Sunday, September 18, 2011
Community schoolteachers without salaries for one year
CHITRAL: A large number of basic education community schools (BECS) have been opened in Chitral under the National Education Foundation (NEF).
They are imparting basic education to both male and female students from nursery to class 5. These BEC schools were established in 1999 with the purpose to educate adults as well as children to increase literacy ratio.
Students of six classes were accommodated in a single rented room which was often without fan, drinking water, toilet, desk, furniture and other basic facilities. Only one female teacher has been posted in each school to teach students from nursery to class 5e. The teachers were first paid rupees 2,000 salary and then it was increased to Rs5,000. However, since 2005 the teachers salaries were not increased. And since October 2010, this monthly honorarium of the teachers has also been stopped and the teachers are working without any pay since then.
A teacher, Gul Amina, of Aryan village in southern Chitral, told this scribe that she was teaching more than 40 students in one rented room but her salary had been stopped for the last one year.
A student of class 5th, Ayisha said she was very much fond of education and wanted to become a doctor but she along with other students was facing numerous problems. There is no desk, no toilet, no drinking water, no fan, no light and no other facilities.
The teachers have appealed to the president, prime minister as well as donor agencies to release the pending salaries of these teachers and provide all basic facilities to the schools.—GH Farooqui
Monday, August 29, 2011
Across the border incursions and atrocity
By Aliya Harir
ALBAMA (USA): Chitral has remained an area of peace, love and affection for Afghan refugees for over 30 years. Half million people of this part of the country opened their houses for over two million Afghan refugees and accommodated them just like their own brothers and sisters.
Many of the present Afghan leadership have born, grown and educated in Chitral. Our ancestors used to tell us that Afghan people have special respect for Chitrali people for the hospitality we extended to them during their stay in Pakistan.
The recent attack on the innocent Chitral Scouts, Chitral Police, Border Police posts and the civilian population of Chitral is a matter of serious concern for the humanity lovers, especially for the youth of Chitral. Over 60 people have been killed and many dead bodies of the slain security personnel have been thrown into the roaring river of Chitral which is a clear sign of shameful barbarism and naked aggression from the guests to their host families of Chitral.
The youth of Chitral is asking from their ancestors, is this the reward of our hospitality to Afghan brothers and sisters? Is this the message of Islam during the holy month of Ramadan?
I am sure this is not the act of Afghan brothers and sisters as they might have been exploited with the name of Jihad and if this is Jihad, it should be against aggression and not peaceful people of Chitral. I am sure Afghan people will hand over those elements to Pakistan and maintain our mutual trust and confidence without playing in the hands of outside forces.
May I wish to draw the attention of the Chitral Scouts, District Administration, Chitral Police as how they were prepared to cope with the raising security threats in the area? Why the forces are not trained to meet with such a situation? Why they were not equipped? Considering the past performance of Pakistani forces in many cases including GHQ Attack, Abbottabad operation, Karachi Naval Base attack, we have failed to find a solution to the persistent problems.
May I also ask NATO and Afghan National Army how they were not aware about the mounting foreign Taliban activities from their territory?
According to the ISPR, intelligence information was shared by Pakistan with the Afghan government and NATO about presence of terrorists in Kunar and Nuristan provinces and their local Afghan support network. Why action was not taken and why the information was ignored? If there were intelligence information available with Pakistani authorities, why Chitral Scouts and district administration failed to adapt preventive security measures?
Who will be held responsible for the loss of 60 precious lives of Chitralis? The reports of an unusual movement of NATO helicopters across the border in Kunar province during the attacks in the area, as reported by media, need to be answered.
I wish to appeal to United State of America to look into this continue aggression of Taliban from a cross the border into Chitral, which is historically a peaceful land in Pakistan.
Being a Chitrali daughter, I wish to appeal to our local leadership to learn lesson from our recent history and prepare our security personnel well trained and well equipped to cope with emerging security threats in our area to maintain the peaceful environment of Chitral. This part of the country is strategically of high importance for the security of Pakistan. We expect from the high-ups of the Armed Forces for establishment of permanent security posts of Pakistan Army, supported Pakistan Air Force in the southern and the western borders of Chitral, especially Nuristan and Kunar valley to counter any aggression into Chitral.
I wish to appeal to the Chief of International Human Rights Commission to take up the matter at appropriate level so the precious blood of Chitrali should not be wasted.
At last but not the least, we the students community in United States condemns in strongest possible term indiscriminate act of terror in Chitral. Our deepest sympathy is expressed at the death and suffering caused to the families and loved ones who have been the victims of this terrible atrocity. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The evil people who planned and executed this attack on our beautiful and peaceful land to demoralize and divide Pakistan and Afghan brothers and sisters across the border will not be successful. It is vital that we stand together shoulder to shoulder and remain united in face of this evil terror and in this moment of crises.
The good race relations and bridges we have built over many years can only grow in strength and these evil deeds make victims of us all. Our humanity and our diverse community will grow stronger to oppose and overcome those who spread fear, hatred, divisions and death.
Furthermore, on the basis of humanity we also strongly condemn all other forms of terrorism in any form or shape throughout the world, as those could well be the direct result of such criminal attacks in our country.
Our unity and determination to overcome these crises as many others will show those who committed this heinous and cowardly act and those who wish to use this type of acts to incite religious and racial hatred that it will not divide us.
The writer is Goodwill Ambassador on US-Pakistan Relations, International Human Rights Commission.
ALBAMA (USA): Chitral has remained an area of peace, love and affection for Afghan refugees for over 30 years. Half million people of this part of the country opened their houses for over two million Afghan refugees and accommodated them just like their own brothers and sisters.
Many of the present Afghan leadership have born, grown and educated in Chitral. Our ancestors used to tell us that Afghan people have special respect for Chitrali people for the hospitality we extended to them during their stay in Pakistan.
The recent attack on the innocent Chitral Scouts, Chitral Police, Border Police posts and the civilian population of Chitral is a matter of serious concern for the humanity lovers, especially for the youth of Chitral. Over 60 people have been killed and many dead bodies of the slain security personnel have been thrown into the roaring river of Chitral which is a clear sign of shameful barbarism and naked aggression from the guests to their host families of Chitral.
The youth of Chitral is asking from their ancestors, is this the reward of our hospitality to Afghan brothers and sisters? Is this the message of Islam during the holy month of Ramadan?
I am sure this is not the act of Afghan brothers and sisters as they might have been exploited with the name of Jihad and if this is Jihad, it should be against aggression and not peaceful people of Chitral. I am sure Afghan people will hand over those elements to Pakistan and maintain our mutual trust and confidence without playing in the hands of outside forces.
May I wish to draw the attention of the Chitral Scouts, District Administration, Chitral Police as how they were prepared to cope with the raising security threats in the area? Why the forces are not trained to meet with such a situation? Why they were not equipped? Considering the past performance of Pakistani forces in many cases including GHQ Attack, Abbottabad operation, Karachi Naval Base attack, we have failed to find a solution to the persistent problems.
May I also ask NATO and Afghan National Army how they were not aware about the mounting foreign Taliban activities from their territory?
According to the ISPR, intelligence information was shared by Pakistan with the Afghan government and NATO about presence of terrorists in Kunar and Nuristan provinces and their local Afghan support network. Why action was not taken and why the information was ignored? If there were intelligence information available with Pakistani authorities, why Chitral Scouts and district administration failed to adapt preventive security measures?
Who will be held responsible for the loss of 60 precious lives of Chitralis? The reports of an unusual movement of NATO helicopters across the border in Kunar province during the attacks in the area, as reported by media, need to be answered.
I wish to appeal to United State of America to look into this continue aggression of Taliban from a cross the border into Chitral, which is historically a peaceful land in Pakistan.
Being a Chitrali daughter, I wish to appeal to our local leadership to learn lesson from our recent history and prepare our security personnel well trained and well equipped to cope with emerging security threats in our area to maintain the peaceful environment of Chitral. This part of the country is strategically of high importance for the security of Pakistan. We expect from the high-ups of the Armed Forces for establishment of permanent security posts of Pakistan Army, supported Pakistan Air Force in the southern and the western borders of Chitral, especially Nuristan and Kunar valley to counter any aggression into Chitral.
I wish to appeal to the Chief of International Human Rights Commission to take up the matter at appropriate level so the precious blood of Chitrali should not be wasted.
At last but not the least, we the students community in United States condemns in strongest possible term indiscriminate act of terror in Chitral. Our deepest sympathy is expressed at the death and suffering caused to the families and loved ones who have been the victims of this terrible atrocity. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The evil people who planned and executed this attack on our beautiful and peaceful land to demoralize and divide Pakistan and Afghan brothers and sisters across the border will not be successful. It is vital that we stand together shoulder to shoulder and remain united in face of this evil terror and in this moment of crises.
The good race relations and bridges we have built over many years can only grow in strength and these evil deeds make victims of us all. Our humanity and our diverse community will grow stronger to oppose and overcome those who spread fear, hatred, divisions and death.
Furthermore, on the basis of humanity we also strongly condemn all other forms of terrorism in any form or shape throughout the world, as those could well be the direct result of such criminal attacks in our country.
Our unity and determination to overcome these crises as many others will show those who committed this heinous and cowardly act and those who wish to use this type of acts to incite religious and racial hatred that it will not divide us.
The writer is Goodwill Ambassador on US-Pakistan Relations, International Human Rights Commission.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Martyres' names: more bodies recovered from river?
Chitral Today Report
CHITRAL, Aug 27, 2011: More shocking but unconfirmed reports on Saturday night said 16 more bodies of Chitral Scouts personnel martyred and thrown into the Chitral River by the savage Taliban have been recovered near Arandu and there are fears that the number of casualties will further increase.
The whole valley of Chitral and Chitralis living all over the world are shocked over the barbaric killing of the Chitral Scouts and police personnel by the Taliban criminals and thugs. In this hour of tragedy for Chitral, some people instead of openly condemning the blood-thirsty Taliban have started to claim that the attackers were NATO forces deployed in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, according to chitraltoday.com report, the names of the Chitral Scouts and border police personnel who embraced martyrdom and whose bodies were taken to Drosh are as follows:
Subedar Niat Ghazi of Brep, Subedar Younis of Barenis, Naik Manzoor Elahi, Bakrabad; Sepoy Sheli Khan, Kesu; Hav Jalaluddin, Terich; Sepoy Ziaul Mulk, Shishi; Sepoy Hazrat Omer, Ashret; Sepoy Hashim Panah, Jinalikoch; Mohammad Shoib, Nasirul Mominin, (villages still unknown); Sepoy Rehmat Taib, Mastuj; Bashir Ahmed, Salahuddin, Sarir Ahmed, Qari Azam, M. Aslam, Sep Ameen Zafar, Ayun; Lance Naik Rehmat Nazir, Mulkhow; Sepoy Ali Hyder, Mulkhow; Zafar Khan, Hav Bajgi Khan of Bang, Nazir Ahmed, Sepoy Hazratullah, Koghuzi; Sepoy Tariq Mehmood, Muzgol; and Sher Akbar.
POLICEMEN: Jannat Gul, Sharrafuddin and Sarir Rehmat.
Border Police: M. Azam, Zahmi, Sub Karim, M. Yamin, Sultanuddin, M. Iqbal, Naib Sub Pokhtun Wali and Anwarul Haq.
Missing: Nazir and Tariq Jalal.
CHITRAL, Aug 27, 2011: More shocking but unconfirmed reports on Saturday night said 16 more bodies of Chitral Scouts personnel martyred and thrown into the Chitral River by the savage Taliban have been recovered near Arandu and there are fears that the number of casualties will further increase.
The whole valley of Chitral and Chitralis living all over the world are shocked over the barbaric killing of the Chitral Scouts and police personnel by the Taliban criminals and thugs. In this hour of tragedy for Chitral, some people instead of openly condemning the blood-thirsty Taliban have started to claim that the attackers were NATO forces deployed in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, according to chitraltoday.com report, the names of the Chitral Scouts and border police personnel who embraced martyrdom and whose bodies were taken to Drosh are as follows:
Subedar Niat Ghazi of Brep, Subedar Younis of Barenis, Naik Manzoor Elahi, Bakrabad; Sepoy Sheli Khan, Kesu; Hav Jalaluddin, Terich; Sepoy Ziaul Mulk, Shishi; Sepoy Hazrat Omer, Ashret; Sepoy Hashim Panah, Jinalikoch; Mohammad Shoib, Nasirul Mominin, (villages still unknown); Sepoy Rehmat Taib, Mastuj; Bashir Ahmed, Salahuddin, Sarir Ahmed, Qari Azam, M. Aslam, Sep Ameen Zafar, Ayun; Lance Naik Rehmat Nazir, Mulkhow; Sepoy Ali Hyder, Mulkhow; Zafar Khan, Hav Bajgi Khan of Bang, Nazir Ahmed, Sepoy Hazratullah, Koghuzi; Sepoy Tariq Mehmood, Muzgol; and Sher Akbar.
POLICEMEN: Jannat Gul, Sharrafuddin and Sarir Rehmat.
Border Police: M. Azam, Zahmi, Sub Karim, M. Yamin, Sultanuddin, M. Iqbal, Naib Sub Pokhtun Wali and Anwarul Haq.
Missing: Nazir and Tariq Jalal.
Attackers linked to Fazlullah and Maulvi Faqir groups: ISPR
RAWALPINDI, Aug 27, 2011: At least 25 security forces personnel embraced martyrdom when some 300 terrorists from across the border in the Aghan provinces of Kunar and Nooristan attacked seven checkposts of Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Chitral early Saturday morning.
According to ISPR, the martyred personnel included 16 Frontier Scouts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, four policemen and five Levies.
The security personnel defended the posts by engaging the attackers and reportedly 20 terrorists were killed. However, two border posts were overrun by the terrorists. Reinforcements had been sent to beef up the border posts.
Reportedly terrorists from Swat, Dir and Bajur organized by Fazlullah and Maulvi Faqir Mohammad with local Afghans attacked the security forces posts in Chitral.
Since their expulsion from their native areas, the terrorists have organized themselves in Kunar and Nooristan provinces with the support of local Afghan authorities.
Due to scanty presence of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and ANA (Afghan National Army) forces along Pak-Afghan border, the terrorists are using these areas as safe havens and have mounted repeated attacks against security forces posts and isolated villages of Pakistan.
It is pertinent to mention that since last one year accurate intelligence about large concentration of terrorists from Pakistan and their local Afghan supporters in Kunar and Nooristan provinces has been shared with NATO and Afghan authorities but no worthwhile action has been taken against them and attacks against Pakistani border posts have continued with impunity.--APP
According to ISPR, the martyred personnel included 16 Frontier Scouts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, four policemen and five Levies.
