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'Heavy rainfall' to hit most parts of country from Thursday

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The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Tuesday advised the relevant authorities to remain alert in the wake of monsoon rains starting from Thursday (June 30) in most parts of the country. According to the advisory, moist currents from Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are likely to enter the upper parts of the country from tomorrow (Wednesday) which may intensify and expand to the southern parts by the end of the current week. Under the influence of the system, rain-windstorm or thundershower is expected in Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Rawalpindi, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sargodha, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahuddin, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Okara, Sahiwal and Bahawalnagar from June 30 to July 4. The Met Office added that isolated heavy falls were also expected in the areas during the aforesaid period. Meanwhile, rain-windstorm or thundershowers with isolated heavy falls are expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Dadu, Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Loralai, Kohlu, Quetta, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Naseerabad and Sibbi between July 1 to 5, it maintained. Also read: Karachi receives first spell of monsoon rains About the possible impact of rain, the PMD warned that heavy falls may generate urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Faisalabad from July 2 to 4 and in Karachi and Hyderabad, from July 3 to 5, advising fishermen to remain careful due to rough sea conditions during the time-span. It further warned that flash-flooding is also expected in local nullahs of Kashmir, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Naseerabad, Awaran, Barkhan and Kohlu during the aforementioned period, and added that heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in Kashmir, Galiyat and Murree. The rising temperatures, the advisory noted, are likely to subside during the forecast period but windstorms may damage loose structures at vulnerable locations. It further observed that rainwater would be beneficial for the sowing of rice crops. The PMD advised travellers and tourists to remain extra cautious during the forecast period.

Man, woman killed in name of ‘honour’

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A woman and a man were shot dead in the area of Habib Canal within the jurisdiction of Gujar Khan police station on Sunday. The suspect fled after committing the crime. Police said that Sidra was staying with her parents at their house after her divorce. On Sunday morning, her bullet-ridden body along with that of 30-year-old Usman, belonging to Mandra, were discovered. Upon receiving information about the incident, a police team reached the crime scene, with officials stating that the mother of the deceased woman informed them that her son Nazakat shot his sister and the man dead before making his escape. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Gujar Khan Tahir Kazmi said that while the crime appears to be an honour killing case, all angles will be examined with the help of forensic evidence gathered from the site. The police are carrying out raids to arrest the accused, and the matter will become clearer once he is apprehended and further investigation is carried out, he said.   Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2022.

‘Rehabilitated drug addicts to get jobs in factories’

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Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif has said that government will hold meetings with industrialists to provide jobs to recently rehabilitated drug addicts. He maintained that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government will launch a decisive crackdown against drug addicts from July 19. He said that they will be arrested and rehabilitated. He said that Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has convened an important meeting on July 19 to launch a decisive crackdown against drug addicts in the province. He expressed these views at a meeting chaired by Commissioner Peshawar Division, Riaz Khan Mehsud to review progress on campaign launched to make Peshawar drug-free. Barrister Saif attended the meeting as a special participant. The meeting was informed that since launching of the campaign 50 days ago, a total of 1,188 drug addicts, including 13 women have been taken into custody and their treatment and rehabilitation is underway in various centers.   Published in The Express Tribune, July 16th, 2022.

