Category: District

Dera ismail khan: Member National Assembly and Chairman District Development Advisory Committee (DDAC) Sardar Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur has visited a wildlife park to take stock of facilities and arrangements there.

Accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary Abid Majeed, and Deputy Commissioner Dera Sarah Rehman, DFO Wildlife Dera Khan Malook Khan and administrative staff of Dera division briefed him about the park's various animals and birds and other relevant matters.

They observed the park's beautiful scenery and praised the efforts of the staff in caring for the animals.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Faisal Amin Khan Gundapur highlighted the wildlife park's expansion project, saying its completion would enhance the beauty of the area and provide more recreational opportunities to citizens.

He said such initiatives were not only crucial for environmental improvement but also benefited people by providing more leisure activities.

Abbottabad: The Hazara Division Food Department on Friday released its performance report for December 2024, highlighting a rigorous crackdown on profiteering across the region.

The department imposed fines of Rs 824,700, all of which have been deposited into the government treasury.

The department conducted widespread monitoring and inspections across the division. In Abbottabad District, inspections were carried out at 1,030 shops, with 53 shopkeepers found guilty of overpricing and fined Rs. 256,000. Similarly, in Mansehra District, 761 shopkeepers were checked, resulting in 56 violations and fines of Rs. 248,000.

In Haripur District, 800 shopkeepers were inspected, and 42 violations led to fines amounting to Rs. 241,000. The districts of Battagram, Kolai Pallas, Kohistan, and Torghar collectively saw the inspection of 1,334 shops, where 71 violations were identified, resulting in fines of Rs. 79,700.

Outstanding individual performance during the campaign was recognized, with Uzma Shah from Mansehra District excelling among District Food Controllers, Qazi Bilal from Abbottabad District standing out among Assistant Food Controllers, and Tasawar Shah from Mansehra District performing exceptionally well among inspectors.

In a subsequent review meeting, officials discussed strategies to further strengthen the campaign and issued directives to improve its effectiveness. The Hazara Division Food Department reiterated its commitment to combating profiteering and providing relief to the public through continued operations.

Peshawar: Religions are vital components in the evolution of humanity and for the advancement of human society, it is essential to embrace a comprehensive and inclusive ideology.

These views were expressed by participants during a conference titled "Social Responsibilities of Religious Followers and Contemporary Global Challenges", organized by the Cultural Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Peshawar in collaboration with Hum Log on Friday.

Addressing the global challenges requires followers of religions to practice their faiths in true spirit. Through interfaith harmony, humanity can be served, and future calamities and ongoing challenges can be effectively addressed. Religions, as powerful sources of moral guidance, offer principles that inspire individuals and societies to adopt responsible approaches to contemporary issues.

The conference emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence among all religions and the necessity of collective efforts to address shared concerns, promote peace, and establish justice globally. The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by Christian prayers.

The conference was attended by distinguished personalities, including Ali Banfshe Khah, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Hussain Chaqmi, Director General of the Cultural Center of Iran in Peshawar, Augustine Jacob, Chairman of Hum Log, Wazirzada, Former Minister for Minority Affairs

Allama Abid Hussain Shakri, Ravi Kumar, Bishop Ernest Jacob Dr. Muhammad Nazir, Professor at Peshawar Agricultural University Naz Parveen, Director of China Window, Akbar Sethi, Provincial President of Pakistan Hindkoan Tehreek, Muhammad Maqsood Ahmed Salafi, Allama Muhammad Shoaib and a large number of Christian and Hindu community members, alongside other dignitaries.

Dr. Hussain Chaqmi warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the significance of recognizing truth, freedom, peace, security, and justice in line with divine teachings. He stressed addressing pressing issues such as deprivation, famine, hunger, extremism, and natural disasters effectively.

He underscored the importance of achieving peaceful coexistence, security, and tranquility in human society, asserting that true peace is only possible when no one is oppressed, nor anyone an oppressor.

He further noted the heightened role of religions in tackling global challenges in today's interconnected "global village." Religions emphasize values like truth, honesty, justice, and opposition to tyranny, which, if practiced, help individuals curb their destructive and immoral tendencies.

Today, the battle between good and evil has taken a global dimension, he remarked. It is our collective responsibility as members of the international community to consciously resist oppression and strive for meaningful justice and a corruption-free world.

Speakers urged all religions to unite for peace and coexistence. They highlighted that followers of all faiths in Pakistan live together in a spirit of unity, brotherhood, and friendship. They reaffirmed that all religions preach peace and oppose violence and bloodshed.

Terrorism has no connection with any religion, nor does any sacred text of any faith endorse such actions.

Sargodha: Pakistan is a country where numerous games are played at international and national level besides traditional sports: Desi Kushti (Mud Wrestling), Kabaddi, Horse Dance, Chirpiest Partridge competition, Goli Pila, Tent Pegging, Stone Lifting, Shooting Volley Ball, Bull Racing, Pitthu Garam, Gulli Danda, Cokela Chupaki, and Veeni (Wrist grabbing) are some of known traditional sports.

Muhammad Ashraf, a sportsman, told reporter on Friday that sports are actually the common denominator in the world that bring everyone together. If there is only one place across the globe where equality exits, it is probably sports. It was something that always did not happen. "We have come a long way in sports. Why can't society use sports as a way to bring people together and create change? It teaches us there is always a second inning in life. If we fail today, there is another chance may be two days later. May be there is another opportunity coming three or six months later. If we look at mistakes as learning and never commit to repeat, then we actually get better with every mistake we make," he explains.

The terms "Kushti" and "Pehelvani" are expressions derived from Persian Khushti and Pahalvani respectively.