The security personnel defended the posts by engaging the attackers and reportedly 20 terrorists were killed. However, two border posts were overrun by the terrorists. Reinforcements had been sent to beef up the border posts.
Reportedly terrorists from Swat, Dir and Bajur organized by Fazlullah and Maulvi Faqir Mohammad with local Afghans attacked the security forces posts in Chitral.
Since their expulsion from their native areas, the terrorists have organized themselves in Kunar and Nooristan provinces with the support of local Afghan authorities.
Due to scanty presence of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and ANA (Afghan National Army) forces along Pak-Afghan border, the terrorists are using these areas as safe havens and have mounted repeated attacks against security forces posts and isolated villages of Pakistan.
It is pertinent to mention that since last one year accurate intelligence about large concentration of terrorists from Pakistan and their local Afghan supporters in Kunar and Nooristan provinces has been shared with NATO and Afghan authorities but no worthwhile action has been taken against them and attacks against Pakistani border posts have continued with impunity.--APP
Chitral under attack
CHITRAL, Aug 27, 2011: Around 400 Taliban from Afghanistan’s Nooristan province infiltrated into Chitral and eliminated three checkposts in Arandu and Mirkhani areas, killing about 16 Chitral Scouts and 10 border policemen early Saturday.
Besides, over a dozen security personnel were also kidnapped by the fleeing Taliban militants.
The Chitral Scouts sources said 12 personnel of the force were martyred while the district coordination officer of Chitral put the figure at 15. Officials said nine of the attackers were also killed by the Chitral Scouts.
The militants targeted the checkposts in Kahuti after destroying the Kahuti bridge and targetted the Mirkhani, Parashut, Langorbut and Gudibar posts of the Scouts. In all, four bridges over the Chitral river were destroyed by the Taliban attackers. Some reports said that the bridges were blown up by the security forces themseves to stop the militants from fleeing back to Afghanistan.
The sources in Chitral Scouts said that they had called reinforcement and planned to launch an operation against the Afghan criminals and thugs who were still present in the hilly areas. As a result, traffic from and to Chitral town remained suspended and people living in the targetted and nearby areas are confined to their houses.
They said the situation in the area was very tense and exact figure about the dead and injured could not be ascertained. According to latest reports, the Scouts were carrying out operation using helicopters to flush out the remaining militants in the areas.
The identities of the martyred Scouts and border police personnel could not be ascertained.
Besides, over a dozen security personnel were also kidnapped by the fleeing Taliban militants.
The Chitral Scouts sources said 12 personnel of the force were martyred while the district coordination officer of Chitral put the figure at 15. Officials said nine of the attackers were also killed by the Chitral Scouts.
The militants targeted the checkposts in Kahuti after destroying the Kahuti bridge and targetted the Mirkhani, Parashut, Langorbut and Gudibar posts of the Scouts. In all, four bridges over the Chitral river were destroyed by the Taliban attackers. Some reports said that the bridges were blown up by the security forces themseves to stop the militants from fleeing back to Afghanistan.
The sources in Chitral Scouts said that they had called reinforcement and planned to launch an operation against the Afghan criminals and thugs who were still present in the hilly areas. As a result, traffic from and to Chitral town remained suspended and people living in the targetted and nearby areas are confined to their houses.
They said the situation in the area was very tense and exact figure about the dead and injured could not be ascertained. According to latest reports, the Scouts were carrying out operation using helicopters to flush out the remaining militants in the areas.
The identities of the martyred Scouts and border police personnel could not be ascertained.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Govt warned against auctioning of Chitral's mineral sites
By Zar Alam Khan
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18, 2011: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s plan to auction sites for mineral exploration in Chitral without guaranteeing the local people’s rights and bypassing the native miners has drawn widespread criticism and opposition in the valley.
Talking to Dawn on telephone from Chitral, Col Sardar Mohammad Khan, a representative of Chitrali miners, said the plan to auction the sites spread over 50 per cent area of the district would deprive the local miners of their rights because they would not be able to compete in the bidding with resourceful companies belonging to other parts of the country.
The sites being put up for auction were earlier vacated after cancellation of mining licences issued to one of the two Pakistani firms registered in Australia and US, as it failed to carry out any exploration even after lapse of eight years.
The local miners’ representative said there was already a sustainable and practical model of mining in Chitral under which leases were awarded to the locals who then teamed up with Chinese and Korean parties to run successful operations. Besides protection of both the stakeholders’ rights, this model also ensured steady revenue and cash streams for the government.
He alleged that it seemed the bureaucracy wanted to adopt short-cuts to achieve their own objectives at the cost of long-term investment stability, unimpeded sustainability of operations and socio-economic development of the locals.
The Chinese and Koreans are approaching Chitral-based parties as they learned bitter lessons in Balochistan where similar misguided policies pursued by successive governments ignored local stakeholders which backfired, forcing he investors to leave the area, he added.
He appealed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Mines, Minerals and Industries Mehmood Zeb Khan to cancel the auction plan to ensure the rights of the locals and avoid unrest among the people.
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18, 2011: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s plan to auction sites for mineral exploration in Chitral without guaranteeing the local people’s rights and bypassing the native miners has drawn widespread criticism and opposition in the valley.
Talking to Dawn on telephone from Chitral, Col Sardar Mohammad Khan, a representative of Chitrali miners, said the plan to auction the sites spread over 50 per cent area of the district would deprive the local miners of their rights because they would not be able to compete in the bidding with resourceful companies belonging to other parts of the country.
The sites being put up for auction were earlier vacated after cancellation of mining licences issued to one of the two Pakistani firms registered in Australia and US, as it failed to carry out any exploration even after lapse of eight years.
The local miners’ representative said there was already a sustainable and practical model of mining in Chitral under which leases were awarded to the locals who then teamed up with Chinese and Korean parties to run successful operations. Besides protection of both the stakeholders’ rights, this model also ensured steady revenue and cash streams for the government.
He alleged that it seemed the bureaucracy wanted to adopt short-cuts to achieve their own objectives at the cost of long-term investment stability, unimpeded sustainability of operations and socio-economic development of the locals.
The Chinese and Koreans are approaching Chitral-based parties as they learned bitter lessons in Balochistan where similar misguided policies pursued by successive governments ignored local stakeholders which backfired, forcing he investors to leave the area, he added.
He appealed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Mines, Minerals and Industries Mehmood Zeb Khan to cancel the auction plan to ensure the rights of the locals and avoid unrest among the people.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Bid to deprive Chitral of its mineral resources
CHITRAL: President Chitral Miners Association Col (rtd) Sardar who has also been designated as Member Mining Committee by All Parties Chitral including PPP, PPP Sherpao, JI, JUI, ANP, PMLQ and PML-N through a press conference on 9th August appealed to the KP Minister of Mines Mehmoodzeb Khan to cancel the plan of auctioning Chitral’s mines a move that is fraught with unforeseen dangers.
It is implausible that 40% of Chitral is being put under the hammer after an earlier cancellation of exploration licenses of two bogus Pakistan origin firms registered in Australia and the US. After lapse of eight inactive years with no exploration and not a single penny invested by companies such as Central Exchange a new game plan is being devised by DG Mines to auction thousands of square kilometers of Chitral to outside parties at the expense of locals. The move is both unprecedented and mind boggling. By nature, Chitral's mineral deposits are fragmented and exist in small pockets and are not the world class types as is the case with Baluchistan or Waziristan. The self styled investment savvy bureaucrats seem to overlook the mess the “highest bidder gets all policy” will create in an otherwise peaceful area. Instead of redressing local grievances another conspiracy is being hatched to push local residents to the wall.
If the true motive behind the DG Mines' auction plan was to attract foreign investment or earning revenues for the government, then, an excellent and most practical and sustainable model already exists in Chitral where local Lease Holders have teamed up with several Chinese and Korean parties who are running successful operations there. Besides protection of both the stakeholders’ rights, this model also ensures steady revenue and cash streams for the government. This indeed is the only sure fire guarantee that the foreign parties are themselves actively encouraging to strengthen local stakes as a safety valve before arriving at an investment decision in Chitral.
It appears a holistic approach involving long term investment stability, unimpeded sustainability of operations and socio economic cohesion are not a priority for those at the helm of affairs at faraway Peshawar as they pay scant attention to the grey areas of investment. Their callous emphasis is on short cuts where an auction leads to the highest bidder collecting the booty but that policy is silent on the need for long term continuity considered a prerequisite for success the world over. Local rights denied will lead to further disillusionment of Chitralis and create a tsunami that will wipe out any traces of the shortsighted day dreamers and would-be outside investors. Long term and inclusive economic stability is being sacrificed for short term exclusive gains and an otherwise peaceful people are being instigated to resort to violence.
Smart Chinese and Koreans are eagerly approaching Chitral based parties as they learned bitter lessons in Baluchistan where misguided policies pursued by successive governments ignored local stakeholders which backfired and forced investors to run for their lives and flee. Accounting for 20% of KP's landmass and guaranteeing unparalled peace, Chitral also remains a crucial test case for the provincial government's policy of attracting investment. After a decade of lost opportunities, the new game plan calls for auctioning the areas to the highest bidders under the pretext of the open competition when local miners have already applied in the same areas. One hopes that the ill advised policy makers stop the cruel joke with the locals by pushing remote Chitral to a point of no return.
If mishandled, this could become a major flash point pitting Chitral's residents against the vested interests eying a share of the its mineral pie while sitting faraway in cozy drawing rooms of Peshawar. Proactive handling by the KP Minister of Mines can amicably resolve this issue that is fast spiraling out of control as politicians from all shades of opinion in Chitral have joined common cause to defend locals’ rights.—Zar Alam Khan
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Funds for Lowari Tunnel soon: MNA
Zar Alam Khan
ISLAMABAD, Aug 3: MNA from Chitral Shahzada Mohiuddin on Wednesday said construction work on the Lowari Tunnel in Chitral would restart soon.
Talking to Dawn here, the MNA said he had conveyed the resentment of the people of Chitral over the suspension of work on the mega project to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani who assured him that the required funds would be released to the executing company soon.
According to the latest estimate of the National Highway Authority (NHA); Rs17 billion would be needed to expand the width of the eight-km-long tunnel from the current 11 feet to 23 feet and construct roads on its both northern and southern portals. These modifications are being made after the project design was changed from rail to road tunnel.
The MNA said the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) in its next meeting would approve the funds for completion of the project without further delay.
It may be noted that work on the tunnel connecting Chitral with other parts of the country was inaugurated by former President Pervez Musharraf in July 2005 and the project was to be completed in four years.
The contractor, Korean Sambu Company, after completing the digging work, however, withdrew its staff and machinery from the site as the PPP government stopped funding for the project about two years back.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Revival of Mastuj district in Chitral demanded
CHITRAL: The residents of Mastuj tehsil have demanded the restoration of Mastuj district, which had been abolished in 1969 at the time of annexation of Chitral, Dir and Swat states to the country.
At a public meeting convened by the Booni Bar Association at Booni here on Friday, the speakers including bar president Ghulam Mustafa, Ali Nizar, Haji Hussain, Hakim Ali and others said that the district status for Mastuj was the genuine right of the people of upper Chitral.
They recalled there were two districts in Chitral when it was a state but the district status of Mastuj was abolished which resulted in backwardness in the area.
They said that area-wise Mastuj was the largest tehsil of the province having its boundaries with the Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan and the Central Asian republic of Tajikistan.
They said that the local people had pinned their hopes on Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti for the upgradation of Mastuj tehsil, as had been repeatedly pledged by him during his visits to the area.—Zahiruddin
At a public meeting convened by the Booni Bar Association at Booni here on Friday, the speakers including bar president Ghulam Mustafa, Ali Nizar, Haji Hussain, Hakim Ali and others said that the district status for Mastuj was the genuine right of the people of upper Chitral.
They recalled there were two districts in Chitral when it was a state but the district status of Mastuj was abolished which resulted in backwardness in the area.
They said that area-wise Mastuj was the largest tehsil of the province having its boundaries with the Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan and the Central Asian republic of Tajikistan.
They said that the local people had pinned their hopes on Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti for the upgradation of Mastuj tehsil, as had been repeatedly pledged by him during his visits to the area.—Zahiruddin
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Experts discuss parents' role in education
Report Al-Haj Muhammad Khan
CHARUN, June 14, 2011: The Association for Academic Development (AFAQ) held a workshop on “Parents’ role in quality education” in Booni on June 13.
The workshop was presided over by Sarfaraz Khan with Lecturer Mohammad Karim Khan.
Chief speaker on the occasion, General Manager AFAQ KPK and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Zaib in his presentation singled out a story from the book of Ashfaq Ahmad and used to integrate the topic into the current situation, educational demands and role of parents in the holistic development of children.
He also shared a video of a hairdresser, Iqbal, wherein the interviews asks him why he adopted this occupation. Iqbal replies that in the school he had more orientation towards painting and when he made a picture, his teacher was so surprised that he asked him to write the name of Allah for the classroom.
“When my father came to know about my painting, he harshly told me that “I am sending you to school for studying not for painting. You rather should work with me instead of painting because you have no interest in education.” Iqbal says this was the autocratic decision of my father and a turning point in my life.
“I left education and later adopted the profession of hairdressing as a source of livelihood. Iqbal also says that he learned a lesson after this setback and decided that I will leave no stone unturned for the cause of my children’s education and will give the opportunity of learning on the basis of their orientation and I am doing and working day and night now for the education of my children.
He also said that had his father understood his orientation and allowed him to continue his education, his fate would have been different and today he would have been a painter of repute.
Amir Zaib formally announced the topic and used to identify measures for parents and nine characteristics of high performing schools and their interrelationship.
He concisely and interestingly discussed, shared focus, high standard and expectations, effective leadership, collaboration and communication, alignment with state standards, monitoring, learning and teaching, focusing professional development, supportive environment and family and community involvement for achieving shared vision and worth while values of our life which integrate this world and life hereafter.
While discussing high level of family and community development, he said it is the responsibility of everyone to educate learners and the role of the power of habits discovering the field of psychology by making triangle of teacher, school and community for successful learning process and also shared the date of a village and research report that society contributes 3%, school 15% and parents 82% in learning process.
During presentation he also discussed the types, rights, expectations and responsibilities of parents in detail. Parents also contributed in this discussion and shared their expectations and challenges that they are facing.
He said in this journey of learning parents as well as teacher should ignite the spark by joint partnership for nation building. While concluding he provided tips for schools to improve teaching learning process and ensure parent’s participation and owning school as part of community life blood.