PTI protesters pour out onto streets nationwide

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Supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) took to the streets on Friday immediately after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified its Chairman Imran Khan in Toshakhana reference. The PTI supporters and workers, led by local party leaders, protested on major and link roads in cities and towns, burning tyres, shouting slogans and at places clashing with police. There were clashes between police and PTI supporters in Rawalpindi’s Faizabad Interchange, where reportedly one protester was injured. The police resorted to heavy teargas shelling to prevent the protesters from entering Islamabad. The protests were called by senior PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, who said that the party would challenge the ECP decision in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and urged people to take to the streets “for their rights”. Soon after the announcement, PTI workers blocked roads in many cities. The reports of roads and highways closure in various cities created a state of fear and uncertainty among the people. Islamabad Tense scenes were witnessed outside the ECP building after the electoral supervisor disqualified the PTI chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan in the Toshakhana (gift depository) reference. As soon as the verdict was announced, PTI supporters and party workers began protesting over the decision and workers present outside the ECP office shouted slogans in support of Imran Khan. Islamabad police reportedly seized firearms from a Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa policeman who was later reported to be the guard of PTI MNA Saleh Muhammad Khan. As the weapon was being recovered a shot was fired. The capital police claimed that the shot was fired by the K-P policeman, who was arrested. The police later also arrested MNA Saleh. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said that “this matter is being investigated”. Punjab A large number of PTI workers, led by Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Wasiq Qayyum, protested at various places in Rawalpindi. The protesters tried to enter Islamabad from Faizabad. However, the Islamabad police started heavy teargas shelling and pushed back the protesters towards Faizabad. In response, the protesters clashed with police and threw stones at them. One PTI worker was injured in the quarrel. Because of the clashes, the link between Rawalpindi and Islamabad remained cut for several hours. Public transport was also closed during the protests in the twin cities. Protesters also gathered at various other places, including the Expressway, Rawat, T-Chowk, Gujar Khan, Taxila and the Motorway, causing great hardship to commuters. In the meanwhile, the Punjab police chief Inspector General Faisal Shahkar issued instructions to the Rawalpindi police range officer (RPO) and other relevant officials not to allow closure of the highways. The Islamabad police said later that the route from Faizabad towards Islamabad had been opened, adding that the route from Islamabad would also be opened soon. Police said some people were setting trees on fire. In Lahore, the PTI workers protested at Kalma Chowk and Chungi Amar Sindhu. The workers also blocked the metro bus and chanted slogans against the ECP, according to witnesses. PTI youths blocked the M5 Motorway near Billiwala on Multan's suburbs, according to reports, while protesters staged a sit-in on Multan road in Vehari, bringing the heavy traffic to a halt. The workers also protested in Chinot. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Groups of PTI supporters blocked a number of key roads in Peshawar, including the highway connecting the city with Islamabad. The PTI supporters gathered at the Toll Plaza and burnt tyres, disrupting traffic. The protesters blocked a road near Pir Zakordi bridge and another near Stadium Chowk. They also blocked the road leading to the Lady Reading Hospital. Similar protest was also held in Farooq-e-Azam Chowk in Charsadda where the PTI protesters were confronted by the ANP workers. However no clash was reported in the presence of heavy police contingent. Protests were also held in Swabi, Shabqadar, Mardan, Nowshera and other cities. Moreover, Mangora Road in the Swat district had been closed by the protesters.Balochistan PTI supporters staged a protest demonstration outside the Quetta Press Club besides blocking the main highway, linking Quetta with Islamabad, in Kuchlak and Muslim Bagh. Former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri and other leaders led the protesters outside the Quetta Press Club. The workers chanted full-throated slogans against the ECP and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). "PTI will resist this ECP decision,” Suri told the flag-waving party supporters. He warned that the party would intensify its protest across the country against what he called the imported government. The party workers also blocked the main highway in Muslim Bagh and Kuchlak. Long queues of vehicles on both sides of the road were witnessed as a result of the protest. People suffered difficulties because of the roadblock. The district administration had taken strict security measures on the eve of the protest demonstration to avert any untoward incident. Baton-wielding policemen were deployed outside the press club to maintain order. Sindh A police contingent also reached the party’s offices on Sharae Faisal to pre-empt any untoward situation as the PTI workers gathered there. Police also deployed water cannons in light of the looming threat of violence. Traffic on the main artery of the metropolis’ communication was disrupted because of the protest. Senior PTI leader Ali Haider Zaidi described the gathering a “peaceful protest”. Later, the protesters led by Zaidi, Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Mehmood Moulvi and others staged a sit-in outside the Sindh Election Commission’s office. The protesters tried to enter the office building but were repelled by the police. (WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)

Meeting reviews regularization of WWB employees

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Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Labour, Shoukat Yousafzai on Friday chaired a meeting to review the pace of work on the regularization of employees of Workers Welfare Board (WWB). The meeting among others was attended by Secretary Labour, Roohullah, Director Education, Dr Amjad Khan, Secretary WWF and other concerned officials. The meeting was informed that scrutiny of 2,400 candidates among 2,916 has been completed and remaining 500 employees are under observation and verification of their documents is well underway. It was revealed that affected employees would be given a chance to personally appear before the concerned committee to express their point of view. Addressing the meeting, the minister ordered holding a meeting with industries department to discuss matters relating to around 317 technical staff and 18 technical institutes. He said that provincial government desired to regularize all the employees and added that no one would be removed from his job as per the policy of the provincial government.   Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th, 2022.

Action ordered against riverbank encroachments

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Commissioner Mardan Division, Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah has directed action against all encroachments on the bank of rivers and nullah with immediate effect, which have caused losses during the recent rains. He issued these directives while presiding over a meeting regarding the removal of encroachments erected on irrigation channels, nullahs and canals in Mardan and Takhtbai tehsils of district Mardan. Those who attended the meeting included Additional Commissioner, Mardan Division Naeem Akhtar, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Peshawar, Habibullah Arif, Assistant Commissioner Takhtbai, Gul Nawaz Khan Afridi, AC Mardan Mohammad Shujain, Executive Engineer, C&W Highway Division, Inamul-Haq, TMAs and the representatives of other departments concerned. The Divisional Commissioner directed dispatching of machinery to all vulnerable localities and monitoring by the relevant officers. He directed the AC Takhtbai for the cleaning of all the drains in Mazdoorabad and Meraj Colony and removal of all encroachments and opening of all closed nullahs with immediate effect.

‘Ghost schools’ shut down during raids

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Many “ghost schools" – non-functioning schools that continue to exist only on paper – in Central Kurram were shut down after teachers were found to be absent for years and registers showed fake names. The action was taken during raids carried out by the assistant subdivisional education officer (ASDEO) following public complaints regarding the absence of teachers during duty hours. Likewise, even in schools where classes were held many teachers had not taught for a long period of time but were still enjoying perks and a salary. ASDEO Alia said names of "ghost teachers" were found on school registers who were "absent" for years.

