foul odors in areas including Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, and Old City Area. Similar complaints were raised regarding Baldia, Keamari, Orangi, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, North Karachi, and Surjani Town. MQM-P spokespersons argued that despite official claims of efficient sanitation management, the reality on the ground reflected a lack of timely relief.
Throughout the country, officials continue to tackle the challenges posed by Eid activities, balancing emergency response, law enforcement, and sanitation efforts as the holiday progresses.