Lecturer M. Karim thanked AFAQ and commented on the pathetic educational system of the country and menace of cheating while referring the esoteric and exoteric meaning of the Hadith of Holy Prophet and its philosophical reflection on society contextualizing the biological ingredients of human being said that every person have to nurture the persons in himself (Cells) with utmost care and ultimately a versatile personality can be build with the true qualities of human being. He also emphasized the role of parents, Teachers and community for educational development.
At the end of the workshop Shah Wazir and President Sarfarz Khan also thanked AFAQ and Chief Speaker Amir Zaid and Zulfiqar Ali.
While wrapping up this workshop chief organizer and facilitator Mr. Zulfiqar Ali of AFAQ thanked all parents, teachers for their active participation and assured to follow up this welcome workshop in coming days developing and building more awareness and sensitization measures to ensure parents role in quality education which is the cry of the day and need of the hour.
CHARUN, June 14, 2011: The Association for Academic Development (AFAQ) held a workshop on “Parents’ role in quality education” in Booni on June 13.
The workshop was presided over by Sarfaraz Khan with Lecturer Mohammad Karim Khan.
Chief speaker on the occasion, General Manager AFAQ KPK and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Zaib in his presentation singled out a story from the book of Ashfaq Ahmad and used to integrate the topic into the current situation, educational demands and role of parents in the holistic development of children.
He also shared a video of a hairdresser, Iqbal, wherein the interviews asks him why he adopted this occupation. Iqbal replies that in the school he had more orientation towards painting and when he made a picture, his teacher was so surprised that he asked him to write the name of Allah for the classroom.
“When my father came to know about my painting, he harshly told me that “I am sending you to school for studying not for painting. You rather should work with me instead of painting because you have no interest in education.” Iqbal says this was the autocratic decision of my father and a turning point in my life.
“I left education and later adopted the profession of hairdressing as a source of livelihood. Iqbal also says that he learned a lesson after this setback and decided that I will leave no stone unturned for the cause of my children’s education and will give the opportunity of learning on the basis of their orientation and I am doing and working day and night now for the education of my children.
He also said that had his father understood his orientation and allowed him to continue his education, his fate would have been different and today he would have been a painter of repute.
Amir Zaib formally announced the topic and used to identify measures for parents and nine characteristics of high performing schools and their interrelationship.
He concisely and interestingly discussed, shared focus, high standard and expectations, effective leadership, collaboration and communication, alignment with state standards, monitoring, learning and teaching, focusing professional development, supportive environment and family and community involvement for achieving shared vision and worth while values of our life which integrate this world and life hereafter.
While discussing high level of family and community development, he said it is the responsibility of everyone to educate learners and the role of the power of habits discovering the field of psychology by making triangle of teacher, school and community for successful learning process and also shared the date of a village and research report that society contributes 3%, school 15% and parents 82% in learning process.
During presentation he also discussed the types, rights, expectations and responsibilities of parents in detail. Parents also contributed in this discussion and shared their expectations and challenges that they are facing.
He said in this journey of learning parents as well as teacher should ignite the spark by joint partnership for nation building. While concluding he provided tips for schools to improve teaching learning process and ensure parent’s participation and owning school as part of community life blood.
Lecturer M. Karim thanked AFAQ and commented on the pathetic educational system of the country and menace of cheating while referring the esoteric and exoteric meaning of the Hadith of Holy Prophet and its philosophical reflection on society contextualizing the biological ingredients of human being said that every person have to nurture the persons in himself (Cells) with utmost care and ultimately a versatile personality can be build with the true qualities of human being. He also emphasized the role of parents, Teachers and community for educational development.
At the end of the workshop Shah Wazir and President Sarfarz Khan also thanked AFAQ and Chief Speaker Amir Zaid and Zulfiqar Ali.
While wrapping up this workshop chief organizer and facilitator Mr. Zulfiqar Ali of AFAQ thanked all parents, teachers for their active participation and assured to follow up this welcome workshop in coming days developing and building more awareness and sensitization measures to ensure parents role in quality education which is the cry of the day and need of the hour.
A peaceful Chitral
By Maqsoodul Mulk (Hindukush Trails)
Militancy and calamity in Pakistan have hampered economic development. It has shaken the confidence of businessmen and travelers to visit and invest in this region. Tourism plays a major role in the livelihood of the Kalash and Chitrali community with a diverse segment of the population directly or indirectly benefiting from it. Stakeholders in tourism are from a vast segment of the population.
They are villagers involved in handicrafts, music and culture, fruit and farm products, shops, hotels, restaurants, transport etc. With robust economic activity, local products find market outlets, each segment of the population gets an opportunity for income generation. A better image does not only attract holiday makers but also investors and businessmen, it brings in opportunities for infrastructure development , better education and health care facilities.
Under present circumstance, this source of income generation and livelihood prospect of the village of Bumboret, Birir, Rumbur and Chitral at large is badly affected. It is very important to send out a message to the world that there is peace and interfaith harmony in the valley of Chitral.
With only negative news going out, it is not easy to promote Pakistan. To highlight our diverse culture, tolerance and hospitality, the Hindukush Trails took on the task to project “A peaceful Chitral.” A plan was initiated to take a delegation from Chitral and the Kalash community to Europe where we managed to get slots in the Baltic States to participate at various concerts in Tallin, Riga and Helenski. With workshops and presentations at various forums and the press and TV covering our activities, the true image of Chitral was introduced to the world. At the home front, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and organizations working in Chitral were approached for help. None was, however, willing to take it on wanting more time to decide. With no organization in Pakistan willing to sponsor the activity, we were left to highlight Chitral on our own. Friends from abroad were approached to extent hospitality and logistics taken on.
Passports, visas (these days no one wants to give a visa to a Pakistani and here was a group venturing out), insurance, air tickets, hotels, food etc., it was quite a task but finally all arranged for a group of eight participants. The concerts where we participated were very well attended. Various countries from the Orient were trying to outdo each other. India had their vocal art and classical singers, the Shaman Rambo of Apatani tribe from Arunachal Pradesh followed by Himalayan folk songs of Ladakh.
Celebrating Sufi music playing multi-instruments was Fakhraddin Gafarov from Azerbaijan, following him were the whirling dervishes of Turkey and Syria, Nepal with its Buddhist rituals and Tibet and Bhutan with its colourful dragon mask dances, each country performed brilliantly. The audience were spellbound and respectfully silent till the Chitrali and Kalash came on the stage with Mirza Ali Jan singing “Mayon i Mo Chulay ki”. On our second song the crowd caught the rhythm.
Then it was a roar of approval on every song, the silent crowd now swayed couldn’t help and finally joined into the delight of government officials and dignitaries. Alongside the performances, there were special workshops and exhibitions exploring many of the rich traditions and cultures of the Orient countries. Live coverage on television and press releases followed simultaneously.The Baltic States get around (four hundred thousand tourists a year) and this was the peak season. A group size of a hundred tourists was considered normal. Hundreds of tourists were at different historical sites being briefed by their guides.
Whenever we passed by the Kalash attired in their lovely dresses and the Chitrali proudly walking in his graceful Pakhol carrying his sitar, heads would turn, conversation stopped and tourist attention diverted from the medieval sites.
The interest of the tourist was genuine and hard to miss. We were asked for photographs and questioned ‘where are you from? We would like to visit your country. “On being told it was Pakistan the remark would be “Ah Osama’s hometown! but we still would want to see it.”
The power of publicity is immense and more so with regard to tourism. What is lacking is projecting the positive in our country and this needs to be understood and taken on by both the government and the development sector. Keeping the potential of tourism in Pakistan merely a PTDC slogan is living in a dream. In reality, we have nothing till we show it to the world… and if we keep it hidden we have lost it. (June 8, 2011)
Send comments to: chitraltoday@gmail.com
Militancy and calamity in Pakistan have hampered economic development. It has shaken the confidence of businessmen and travelers to visit and invest in this region. Tourism plays a major role in the livelihood of the Kalash and Chitrali community with a diverse segment of the population directly or indirectly benefiting from it. Stakeholders in tourism are from a vast segment of the population.
They are villagers involved in handicrafts, music and culture, fruit and farm products, shops, hotels, restaurants, transport etc. With robust economic activity, local products find market outlets, each segment of the population gets an opportunity for income generation. A better image does not only attract holiday makers but also investors and businessmen, it brings in opportunities for infrastructure development , better education and health care facilities.
Under present circumstance, this source of income generation and livelihood prospect of the village of Bumboret, Birir, Rumbur and Chitral at large is badly affected. It is very important to send out a message to the world that there is peace and interfaith harmony in the valley of Chitral.
With only negative news going out, it is not easy to promote Pakistan. To highlight our diverse culture, tolerance and hospitality, the Hindukush Trails took on the task to project “A peaceful Chitral.” A plan was initiated to take a delegation from Chitral and the Kalash community to Europe where we managed to get slots in the Baltic States to participate at various concerts in Tallin, Riga and Helenski. With workshops and presentations at various forums and the press and TV covering our activities, the true image of Chitral was introduced to the world. At the home front, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and organizations working in Chitral were approached for help. None was, however, willing to take it on wanting more time to decide. With no organization in Pakistan willing to sponsor the activity, we were left to highlight Chitral on our own. Friends from abroad were approached to extent hospitality and logistics taken on.
Passports, visas (these days no one wants to give a visa to a Pakistani and here was a group venturing out), insurance, air tickets, hotels, food etc., it was quite a task but finally all arranged for a group of eight participants. The concerts where we participated were very well attended. Various countries from the Orient were trying to outdo each other. India had their vocal art and classical singers, the Shaman Rambo of Apatani tribe from Arunachal Pradesh followed by Himalayan folk songs of Ladakh.
Celebrating Sufi music playing multi-instruments was Fakhraddin Gafarov from Azerbaijan, following him were the whirling dervishes of Turkey and Syria, Nepal with its Buddhist rituals and Tibet and Bhutan with its colourful dragon mask dances, each country performed brilliantly. The audience were spellbound and respectfully silent till the Chitrali and Kalash came on the stage with Mirza Ali Jan singing “Mayon i Mo Chulay ki”. On our second song the crowd caught the rhythm.
Then it was a roar of approval on every song, the silent crowd now swayed couldn’t help and finally joined into the delight of government officials and dignitaries. Alongside the performances, there were special workshops and exhibitions exploring many of the rich traditions and cultures of the Orient countries. Live coverage on television and press releases followed simultaneously.The Baltic States get around (four hundred thousand tourists a year) and this was the peak season. A group size of a hundred tourists was considered normal. Hundreds of tourists were at different historical sites being briefed by their guides.
Whenever we passed by the Kalash attired in their lovely dresses and the Chitrali proudly walking in his graceful Pakhol carrying his sitar, heads would turn, conversation stopped and tourist attention diverted from the medieval sites.
The interest of the tourist was genuine and hard to miss. We were asked for photographs and questioned ‘where are you from? We would like to visit your country. “On being told it was Pakistan the remark would be “Ah Osama’s hometown! but we still would want to see it.”
The power of publicity is immense and more so with regard to tourism. What is lacking is projecting the positive in our country and this needs to be understood and taken on by both the government and the development sector. Keeping the potential of tourism in Pakistan merely a PTDC slogan is living in a dream. In reality, we have nothing till we show it to the world… and if we keep it hidden we have lost it. (June 8, 2011)
Send comments to: chitraltoday@gmail.com
Sunday, June 12, 2011
UK newly-wed royal couple invited to Shandur Festival
PESHAWAR, June 12, 2011: Provincial Minister for Sports Syed Aqil Shah on Sunday that Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti had formally invited the newly-wed royal couple Prince William and Princess Kate (Duke & Duchess of Cambridge) to witness the final of Shandur Polo.
The move to invite the royal couple to Shandur this year was initiated by Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) to promote the region and to put it in the news internationally for something heart-warming and positive. Teams from Gilgit have confirmed participation in the upcoming Shandur Polo Festival scheduled on July 7-9, which is expected to be a memorable and exciting event. He said the Chief Minister on behalf of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wrote to Royal Highnesses to grace the final of the Annual Shandur Polo Tournament-2011 on the final to be played on July 9.
In the letter, he said: Your Highnesses, Shandur is the highest polo field on earth. Shandur Pass which is one of the most peaceful and serene areas of Pakistan is situated near the border of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces at a distance of 147km from Chitral and 212 km from Gilgit. The pass not only connects Gilgit and Chitral but also offers one of the world's most interesting and attractive sports annually with freestyle mountain polo. The exhilarating game is played on the 'Roof of the World', about 12500 feet above sea level approx, where the Hindukush, Pamir and Karakoram ranges meet.
“Chitral is also the original birthplace of the sport of polo and the rugged mountain polo is arguably polo in its purest form. This version of the game played at Shandur has attained legendary status and is of great interest to international and domestic adventure tourists alike. There are no umpires and there are no holds barred. Played in its original devil-may-care manner, the rules are: There are no rules.
“The game is inscribed in tradition that predates history. In ancient times, polo being the 'King of Games' was played between small kingdoms, villages and rival groups of Chitral and Gilgit. The British picked up the game here, introduced some safety rules and subsequently popularised it all over the world. Besides the rules (or no rules) there is quite a difference between the polo played in Chitral and the version introduced by the British. The size of the ground, number of players and the period of play in both versions are different.
“Patronized by a British Political Agent Major Evelyn Hey Cobb in its early days, polo tournaments were held annually on this ground 1936 onwards. Presently organized by the Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) the three-day Shandur Polo Festival has developed steadily in recent years into the massive celebration of mountain polo that it is today. It is attended every year by prominent celebrities, public figures and opinion leaders.
“My government extends its warm greetings to Your Highnesses on Your recent wedding.
“The connection of the Royal Family of Britain with Chitral and polo goes back many years. In recent times, in 1997 the HRH Duke of Edinburgh flew into Chitral especially to witness a polo match and give away the Duke of Edinburgh cup which still adorns the reception counter of a local hotel.
“Chitral warmly welcomed HRH Princess Diana in 1991. The people of Chitral have fond memories of that day when all flights to Chitral had been cancelled due to rain, HRH Princess Diana landed in her BA 146 and arrived in the valley much to the pleasant surprise of everyone.
“I hope that Your Highnesses will be able to grace this polo cup final. It will help foster relations between our two countries and we await with anticipation your response.