Anti-polio campaign launched in 28 K-P districts

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An anti-polio campaign in 28 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has been launched to protect children from the crippling disease. Secretary Health Amir Tareen Sultan inaugurated the campaign. Talking to the media on the occasion, the health secretary said that it was a very important day in terms of polio eradication. The five-day campaign is being conducted in 28 districts of the province. The full campaign will be conducted in 17 districts of the province and a partial campaign in 11 districts. During the campaign, 4.4 million children under the age of 5 years will be vaccinated against polio. Sultan said that 15,212 teams have been formed for the campaign. He said that more than 25,000 security personnel have been deployed for the security of polio workers. He further said that during the campaign, special attention was given to Lakki Marwat, Tank, DI Khan and South Waziristan. Now the administration is trying to convince parents, who refuse polio vaccination, with other methods instead of rounding them up, he added. In response to a question, the health secretary said that poliovirus is more common in Peshawar, but due to the efforts made with the support of aid agencies, this time the sewage samples have been declared virus-free. This year, 20 polio cases have been reported in the province. Among them, 17 polio cases have come from North Waziristan, 2 from Lakki Marwat, and one from South Waziristan. Sultan said that unfortunately, poliovirus is not being eradicated in the province due to negative propaganda. Due to this negative propaganda and rumours, parents also fall victim to mistakes and do not give polio vaccine to children for which more work is being done now, he added.

LG training promotes tribal women

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Zuhra Bibi had rarely seen the world outside her mud house in Ghallanai, district Mohmand. Sitting at a table with notepads and documents on the local governance system lying around, the council member stared at the things in front of her through the netted veil of her camel-brown shuttlecock burqa. She did not know how to read and write. Yet here she was, attending a training workshop to learn about her role as a local government representative and serve her community more effectively. “When my husband first told me he wants me to contest in local elections, I thought he was joking. I don’t know anything about politics. I can’t even read and write! How can I hold a leadership position?” the council member recalled. But Gul Sher, her husband, made a convincing argument. He told her that the seat was lying vacant as no woman from the area had come forward. It would be a great opportunity to make a difference, not only for their family but for women in the community. “He reassured me that the system is new for everyone. We will learn on the way. And that is why we have come here,” she explained, looking toward the other four burqa-clad women sitting beside her at the table. Zuhra was among the 135 women who participated in a series of two-day training workshops organized to increase the knowledge of elected representatives from districts Bajaur and Mohmand about the local government system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). She was also one of the few women who participated in the trainings twice; once, when the trainings were held for tehsil council members, and second when they were organized for village and neighbourhood council members. The workshops were arranged by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Merged Areas Governance Project (MAGP) in collaboration with the KP Local Government, Elections & Rural Development Department (LGE&RDD) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). For women of merged districts who have spent most of their lives inside the boundary walls of their mud homes, claiming their space in a room alongside men was an enormous achievement itself. Discussing her personal and professional growth in both trainings, Zuhra said she was experiencing culture shock in the first training. “Everything was new to me. I could not understand what was going on as I was very overwhelmed. But the second time around, I was more relaxed as everything was familiar. We knew what to expect, where we will sit and how our pardah will be facilitated,” she explained. She also commended the trainers for patiently explaining details in simple terms and encouraging the burqa-clad women to make themselves heard. “The activities and discussions helped us learn and absorb the material. Our illiteracy did not hold us back from learning.” Sitting next to Zuhra was Aiman who was also from district Mohmand. Although they shared the same cultural background and hurdles, Aiman came from a family that encour- aged women’s education. She grew up near Tarbela Dam where her father worked as an engineer.

CM invites tourists to Swat’s winter charm

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Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has reiterated his commitment not to compromise on law and order and made it clear that writ of the government will be established in Swat and across province. He said that Swat was completely safe and under the control of the government and tourists should come here freely. Addressing local residents and media-persons at Gabin Jabba during his visit to his hometown Swat on Friday, Khan said that peace has been hard earned after a long struggle and countless sacrifices by security personnel and local population. He made it clear that no one will be allowed to sabotage this peace or to politicize the law and order issue under any circumstances. The chief minister observed that his government was being criticized on the issue of Swat without any reason, but neither he, nor the provincial government will compromise on the peace and security in the region. The chief minister said that maintaining peace and harmony across the province has been the top most priority of his government since day one and there is no compromise on it. Touching upon the self-centered policies of the federal government, the chief minister said that multiple issues had surfaced ever since the Shehbaz govt came into power which has been involved in ‘immoral politics’ at the cost of national interests. “These people don’t have any concern for the country and the nation, they have come into power through conspiracies with the only aim to protect their wealth obtained by loot and plunder in the past,” he said. The chief minister said that the ‘imported government’ has also withheld the due share of K-P in the budget, which is proof of the step-motherly treatment meted out to the province and gruesome politics of the federal government. However, the chief minister said that despite this, PTI and the provincial government will not compromise on peace and development in the province. Highlighting the development initiatives taken by his government during the last four years, the chief minister said that the provincial government has completed several development schemes across the province, strengthened communication networks, established education institutions and brought in huge investment by boosting tourism and industrial activities in the province. He clarified that as long as Imran Khan was in power, everything was going well, but when PDM came into government, problems started to arise and the law and order situation deteriorated rapidly. The chief minister said that PTI government in the center was deposed after Imran’s unequivocal ‘absolutely not’ remark, adding that the regime changers only wanted politicians with ‘absolutely yes’ attitude who now rule at the centre in the form of an imported cabinet and are not working for national interest. The chief minister also announced the holding of winter tourism in the Swat Valley and invited tourists from all over Pakistan to come here and enjoy the scenic sites of K-P.   Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2022.  