Kabaddi is another famous traditional game played between two teams with seven players each. The game requires a raider of a team who is sent to other team's court. He takes breath and keeps chanting "Kabaddi, Kabaddi, Kabaddi" without any break. He tries to tag one of the defenders with his hand or leg and runs back to his court to point a score. The defender has to chase the raider and stop him by wrestling him to ground before he escapes without breaking his chant.

A media official, Muhammad Suleman , told reporter that Kabaddi is believed to be played first by the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. Hence Sikhs consider it their religious game. Mostly, it is played in Indian and Pakistani Punjab. Pakistan has an international Kabaddi team which won the World Cup in 2020 held in Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujrat. It was the 6th World Cup since 2010.

Irfan Mana, Shafiq Chishti, Lala Obaid Ullah Kamboh, Ajmal Shahzad Dogar, and Saif Ullah Bhatti are celebrated players of Pakistani team. Pakistan also constituted a women kabaddi team, led by Madeeha Latif. The team participated in the 2014-15 World Cup.

Pitthu Garam is known for all the excitement aiming, running, catching, hitting, and even harmless violence. The game is played by two teams and requires a ball and some stones that will be assembled to form a tower. Team "A" piles up the stones and makes a tower. They then strike the pile with a ball at a distance of 3-4 meters. Team "B" has to catch the ball after it hits the pile without letting it bounce. If they are able to catch it, Team "A" loses its turn. But if they are not, Team "A" then tries to reassemble the stones, while Team "B" hits them with the ball. If they are able to dodge the balls and assemble the stones, they win.

Last but not the least, horse dance is also a well-liked traditional sports in the country. Horse keepers train them for this purpose. They dance to the tune of drums at festivals and other events.

Sports official Muhammad Ghulam Rasool said that though these are non-Olympic games, those are played in far and wide of the country.

Peshawar: Pakistan's 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029), dubbed as "Uraan Pakistan," aims to chart a new path for the country's sustainable economic growth and societal development.

Positioned at a pivotal moment in its history after its launch by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz, Uran Pakistan provides an inclusive workable roadmap to address the socioeconomic and environmental challenges besides provides quality education and healthcare services I addition to create jobs opportunities for youth.

As Pakistan is determined to learn from the successes and failures of the previous plans, the 13th plan will help overcoming the long-standing systemic barriers that have hindered irs progress.

In an interview with reporter, Professor Dr. Naeem Khattak, former Chairman of the Economics Department at the University of Peshawar, described Uraan Pakistan as a pivotal initiative designed to strengthen the economy, alleviate poverty and create job opportunities for the youth.

Emphasizing the importance of reducing foreign debt dependence and fostering domestic industrial growth for long-term economic stability, he highlighted the critical need for innovation and technology, combining climate change imperative to drive a robust and export-oriented economy.

Dr. Khattak also called for transparent financial resource allocation and effective oversight to ensure the success of the 13th plan.

He stressed that the private sector's participation, alongside accelerated infrastructure development and technological innovation, would play a crucial role in achieving the desired outcomes.

Investment in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and vocational training to youth for a dignified employment are also central to the plan's objectives.

Reflecting on past strategies, Dr. Khattak cited Dr. Mehboob-ul-Haq's first Five-Year Plan (1983-1988), which focused on human resource development over mere economic expansion.

While political instability and governance issues in the past impeded the full realization of Dr. Haq's vision, he noted that the subsequent plans attempted to address these challenges by focusing on economic growth, infrastructure, and social welfare.

However, despite incremental successes, the 11th and 12th Five-Year Plans faced major hurdles due to political turbulence, economic volatility, and gaps in policy implementation. The 12th Plan, for instance, aimed for a 7-8% annual GDP growth but was significantly impacted by external shocks, including the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite these challenges, the 13th Five-Year Plan-Uraan Pakistan-offers a renewed vision. This plan prioritizes innovation, environmental sustainability, and social infrastructure.

He said a key component of the plan is the creation of a knowledge-based economy, with an emphasis on sectors like information technology, renewable energy, and agriculture.

"The aim is to position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global economy, ensuring that developmental benefits reach all segments of society, particularly marginalized groups such as women and rural communities."

PMLN Nowshera President Hamza Khan also lauded the economic stability under the PMLN government, pointing to the country's solid efforts to combate unemployment, price hike besides a better positive stock market performance.

He reported that Pakistan's foreign receipts had increased significantly, with expectations for further growth by the end of the financial year.

The plan also sets ambitious targets for 2035, aiming for a national GDP of one trillion dollars and an annual growth rate of 6% over the next five years.

As part of its climate commitment, Uraan Pakistan proposes green technologies, water conservation measures, and sustainable agricultural practices to combat climate change.

Gulzar Rehman, former Conservator of Forests said Pakistan was highly vulnerable to climate change, emphasizing that Uraan Pakistan offers comprehensive solutions to environmental challenges.

He pointed out that the past plans underscored the importance of political stability and economic policy continuity, urging a unified approach across all levels of government and society to achieve the plan's objectives.

Experts agreed that Uraan Pakistan represents a beacon of hope for the nation, offering a roadmap for sustainable and inclusive growth.

With unwavering political will, effective governance, and collaboration across sectors, Pakistan can realize the aspirations of its people and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

Khanewal: A traffic accident claimed the lives of a man and his daughter on the National Highway near Mian Channu when a speeding truck ran over a family traveling by a motorcycle.

According to initial reports, the accident took place when the truck driver lost control over steering wheel. The deceased were identified as Haji Muhammad and his daughter Tahira Bibi, while their nephew, Danish, sustained critical injuries.

Emergency services swiftly responded, transporting the bodies and the injured to Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital in Mian Channu for medical assistance and post-mortem examination.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, and efforts were underway to apprehend the truck driver, who fled the scene.