“May Your days be joyous and healthy in the months and years to come”.--APP
Send comments to: chitraltoday@gmail.com
The move to invite the royal couple to Shandur this year was initiated by Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) to promote the region and to put it in the news internationally for something heart-warming and positive. Teams from Gilgit have confirmed participation in the upcoming Shandur Polo Festival scheduled on July 7-9, which is expected to be a memorable and exciting event. He said the Chief Minister on behalf of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wrote to Royal Highnesses to grace the final of the Annual Shandur Polo Tournament-2011 on the final to be played on July 9.
In the letter, he said: Your Highnesses, Shandur is the highest polo field on earth. Shandur Pass which is one of the most peaceful and serene areas of Pakistan is situated near the border of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces at a distance of 147km from Chitral and 212 km from Gilgit. The pass not only connects Gilgit and Chitral but also offers one of the world's most interesting and attractive sports annually with freestyle mountain polo. The exhilarating game is played on the 'Roof of the World', about 12500 feet above sea level approx, where the Hindukush, Pamir and Karakoram ranges meet.
“Chitral is also the original birthplace of the sport of polo and the rugged mountain polo is arguably polo in its purest form. This version of the game played at Shandur has attained legendary status and is of great interest to international and domestic adventure tourists alike. There are no umpires and there are no holds barred. Played in its original devil-may-care manner, the rules are: There are no rules.
“The game is inscribed in tradition that predates history. In ancient times, polo being the 'King of Games' was played between small kingdoms, villages and rival groups of Chitral and Gilgit. The British picked up the game here, introduced some safety rules and subsequently popularised it all over the world. Besides the rules (or no rules) there is quite a difference between the polo played in Chitral and the version introduced by the British. The size of the ground, number of players and the period of play in both versions are different.
“Patronized by a British Political Agent Major Evelyn Hey Cobb in its early days, polo tournaments were held annually on this ground 1936 onwards. Presently organized by the Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) the three-day Shandur Polo Festival has developed steadily in recent years into the massive celebration of mountain polo that it is today. It is attended every year by prominent celebrities, public figures and opinion leaders.
“My government extends its warm greetings to Your Highnesses on Your recent wedding.
“The connection of the Royal Family of Britain with Chitral and polo goes back many years. In recent times, in 1997 the HRH Duke of Edinburgh flew into Chitral especially to witness a polo match and give away the Duke of Edinburgh cup which still adorns the reception counter of a local hotel.
“Chitral warmly welcomed HRH Princess Diana in 1991. The people of Chitral have fond memories of that day when all flights to Chitral had been cancelled due to rain, HRH Princess Diana landed in her BA 146 and arrived in the valley much to the pleasant surprise of everyone.
“I hope that Your Highnesses will be able to grace this polo cup final. It will help foster relations between our two countries and we await with anticipation your response.
“May Your days be joyous and healthy in the months and years to come”.--APP
Send comments to: chitraltoday@gmail.com
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Aliza Alam's "creative writing"
DATE:8-6-11 R.A DAY THURSDAY
WEEK 1 TOPIC: CR.WRI
1 MY NAME IS ALIZA ALAM.
2 I AM 8 (EIGHT) YEARS OLD.
3 THE NAME OF MY SCHOOL IS ROOTS SCHOOL SYSTEM.
4 MY FATHER ‘S NAME IS ZAR ALAM KHAN.
5 MY MOTHER ‘S NAME IS HADIA AKBAR.
6 MY MOTHER IS A TEACHER.
7 MY FATHER IS A JOURNALIST.
8 My Brother's NAME IS FAHAM SULTAN. HE IS 6 YEARS OLD.
9 I LIKE TO EAT CHICKEN.
10 MY FAVOURITE PLACE IS DIZG, CHITRAL.
11 MY FAVOURITE STORY IS SNOW WHITE.
12 MY FAVOURITE CARTOON IS MAT KACAU AND DORA.
13 I READ IN CLASS 3.
14 I LIKE TO READ STORIES.
15 MY FAVOURITE DRESS IS PENT SHIRT.
16 MY BEST FRIEND IS ALISHA.
17 I LIKE PINK COLOUR.
18 MY FAVOURITE SUBJECT IS ART.
19 MY FAVOURITE POEM IS TWINKLE TWINKLE
WEEK 1 TOPIC: CR.WRI
1 MY NAME IS ALIZA ALAM.
2 I AM 8 (EIGHT) YEARS OLD.
3 THE NAME OF MY SCHOOL IS ROOTS SCHOOL SYSTEM.
4 MY FATHER ‘S NAME IS ZAR ALAM KHAN.
5 MY MOTHER ‘S NAME IS HADIA AKBAR.
6 MY MOTHER IS A TEACHER.
7 MY FATHER IS A JOURNALIST.
8 My Brother's NAME IS FAHAM SULTAN. HE IS 6 YEARS OLD.
9 I LIKE TO EAT CHICKEN.
10 MY FAVOURITE PLACE IS DIZG, CHITRAL.
11 MY FAVOURITE STORY IS SNOW WHITE.
12 MY FAVOURITE CARTOON IS MAT KACAU AND DORA.
13 I READ IN CLASS 3.
14 I LIKE TO READ STORIES.
15 MY FAVOURITE DRESS IS PENT SHIRT.
16 MY BEST FRIEND IS ALISHA.
17 I LIKE PINK COLOUR.
18 MY FAVOURITE SUBJECT IS ART.
19 MY FAVOURITE POEM IS TWINKLE TWINKLE
Monday, May 30, 2011
Ayun residents warn govt over forest royalty
CHITRAL, May 26, 2011: The residents of Ayun here warned the government that in case of any further delay in payment of forest royalty to them by the harvesting contractors, they will block the road to stop timber transportation from Chitral to Chakdara depot.
In a meeting held here, the villagers expressed their anguish over the inordinate delay in the clearance of royalty allegedly by the contractors Mohammad Khan and Shahzada Parvez.
They said according to rules, the contractors of Forest Development Corporation should readily pay the royalty to the locals after marking of the forest of Gol, Bumburate, for harvesting.
The villagers said the contractors had transported millions of cubic feet of timber from the area, but they were still hesitant to pay the locals their due right as given in the Gazette Notification of 1975.
They also alleged that the contractors had indulged in excessive cutting of forests beyond the marking limits and said that flash flood in the area last year were mainly due to the denuding forests. They asked the provincial government to stop the merciless cutting of trees.--Zahiruddin
Send comments to: chitraltoday@gmail.com
In a meeting held here, the villagers expressed their anguish over the inordinate delay in the clearance of royalty allegedly by the contractors Mohammad Khan and Shahzada Parvez.
They said according to rules, the contractors of Forest Development Corporation should readily pay the royalty to the locals after marking of the forest of Gol, Bumburate, for harvesting.
The villagers said the contractors had transported millions of cubic feet of timber from the area, but they were still hesitant to pay the locals their due right as given in the Gazette Notification of 1975.
They also alleged that the contractors had indulged in excessive cutting of forests beyond the marking limits and said that flash flood in the area last year were mainly due to the denuding forests. They asked the provincial government to stop the merciless cutting of trees.--Zahiruddin
Send comments to: chitraltoday@gmail.com
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Shandur Festival arrangements discussed
PESHAWAR, May 25, 2011: The annual Shandur Festival 2011 will be held in Chitral from July 7-9.
KPK Minister for Sports Syed Aqil Shah while chairing a meeting of the organizing committees made for managing and organizing the festival here on Wednesday directed the departments concerned to extend complete support to DCO Chitral Rehmatullah.
The meeting was also attended by Provincial Minister for Population Saleem Khan, the DCO Chitral, officials of the tourism, information departments, PIA, representative of the Commandant Chitral Scouts and President Chitral Polo Association Sikandarul Mulk.
District police and Chitral Scouts have been directed to make foolproof security arrangements and take all necessary steps for avoiding any untoward incident. Similarly, the Works and Services Department of Chitral has been directed to ensure maintenance of road from Chitral to Shandur. The Works and Services Department, Public Health Engineering Department Chitral and Town Municipal Officer Mastuj would repair and renovate galleries, toilets, ground walls, huts, stables and water supply system.
Moreover, the health department has been directed to provide all necessary health facilities during the festival days.
Similarly, all dispensaries, rural health centres, basic health units at THQ along the route from Chitral to Shandur will remain on high alert with proper sign and direction boards fixed on the road sides to provide timely healthcare to the visitors in case of any emergency.
Syed Aqil Shah said Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony while Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will be invited as chief guest on the final day.
He also nominated DCO Chitral as the focal person. He said a request would be made to PIA for special flights from both Islamabad and Peshawar to Chitral from July 5 to July 10 in order to facilitate the local as well as foreign tourists to see the thrilling polo event. He said along with hosting the polo matches a festival will also be organized whereas people would be facilitated to enjoy the thrilling moments.
It was also decided that a special enclosure would be set up for the spectators and guests from Gilgit-Baltistan. It was also decided to increase the prize money from Rs.75000 to Rs.0.1 million for the winner and from Rs.50,000 to Rs.75000 to runner-up while an increase of 15 percent has also been made in the B and C teams as well in order to facilitate the players of polo.
This year, a special entertainment area with the name of joy and wonder land would be set up for children. The representatives of Chitral Scouts assured the meeting that full security measures would be adopted on the occasion.--APP
KPK Minister for Sports Syed Aqil Shah while chairing a meeting of the organizing committees made for managing and organizing the festival here on Wednesday directed the departments concerned to extend complete support to DCO Chitral Rehmatullah.
The meeting was also attended by Provincial Minister for Population Saleem Khan, the DCO Chitral, officials of the tourism, information departments, PIA, representative of the Commandant Chitral Scouts and President Chitral Polo Association Sikandarul Mulk.
District police and Chitral Scouts have been directed to make foolproof security arrangements and take all necessary steps for avoiding any untoward incident. Similarly, the Works and Services Department of Chitral has been directed to ensure maintenance of road from Chitral to Shandur. The Works and Services Department, Public Health Engineering Department Chitral and Town Municipal Officer Mastuj would repair and renovate galleries, toilets, ground walls, huts, stables and water supply system.
Moreover, the health department has been directed to provide all necessary health facilities during the festival days.
Similarly, all dispensaries, rural health centres, basic health units at THQ along the route from Chitral to Shandur will remain on high alert with proper sign and direction boards fixed on the road sides to provide timely healthcare to the visitors in case of any emergency.
Syed Aqil Shah said Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony while Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani will be invited as chief guest on the final day.
He also nominated DCO Chitral as the focal person. He said a request would be made to PIA for special flights from both Islamabad and Peshawar to Chitral from July 5 to July 10 in order to facilitate the local as well as foreign tourists to see the thrilling polo event. He said along with hosting the polo matches a festival will also be organized whereas people would be facilitated to enjoy the thrilling moments.
It was also decided that a special enclosure would be set up for the spectators and guests from Gilgit-Baltistan. It was also decided to increase the prize money from Rs.75000 to Rs.0.1 million for the winner and from Rs.50,000 to Rs.75000 to runner-up while an increase of 15 percent has also been made in the B and C teams as well in order to facilitate the players of polo.
This year, a special entertainment area with the name of joy and wonder land would be set up for children. The representatives of Chitral Scouts assured the meeting that full security measures would be adopted on the occasion.--APP
Monday, May 23, 2011
Breaking the shackles
Report Khalid Parvez
BOONI, May 20, 2011: ‘Frailty thy name is woman’, an olden days refrain from Shakespeare got negated at a book launching ceremony organized by Anjuman Tarqi-e-Khowar, Booni chapter, at Paragon College of Commerce and Management Sciences, when a daughter of Chitral Rahima Naz came up with a romantic collection of free verses and ghazals under the title of “Lala-e-Kohsaar”.
The author, who belongs to a beautiful village of Chitral, Ayun, has become a torch-bearer for the rest of the women in Chitral by knocking the shackles of conservatism prevailed in our society where women are usually considered lesser human beings. The compilation has given a positive image to Chitrali woman folk at a critical juncture when the rate of suicide is on the rise among them in the valley.
The ceremony was presided over by Amin Afzal, President Ismaili Regional Council for upper Chitral, while DCO Rehmatullah Wazir was the chief guest on the occasion. The latter eulogized the people of Chitral for keeping pace with the trends of time and for their love with literary activities.
He quoted verses from the poetic collection of legendary mystic poet Rehman Baba and also recited verses from his own collection. Later, he announced a grant of Rs10,000 for the poetess.
Other speakers on the occasion included Fazlur Rehman, Zafarullah Parwaz, Sarfaraz Ali, Syed Sardar Hussain, who applauded the poetic collection in glorious terms. It would not be an overstatement if we call her “Parveen Shakir” of Chitral, stated another speaker Atta Hussain Athar, a prominent local columnist.
It is pertinent to mention that the poetic collection of Rahima Naz consists of 20 free verses and seven ghazals.
The preface of the book has been written by Brig. Khalid Nazeer and Prof. Shamsun Nazar Fatimi. In view of the hectic efforts of the poetess, Mr. Fazlur Rehman and Amir Afzal extended to her financial assistance of Rs10,000 each as a token of encouragement.
The gathering was also attended by a large number of women. The ceremony concluded on a positive note amidst thundering applause of the participants.
Send comments to: chitraltoday@gmail.com
BOONI, May 20, 2011: ‘Frailty thy name is woman’, an olden days refrain from Shakespeare got negated at a book launching ceremony organized by Anjuman Tarqi-e-Khowar, Booni chapter, at Paragon College of Commerce and Management Sciences, when a daughter of Chitral Rahima Naz came up with a romantic collection of free verses and ghazals under the title of “Lala-e-Kohsaar”.
The author, who belongs to a beautiful village of Chitral, Ayun, has become a torch-bearer for the rest of the women in Chitral by knocking the shackles of conservatism prevailed in our society where women are usually considered lesser human beings. The compilation has given a positive image to Chitrali woman folk at a critical juncture when the rate of suicide is on the rise among them in the valley.
The ceremony was presided over by Amin Afzal, President Ismaili Regional Council for upper Chitral, while DCO Rehmatullah Wazir was the chief guest on the occasion. The latter eulogized the people of Chitral for keeping pace with the trends of time and for their love with literary activities.
He quoted verses from the poetic collection of legendary mystic poet Rehman Baba and also recited verses from his own collection. Later, he announced a grant of Rs10,000 for the poetess.
Other speakers on the occasion included Fazlur Rehman, Zafarullah Parwaz, Sarfaraz Ali, Syed Sardar Hussain, who applauded the poetic collection in glorious terms. It would not be an overstatement if we call her “Parveen Shakir” of Chitral, stated another speaker Atta Hussain Athar, a prominent local columnist.
It is pertinent to mention that the poetic collection of Rahima Naz consists of 20 free verses and seven ghazals.