K-P Food Safety Expo kicks off

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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety Authority in collaboration with Agriculture University Peshawar, University of Haripur, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), ARID University Rawalpindi, Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research and Nutritional International arranged two-day Food Safety and Nutrition Expo 2022. The event was held at PCSIR Laboratories Peshawar. Secretary Food Mushtaq Ahmad and Director General K-P Food Safety Authority Shahrukh Ali Khan inaugurated the expo. While addressing the event Mushtaq appreciated the expo and commended the joint venture. He said the expo's purpose is to spread awareness related to safe and nutritious food among the general public. The event was also addressed by vice-chancellors of various public and private sector universities, who actively participated in the event. Director General K-P FS&HFA Shahrukh Ali Khan said the event will strengthen ties among government, academia, researchers, and industries. He said this combined effort would help the government ensure safe and nutritious food provision to the people, while ending the menace of adulteration. He said the expo is first of its kind held in the province, adding that the activity will be held on a regular basis. He also appreciated the active participation of students in the event. While addressing the event, the VCs commended the expo and said the process should be kept going. Secretary food said the food safety authority is regularly inspecting marketplaces, and ensuring that safe and nutritious food reaches people. He said seven mobile food testing laboratories have been established while work on further such laboratories is in process. Professor Dr Faqeer Ahmad said there is a need for coordination among food authorities across the country. He said there is a need of an institute which should dedicate its research and innovation towards food safety. He said that in light of the expo, recommendation should be forwarded to the government for further action. 

Two soldiers martyred in shootout with terrorists in Bajaur

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Two soldiers of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire with terrorists in Hilal Khel area of Bajaur district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the military said in a statement on Wednesday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident took place between the night of November 15 and 16. "During an intense exchange of fire, a terrorist got killed. Weapon and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorist," it said. The ISPR also said that the killed terrorist remained actively involved in terror activities against the security forces. Read Wanted terrorist killed in Jamrud IBO However, it said, during the intense exchange of fire, 33-year-old resident of Kohat Naik Taj Muhammad and 30-year-old resident of Malakand Lance Naik Imtiaz Khan embraced martyrdom. The military media wing further said that sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area. On November 8, a soldier was martyred during a joint intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the general area of Shakas, Khyber District, the ISPR reported. During the operation, an important terrorist commander was also killed in the intense fire exchange between the troops and terrorists. Sepoy Saleem Khan, 28, a resident of Topi, Swabi embraced martyrdom after having "fought gallantly". "Resultantly, Liaquat Ali alias Shaheen, an important terrorist commander, was killed. The terrorist was also propagated as a ‘missing person’," the statement added. A large number of weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorist.

UET serves 2nd notice on professor

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University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar on Wednesday served second explanation notice to Associate Professor Dr Sajjad Wali Khan (BPS-20) Department of Civil Engineering over alleged taunting remarks on Twitter against Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education Kamran Khan Bangash. A letter issued here said that the remarks of the professor were defamatory against the minister who is also the Pro-VC of the university. Despite denial of the professor about his remarks against the minister, the UET establishment asked the senior teacher to re-submit his reply within seven days of the notice. It is to be mentioned here that the associate professor allegedly replied to a tweet by education minister saying that, “Your attention is more on establishment of new university for political gains rather than quality of education. Your government is simply unable to run the existing universities of K-P; destroyed all existing universities of K-P, brought them on the verge of financial collapse, diverted all funds towards UET Swat.” Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2022.

Three tribal elders shot dead in DI Khan

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Three tribal elders from Waziristan were gunned down in a firing incident in DI Khan district on Thursday. Police said that Dost Khan Mehsud belonged to a sub-clan of Mechen Khel of Mehsud tribe and unidentified bike riders opened fire at his motorcar when he was on his way back home from a Jirga. “Dost and his friend Malik Ghos Khan died on the spot while Malik Noor Muhammad succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital,” said a police official, adding that all the three had no enmity with anyone but there was a dispute on the land where government is constructing a small dam and it could be a motive behind the triple murder. Later the family members placed the coffin on road and started a sit-in. They demanded the arrest of those involved in the cold blood murder and said that increasing lawlessness had put the lives of local residents in danger but police was unable to take any step against those involved. It may be mentioned here that since the merger of the former Fata with the K-P, hundreds of lives have been lost due to land disputes. In the past Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) and its collective responsibility clauses kept the tribesmen in check due to the unlimited administrative and judicial powers of the political agents. They also had large funds to hire the services of local elders who played a pivotal role in establishing law and order in the region. Now deputy commissioners are almost helpless. They don’t have policing powers and lack judicial authority as well as financial resources to impose their decisions with an iron hand. The newly introduced judicial system is not effective as local residents are not familiar with it. As a result from Bajaur to Waziristan to Orakzai and Kurram, each year hunderds of people are killed.

