Eidul Azha across Pakistan: emergencies, crackdowns and sanitation efforts dominate first day

Rescue, law enforcement and municipal authorities across Pakistan remained on high alert on the first day of Eidul Azha, as emergency incidents surged alongside strict crackdowns on illegal activities and large-scale sanitation operations.

Rescue 1122 responds to 677 emergencies in KP

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rescue 1122 reported handling 677 emergencies across the province, according to Director Rescue Shah Fahad. Officials said teams responded to 122 traffic accidents, 453 medical emergencies, 47 fire incidents, 16 crime-related cases and two building collapse incidents.

A total of 629 people were shifted to hospitals and safe locations for treatment and assistance. Peshawar recorded the highest number of emergencies with 129 cases, followed by Mardan with 87 and Nowshera with 49, highlighting increased pressure on emergency services during Eid activities.

Lahore crackdown on illegal hides collection and aerial firing

In Lahore, police and district administration continued strict enforcement against illegal collection of sacrificial animal hides and other violations.

DIG Operations Muhammad Faisal Kamran said 45 individuals were arrested for collecting hides without official permission, while 38 cases were registered. He clarified that only organisations registered with the Charity Commission are authorised to collect hides during Eid.

Authorities also arrested 38 people involved in illegal cooking and sale of “siri paye” without approval. Officials confirmed that no incidents of aerial firing were reported in the city during Eid, marking a notable improvement in public safety.

Karachi waste removal operation underway amid mounting pressure

In Karachi, a massive sanitation operation continued to remove sacrificial animal waste from across the city. According to the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, 225 dumpers have transported waste to landfill sites so far.

Officials said more than 343,000 large animal remains and over 118,000 small animal remains have been disposed of as part of the ongoing operation. Authorities also confirmed enforcement of Section 144 against dumping animal waste on roads, with 43 arrests made for violations.

MQM-P criticises slow sanitation response in Karachi

Meanwhile, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) criticised local authorities over what it described as slow and inadequate waste collection efforts in Karachi.

The party said several areas, including Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony and Old City Area, were severely affected by uncollected waste and foul smells. It added that similar conditions were reported in Baldia, Keamari, Orangi, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, North Karachi and Surjani Town.

MQM-P spokespersons said municipal bodies had failed to deliver timely relief, arguing that official claims of effective sanitation management had not been reflected on the ground.

Across the country, authorities continue to manage Eid-related challenges ranging from emergency response and law enforcement to sanitation, as large-scale public activity continues through the holiday period.