The preface of the book has been written by Brig. Khalid Nazeer and Prof. Shamsun Nazar Fatimi. In view of the hectic efforts of the poetess, Mr. Fazlur Rehman and Amir Afzal extended to her financial assistance of Rs10,000 each as a token of encouragement.
The gathering was also attended by a large number of women. The ceremony concluded on a positive note amidst thundering applause of the participants.
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Sunday, May 15, 2011
Flood victims cry for assistance
Report Waqar Ahmad
CHITRAL, May 15, 2011: Flood-affected people from different parts of Chitral here on Sunday narrated their sufferings and government’s apathy to rehabilitate them despite the passage of almost one year.
Speaking at a press conference, they appealed to the president, prime minister and the governor and chief minister of KP to announce a special package for their rehabilitation on a priority basis.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Rehmat Khan from Yarkhun valley, Mohammad Kabir Shah from Sheshi Koh, Sher Khan from Khorkashan Deh, Chitral; Gulab Khan from Arandu, Noor Hussain from Bumburet, Mir Wali Shah of Shoghor and Jehangir of Jugoor.
They said there were 90 families in the district who were most affected in the devastating floods but none of them had so far been provided any assistance.
They said some of the flood victims had been issued Watan cards but most of them were still deprived of the facility. Even those who have been issued the cards were not been paid the amount.
They said when the flood victims approached NADRA for issuance of the cards, they were told to contact the UBL. However, the UBL authorities told the affected persons that issuance of the Watan cards was the responsibility of NADRA.
The flood victims also said the Saudi government had sent 15 trucks of relief goods to Chitral but the authorities concerned in the district distributed the items among their favourites within the Chitral town.
They asked the government to order an inquiry into delay in provision of relief to the victims. They said flood victims in the remote villages of the valley were suffering a lot as there was no one to inquire after their conditions.
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CHITRAL, May 15, 2011: Flood-affected people from different parts of Chitral here on Sunday narrated their sufferings and government’s apathy to rehabilitate them despite the passage of almost one year.
Speaking at a press conference, they appealed to the president, prime minister and the governor and chief minister of KP to announce a special package for their rehabilitation on a priority basis.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Rehmat Khan from Yarkhun valley, Mohammad Kabir Shah from Sheshi Koh, Sher Khan from Khorkashan Deh, Chitral; Gulab Khan from Arandu, Noor Hussain from Bumburet, Mir Wali Shah of Shoghor and Jehangir of Jugoor.
They said there were 90 families in the district who were most affected in the devastating floods but none of them had so far been provided any assistance.
They said some of the flood victims had been issued Watan cards but most of them were still deprived of the facility. Even those who have been issued the cards were not been paid the amount.
They said when the flood victims approached NADRA for issuance of the cards, they were told to contact the UBL. However, the UBL authorities told the affected persons that issuance of the Watan cards was the responsibility of NADRA.
The flood victims also said the Saudi government had sent 15 trucks of relief goods to Chitral but the authorities concerned in the district distributed the items among their favourites within the Chitral town.
They asked the government to order an inquiry into delay in provision of relief to the victims. They said flood victims in the remote villages of the valley were suffering a lot as there was no one to inquire after their conditions.
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Thursday, May 12, 2011
Kalash spring festival to begin on 14th
By Our Correspondent
CHITRAL: The Chilim Jusht festival, which heralds the arrival of spring, will commence from May 14 in the three Kalash valleys of Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur.
Of the three Kalash festivals, Chilim Jusht, which lasts for four days, is considered to have prime importance.
Young girls and boys sing and dance in groups in the community halls. Houses are decorated and the Kalash people wear new clothes that are specifically prepared for the occasion.
Kalash men and women are seen shopping for the festival in the Chitral bazaars while in the valleys they are busy in preparing their traditional dresses.
A Kalash community leader Tash Khan told this correspondent that the Kalash girls spent lavishly on purchase of clothes and ornaments.
He said the rising prices of essential commodities had affected the purchasing power of the Kalash community. However, he said a common girl spent up to Rs25,000 on this occasion while the girls from affluent families spent more.
He said the Kalash people used the occasion for ostentation and even went beyond their financial capacity and showed off their wealth by spending more and more on their women.
Employed in a government office, Mr Khan said he had almost spent his monthly salary for the festival.
A main characteristic of the festival is selection of life partner for unmarried boys and girls, who make announcement of their choice on this occasion. According to Kalash sources, more than 60 boys and girls will be announcing their choices during the festival.
Tourists have started arriving here to watch the colourful festival of the Kalash people having unique culture and way of life.
CHITRAL: The Chilim Jusht festival, which heralds the arrival of spring, will commence from May 14 in the three Kalash valleys of Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur.
Of the three Kalash festivals, Chilim Jusht, which lasts for four days, is considered to have prime importance.
Young girls and boys sing and dance in groups in the community halls. Houses are decorated and the Kalash people wear new clothes that are specifically prepared for the occasion.
Kalash men and women are seen shopping for the festival in the Chitral bazaars while in the valleys they are busy in preparing their traditional dresses.
A Kalash community leader Tash Khan told this correspondent that the Kalash girls spent lavishly on purchase of clothes and ornaments.
He said the rising prices of essential commodities had affected the purchasing power of the Kalash community. However, he said a common girl spent up to Rs25,000 on this occasion while the girls from affluent families spent more.
He said the Kalash people used the occasion for ostentation and even went beyond their financial capacity and showed off their wealth by spending more and more on their women.
Employed in a government office, Mr Khan said he had almost spent his monthly salary for the festival.
A main characteristic of the festival is selection of life partner for unmarried boys and girls, who make announcement of their choice on this occasion. According to Kalash sources, more than 60 boys and girls will be announcing their choices during the festival.
Tourists have started arriving here to watch the colourful festival of the Kalash people having unique culture and way of life.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
GB chief minister trying to fray public tempers on Shandur
ISLAMABAD: In what seems to be a calculated move to create rift amongst the people of Chitral and Ghizer districts, the dummy chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Mr Mehdi Shah, has again indicated that his government will boycott the annual Shandur Festival this year too.
However, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan especially those of Ghizer district have taken exception to Mehdi Shah’s move and said he was trying to gain cheap popularity by playing to the galleries without even considering the repercussion of if in the long run.
The people were of the view that by repeating the mistake of the year 2010, when GB boycotted the festival, the puppet chief minister was strengthening the hands of KP government in consolidating its grip on Shandur. It will also pitch the people f Chitral against their brethren in Gilgit-Baltistan, they said.
It may be noted here that the people of both the Ghizer and Chitral districts have centuries-old cultural, social and economic relations and speak the Khowar language. Under a conspiracy, Ghizer was separated from Chitral’s Mastuj district but even today the masses on both sides of the border feel easy in interacting with each other due to similarities in their culture, language and traditions.
Last year, after the devastating floods, the people of Ghizer and adjoining areas remained cut-off from rest of the country when the Karakoram Highway (KKH) was blocked. But they continued supply of essential commodities through the Chitral-Shandur road. The federal government has also planned to expand the Shandur road and link GB with Peshawar through Chitral as an alternative to the KKH which frequently remains blocked.
It may also be noted that due to the poor policies of the dummy chief minister, the people of Ghizer have already rejected his party, the PPP, in the region and in the recent by-election a nationalist party leader won the seat vacated by Governor Pir Karam Ali Shah.
The people of the region said the chief minister should launch some welfare projects in the area instead of trying to win cheap popularity by pitching the people of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan against each other.
They said Shandur was not an issue between the people of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan but some people with vested interest were trying to make a mountain out a molehill which will not succeed in their mission.--In collaboration with Bange Sahar Publications
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However, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan especially those of Ghizer district have taken exception to Mehdi Shah’s move and said he was trying to gain cheap popularity by playing to the galleries without even considering the repercussion of if in the long run.
The people were of the view that by repeating the mistake of the year 2010, when GB boycotted the festival, the puppet chief minister was strengthening the hands of KP government in consolidating its grip on Shandur. It will also pitch the people f Chitral against their brethren in Gilgit-Baltistan, they said.
It may be noted here that the people of both the Ghizer and Chitral districts have centuries-old cultural, social and economic relations and speak the Khowar language. Under a conspiracy, Ghizer was separated from Chitral’s Mastuj district but even today the masses on both sides of the border feel easy in interacting with each other due to similarities in their culture, language and traditions.
Last year, after the devastating floods, the people of Ghizer and adjoining areas remained cut-off from rest of the country when the Karakoram Highway (KKH) was blocked. But they continued supply of essential commodities through the Chitral-Shandur road. The federal government has also planned to expand the Shandur road and link GB with Peshawar through Chitral as an alternative to the KKH which frequently remains blocked.
It may also be noted that due to the poor policies of the dummy chief minister, the people of Ghizer have already rejected his party, the PPP, in the region and in the recent by-election a nationalist party leader won the seat vacated by Governor Pir Karam Ali Shah.
The people of the region said the chief minister should launch some welfare projects in the area instead of trying to win cheap popularity by pitching the people of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan against each other.
They said Shandur was not an issue between the people of Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan but some people with vested interest were trying to make a mountain out a molehill which will not succeed in their mission.--In collaboration with Bange Sahar Publications
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Thursday, April 28, 2011
Society should discourage rising suicide trend: seminar
Report Zahiruddin
CHITRAL, April 26, 2011: Speakers at a seminar here on Monday asked the society to utilize all social tools to discourage the rising trend of suicide, especially among girls, in Chitral while government should also play its defined role in this connection.
Jointly held by Chitral Press Club and Regional Women Empowerment Project (RWEP) of AKRSP, the theme of the seminar was ‘to ascertain the reasons of suicide among youth and measures to check it’. The members of civil society organizations, religious leaders, academicians and activists of development sector attended the seminar in large number.
The speakers said the frequency of the incidents to commit suicide had gone to a horrendous level in the area and the issue must be tackled on a war footing and the attention of the whole society must be diverted towards it.
They noted that not a single or a few reasons can be cited for the issue but it is multi-faceted and is a complex whole and many factors combine together to lead the young segment of the society to the incidents.
They said many of the young girls commit suicide when they failed to negotiate themselves with the circumstances which are imposed on them against their will because of the prevailing trend that the decision regarding the weaker sex of the society is made by the male.
The speakers also noted that the local society is undergoing the period of transition and the youth folk often find themselves far behind the designated position and this leads them to distortion and deviation from the normal path.
They pointed out the lack of the facilities of psychotherapy in the district headquarters hospital and said that a large number of affected people can be treated and normalize their life routine.
The speakers eulogized the efforts of RWEP for its efforts to ascertain the reasons of suicides in Chitral and raising awareness among the people.
Those who read out their papers included Dr. Inayatullah Faizi, Dr. Gulzar Ahmed, Niaz A Niazi Advocate, Maulana Habibullah and Khateeb Khaliquz Zaman.
CHITRAL, April 26, 2011: Speakers at a seminar here on Monday asked the society to utilize all social tools to discourage the rising trend of suicide, especially among girls, in Chitral while government should also play its defined role in this connection.
Jointly held by Chitral Press Club and Regional Women Empowerment Project (RWEP) of AKRSP, the theme of the seminar was ‘to ascertain the reasons of suicide among youth and measures to check it’. The members of civil society organizations, religious leaders, academicians and activists of development sector attended the seminar in large number.
The speakers said the frequency of the incidents to commit suicide had gone to a horrendous level in the area and the issue must be tackled on a war footing and the attention of the whole society must be diverted towards it.
They noted that not a single or a few reasons can be cited for the issue but it is multi-faceted and is a complex whole and many factors combine together to lead the young segment of the society to the incidents.
They said many of the young girls commit suicide when they failed to negotiate themselves with the circumstances which are imposed on them against their will because of the prevailing trend that the decision regarding the weaker sex of the society is made by the male.
The speakers also noted that the local society is undergoing the period of transition and the youth folk often find themselves far behind the designated position and this leads them to distortion and deviation from the normal path.
They pointed out the lack of the facilities of psychotherapy in the district headquarters hospital and said that a large number of affected people can be treated and normalize their life routine.
The speakers eulogized the efforts of RWEP for its efforts to ascertain the reasons of suicides in Chitral and raising awareness among the people.
Those who read out their papers included Dr. Inayatullah Faizi, Dr. Gulzar Ahmed, Niaz A Niazi Advocate, Maulana Habibullah and Khateeb Khaliquz Zaman.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
PM promises timely provision of funds for Lowari Tunnel
ISLAMABAD, April 26, 2011: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that timely completion of Lowari Tunnel project will not only bring great relief for the people of Chitral by reducing distance but also provide them access to other parts of the country in all weathers.
He directed the concerned authorities for timely provision of funds for the Lowari Tunnel project so that this project of national importance could be completed soon.
The Prime Minister was talking to Shahzada Mohiuddin, MNA, who called on him here at his Parliament House Chamber on Monday evening.
The Prime Minister said projects like provision of clean drinking water for the masses, the sewerage system, and the basic health facilities have been undertaken by the government in collaboration with NGOs for the welfare of the people of Chitral.
Shahzada Mohiuddin thanked the Prime Minister for his personal interest for the uplift of the area.
He informed the Prime Minister about the ongoing development projects in his area. He also apprised about various problems being faced by the people in Chitral.--APP
Meanwhile, talking to chitraltoday.com here, the MNA said some people, especially the Jamaat-i-Islami Chitral representatives have started propaganda about diversion of Lowari Tunnel funds to Multan and Larkana and were creating confusion among the people of Chitral for their vested interest. He claimed that work on the project was continuing and the project would be completed on time.
He said the prime minister had also promised to release the Rs300 million he had promised to each of the seven PML-Q MNAs, including himself, who were supporting the PPP government.
He directed the concerned authorities for timely provision of funds for the Lowari Tunnel project so that this project of national importance could be completed soon.
The Prime Minister was talking to Shahzada Mohiuddin, MNA, who called on him here at his Parliament House Chamber on Monday evening.
The Prime Minister said projects like provision of clean drinking water for the masses, the sewerage system, and the basic health facilities have been undertaken by the government in collaboration with NGOs for the welfare of the people of Chitral.
Shahzada Mohiuddin thanked the Prime Minister for his personal interest for the uplift of the area.
He informed the Prime Minister about the ongoing development projects in his area. He also apprised about various problems being faced by the people in Chitral.--APP
Meanwhile, talking to chitraltoday.com here, the MNA said some people, especially the Jamaat-i-Islami Chitral representatives have started propaganda about diversion of Lowari Tunnel funds to Multan and Larkana and were creating confusion among the people of Chitral for their vested interest. He claimed that work on the project was continuing and the project would be completed on time.