CM breaks ground on Swat Motorway P-II

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The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Thursday performed the ground breaking of Swat Motorway Phase-II near Chakdara interchange. The 88-km Swat Motorway Phase-II starting from Chakdara and culminating at Fatehpur will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs36.404 billion. Motorway would have four lanes but it could be extended to six lanes in the future. As many as 9 interchanges at various sites and eight bridges on the River Swat would be constructed under the project. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister termed Swat Motorway Phase-II as a flagship project for the sustainable development of the area and said that the project on completion would prove to be a masterpiece of road communication. The chief minister also laid the foundation stone for the construction of Sanam Dam at Asbanr, Dir Lower, which would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs2 billion. Sanam Dam, with a designed discharge capacity of 10 cusecs, would cultivate a command area of 2,150 acres. The chief minister termed these projects of vital importance for the food security of the province, adding that the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) project has also been approved. He said that upon completion CRBC would irrigate around four lakh acres of land. Khan said that K-P mostly depends on other provinces in terms of agricultural produce and that is why the provincial government is working to make the province self-sufficient. He also inaugurated the newly established Chakdara Bypass Road and Special Education Complex Chakdara which have been completed at a total cost of Rs540 million. Similarly, he performed the ground breaking of a Public Park Chakdara, BS Block at Government Degree College, Gulabad and stadium at Asbanr. The CM also performed the ground breaking of Burn & Trauma Centre, Thalassemia Centre and Cardiology Unit at District Headquarter Hospital Batkhela which would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs1.212 billion. The chief minister said that the Burn/Trauma Centre, Thalassemia Centre and Cardiology Unit are the first ever facilities in the entire division, adding that almost 0.721 million population of district Malakand and 1.953 million population of districts Dir Lower, Dir Upper, Bajur and Swat would be facilitated by the project. Khan also laid the foundation stone of Government Degree College and a Public Library at Batkhela. While addressing public gatherings in Adenzai and Batkhela, the chief minister said that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is a ‘certified bandit’ who has embezzled the funds of flood and earthquake affectees. The time of Fazlur Rehman is well past and now his son is involved in making money by taking commissions on contracts and postings and transfers of officials. The chief minister regretted that decisions are being made in London and a fugitive has been entrusted with the future of Pakistan, adding that the patriotic people of this country should have the right to decide the destiny of the nation. Khan reiterated that people from Malakand Division will participate with full strength in the “real independence march” in order to rid the country of incompetent rulers. The chief minister said that his government believes in investment in human capital and for this purpose multiple projects are being executed. He said that development activities are in full swing in the province despite the financial constraints created by the ‘imported’ government.

Politicians say K-P govt has lost its writ

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Politicians on Wednesday questioned security arrangements across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) after six policemen were killed in an ambush in Lakki Marwat district of the province. The banned TTP claimed responsibility for the assault and also released pictures of six AK-47 rifles it confiscated. Awami National Party (ANP)’s Provincial President Aimal Wali Khan accused the K-P government of ‘facilitating terrorism’ and leaving the entire province exposed to the militants. He condemned the attack at police van in Lakki Marwat, saying that IGP had claimed a day earlier that the entire province was peaceful but on the very next day a deadly attack happened, which claimed six precious lives. “The provincial government has been living in a state of constant denial despite the fact that terrorism has been on the rise,” he said, adding that the provincial government was busy fighting a battle to save Imran Khan while the province has been facing an upsurge in terrorism for the past one year. “Police has emerged as the biggest target for terrorists but still the ‘facilitator government’ is engaged in negotiations and dialogue with militants,” he said. “As a result innocent people are losing their lives,” he added. “The government should make public the entire so-called dialogue process with TTP otherwise such attacks would continue,” said Wali, adding that local residents in their thousands were holding peace marches to demand a crackdown against militants. “Swat drama ended after local residents took to the streets against it but now Waziristan has been handed over to the militants,” he charged. Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao in a press statement said that government had lost its writ in K-P as no one was safe from the wrath of militants.   Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2022.

With Zidane back on the sidelines, will Real Madrid make the most of the summer transfer window?

