Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

Peshawar: The Archaeology Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced plans to conserve and restore a significant Sikh-era historical site in Nowshera district to boost religious tourism by attracting Sikh devotees and history enthusiasts from around the globe.

Located on the banks of the Kabul River in the Pir Sabaq area of Nowshera, the site is the Samadhi (cremation site or tomb) of Akali Phoola Singh Nihang, a prominent Sikh leader and senior general in the Sikh Khalsa Army during the early 19th century.

Adjacent to the Samadhi lies a Gurdwara and a brick structure locally referred to as the "Sikh Barrack," likely serving as a guesthouse for pilgrims.

"The site commemorates a battle fought over 200 years ago between Sikh forces and local Pashtun and Afghan forces led by Azim Khan Barakzai," explained Dr. Abdul Samad, Director of Archaeology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Akali Phoola Singh, who led a significant portion of Sikh forces, was cremated here after falling in the fierce Battle of Nowshera in 1823.

In his honour, these structures were erected and have since endured the ravages of time, including the devastating floods of 2010 that submerged and damaged the site.

"Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a haven for religious tourism where every stone tells a story," remarked Dr. Samad.

Dr. Samad shared that the Archaeology Department, in collaboration with the Board of Investment (BOI) KP, has initiated plans to restore the site to its former glory.

The project aims to promote Sikh heritage tourism by preserving monuments such as the Samadhi of Akali Phoola Singh.

The department has also started celebrating British and Sikh-era history by conserving various historic monuments and opening them to both local and international tourists.

"Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to nearly 90% of Sikh heritage sites of religious and military interest in Pakistan," Dr. Samad noted, emphasising the potential for these sites to attract thousands of Sikh visitors from around the world.

Efforts are also underway to restore the historic Jamrud Fort, where the Samadhi of General Hari Singh Nalwa, another revered Sikh leader, is located.

This project, supported by a World Bank grant of Rs. 94 million, has completed its first phase, with the site set to open for Sikh pilgrims after obtaining the necessary legal permissions.

A UK-based historian, author, and filmmaker Bobby Singh Bansal described Jamrud Fort as a "goldmine" for attracting Sikh tourists.

In a lecture at Peshawar Museum, he highlighted Hari Singh Nalwa's significance and the deep reverence Sikhs hold for him.

Beyond Jamrud Fort and the Nowshera site, the province boasts several other Sikh heritage landmarks, including Ali Mardan Bagh, Bala Hissar Fort, Gor Khatree, Shabqadar Fort, Bara Fort, Saragari and the Bhai Biba Singh Temple, which collectively offer immense potential for religious and heritage tourism.

The conservation of Sikh-era monuments in KP reflects the region's rich multicultural history.

By restoring these sites, the province aims to foster interfaith harmony and create opportunities for cultural exchange, making it a key destination for religious and historical tourism, Dr. Samad concluded.

Sialkot: Sialkot Police Kidmat Markaz has issued its performance report for the year 2024.

Over 2,84,128 citizens benefited from the centre last year. It is open 24/7 for the convenience of citizens.

According to a spokesperson, 49,031 people obtained police character certificates from the Police Khidmat Markaz, 1,23,220 learning driving licences were issued, 64,291 people obtained regular driving licences, 24,088 general police verifications were conducted and 1,709 missing reports were registered.

According to the spokesperson, a total of 2,84,128 citizens benefited from services at the Police Khidmat Markaz Sialkot.

Bahawalpur: Under the auspices of Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) and Pakistan Debating Society, All Bahawalpur Quaid-e-Azam Debating Competition was held with great enthusiasm and participation.

The event was jointly organized by the Agriculture Society of IUB and the Pakistan Debating Society Bahawalpur. Participants showcased their eloquence and debating skills in both Urdu and English categories.

In Urdu debate competition, Syed Fasih Ul Hassan clinched first position; Ms. Sabeen Razaaque got scond and Ghulam Mustafa third position, respectively while in English debate competition, Ms. Iqra Kanwal got first position, Muhammad Makki second and Muhammad Aalian third position, respectively.

Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Dr. Tanveer Hussain Turabi and Additional Director, Students Affairs, IUB, Dr. Adnan Bukhari also attended the event.

The panel of judges, comprising Rashid Saeedi, Hanzla Zameer, and Heera Gul, meticulously evaluated the participants to determine the winners.

Peshawar: The Department of Higher Education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to introduce a ranking system in all universities and colleges to improve the quality of education.

An important meeting, chaired by the Provincial Minister for Higher Education, Meena Khan Afridi, was held here on Tuesday, wherein a detailed briefing was given on the ranking system. The meeting also discussed the criteria for ranking universities and colleges.

The Minister for Higher Education described this initiative as a significant step toward providing better educational opportunities for students.

He emphasized that the ranking system would promote competition among educational institutions and lead to substantial improvements in the quality of education.

The minister instructed the authorities concerned to collect performance data of universities from the last three years and rank them accordingly.

This decision marks an important step toward educational reforms and will introduce a systematic and transparent method for evaluating the performance of educational institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Sukkur: Vice Chancellor (VC), Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU) Khairpur, Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk on Tuesday stressed the importance of unity and collective effort for the future of the university.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Khushk expressed his long-standing relationship with the faculty and staff, referring to them as his "family" and emphasizing that only by working together can they overcome challenges and achieve success.

He expressed such views while speaking on occasion of the 50 house building loans and 50 cycles draw event held here at Benazir Chair SALU Khairpur.

Reflecting on his tenure, the Vice Chancellor shared that when he first joined the university, he was informed about its financial challenges. He highlighted that while the situation had been difficult, the administration had made significant strides in addressing these issues and would continue to move forward.

'We must work together and support one another to cope with the current situation. We are working 16 hours out of 24 hours to make things better,' VC said.

He also highlighted recent achievements, including the early release of annual examination results-an unprecedented move-and the distribution of commutation funds directly to employees' accounts. He encouraged the staff to share in the collective success and continue supporting the university's initiatives.

Prof Dr Khushk also revealed plans to open new campuses in different districts, provided funding becomes available, and highlighted the ongoing signing of MOUs with other institutions to establish new departments and online courses.

'Together, we can create a better university. If we are united, we can accomplish anything,' he concluded.

At end, a lucky draw event was held offering 50 house building loans and 50 cycles to lucky winners.