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This survey was done by Dawn.
Naya KPK | News & Updates on the development in KPK.
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Surprised that with all the news coming out of KPK, law enforcement / police does not figure higher. Sindh is just sad.
nasirahmad
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imran khan says
allah na insaan k hatoon me neyat aur koshish de ha
kamyabi wo daita ha
aur ye wo kamyabian ha aur is k pechay humara support b ha
allah na insaan k hatoon me neyat aur koshish de ha
kamyabi wo daita ha
aur ye wo kamyabian ha aur is k pechay humara support b ha
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Solar to power thousands of off-grid homes in north Pakistan
Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province plans to supply solar power to 5,800 off-grid households in 200 villages, promoting clean energy amid conventional electricity shortages.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province plans to supply solar power to 5,800 off-grid households in 200 villages, promoting clean energy amid conventional electricity shortages.
The provincial government has earmarked 400 million rupees (US$3.94 million) for the nine-month solar project, which will equip up to 29 households in each village.
The scheme is part of the Green Growth Initiative launched a year ago in Peshawar by former international cricket star Imran Khan, who is chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which governs the province.
The initiative aims to boost economic development in a way that uses natural resources sustainably, by increasing uptake of clean energy and forest cover, for example.
The provincial government plans to hook up at least 10 percent of the 40 percent of the province that is off-grid in the next three years with solar power and small-scale hydroelectric plants, said Atif Khan, provincial minister for education, energy and power.
It is already setting up micro-hydro plants - which harness running water and do not require dams - in the mountainous north of the province, while off-grid households in the south will be provided with solar energy.
The government will pay 90 percent of the cost of the solar equipment, with the rest shouldered by households.
Families will receive a 200-watt solar panel, two batteries and other accessories to run a ceiling fan, a pedestal fan, three LED lights, and two mobile phone charging slots.
NO MORE 'BEGGING'
In total, the project will generate 1.2 megawatts (MW), in the first stage of a wider plan to provide all off-grid households in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with solar energy.
Across the province, total demand for electricity in grid-connected areas is 2,500 MW, but they receive only 1,600 MW from the national grid run from Islamabad, the country's political centre.
“We will exploit renewable energy resources and produce our own electricity, after which we will not need to beg from the centre,” said Imran Khan.
He told a workers' convention in Islamabad last month he would pay full attention to resolving Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s energy crisis, besides bringing significant improvements in education and health.
According to the World Bank, some 44 percent of households in Pakistan are not connected to the grid.
More than 80 percent are in rural areas, where a World Bank survey found that 30 to 45 percent of households use kerosene as a primary or secondary source of lighting. Some use candles, due to the high cost of kerosene.
Pakistan faces a year-round electricity shortfall which rises to around 8,000 MW in the summer. The country’s rural areas suffer blackouts of more than 14 hours a day while urban areas experience up to 10 hours of daily power cuts.
VALUE FOR MONEY?
Promoting renewables is the best solution to the energy crisis, because lighting off-grid households with solar requires only a one-off cost and effort, said Naseer Ahmad, president of the Renewable and Alternative Energy Association of Pakistan.
“Investing in (solar) energy is much better than investing in the construction of dams and exploration for fossil fuels,” he said.
It also avoids greenhouse gas emissions, and provides a more reliable supply of power than the overstretched grid, he added.
But he suggested the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should cover only half the cost of the household solar equipment while the rest should be paid by the recipients to enhance public interest in the project and mobilise more funding to extend it.
Ahmad also urged the provincial government to launch an awareness campaign about the benefits of clean energy, encouraging individuals to start installing solar panels on their own.
“Solar energy will also improve people’s quality of life by cutting their spending on kerosene and firewood,” he said.
Opposition party members in the province and some clean energy experts have expressed reservations about the project, arguing the government should focus instead on grid-based solutions.
“The off-grid projects are a waste of time and money. These are temporary measures and are not sustainable,” said Senator Zahid Khan of the Awami National Party, a major opposition group in the provincial assembly.
Most beneficiaries of the solar scheme are poor people, he said, raising the risk they might sell the solar equipment for cash, or let it fall into disrepair because they cannot afford to maintain it or replace the batteries.
“The government should start building small dams in the province as this would not only help generate enough electricity but also provide water for irrigation and drinking,” he said.
(Reporting by Aamir Saeed; editing by Megan Rowling)
- Reuters
More coverage
Pakistan to bring solar to off-grid households
Imran Khan-led initiative to supply Pakistani homes with free solar energy
Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province plans to supply solar power to 5,800 off-grid households in 200 villages, promoting clean energy amid conventional electricity shortages.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Pakistan's northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province plans to supply solar power to 5,800 off-grid households in 200 villages, promoting clean energy amid conventional electricity shortages.