He said the prime minister had also promised to release the Rs300 million he had promised to each of the seven PML-Q MNAs, including himself, who were supporting the PPP government.
Chitral’s immense hydel potential
Basic essential requirements for producing hydel energy are water plus fall. The higher the fall the more the water, the higher the energy produced. In a mountainous terrain like Chitral with plenty of fast flowing waters, higher and higher falls can be derived by building gravity flow channels.
The same formula applied in the plains would require building huge dams at tremendous costs then these dams getting silted up in due course of time. Where Chitral is concerned a safe estimate is that at least twenty large hydel projects if not many many more can be set up on falls from gravity flow channels from the mini rivers of the side valleys.
Similarly, several small dams can be built at a number of special sites on the main river wherever the very narrow gorges make such dams feasible, producing as much energy as large ones in the plains. Unlike the dams in the plains the collection of water in these dams would hardly submerge any cultivable lands. Thus according to this claims of this scribe the immense hydel potential of Chitral has a capacity to provide energy to the whole of Pakistan and Afganistan if not more.
Even if one calls it a day dream what harm by one more vision with so many aspirations gone bitter, stinking and becoming unpalatable. so while hoping against hope one is reminded by one of Allama Iqbal’s verses Nawaayae aafereen seenayae khaesh, bahaarae nee tuwaan kardan kharaan raa...... so half a century of our precious by gone life demands that the long neglected development of Chitral be handed over to WB for the next fifty years.
Development plan should among others also include highways to central Asia over the Durah and Boroghil passes and development of Kagh Lasht as an international airport, a modern university with foreign scholarships and a full fledged hospital in Chitral proper. With Chitral’s immense hydel potential and its iron and other mineral ores there is a fare chance of not one poor family remaining in Chitral.
The British had introduced electricity in Chitral on a small scale when there were no hydro electricity in many areas of the frontier province. One sikh, Ram singh was the head operator.
Again Lowari is no enigma with what wonders science and technology have produced and developed during the last one and half century.'' Sitarrown sea aagae jehaan our bhi hean''. so why on earth should the lowari be such a perplexing and bedevilling problem? Decades ago during the 1970 elections and through the papers this scribe ad advocated the idea of a cable car way over the lowari. When the mode is in existence else here, and even in Pakistan then for the Quid’s and Islamabad,s sake why not a cable car way over the Lowari? No! The fault dear Qashqaries is not in our stars, the flaw is definitely more so in you and me and in our cuisses and Brutus's.
KA Mulk
Chitral (April 26, 2011).
The same formula applied in the plains would require building huge dams at tremendous costs then these dams getting silted up in due course of time. Where Chitral is concerned a safe estimate is that at least twenty large hydel projects if not many many more can be set up on falls from gravity flow channels from the mini rivers of the side valleys.
Similarly, several small dams can be built at a number of special sites on the main river wherever the very narrow gorges make such dams feasible, producing as much energy as large ones in the plains. Unlike the dams in the plains the collection of water in these dams would hardly submerge any cultivable lands. Thus according to this claims of this scribe the immense hydel potential of Chitral has a capacity to provide energy to the whole of Pakistan and Afganistan if not more.
Even if one calls it a day dream what harm by one more vision with so many aspirations gone bitter, stinking and becoming unpalatable. so while hoping against hope one is reminded by one of Allama Iqbal’s verses Nawaayae aafereen seenayae khaesh, bahaarae nee tuwaan kardan kharaan raa...... so half a century of our precious by gone life demands that the long neglected development of Chitral be handed over to WB for the next fifty years.
Development plan should among others also include highways to central Asia over the Durah and Boroghil passes and development of Kagh Lasht as an international airport, a modern university with foreign scholarships and a full fledged hospital in Chitral proper. With Chitral’s immense hydel potential and its iron and other mineral ores there is a fare chance of not one poor family remaining in Chitral.
The British had introduced electricity in Chitral on a small scale when there were no hydro electricity in many areas of the frontier province. One sikh, Ram singh was the head operator.
Again Lowari is no enigma with what wonders science and technology have produced and developed during the last one and half century.'' Sitarrown sea aagae jehaan our bhi hean''. so why on earth should the lowari be such a perplexing and bedevilling problem? Decades ago during the 1970 elections and through the papers this scribe ad advocated the idea of a cable car way over the lowari. When the mode is in existence else here, and even in Pakistan then for the Quid’s and Islamabad,s sake why not a cable car way over the Lowari? No! The fault dear Qashqaries is not in our stars, the flaw is definitely more so in you and me and in our cuisses and Brutus's.
KA Mulk
Chitral (April 26, 2011).
Thursday, April 21, 2011
'Chitralis' hospitality impressed Markhor hunters'
PESHAWAR, April 21, 2011: Foreigners from US and Russia hunted three Markhors – two in Chitral and one in Kohistan - and returned to their homelands carrying along the attractive trophies and good memories of hospitality of the local people.
“One of the three hunters was an octogenarian,” said Chief Conservator Wildlife Department Saeeduz Zaman Siddique.
The chief conservator said the expedition of these foreign hunters was very successful from all aspects and they returned home much satisfied with the hospitality and friendly behaviour of people of the areas.
“We were concerned about the safety and security of foreign hunters and fortunately nothing untoward happened during their stay,” he said and added in fact the attitude of locals with the visiting hunters was very cordial and encouraging.
Giving details about hunting scheme, Saeeduz Zaman said government had allowed hunting of limited number of Markhors and Ibex under the Trophy Hunting Program.
The program was aimed at protection of the endangered animals through involvement of communities and fund raising.
In the trophy hunting scheme, communities are being involved in conservation of wildlife and revenue generation by sale of hunting permits of protected animals and the amount is mostly spent on development of involved communities.
This year, he said, the Wildlife department earned 215,500 dollars through sale of three permits of Markhor hunting. During the current game, two animals were hunted in Chitral and one in Kohistan.
In Chitral, Mr. Te Pavel of Russian and Mr. John Joseph Lo Monaco of US brought down the animals in Toshi Sha Sha Markhor Conservancy and paid dollars 80,500 each.
He said Joseph Alian Smith hunted the animal in Kaigah game reserve, Kohistan, and paid dollars 55,000.--APP
“One of the three hunters was an octogenarian,” said Chief Conservator Wildlife Department Saeeduz Zaman Siddique.
The chief conservator said the expedition of these foreign hunters was very successful from all aspects and they returned home much satisfied with the hospitality and friendly behaviour of people of the areas.
“We were concerned about the safety and security of foreign hunters and fortunately nothing untoward happened during their stay,” he said and added in fact the attitude of locals with the visiting hunters was very cordial and encouraging.
Giving details about hunting scheme, Saeeduz Zaman said government had allowed hunting of limited number of Markhors and Ibex under the Trophy Hunting Program.
The program was aimed at protection of the endangered animals through involvement of communities and fund raising.
In the trophy hunting scheme, communities are being involved in conservation of wildlife and revenue generation by sale of hunting permits of protected animals and the amount is mostly spent on development of involved communities.
This year, he said, the Wildlife department earned 215,500 dollars through sale of three permits of Markhor hunting. During the current game, two animals were hunted in Chitral and one in Kohistan.
In Chitral, Mr. Te Pavel of Russian and Mr. John Joseph Lo Monaco of US brought down the animals in Toshi Sha Sha Markhor Conservancy and paid dollars 80,500 each.
He said Joseph Alian Smith hunted the animal in Kaigah game reserve, Kohistan, and paid dollars 55,000.--APP
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Call to retrieve state land in Chitral
Chitral Today Report
CHITRAL, April 19, 2011: Mr. Shahzada Ibarhim Pirzada, the chairperson of NCCB monitoring cell for Chitral/Gilgit-Baltistan and member of Transparency International, has said some of the local politicians in the past had handed over state land in the valley to their relatives and cronies and created problems for the government as well as the communities.
In a statement, he said these people had been charged a reason amount against the land and also made a good voter for the time being.
He said the local communities had been using these lands for grazing animals and collecting firewood for their livelihood. Now a great vacuum has been created between the government department concerned and the local communities. He said the government in Chitral already lacked state property.
Mr. Shahzada said the district government’s department concerned should take stern action against such politicians who used the government property for their own benefit otherwise the NCCB would file a case against them with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Islamabad.
CHITRAL, April 19, 2011: Mr. Shahzada Ibarhim Pirzada, the chairperson of NCCB monitoring cell for Chitral/Gilgit-Baltistan and member of Transparency International, has said some of the local politicians in the past had handed over state land in the valley to their relatives and cronies and created problems for the government as well as the communities.
In a statement, he said these people had been charged a reason amount against the land and also made a good voter for the time being.
He said the local communities had been using these lands for grazing animals and collecting firewood for their livelihood. Now a great vacuum has been created between the government department concerned and the local communities. He said the government in Chitral already lacked state property.
Mr. Shahzada said the district government’s department concerned should take stern action against such politicians who used the government property for their own benefit otherwise the NCCB would file a case against them with the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Islamabad.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Qaqlasht Festival final draws crowds
CHITRAL, April 18, 2011: The four-day Qaqlasht festival witnessed a great rush of spectators from all parts of the district on its final day on Monday and people, including women and children, enjoyed the folk sports of shooting, falconry, tug-of-war and traditional football (bampu ghal).
Haider Wali Haideri, who has been associated with organizing the festival for the last 21 years, told this correspondent that this year the response of people was unprecedented.
In the competitions held on village level, Booni town emerged winner by grabbing cricket, tug-of-war, bampu ghall and mountain race titles.
Morder village clinched football cup; Faizur Rahman Laal and companions of Kosht village won target shooting competition; and Hayat Shah of Torkhow was declared the winner of falconry. Chitral Scouts lifted the volleyball trophy.
The final of polo match between Booni and Kosht could not be held for shortage of time and would be played next week.
District development advisory committee chairman Ghulam Mohammad, who was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony, gave away prizes to the winning teams and players.
On this occasion, Mr Ghulam praised the Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for sponsoring the Kagh Lusht festival and said that the tourism potential of upper Chitral needed to be exploited to end unemployment and poverty in the area.
He said that many areas of the tourist resort still needed to be discovered and developed to attract tourists.
“We have a large number of picnic spots and many unique and interesting things to offer to the tourists, but serious work is still needed to be done to develop the tourism sector,” he said.--Zahiruddin
Haider Wali Haideri, who has been associated with organizing the festival for the last 21 years, told this correspondent that this year the response of people was unprecedented.
In the competitions held on village level, Booni town emerged winner by grabbing cricket, tug-of-war, bampu ghall and mountain race titles.
Morder village clinched football cup; Faizur Rahman Laal and companions of Kosht village won target shooting competition; and Hayat Shah of Torkhow was declared the winner of falconry. Chitral Scouts lifted the volleyball trophy.
The final of polo match between Booni and Kosht could not be held for shortage of time and would be played next week.
District development advisory committee chairman Ghulam Mohammad, who was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony, gave away prizes to the winning teams and players.
On this occasion, Mr Ghulam praised the Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for sponsoring the Kagh Lusht festival and said that the tourism potential of upper Chitral needed to be exploited to end unemployment and poverty in the area.
He said that many areas of the tourist resort still needed to be discovered and developed to attract tourists.
“We have a large number of picnic spots and many unique and interesting things to offer to the tourists, but serious work is still needed to be done to develop the tourism sector,” he said.--Zahiruddin
Monday, April 18, 2011
Upper Chitral farmers in hot water
CHITRAL, April 17, 2011: Farmers will not be able to carry out wheat cultivation in the flood-hit areas of Chitral this season due to exorbitant prices of wheat seed, fertilizer, pesticides and charges of tractors.
Talking to this correspondent here on Sunday, a number of farmers from upper Chitral said they had lost their standing crop of wheat to the torrential rain in July last year due to which they had suffered a lot.
They said almost 100 per cent farmers grew wheat for household consumption and providing fodder to animals in the form of chaff.
Former general councillor Samiul Haq said despite tall claims of the government and different NGOs, they did not receive any aid to be able to cultivate wheat for the season.
Riaz Ali, organizer of an NGO, said due to rampant poverty in the area even families with moderate income could hardly make both ends meet.--Zahiruddin
Talking to this correspondent here on Sunday, a number of farmers from upper Chitral said they had lost their standing crop of wheat to the torrential rain in July last year due to which they had suffered a lot.
They said almost 100 per cent farmers grew wheat for household consumption and providing fodder to animals in the form of chaff.
Former general councillor Samiul Haq said despite tall claims of the government and different NGOs, they did not receive any aid to be able to cultivate wheat for the season.
Riaz Ali, organizer of an NGO, said due to rampant poverty in the area even families with moderate income could hardly make both ends meet.--Zahiruddin
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Environment walk held at Qaqlasht in Chitral
Report R.A. Jaffar Dost
BOONI, April 17, 2011: A walk was held at Qaqlasht at the sideline of the annual festival to create public awareness about environment on Sunday. The walk was led by retired Subedar Rehmat Noor Husain of Charun.
A large number of people attended the walk. Jashne Qaqlasht vice chairman Mukhtar Lal of Booni and general secretary Mustansir Lal of Morder were also present along with other elites of the area. The walk was organized by Chitral Heritage and Envirnment Protection Society.
RPM of FOCUS Chitral Amir Mohammad was also present. Chitral police and TMA Mastuj also took part in arranging the walk. Students from Boroghil and all schools and colleges in Booni also attended the walk in a large number.
The participants collected waste and garbage in the festival site and disposed them of. The organizers requested the visitors and tourists going to the venue of any festival or match to take care of the environment and not scatter the waste in the open.
Meanwhile, the final matches of the festival were postponed to Monday due to intermittent rain on Sunday. A large number of people were present at the venue and they enjoyed the festival in the pleasant weather.
BOONI, April 17, 2011: A walk was held at Qaqlasht at the sideline of the annual festival to create public awareness about environment on Sunday. The walk was led by retired Subedar Rehmat Noor Husain of Charun.
A large number of people attended the walk. Jashne Qaqlasht vice chairman Mukhtar Lal of Booni and general secretary Mustansir Lal of Morder were also present along with other elites of the area. The walk was organized by Chitral Heritage and Envirnment Protection Society.
RPM of FOCUS Chitral Amir Mohammad was also present. Chitral police and TMA Mastuj also took part in arranging the walk. Students from Boroghil and all schools and colleges in Booni also attended the walk in a large number.
The participants collected waste and garbage in the festival site and disposed them of. The organizers requested the visitors and tourists going to the venue of any festival or match to take care of the environment and not scatter the waste in the open.
