Daily Balochistan Times

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 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.

Peshawar:A meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Lower Dir, Muhammad Arif Khan, to discuss various matters concerning Timergara Medical College.

The session was attended by key officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance and Planning Gohar Ali, Planning Officer Naveedullah, several Members of the National and Provincial Assembly (MNA and MPA), and representatives from PESCO, C and W Department, and Timergara Medical College.

The principal of Timergara Medical College, Dr Samiullah, briefed the attendees on the current status of the college and highlighted ongoing challenges. Issues discussed included the condition of the college building, the land for the hostel, solarization of the building, repair works, and installation of a transformer.

The forum also addressed the need to ensure that all medical equipment is provided according to the PC-1 plan, along with meeting the required standards set by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

It was decided that meetings regarding the college's progress would be held on a weekly or monthly basis.

The forum also reviewed other public issues in Dir Payan, with all elected representatives committing to work together at the provincial level to secure more funds and resolve the problems facing Timergara Medical College.

Rawalpindi:Rawalpindi police in an action against suspected drug peddlers and other lawbreakers here on Thursday arrested six accused besides recovering 17 kg charras and other items from their possession, said a police spokesman.

He informed that Rattaamral police held Shehryar alias Makri and recovered 12 kg charras.

The accused was allegedly involved in supplying drugs to the students of different educational institutions.

In other raids, R.A.Bazar, Saddar Wah, City and Mandra police rounded up five accused namely Haq Waris with 2100 grams charras, Arslan with 1390 grams charras, Waseem for having 720 grams charras, Hassan Ali for carrying 650 grams charras and Yasir on recovery of 570 grams charras.

Separate cases have been registered against all the accused while further investigations are underway.