The provincial government has earmarked 400 million rupees (US$3.94 million) for the nine-month solar project, which will equip up to 29 households in each village.
The scheme is part of the Green Growth Initiative launched a year ago in Peshawar by former international cricket star Imran Khan, who is chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which governs the province.
The initiative aims to boost economic development in a way that uses natural resources sustainably, by increasing uptake of clean energy and forest cover, for example.
The provincial government plans to hook up at least 10 percent of the 40 percent of the province that is off-grid in the next three years with solar power and small-scale hydroelectric plants, said Atif Khan, provincial minister for education, energy and power.
It is already setting up micro-hydro plants - which harness running water and do not require dams - in the mountainous north of the province, while off-grid households in the south will be provided with solar energy.
The government will pay 90 percent of the cost of the solar equipment, with the rest shouldered by households.
Families will receive a 200-watt solar panel, two batteries and other accessories to run a ceiling fan, a pedestal fan, three LED lights, and two mobile phone charging slots.
NO MORE 'BEGGING'
In total, the project will generate 1.2 megawatts (MW), in the first stage of a wider plan to provide all off-grid households in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with solar energy.
Across the province, total demand for electricity in grid-connected areas is 2,500 MW, but they receive only 1,600 MW from the national grid run from Islamabad, the country's political centre.
“We will exploit renewable energy resources and produce our own electricity, after which we will not need to beg from the centre,” said Imran Khan.
He told a workers' convention in Islamabad last month he would pay full attention to resolving Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s energy crisis, besides bringing significant improvements in education and health.
According to the World Bank, some 44 percent of households in Pakistan are not connected to the grid.
More than 80 percent are in rural areas, where a World Bank survey found that 30 to 45 percent of households use kerosene as a primary or secondary source of lighting. Some use candles, due to the high cost of kerosene.
Pakistan faces a year-round electricity shortfall which rises to around 8,000 MW in the summer. The country’s rural areas suffer blackouts of more than 14 hours a day while urban areas experience up to 10 hours of daily power cuts.
VALUE FOR MONEY?
Promoting renewables is the best solution to the energy crisis, because lighting off-grid households with solar requires only a one-off cost and effort, said Naseer Ahmad, president of the Renewable and Alternative Energy Association of Pakistan.
“Investing in (solar) energy is much better than investing in the construction of dams and exploration for fossil fuels,” he said.
It also avoids greenhouse gas emissions, and provides a more reliable supply of power than the overstretched grid, he added.
But he suggested the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should cover only half the cost of the household solar equipment while the rest should be paid by the recipients to enhance public interest in the project and mobilise more funding to extend it.
Ahmad also urged the provincial government to launch an awareness campaign about the benefits of clean energy, encouraging individuals to start installing solar panels on their own.
“Solar energy will also improve people’s quality of life by cutting their spending on kerosene and firewood,” he said.
Opposition party members in the province and some clean energy experts have expressed reservations about the project, arguing the government should focus instead on grid-based solutions.
“The off-grid projects are a waste of time and money. These are temporary measures and are not sustainable,” said Senator Zahid Khan of the Awami National Party, a major opposition group in the provincial assembly.
Most beneficiaries of the solar scheme are poor people, he said, raising the risk they might sell the solar equipment for cash, or let it fall into disrepair because they cannot afford to maintain it or replace the batteries.
“The government should start building small dams in the province as this would not only help generate enough electricity but also provide water for irrigation and drinking,” he said.
(Reporting by Aamir Saeed; editing by Megan Rowling)
- Reuters
More coverage
Pakistan to bring solar to off-grid households
Imran Khan-led initiative to supply Pakistani homes with free solar energy
nasirahmad
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PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Textbook Board has incorporated some verses of the holy Quran, Hadith and wise sayings on the inner titles of the school books to discourage corruption and promote harmony in the society.
The move is aimed at scaling up awareness about the evil of corruption in society.
The verse number 10 of the Surah Al-Hujrat stressing unity among Muslims has also been included on the inner titles of the books which states: “Muslims are brothers, therefore make peace between the two brothers and fear Allah so that the mercy may be shown to you.”
Textbook board takes decision with NAB’s consultation
By including this verse the authorities intend to discourage sectarianism in the society. Such verses and holy sayings would be part of books from grade-1 to grade-12 to discourage corruption and sectarianism, sources said, adding that the books had been published and would be distributed among students from the academic year starting from coming April.
They said that the board had taken the decision to include verses and sayings of the holy Prophet with the consultation of the National Accountability Bureau and Directorate of Curricula and Teachers Education. They said that these verses, Hadith, etc would replace earlier such material against militancy and in favour of peace incorporated in textbooks by the previous government.