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For much of the 2018-19 season, Real Madrid’s campaign has been driven by pessimism and trepidation. From mediocre performances on the field to a lack of purpose off it, the Los Blancos found themselves entrenched in a diatribe with a swathe of negative opinions from fans and critics alike.  But the return of the clubs’s favourite son Zinedine Zidane after his dignified exit nine months ago has cut through all the noise, at least for the time being. Zizou’s work is cut out for him as the rebuilding job at a club like Real Madrid, with extremely high expectations, won’t be an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. https://twitter.com/kevinchimuka/status/1113392173150502914 However, unlike towards the end of his last tenure, Zidane will have financial backing from the club. A report from The Independent claimed “Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has promised Zidane an expensive overhaul,” immediately after the Frenchman’s arrival. A few days later L’Equipe’s front page (titled Casino Royal) stated that: “Perez is ready to show faith in Zidane to turn the ship around by giving him a €500 million summer budget.” If Madrid are keen on spending heavily in the upcoming summer transfer window, they will have to do it wisely, bearing in mind their current expectations and without compromising future ambitions. Defence Real Madrid’s defence is, arguably, the least concerning aspect of their squad. Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane might not have had the best of seasons, but they still form a formidable pairing in the centre of defence. But with Ramos aging and especially if Varane decides to leave, Madrid would need adequate replacements in order to beef up their backline options. Looking at the options, three names stand out in particular. These include Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly (27), Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar (24) and Ajax’s Matthijs de Ligt (19). [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Kalidou Koulibaly during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolore on March 10, 2019 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. Photo: Getty[/caption] All three have no obvious weaknesses and possess the ideal skill set expected from a defender (strength, positioning and ball playing skills), supplemented by the fact that they are young enough to be part of the club for a very long time. While Madrid would be happy to bring in any one of these players, Skriniar would be cheaper as compared to the other two, considering the absence of a release clause in his contract with Inter. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Milan Skriniar of FC Internazionale competes for the ball with Danny da Costa of Eintracht Frankfurt during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Internazionale and Eintracht Frankfurt at San Siro on March 14, 2019 in Milan, Italy. Photo: Getty[/caption] The 24-year-old also offers an added dimension of having played as a defensive midfielder with the Slovakian national side, and consequently can provide cover on two positions while also aiding in-game tactical switch. Midfielders Real Madrid have a substantial amount of talent in the centre of the park, with an impressive blend of young (Marcos Llorente, Fede Valverde and Dani Ceballos) and experienced players (Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro). In order to cater to an aging Modric and take off pressure from Kroos, Madrid need a couple of additions to their midfield. However, they don’t need to spend heavily in this regard as the players they have loaned out – James Rodriguez to Bayern Munich and Mateo Kovacic to Chelsea – will be ideal suitors. Rodriguez’s incisiveness in the final third, both in open play and dead ball situations, will add creativity in central positions. This is of particular importance because a majority of Madrid’s attacks are wing-based, which is why the Colombian’s presence will stretch opposing defences and bring more unpredictability going forward. Also, through his quotes in the press, the midfielder has also indicated that there is no love lost between him and the Spanish giants, despite being left frustrated for playing time under Zidane previously. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] James Rodriguez of FC Bayern Muenchen controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Allianz Arena on March 17, 2019 in Munich, Germany. Photo: Getty[/caption] Kovacic might not have had the best of seasons at Chelsea, but he can still play a vital role in The Whites midfield with his ability to play line-breaking passes; a trait which is of pivotal importance, especially against many La Liga sides who like to sit deep and defend. Also, the Croatian’s best time in Madrid colours came while playing under Zizou, which makes a strong case of having him back in the Spanish capital. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea in action during the FA Cup Fifth Round match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on February 18, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. Photo: Getty[/caption] Forwards Ever since the departure of club legend Cristiano Ronaldo, the talk surrounding Real Madrid’s attacking pedigree has shown no signs of subsiding. Since the departure of the Portuguese, the goals have significantly dried up for the Los Blancos and hence the need for some clinical finishers in front of the goal is, probably, more than ever. Talking about forwards, one player that has constantly been linked with Real Madrid is Chelsea’s Eden Hazard. Although there is no doubt about the Belgium international’s footballing prowess and he will also be a seamless fit at Real, signing him now, at the age of 28, would mean the club shelling a lot of money in return for only two to three peak years. While it would be unfair to totally rule out a move, the club should only consider Hazard as a fall-back option. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] 31st March 2019, Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales; EPL Premier League football, Cardiff City versus Chelsea; Eden Hazard of Chelsea looks back at a missed chance. Photo: Getty[/caption] Moving on, Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) Kylian Mbappe, despite being an ideal solution to Real Madrid’s goal scoring troubles, is a long shot considering his massive price tag. Although there are plenty of rumours in the transfer market regarding his move to Spain, the French club will go all out to keep the 20-year-old star at the club, keeping in mind the fact that he is at the core of their European ambitions. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Kylian Mbappe of PSG celebrates a goal during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint Germain and Guingamp at Parc des Princes on January 19, 2019 in Paris, France. Photo: Getty[/caption] Taking into account all the factors and realistic options available on the market, Real Madrid will be better off if they work on the lines of signing Liverpool’s Sadio Mane and Inter Milan’s Mauro Icardi. Mane’s pace and technical ability has been part and parcel of Liverpool’s success in the past couple of seasons, and he will add a lot of potency to Real Madrid’s attack. Although he has played mostly as a winger for The Reds, if need be, he can play in a more central role as a striker as well. In Mane, Madrid will find a willing worker, who can track back and help out with defence and also link up well with Marcelo Vieira on the left wing. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Sadio Mane of Liverpool FC runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on March 31, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Photo: Getty[/caption] On the other hand, Icardi has stacked up some great numbers for his Italian club with his lethal finishing. He may not participate much in build-up play but his positioning and movement in front of the goal is particularly impressive. Real Madrid have been guilty of creating lots of chances but not converting them during the ongoing season, but Icardi’s signing should go a long way in changing that. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Mauro Icardi of FC Internazionale scores the second goal during the Serie A match betweenGenoa CFC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on April 3, 2019 in Genoa, Italy. Photo: Getty[/caption] To Madrid and Zidane’s advantage, being knocked out of the title race on all fronts is somewhat a blessing in disguise, as it gives them additional time to plan for the future. But the 13-time European Champions will have to be clever with the way they go about their business in the transfer market, before it builds up more scar tissue against their name as a formidable force in the world of football.

Why is the US making a mountain out of the Masood Azhar molehill?