Meanwhile, the final matches of the festival were postponed to Monday due to intermittent rain on Sunday. A large number of people were present at the venue and they enjoyed the festival in the pleasant weather.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Qaqlasht Festival continues
CHITRAL, April 16, 2011: The valley of Chitral is very peaceful and paradises-like place, and its people are peace loving and have rich cultural and eco-tourism potential.
These views were express by Mrs Robin Raphel, country director United States Agency for International Development (USAID) who was chief guest at the quarterfinal polo match of Qaqlasht festival. She determined that concrete steps would be taken for promoting eco-tourism in Chitral. She highly hailed hospitality and peace loving nature of Chitrali people.
Earlier, she was briefed by Shamsuddin, Manager Chitral Association for Mountain Areas Tourism (CAMAT), about the role of CAMAT in promoting tourism and especially eco-tourism in the Hindukush region.
She threw the ball into the ground and opened the match between Reshun B and Booni B polo teams.
On the first day of the festival, 12 cricket teams, six football teams, four volleyball teams, two polo teams, two tug of war teams participated. While on the second day of the festival, eight football teams participated.
Charun football team defeated Torkho, Booni defeated Kushum team, Lone beat Reshun and Booni defeated Degree College.—GH Farooqui
These views were express by Mrs Robin Raphel, country director United States Agency for International Development (USAID) who was chief guest at the quarterfinal polo match of Qaqlasht festival. She determined that concrete steps would be taken for promoting eco-tourism in Chitral. She highly hailed hospitality and peace loving nature of Chitrali people.
Earlier, she was briefed by Shamsuddin, Manager Chitral Association for Mountain Areas Tourism (CAMAT), about the role of CAMAT in promoting tourism and especially eco-tourism in the Hindukush region.
She threw the ball into the ground and opened the match between Reshun B and Booni B polo teams.
On the first day of the festival, 12 cricket teams, six football teams, four volleyball teams, two polo teams, two tug of war teams participated. While on the second day of the festival, eight football teams participated.
Charun football team defeated Torkho, Booni defeated Kushum team, Lone beat Reshun and Booni defeated Degree College.—GH Farooqui
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Markhor deaths due to climate change, official
CHITRAL, April 13, 2011: According to a handout released by Mr. Imtiaz Hussain, Divisional Forest officer Wildlife Division Chitral, the major causes for the loss of the Markhors was lungs and pannonia diseases due to climate change.
Mr. Imtiaz said that Tooshi-Shaha Game reserve spreads over an area of 20,000 hectares, and supports good population of Markhors. This game reserve is managing on participatory approach, jointly by Wildlife Department and local
communities through Wildlife Act 1975 and Private Game Reserve Rule 1993. He also confirmed that every year Markhors of below one year age died in the area due to Climate change. He said the department has formed an inquiry team which consists of expert from Wildlife Department Chitral, Livestock Department Chitral and WWF-Pakistan Chitral in order to look in to the matter and the said inquiry team is visited the area and conformed seven death Markhors less than one year of ages.
Mr. Imtiaz said the news published in some local newspapers regarding the high rate of losses of Markhor in Tooshi-Shaha Game reserve was not based on facts and the actual story was not highlighted.
He said that according to livestock specialists the mortality was due to climate change and disturbance and variation in the local environment.--Kashif Ahmad
Mr. Imtiaz said that Tooshi-Shaha Game reserve spreads over an area of 20,000 hectares, and supports good population of Markhors. This game reserve is managing on participatory approach, jointly by Wildlife Department and local
communities through Wildlife Act 1975 and Private Game Reserve Rule 1993. He also confirmed that every year Markhors of below one year age died in the area due to Climate change. He said the department has formed an inquiry team which consists of expert from Wildlife Department Chitral, Livestock Department Chitral and WWF-Pakistan Chitral in order to look in to the matter and the said inquiry team is visited the area and conformed seven death Markhors less than one year of ages.
Mr. Imtiaz said the news published in some local newspapers regarding the high rate of losses of Markhor in Tooshi-Shaha Game reserve was not based on facts and the actual story was not highlighted.
He said that according to livestock specialists the mortality was due to climate change and disturbance and variation in the local environment.--Kashif Ahmad
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Stop eliminating the trout fish of Garum Chashma
Reproduced from Chitral Today (chitraltoday.com)
Garum Chashma valley in Chitral is famous for its scenic beauty and crystal clear blue water stream. The Garum Chashma River is the abode of world class Rainbow Trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss), which is in high demand for being multi vitamin and is important specie of fresh water ecosystem, introduced in the era of our British masters.
Rainbow trout are highly prized as game fish because they fight hard to free themselves, leaping high out of the water. Rainbow trout are often quite beautiful, with spotted backs and a red splash across their sides. Colours are especially pronounced specially in the spawning season.
Unfortunately the story of this trout is very much tragic. Indiscriminate killing of the fish starts right by the end of spring to the autumn. The fish undergoes breeding period from June to the end of August and it is not spared even its breeding hours; the result is a great decline in population of the fish to the point of extinction.
Last year the district fisheries department appealed to the hunters to stop fish catch, which proves nothing more than an eye wash. Special measures are needed to control the population decline of the trout. The watchdog appointed by fishery department is highly ineffective to say the least, because the offenders are devising new techniques for fish haunt every day.
Generally the operation against the fish starts after 9pm in which large fishing nets are used to filter fish from the river, obviously without any legal permit. Use of dynamite to incapacitate the fish for good catch is known to everybody in the area. The toxic ingredients of dynamite such as nitroglycerine are disruptive for food chain in fresh water ecosystem causing diseases in the long run in aquatic organisms beside disastrous immediate effects. The act constitutes crime against animal specie and the offenders go unnoticed and unpunished.
Due to critical decline in the trout fish population the local tourism and recreation has come to a stand still. Serious efforts are needed to arrest the complete degeneration of this highly valued fish in the area not only from the responsible department but also from the local communities. The best solution to the problem lies in taking the local communities on board; as long as the community is not involved in the effort to save this fish from degeneration, no effort can be fruitful to protect the specie. To this end the district fishery department may amply make joint partnership for fish conservation with village conservative societies which are very effectively working in the area.
Law enforcement agencies would also go a long way to stop the rot provided they extend scrupulous legal hand.
Fidaul Karim
Shoghore (April 13, 2011).
Garum Chashma valley in Chitral is famous for its scenic beauty and crystal clear blue water stream. The Garum Chashma River is the abode of world class Rainbow Trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss), which is in high demand for being multi vitamin and is important specie of fresh water ecosystem, introduced in the era of our British masters.
Rainbow trout are highly prized as game fish because they fight hard to free themselves, leaping high out of the water. Rainbow trout are often quite beautiful, with spotted backs and a red splash across their sides. Colours are especially pronounced specially in the spawning season.
Unfortunately the story of this trout is very much tragic. Indiscriminate killing of the fish starts right by the end of spring to the autumn. The fish undergoes breeding period from June to the end of August and it is not spared even its breeding hours; the result is a great decline in population of the fish to the point of extinction.
Last year the district fisheries department appealed to the hunters to stop fish catch, which proves nothing more than an eye wash. Special measures are needed to control the population decline of the trout. The watchdog appointed by fishery department is highly ineffective to say the least, because the offenders are devising new techniques for fish haunt every day.
Generally the operation against the fish starts after 9pm in which large fishing nets are used to filter fish from the river, obviously without any legal permit. Use of dynamite to incapacitate the fish for good catch is known to everybody in the area. The toxic ingredients of dynamite such as nitroglycerine are disruptive for food chain in fresh water ecosystem causing diseases in the long run in aquatic organisms beside disastrous immediate effects. The act constitutes crime against animal specie and the offenders go unnoticed and unpunished.
Due to critical decline in the trout fish population the local tourism and recreation has come to a stand still. Serious efforts are needed to arrest the complete degeneration of this highly valued fish in the area not only from the responsible department but also from the local communities. The best solution to the problem lies in taking the local communities on board; as long as the community is not involved in the effort to save this fish from degeneration, no effort can be fruitful to protect the specie. To this end the district fishery department may amply make joint partnership for fish conservation with village conservative societies which are very effectively working in the area.
Law enforcement agencies would also go a long way to stop the rot provided they extend scrupulous legal hand.
Fidaul Karim
Shoghore (April 13, 2011).
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Gender inequality in education
From Chitral Today (chitraltoday.com).
By Shafiqur Rehman
Gender refers to socially constructed roles and responsibilities of women and men. The difference in roles and responsibilities among women and men stems from our families, societies and culture (Chaudhry, 2009). The concept of gender includes our expectations about the characteristics, attitudes and behaviors of women and men. The different roles, rights and resources that both the genders have in society are important determinants of the nature and scope of their inequality and poverty. Inequality in access to resources between women and men is most common in poor and developing countries. Gender inequality/discrimination refers to inequality in conditions among women and men for realizing their human rights.
In Pakistan, home has been defined as women legitimate ideological and physical space where she performs her practical role as a mother and wife, while a man dominates the world outside the home and performs his productive role as a bread winner. Men and women are conceptually divided into two separate worlds. The household resources are allocated in the favor of sons due to their productive role. Male members of the family are given better education and are equipped with skills to compete for resources in public field (ADB, 2000), while female members are imparted domestic skills to be good mothers and wives. They are given limited opportunities to create choices for themselves in order to change the realities of their lives.
Pakistan shows gender inequality in education. Therefore, strong gender disparities exist in educational attainment between rural and urban areas and among the provinces in Pakistan (ADB, 2000). Pakistan is a patriarchal society, where women suffer all sorts of discrimination, resulting in low social, economic and political status in the society. According to the UNDP (1999), gender gap is increasing in all social sectors of Pakistan. Pakistan ranks 120 in 146 countries in terms of gender- related development index, and in terms of gender empowerment measurement ranking, it ranks 92 in 94 countries. Gender inequality in education can be measured by looking the Gross and net enrollment rates and completion and drop rates. Cultural limitations discourage parents from sending their daughters to mixed gender schools (NEP, 2007). However, the problem is not just of demand. There have been situations where girls are enrolled in boys’ schools even up to matric level, indicating that supply of quality girls schooling is falling short. Similarly, poor physical environment or lack of basic facilities in schools also discourages parents from sending their girls to schools.
According to National Educational Policy of Pakistan (2007), the educational status of women in Pakistan is unacceptably low, in fact, amongst the lowest in the world. The problem emanates at the primary level, as low participation and high dropouts at that stage prevent females from reaching higher education and equitable opportunities for such furtherance do not become available to the female gender. According to the Ministry of Women Development (2007) cited in NEP( 2007), only 19% of females have attained education up to Matric, 8% up to Intermediate, 5% a Bachelor’s degree and 1.4% achieved a Master’s degree. 60% of the female adult population is illiterate. Of the 3.3 million out of school children, 2.503 million are girls. 73.6% of primary age girls attend school, compared with 92.1% of boys. Moreover, a sizeable majority of rural girls drop out of primary schools.
Women in Pakistan do not form a homogeneous entity; their opportunities vary greatly with the social system that they are part of. In rural areas, patriarchal structures often combine with poverty to limit opportunities for women (NEP, 2007), while women belonging to the upper and middle classes have increasingly greater access to education and employment opportunities and can assume greater control over their lives. Educated and professional women in urban areas and from upper classes of the society enjoy much better status and rights than illiterate women in rural areas of Pakistan. Women in tribal areas of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and remote areas of southern Punjab and Interior Sindh live in more unpleasant social conditions than women in other parts of the country (PESFD, 2006-07). In rural areas, women are discouraged in attaining higher education just for the sake of avoiding the time when women can lead man, while in urban areas women are encouraged to get education, so girls actively join the professional and technical courses. But after getting technically and professionally qualified they are not allowed permission to work, this is the reason we don’t find females at offices as much as we find males. This is the major drawback as it leads a nation towards economic disaster as half the nation in the form of females if won’t participate in economic activities and hence their professional qualification goes in the bin (UNDP, 1998). Girls excel in academics so more girls avail admissions in medical colleges. But, after getting qualified as M.B.S.S, majority girls do not practice due to our social issues.
In villages girls are usually not asked whom do they want to marry; parents just fix their wedding of their daughters to the groom of their choice. Sometime for land and money parents fix the wedding of their young girl to an old man. It has been observed that if a couple is involved in some unethical practice, people points the girl only, while boy is never considered guilty. If a female marries twice or thrice, she is considered awful, while the case is totally different in the case of the male. Divorced lady is treated in the same manner. Today’s life is male oriented. Females face gender discrimination everywhere. Discrimination is generated when the balance is not found. What to blame other people, when parents themselves initiate gender disparity. Some parents only send their sons to schools while some send their sons and daughters both to schools but they put boys in good schools and girls in government local schools (Chaudhry, 2009). Some forward-thinking people send both their sons and daughters to good schools but at the time of sending children abroad, they discriminate and send their sons at first place.
Women’s lower social, economic, and cultural standing results in the low health and educational status of women. Social and familial control over women’s sexuality, their economic dependence on men, and restrictions on their mobility determine differential access of males and females to health services. Intra-household bias in food distribution leads to nutritional deficiencies among female children. Early marriages of girls, excessive childbearing, lack of control over their own bodies, and a high level of illiteracy adversely affect women’s health. Institutionalized gender bias within the health service delivery system in terms of lack of female service providers, and neglect of women’s basic and reproductive health needs, intensify women’s disadvantaged health status (ADB, 2000). Strong gender disparities exist in educational attainment between rural and urban areas and among the provinces. In 1996–1997 the literacy rate in urban areas was 58.3 percent while in rural areas it was 28.3 percent, and only 12 percent among rural women. There are also considerable inequalities in literacy rates among the four provinces, especially disparities between men and women (ADB, 2000).
Education is the most important instrument for human resource development (Chaudhry, 2009). It has become a universal human right and an important component of opportunities and empowerment of women. A large number of empirical studies (World Bank, 2007 & Schultz, 2002) find that increase in women’s education boosts their wages and that returns to education for women are frequently larger than that of men. There are also many empirical evidences that, increase in female education improves human development outcomes such as child survival, health and schooling (World Bank, 2001). Klasen (2002) explored that lower female education had a negative impact on economic growth as it lowered the average level of human capital. According to Knowles (2002), in developing countries female education reduces fertility, infant mortality and increases in children’s education.