Over 100 messages against corruption from the holy Quran, Hadith and wise sayings have been mentioned on the titles of the books.
Included in the textbooks verse number 172 from the Surah Al-Baqara states: “O you who believe! eat of the good things that We have provided you with----.”
A hadith included in the books says: “The holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) cursed the one who gives bribe and the one who takes it.”
The inscription of the anti-corruption materials was the brainchild of the NAB, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the sources said. They said that when the students would read the anti-corruption messages in their books it would create awareness among them and help them to differentiate between the right and wrong.
The sources said that corruption had become an evil severely affecting every aspect of life and with incorporation of such messages in textbooks the students would be sensitised about the evil of corruption in their early age.
The sources said that the verses of the holy Quran about unity among Muslims would help reduce the gap between different schools of thought in the society. It would also help in reducing hatred among different sects, which was one of the reasons of unrest in the country, they said.
The move is aimed at scaling up awareness about the evil of corruption in society.
The verse number 10 of the Surah Al-Hujrat stressing unity among Muslims has also been included on the inner titles of the books which states: “Muslims are brothers, therefore make peace between the two brothers and fear Allah so that the mercy may be shown to you.”
Textbook board takes decision with NAB’s consultation
By including this verse the authorities intend to discourage sectarianism in the society. Such verses and holy sayings would be part of books from grade-1 to grade-12 to discourage corruption and sectarianism, sources said, adding that the books had been published and would be distributed among students from the academic year starting from coming April.
They said that the board had taken the decision to include verses and sayings of the holy Prophet with the consultation of the National Accountability Bureau and Directorate of Curricula and Teachers Education. They said that these verses, Hadith, etc would replace earlier such material against militancy and in favour of peace incorporated in textbooks by the previous government.
Over 100 messages against corruption from the holy Quran, Hadith and wise sayings have been mentioned on the titles of the books.
Included in the textbooks verse number 172 from the Surah Al-Baqara states: “O you who believe! eat of the good things that We have provided you with----.”
A hadith included in the books says: “The holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) cursed the one who gives bribe and the one who takes it.”
The inscription of the anti-corruption materials was the brainchild of the NAB, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the sources said. They said that when the students would read the anti-corruption messages in their books it would create awareness among them and help them to differentiate between the right and wrong.
The sources said that corruption had become an evil severely affecting every aspect of life and with incorporation of such messages in textbooks the students would be sensitised about the evil of corruption in their early age.
The sources said that the verses of the holy Quran about unity among Muslims would help reduce the gap between different schools of thought in the society. It would also help in reducing hatred among different sects, which was one of the reasons of unrest in the country, they said.
BetterPakistan
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SMS service launched for getting traffic updates
A man uses his cellphone. — AFP/file
PESHAWAR: Police with the help of some young and energetic students of Peshawar have launched SMS service for getting updates on traffic issues from the traffic control in the city.
People can get traffic updates immediately by just sending an SMS to Peshawar traffic police.
The service has been introduced keeping in view the fact that people face difficulties while using the road with respect to traffic. The service will enable people to get traffic updates immediately.
The SMS alert system has been developed by Syed Shahzad and Faizullah, who are young and energetic students of Peshawar.
They have voluntarily developed the system to facilitate people, says a press release.
The students met IGP Nasir Khan Durrani and volunteered to build a system by which information about traffic flow and traffic jams would be shared with the public immediately and people would be able to plan their journey according to those traffic updates.
The users would be sent a request to Peshawar traffic police through SMS and would receive traffic update instantly.
The people should type PT and sent it to 8333 from any network, the release said, adding they would receive updates about the traffic situation in Peshawar city.
The service will be initially providing traffic updates of Peshawar and will soon be extended to the entire province.
Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2015
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GPS technology to be used to monitor forests: CM
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak inaugurating spring tree plantation campaign by planting sapling of Chinar at lawn of CM House. — INP
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Monday launched spring tree plantation campaign with introduction of latest GPS technology to ensure proper growth of every sapling.
Chief Minister Pervez Khattak opened the tree plantation campaign 2015 by planting a sapling of Chinar at the lawns of the Chief Minister House here on Monday, according to a handout.
Talking to mediapersons on the occasion, Mr Khattak said that the tree plantation drive was being launched with new vigour wherein 350 million saplings would be planted in streamlined and scientific ways. He said that the number would be increased to one billion trees during the coming three years.
A salient feature of the campaign, he said, would be the use of latest GPS technology that would not only ensure proper growth of each and every sapling but its illicit cutting would be immediately traced and dealt with accordingly.
Provincial Minister for Environment Ishtiaq Khan Urmar and secretary environment Syed Nazar Hussain Shah were among those in attendance.