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The United States has introduced a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution to blacklist Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. Azhar is the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (banned in Pakistan since 2002) and has been blamed by India for masterminding February’s Pulwama incident, even though no evidence has been produced which links Azhar to the incident. China has refused to list Azhar as an international terrorist after careful consideration of the definition of international terrorism according to international law. China has made this position absolutely clear and as such, it would appear that the US is looking to transform the UNSC into a place of high stakes geopolitical theatre, because China’s veto of the US resolution is inevitable. The US therefore is using the internationally immaterial issue of Azhar in order to provoke tensions between China and India at a time when the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is already invoking blood-curdling Sinophobia in further attempts to rally the jingoist Hindutva vote. But this is not all that the US is doing. Washington is also provoking and in fact insulting Pakistan by suggesting that a local matter is worthy of wasting the UN’s time, even after one of the permanent members of the Security Council has made its position unambiguous. As if on cue, India’s jingoistic media kicked into high gear suggesting war against China. Meanwhile, members of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) continue to call for a boycotting of Chinese goods. When it comes to Pakistan however, America’s willingness to inflate the international importance of Azhar makes it clear that the US is willing to risk productive relations with Pakistan in order to both placate India and to goad India into an even more extreme position vis-a-vis China (not that the BJP needs much help in this respect). Although the US has admitted that Pakistan’s role in the Afghan peace process is crucial, beyond this, the US has clearly made its decision in terms of a long term strategy in South Asia. While some US diplomats will feign attempts at a balanced South Asia policy, the reality is that India is now a key US strategic partner. US diplomats at the UN will happily do India’s bidding, even over a matter as absurd as trying to convince the world that Azhar is an international terrorist when legal precedent says otherwise. Pakistan must adjust its own expectations accordingly. While it would be imprudent for Pakistan to provoke any superpower, the message that Washington is not so subtly sending is that when it comes to a superpower partner, China is the singular key to Pakistan’s prosperous future, while the US is becoming little more than a puppet master helping direct flagrant Indian aggression against China. This is all the more reason for Pakistan to take a more assertive role in the Afghan peace process. As the country most directly affected by Afghanistan’s prolonged status as a failed state, Pakistan has no excuse not to emerge as an international leader in driving forward an all-parties peace process. Any idea that Pakistan should merely shadow the US in respect of the peace process should now be put to rest, as it is clear that the US has India’s strategic desires at heart and that, by comparison, Pakistan’s security needs come a very distant second or even third. The reality Pakistan must now face is that whilst America’s priorities in the South Asia during the 80’s related to containing Afghanistan to the West and the Soviet Union to the North, today the US is squarely focused on provoking China and for this, India will remain a key ally of Washington. All that Pakistan must now do is acclimate itself to a new reality where China’s all-weather friendship will grow in stature and material importance while the US will be willing to insult, debase and ignore Pakistan as though the events of the 80’s never occurred. This post was originally published here. 

Knock knock! Annabelle is coming home and things are about to get real scary

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Following the Marvel path, The Conjuring universe has grown steadily over the last six years through both, the increasing returns that most films in the franchise have delivered and in stature through the critical acclaim that the first two Conjuring movies received. Now five movies in, the franchise is showing no signs of slowing down with a third Conjuring film already set for 2020. But before that, we’re getting another Annabelle movie. And this one promises to be much different than its predecessors. [caption id="attachment_81026" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: IMDb[/caption] Annabelle Comes Home, which will serve as the sixth film in the Conjuring franchise and the third Annabelle film, does not take the prequel route like Annabelle: Creation did. Unlike the first Annabelle, which was widely panned for being a rudderless and aimless production, this film shifts the focus directly towards the Warren family – the paranormal investigators played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga who served as the protagonists of the first two Conjuring films. [caption id="attachment_81027" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: IMDb[/caption] The first trailer, which came out recently, sprinkles a handful of jump-scares throughout its two and a half minute runtime and the film more or less appears to centre on an artefact room where the Warrens keep the demonic doll. However, soon enough the doll begins turning up in strange places and much to the surprise of the Warrens, so do the other artefacts. The weight of this is felt by the Warren’s 10-year-old daughter, Judy, and her friends who seem to be at the centre of the latest Conjuring film. [caption id="attachment_81024" align="alignnone" width="598"] Photo: IMDb[/caption] By all accounts, Annabelle Comes Home seems like a much more small-scale film as compared to its predecessors which were much more expansive in scope. And though the Warrens are back, they don’t seem to have a central role in the film in the same way as their daughter does. This is promising because it means that perhaps this time the focus will be on a tightly-constructed narrative, which is where horror films work best. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Screenshot[/caption] As evidenced by the trailer, it’s perhaps also safe to assume that this film won’t just be about the titular doll but will also focus on some of the other haunted artefacts in the Warren family’s possession which, if anything, may provide the producers with a few more ideas for some future spin-offs. In the context of this film though, it will undoubtedly add to the scares. This is something that producer James Wan has confirmed when he essentially described the film as being Night at the Museum with an evil doll because of the various haunted artefacts that will be activated in the film. [caption id="attachment_81031" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: IMDb[/caption] The good thing is that Annabelle Comes Home seems to channel all the elements that have made the Conjuring franchise such a big success, which provides the viewer with something to look forward to. After straying away from the central narrative and focusing on aimless origin stories, the franchise seems to have finally learned its lesson. With Annabelle Comes Home, the focus seems to have been shifted back towards the scares and, in a blatant but smart bit of fan-service, the filmmakers have brought back two of the franchise’s most beloved characters, even if it’s in a supporting capacity. That said, only time will tell if the latest installment in the Annabelle saga matches up to the Conjuring movies, which at present, stand head and shoulders above the other films in the franchise. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Screenshot[/caption] Annabelle Comes Home hits cinemas on June 28, 2019.