Government of Pakistan makes amendments in the Constitution and promulgation of Local Government Ordinance, 2001; at least 33 percent of seats in each tier of local government are women. In the National Assembly, more than 60 seats are held by women out of 332 seats while over 128 seats are held by women out of 728 seats in the provincial assemblies. Similarly, there are 17 women in the Senate out of 100 members (Perveen & Rakhshinda, 2005). While most of these women have been elected on reserved seats, some have won on general seats. Women participation in politics as voters, candidates and political activists is increasing. Representation by women is better than in most countries of the world, including the largest democracies of the world. This provides a good opportunity to address the gender gap in the education, social, economic and health sectors. Now there is a growing realization at the policy making level of the government that gender disparities and inequalities cannot be accepted and government has initiated a number of programs/projects and taken practical steps to reduce gender inequalities.
—The writer is an MEd student at AKU-IED Karachi
By Shafiqur Rehman
Gender refers to socially constructed roles and responsibilities of women and men. The difference in roles and responsibilities among women and men stems from our families, societies and culture (Chaudhry, 2009). The concept of gender includes our expectations about the characteristics, attitudes and behaviors of women and men. The different roles, rights and resources that both the genders have in society are important determinants of the nature and scope of their inequality and poverty. Inequality in access to resources between women and men is most common in poor and developing countries. Gender inequality/discrimination refers to inequality in conditions among women and men for realizing their human rights.
In Pakistan, home has been defined as women legitimate ideological and physical space where she performs her practical role as a mother and wife, while a man dominates the world outside the home and performs his productive role as a bread winner. Men and women are conceptually divided into two separate worlds. The household resources are allocated in the favor of sons due to their productive role. Male members of the family are given better education and are equipped with skills to compete for resources in public field (ADB, 2000), while female members are imparted domestic skills to be good mothers and wives. They are given limited opportunities to create choices for themselves in order to change the realities of their lives.
Pakistan shows gender inequality in education. Therefore, strong gender disparities exist in educational attainment between rural and urban areas and among the provinces in Pakistan (ADB, 2000). Pakistan is a patriarchal society, where women suffer all sorts of discrimination, resulting in low social, economic and political status in the society. According to the UNDP (1999), gender gap is increasing in all social sectors of Pakistan. Pakistan ranks 120 in 146 countries in terms of gender- related development index, and in terms of gender empowerment measurement ranking, it ranks 92 in 94 countries. Gender inequality in education can be measured by looking the Gross and net enrollment rates and completion and drop rates. Cultural limitations discourage parents from sending their daughters to mixed gender schools (NEP, 2007). However, the problem is not just of demand. There have been situations where girls are enrolled in boys’ schools even up to matric level, indicating that supply of quality girls schooling is falling short. Similarly, poor physical environment or lack of basic facilities in schools also discourages parents from sending their girls to schools.
According to National Educational Policy of Pakistan (2007), the educational status of women in Pakistan is unacceptably low, in fact, amongst the lowest in the world. The problem emanates at the primary level, as low participation and high dropouts at that stage prevent females from reaching higher education and equitable opportunities for such furtherance do not become available to the female gender. According to the Ministry of Women Development (2007) cited in NEP( 2007), only 19% of females have attained education up to Matric, 8% up to Intermediate, 5% a Bachelor’s degree and 1.4% achieved a Master’s degree. 60% of the female adult population is illiterate. Of the 3.3 million out of school children, 2.503 million are girls. 73.6% of primary age girls attend school, compared with 92.1% of boys. Moreover, a sizeable majority of rural girls drop out of primary schools.
Women in Pakistan do not form a homogeneous entity; their opportunities vary greatly with the social system that they are part of. In rural areas, patriarchal structures often combine with poverty to limit opportunities for women (NEP, 2007), while women belonging to the upper and middle classes have increasingly greater access to education and employment opportunities and can assume greater control over their lives. Educated and professional women in urban areas and from upper classes of the society enjoy much better status and rights than illiterate women in rural areas of Pakistan. Women in tribal areas of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and remote areas of southern Punjab and Interior Sindh live in more unpleasant social conditions than women in other parts of the country (PESFD, 2006-07). In rural areas, women are discouraged in attaining higher education just for the sake of avoiding the time when women can lead man, while in urban areas women are encouraged to get education, so girls actively join the professional and technical courses. But after getting technically and professionally qualified they are not allowed permission to work, this is the reason we don’t find females at offices as much as we find males. This is the major drawback as it leads a nation towards economic disaster as half the nation in the form of females if won’t participate in economic activities and hence their professional qualification goes in the bin (UNDP, 1998). Girls excel in academics so more girls avail admissions in medical colleges. But, after getting qualified as M.B.S.S, majority girls do not practice due to our social issues.
In villages girls are usually not asked whom do they want to marry; parents just fix their wedding of their daughters to the groom of their choice. Sometime for land and money parents fix the wedding of their young girl to an old man. It has been observed that if a couple is involved in some unethical practice, people points the girl only, while boy is never considered guilty. If a female marries twice or thrice, she is considered awful, while the case is totally different in the case of the male. Divorced lady is treated in the same manner. Today’s life is male oriented. Females face gender discrimination everywhere. Discrimination is generated when the balance is not found. What to blame other people, when parents themselves initiate gender disparity. Some parents only send their sons to schools while some send their sons and daughters both to schools but they put boys in good schools and girls in government local schools (Chaudhry, 2009). Some forward-thinking people send both their sons and daughters to good schools but at the time of sending children abroad, they discriminate and send their sons at first place.
Women’s lower social, economic, and cultural standing results in the low health and educational status of women. Social and familial control over women’s sexuality, their economic dependence on men, and restrictions on their mobility determine differential access of males and females to health services. Intra-household bias in food distribution leads to nutritional deficiencies among female children. Early marriages of girls, excessive childbearing, lack of control over their own bodies, and a high level of illiteracy adversely affect women’s health. Institutionalized gender bias within the health service delivery system in terms of lack of female service providers, and neglect of women’s basic and reproductive health needs, intensify women’s disadvantaged health status (ADB, 2000). Strong gender disparities exist in educational attainment between rural and urban areas and among the provinces. In 1996–1997 the literacy rate in urban areas was 58.3 percent while in rural areas it was 28.3 percent, and only 12 percent among rural women. There are also considerable inequalities in literacy rates among the four provinces, especially disparities between men and women (ADB, 2000).
Education is the most important instrument for human resource development (Chaudhry, 2009). It has become a universal human right and an important component of opportunities and empowerment of women. A large number of empirical studies (World Bank, 2007 & Schultz, 2002) find that increase in women’s education boosts their wages and that returns to education for women are frequently larger than that of men. There are also many empirical evidences that, increase in female education improves human development outcomes such as child survival, health and schooling (World Bank, 2001). Klasen (2002) explored that lower female education had a negative impact on economic growth as it lowered the average level of human capital. According to Knowles (2002), in developing countries female education reduces fertility, infant mortality and increases in children’s education.
Government of Pakistan makes amendments in the Constitution and promulgation of Local Government Ordinance, 2001; at least 33 percent of seats in each tier of local government are women. In the National Assembly, more than 60 seats are held by women out of 332 seats while over 128 seats are held by women out of 728 seats in the provincial assemblies. Similarly, there are 17 women in the Senate out of 100 members (Perveen & Rakhshinda, 2005). While most of these women have been elected on reserved seats, some have won on general seats. Women participation in politics as voters, candidates and political activists is increasing. Representation by women is better than in most countries of the world, including the largest democracies of the world. This provides a good opportunity to address the gender gap in the education, social, economic and health sectors. Now there is a growing realization at the policy making level of the government that gender disparities and inequalities cannot be accepted and government has initiated a number of programs/projects and taken practical steps to reduce gender inequalities.
—The writer is an MEd student at AKU-IED Karachi
Who can steer PPP out of crisis?
Chitral Today (chitraltoday.com)
ISLAMABAD, April 12, 2011: Leg-pulling and wrangling continue in the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chitral about nomination of its office-bearers. For the last many decades, the PPP has been in disarray in Chitral mainly due to lack of leadership and groupings among its cadres.
This was the reason the PPP lost its vote bank in Chitral which was once considered to be its stronghold. It was also due to lack of leadership that candidates for the National Assembly seat were imported from Larkana and Karachi.
Political observers say a group of myopic people have hijacked the party at the district level and due to their self-interest and infighting; energetic, educated and sincere people commanding people’s confidence and political influence remained on the back burner - always discouraged to come forward and steer the party out of the crisis.
They referred to reaction of the local PPP leadership to the announcement of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) MNA Shahzada Mohiuddin to join the party in Aug 2008.
"The local leaders of the PPP saw their political demise in Mr Mohiuddin’s joining the PPP and they launched a campaign from the district as well as the provincial level saying the 'PPP has no room for any prince.'”
This was despite the fact the Mr Mohiuddin was not interested to stand candidate for the posts of PPP’s district president or the secretary general, said the observers.
The MNA said PPP workers and activists in Chitral had welcomed his decision to join the party. He said he had strong vote bank in the valley and since 1985 he had been elected twice chairman district council, once district nazim and four time member National Assembly.
“The area has also been a stronghold of the PPP but due to lack of leadership the party has been losing ground and my joining of the party would have strengthened it at the grassroots level,” he added.
Shahzada Mohiuddin that said during a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani in Aug 2008, he had been requested to join and support the PPP. On this, Mr Mohiuddin said he had agreed to join the PPP and nominate his son Khalid Pervez to lead the party at the district level till the defection clause in the constitution was changed. However, he said, it did not go well with the so-called PPP leaders in Chitral who started a campaign against his joining the party.
He said it would be an insult for him to approach the local PPP leaders and the party’s provincial president Zahir Shah for getting their consent before joining the party. He said he had strong political support in Chitral and had nominated his son to lead the party of Pervez Musharraf and challenge his opponents in the coming election.--chitraltoday.com
ISLAMABAD, April 12, 2011: Leg-pulling and wrangling continue in the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chitral about nomination of its office-bearers. For the last many decades, the PPP has been in disarray in Chitral mainly due to lack of leadership and groupings among its cadres.
This was the reason the PPP lost its vote bank in Chitral which was once considered to be its stronghold. It was also due to lack of leadership that candidates for the National Assembly seat were imported from Larkana and Karachi.
Political observers say a group of myopic people have hijacked the party at the district level and due to their self-interest and infighting; energetic, educated and sincere people commanding people’s confidence and political influence remained on the back burner - always discouraged to come forward and steer the party out of the crisis.
They referred to reaction of the local PPP leadership to the announcement of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) MNA Shahzada Mohiuddin to join the party in Aug 2008.
"The local leaders of the PPP saw their political demise in Mr Mohiuddin’s joining the PPP and they launched a campaign from the district as well as the provincial level saying the 'PPP has no room for any prince.'”
This was despite the fact the Mr Mohiuddin was not interested to stand candidate for the posts of PPP’s district president or the secretary general, said the observers.
The MNA said PPP workers and activists in Chitral had welcomed his decision to join the party. He said he had strong vote bank in the valley and since 1985 he had been elected twice chairman district council, once district nazim and four time member National Assembly.
“The area has also been a stronghold of the PPP but due to lack of leadership the party has been losing ground and my joining of the party would have strengthened it at the grassroots level,” he added.
Shahzada Mohiuddin that said during a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani in Aug 2008, he had been requested to join and support the PPP. On this, Mr Mohiuddin said he had agreed to join the PPP and nominate his son Khalid Pervez to lead the party at the district level till the defection clause in the constitution was changed. However, he said, it did not go well with the so-called PPP leaders in Chitral who started a campaign against his joining the party.
He said it would be an insult for him to approach the local PPP leaders and the party’s provincial president Zahir Shah for getting their consent before joining the party. He said he had strong political support in Chitral and had nominated his son to lead the party of Pervez Musharraf and challenge his opponents in the coming election.--chitraltoday.com
Kagh Lasht Festival from 14th
Chitral Today Report
CHITRAL, April 10, 2011: The three-day Kagh Lasht Festival will start from April 14 (Thursday).
The event held every year since time immemorial is to welcome the arrival of spring season in the area. This year’s festival is being organized by the Sarhad Tourism Corporation (STC).
DCO Rehmatullah Wazir said the event would feature competition of local folk sports including polo besides contributing a lot towards revival and rejuvenation of the local culture.
He said tug-of-war, weight-lifting and throwing, firing with obsolete and outdated weapons, mountain race and many other local sports would form the chart of competitions during the festival.
He said the polo matches between the teams of different valleys were enthusiastically watched by the people as they thronged the venue to encourage their respective teams.
He said 12-km-long and three-km-wide plateau of Kagh Lasht offered an eye-catching and dazzling view with the advent of spring season, adding picnickers from all parts of Chitral thronged the area.
Mr Wazir said the tourism potential of the area needed to be exploited to attract maximum number of tourists, adding the Sarhad Tourism Corporation had heeded their request to patronize the Kagh Lasht festival.
He said that efforts were being made to advertise the venue as the popular picnic spot during the spring season where all the basic facilities would be provided to the tourists.--Zahiruddin
CHITRAL, April 10, 2011: The three-day Kagh Lasht Festival will start from April 14 (Thursday).
The event held every year since time immemorial is to welcome the arrival of spring season in the area. This year’s festival is being organized by the Sarhad Tourism Corporation (STC).
DCO Rehmatullah Wazir said the event would feature competition of local folk sports including polo besides contributing a lot towards revival and rejuvenation of the local culture.
He said tug-of-war, weight-lifting and throwing, firing with obsolete and outdated weapons, mountain race and many other local sports would form the chart of competitions during the festival.
He said the polo matches between the teams of different valleys were enthusiastically watched by the people as they thronged the venue to encourage their respective teams.
He said 12-km-long and three-km-wide plateau of Kagh Lasht offered an eye-catching and dazzling view with the advent of spring season, adding picnickers from all parts of Chitral thronged the area.
Mr Wazir said the tourism potential of the area needed to be exploited to attract maximum number of tourists, adding the Sarhad Tourism Corporation had heeded their request to patronize the Kagh Lasht festival.
He said that efforts were being made to advertise the venue as the popular picnic spot during the spring season where all the basic facilities would be provided to the tourists.--Zahiruddin
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Awesome and rugged
Beauty of Chitral
Kishmanja, a beautiful village in Yarkhun valley
Lush green
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The legendary village of Ayun in Chitral
On way to Bumburet
Dizg, Yarkhun
About Me
- Zar Alam Khan Razakhel
- Village Dizg, Yarkhun valley, Chitral, Pakistan
- I blog at http://chitraltoday.net (ChitralToday) about Chitral, its people, culture, traditions and issues. I have been writing about Chitral since 2000. Chitral is a scenic valley in the extreme north-west of Pakistan.