Category: District

Peshawar:A landmark three-year agreement has been signed between the University of Peshawar (UOP) and the Directorate of Social Welfare, Special Education, and Women Empowerment to address pressing social issues and promote academic collaboration.

The signing ceremony, held here on Thursday at the UOP's committee room, was attended by Provincial Minister for Social Welfare, Special Education, and Women Empowerment, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, alongside senior officials from both institutions.

The agreement was signed by Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Muhammad Naeem Qazi, and Director of the Social Welfare Directorate, Rafiq Muhmand, with focal persons Dr Imran Ahmed Sajid and Palwasha Sajjad. Also present were Professor Shakeel Ahmad, Head of the Social Work Department, and Professor Bushra Khan, Director of Planning and Development.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah highlighted the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing the urgent need to implement training programs for social work students while addressing critical issues such as drug addiction and street begging in Peshawar.

'This partnership will play a pivotal role in supporting the government's key initiatives, including 'Drug-Free Peshawar' and 'Beggar-Free Peshawar,' by developing preventive strategies and conducting effective campaigns,' he stated.

Director Rafiq Muhmand shared plans to establish the province's first Braille Academy for visually impaired individuals under the agreement.

He reiterated the Directorate's commitment to ensuring the welfare of disabled individuals and advancing social welfare projects.

Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Naeem Qazi praised the initiative, expressing his determination to strengthen ties with the Directorate.

He pledged to take proactive steps in facilitating research and practical solutions for the region's social challenges.

Professor Shakeel Ahmad elaborated on the Social Work Department's objectives, announcing the introduction of a curriculum focused on social policy and rehabilitation.

He added that the partnership would integrate theoretical and practical approaches, with a commitment to publishing research findings in leading international journals.

This collaboration is expected to make a tangible impact by addressing social issues, providing rehabilitation services, and empowering marginalized communities across KP.

Larkana:Under the leadership of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ahmed Choudhary, Larkana Police achieved significant success on Thursday and safely found a 09-year old Abdul Basit Surhyro from Sohrab Goth area of Karachi, who went missing about four months ago

SSP Larkana Ahmed Choudhary has felicitated Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) investigating officer of the case Sub-Inspector Taj Muhammad Kanbhar with a cash reward for ensuring the safe recovery of the child.

The parents of the recovered child and local people have expressed their gratitude by expressing their satisfaction with the police performance.

On this occasion, Tayyab Korejo the head of the Child Protection Organization was also present.

Peshawar:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister of Law, Advocate Aftab Alam, has stated that close collaboration and constant communication among relevant departments are essential for completion of developmental projects of elementary and secondary education at Kohat.

He expressed these views during a meeting held at Civil Secretariat Peshawar regarding ongoing development projects in Kohat. The meeting was attended by senior officials from departments of Elementary and Secondary Education, Planning and Development, and Communication and Works. During the session, the law minister was given a detailed briefing on the ongoing projects in Kohat.

Law minister emphasized that obstacles in educational projects of Kohat would be resolved on a priority basis. He directed timely completion of projects to upgrade 70 primary schools to middle level, 70 middle schools to high level and 70 high schools to higher secondary level.

He also directed immediate renovation of three dilapidated schools at Kohat and to address issue of inadequate washroom facilities in the area schools.

He highlighted the importance of adopting an effective strategy for the timely completion of these projects to provide quality educational facilities to the people of Kohat.

Peshawar:Parachinar, the capital of Kurram District, is grappling with unprecedented price hikes of daily use commodities as all major roads to the district remain blocked.

The ongoing crisis in the area has caused severe shortages of essential food items, driving prices to record highs. In Parachinar, peas are being sold at Rs. 600 per kg, onions at Rs. 500 per kg, and tomatoes at Rs. 400 per kg.

The closure of the main Thall-Parachinar highway, the Afghan border, and other key routes for the past four months has exacerbated the situation.

To mitigate the crisis, 61 trucks loaded with essential goods, including vegetables, fruits, flour, sugar, and cooking oil, were recently dispatched to Parachinar.

However, according to Haji Imdad, president of the local trade union, the supply is far from sufficient to meet the growing needs of the population. He urged authorities to ensure a continuous supply of goods to stabilize the market.

Local residents lament the skyrocketing prices, with many saying they can no longer afford basic necessities. "Inflation has reached unbearable levels," said a local resident. "Cauliflower and peas are both being sold at Rs. 600 per kg, onions at Rs. 500, and tomatoes at Rs. 400. Even basic groceries have become out of reach for most people."

The crisis has also rendered fruits a luxury for many. Oranges are being sold at an exorbitant Rs. 750 per dozen, leaving them beyond the reach of the average consumer. Thousands of people from nearby villages, who travel to Parachinar to buy essentials, are often forced to return empty-handed due to the exorbitant prices.

Residents are calling on the provincial government to take immediate action to reopen the blocked routes and stabilize prices, as the current situation is unsustainable for the majority of the population.

Peshawar:A meeting regarding the proposed Peshawar-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway project was held on Thursday at the Chief Minister's Secretariat with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in the chair.

The meeting reviewed various options for implementing the flagship project, and a decision was made to initiate the land acquisition process, and Finance Department was directed to release an initial amount of Rs. 2 billion for this purpose.It was decided that land acquisition would begin simultaneously from both the Peshawar and D.I. Khan sides.

During the briefing, the Chief Minister was informed that the 365-kilometer-long motorway will feature six lanes, 19 interchanges, and two tunnels, connecting seven districts to be completed with an estimated cost ofRs. 348 billion.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the Peshawar-D.I. Khan Motorway is a flagship project of the provincial government, which will serve as a milestone for the economic development of the region.

He noted that the motorway will boost economic and commercial activities, provide high-quality transport facilities to the people, and create employment opportunities.

He directed relevant authorities to work out the most feasible option for the execution of the mega project.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam, Additional Chief Secretary for Planning Ikramullah Khan, and senior officials from the departments of finance, planning, and communications.

Burewala:Two armed accused allegedly killed a man and injured his son over an old enmity on Lahore Road on Thursday. According to the police, Malik Baghdad Langrial of 203/EB with his son Zahid Baghdad was travelling on a motorcycle when the accused opened firing at them. As a result, Malik Baghdad died on the spot and his son sustained serious injuries. Sadar police reached the spot and shifted the body and injured to a local hospital where the condition of the injured was stated to be critical.