India’s ‘Operation Isolation’ and the soft power of sports

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“Our message is stronger than ever. Please stop the fighting. Please stop the killing. Please drop your guns.” Juan Antonio Samaranch, President International Olympic Committee speaking at the Winter Olympics, 1994. The sports arena has often been used in modern-day diplomacy to advocate for peace, but it has also been used to aggravate existing conflict. George Orwell wrote in The Sporting Spirit (1945) that sports is “war, minus the shooting” and has the potential to bring out the worst characteristics of nationalism. How that is controlled, or even amplified, is in the hands of those who hold the political controls.  In the days following the Pulwama incident, tensions once again began to escalate between Pakistan and India. While India’s very first reaction was the imposition of a heavy economic sanction, many of the responses which followed came in the form of sports sanctions, primarily impacting something very close to the hearts of people on both sides: cricket. The fourth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) became the primary target of the increasing hostility and vitriol. Prominent Indian-owned media companies and broadcasters, including IMG Reliance, D Sports and CricBuzz, terminated their contracts and coverage of the tournament, leading to a virtual PSL blackout in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also came under extraordinary pressure from prominent Indian sporting personalities, media outlets and ordinary citizens, to boycott the upcoming Pakistan-India match at the cricket World Cup (June 2019). https://twitter.com/YusufDFI/status/1097384109200928768 https://twitter.com/MinhazMerchant/status/1099007211689467906 Outside of cricket, other sports have also been effected. It is suggested that Pakistan supplies 90% of the hockey sticks used in India, and would suffer heavily from an increase in customs duty of 200%. As a result, the hockey fraternity in India would have to quickly find new suppliers who could match the demand, as well as replicate the quality from across the border. The Shooting World Cup, which was taking place in New Delhi a week after the attack and was intended to be an Olympic qualifier, also got dragged into the conflict when Pakistani athletes were not granted visas to participate in the tournament. Further economic sanctions would come later, followed by military responses, but it appears that the use of sports sanctions was going to kick start this ‘Operation Isolation’. However, these sanctions did not prove to be effective in isolating Pakistan on the sports field. We saw the PSL replace its distributors almost immediately and have yet another successful edition. Regarding the World Cup, wide coverage of the discussions between the BCCI and the International Cricket Council (ICC) were made public, including copies of the communication between the two bodies. It is clear that the ICC and the organising team of the World Cup do not condone any political battles being played out on the cricket pitch. https://twitter.com/TimesNow/status/1098065107693625344 Perhaps the most surprising stance came from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in response to Pakistan’s plea regarding the Shooting World Cup. Not only did the IOC revoke the tournament of its Olympic qualification status for the particular discipline, they further went onto suspend all discussions with the Indian government regarding hosting future sporting events in India. The IOC also recommended that all international federations should refrain from hosting any international sporting events in India until written guarantees are provided assuring participation of all athletes. This may prove to be a landmark ruling from the Olympic governing body, which has traditionally not taken such a publicly strong stance on political matters. This is especially true as the initial plea was only to do with the shooting event. However, India is no doubt going to work to revoke this suspension as quickly as possible, even if it means salvaging its ties with Pakistan. Failure to do so could mean that a number of its hosting rights and bids would be up on the chopping block, including the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup (2020), the Hockey World Cup (2022/2023) and ICC Cricket World Cup (2023), among others. https://twitter.com/mehreenzahra/status/1098830460862558208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1098830460862558208&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogsdesk.tribune.com.pk%2Fapplication%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D80906%26action%3Dedit This of course is not the first time tensions have escalated between the two neighbours, nor is it the first time that the field of play is used for sanctions to be deployed and political statements to be made. India-Pakistan cricket relations have been turbulent ever since they kicked off in 1952. There have been many positive outcomes where both countries have hosted each other on multiple occasions and opened up their borders for citizens to travel in support of their teams. At the same time, boycotts from governing bodies and protests from ordinary citizens have also had the opposite impact on cricket and other sporting ties between the two nations. The Indian cricket tour to Pakistan (2004) is considered as one of the four most prominent acts of sports diplomacy, with the ‘Christmas Truce’ of World War I (1914), where German and British soldiers were said to have held informal sessions of casual football on Christmas day, being number one. Even outside of the subcontinent, sports have always been a feature of international diplomacy, albeit a more subtle one. We have seen countless protests and boycotts when it comes to international sports, such as the Black Power Salute (at the 1968 Olympics), America’s boycott of the 1980 Olympics during the Cold War,  the Soviet Union’s boycott of the 1984 Olympics, and the international sporting boycott of Apartheid South Africa. However, it would not have been difficult to foresee the potential for sports to have these impacts when the Olympic movement was first initiated. After all, it was developed on the sole idea of using sports to encourage and improve peace among the warring kingdoms in Ancient Greece. The way international sports are conducted and covered today, indicates their potential and ability to bridge gaps between nations. With massive potential to be used as a catalyst in international diplomacy and break barriers, the power of sports can only be as strong as the will and commitment of our global leaders. In an era where hard power is frowned upon by the international community, governments are increasingly inclined to use alternative modes of diplomacy, sports included, to achieve their political goals and shape their international image. If we, the people, can understand the relationship between the two, then we can also influence its impact. This isn’t the first time sports have been used to convey and act upon undertones of conflict and hate, and it unfortunately won’t be the last. For now, we can be aware of how these actions relating to the field of play can be used to condition or influence certain emotions within us, and also pray that our leaders use the pitches and courts to help us come together, rather than to push us apart.
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