The chief minister deplored that increasing environmental degradation was continuously posing a serious threat to the globe. He regretted that ruthless harvesting of trees and erosion of fertile lands due to floods were the basic reasons for ever soaring air, water and soil pollution.
He said that PTI-led coalition government had initiated revolutionary steps to arrest this alarming situation as trees provided fresh air and oxygen to all living beings on earth.
“The cutting of a tree is a crime similar to killing a human being,” he asserted, saying that even Islam strictly forbade its followers not to harm or destroy standing crops and greenery during the wars with enemies.
Mr Khattak said that his government had come up with comprehensive legislation and effective policies to discourage mighty timber mafia at every cost and to save the green gold from destruction.
He said that basic and revolutionary changes had been brought about in the management and policies of environment and forestry. “The provincial government introduced a brisk tree plantation campaign under green growth initiative and a billion tree tsunami project wherein colossal funds have been released to make it a success story,” he added, saying that all traditional and non-traditional ways were being adopted for tree plantation and increase in forested areas.
The chief minister said that people would be given saplings and technical support to ensure their full participation in the noble cause.
Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imran renews support to centre’s welfare programme for IDPs
PTI chief Imran Khan addresses representatives of displaced people at Governor’s House, Peshawar, on Monday. — INP
PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan on Monday said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government completely supported the federal government centre over the resolution of the problems facing Fata displaced people as well as their early yet dignified repatriation.
“Despite political difference with the federal government, we fully trust the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor that he will resolve the problems of the displaced population in collaboration with the PTI’s provincial government,” Imran told reporters after attending a tribal jirga at the Governor’s House here.
On the occasion, Governor Mehtab Ahmad Khan, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, Speaker of the provincial assembly Asad Qaisar, PTI central leader Naeemul Haq and provincial chief secretary Amjad Ali Khan were also present.
Imran praised the governor and said he was hopeful that he would look into the hardships of the people, who had given immense sacrifices for the people of the entire country.
Governor forms panel to ensure dignified repatriation of displaced Fata tribesmen
He suggested the formation of a committee comprising representatives of federal and provincial governments and Fata to undertake coordinated efforts for their early return and other problems they were facing.
The governor immediately accepted the proposal and announced the formation of a committee under KP chief secretary where elders from Fata would be represented.
The PTI chief said the governor and chief minister should also make efforts to help the Fata’s displaced population in other province.
He paid tribute to the Fata residents and said they had rendered huge sacrifices for the country.
“We will not leave the tribal people alone in difficult times and will keep helping them till they return to their homes,” he said.
Imran said the nation was united against terrorism and wanted an end to violence for development and progress not only in Fata but in other parts of the country as well.
“The PTI will continue its campaign for the grant of basic rights to the people of tribal areas. It is high time that we bring them into mainstream politics,” he said.
The PTI chairman said the displaced population required assistance in areas of health, education and clean drinking water and that it was the responsibility of all people to extend support to the tribesmen, who left their homes for peace in the country.
He asked the provincial and federal governments to coordinate their efforts to ensure that the displaced people are protected from diseases and get access to education.
He also called for the establishment of schools and provision of health and sanitation facilities to the displaced persons.
A handout issued here said Imran Khan was also briefed about security scenario in tribal areas and was informed about the army campaign against militants there.
He said he was also in contact with the PTI’s Fata-based leaders to know about their hardships and resolve them.
Both Imran and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor Mehtab Ahmad Khan assured members of the tribal jirga that the government stood by them and would make every move to establish peace in their native areas and send them back as early as possible.
Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2015
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Girl arrested for demanding extortion from traders
A pair of handcuffs are seen in this stock photo.— Wikimedia commons
PESHAWAR: A teenage girl arrested on charges of demanding extortion from local traders in the name of a militant outfit was on Monday sent to prison by a judicial magistrate here.
The girl stated to be 17 years old belongs to Mashokhel area here and was arrested a day earlier by the local police.
She was produced before the court of judicial magistrate, Johar Ijaz, by the Faqirabad police officials seeking her physical custody for further investigating the case. However, the court sent her to prison on judicial remand for 14 days.
The police claimed that around two months ago they received a complaint from a local trader named Zahir Gul who claimed that he had been receiving calls on his cellular phone from unidentified persons asking him to pay Rs1 million extortion, failing which his children would be kidnapped.
The police alleged that they started investigating the case and came to know that extortion was also demanded from five other local traders from the same phone number, which was registered in the name of someone else, but was also used by the arrested woman.
The police alleged that during initial interrogation the suspect claimed that the complainant was her relative and that she was only teasing him. She also allegedly told the police that she called several other persons too for fun as she enjoyed them being scared after her phone calls.
Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2015
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NAB approves corruption references against KP officials
ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) approved on Monday two references against officials of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for their alleged involvement in white collar crimes.
The decision came at the executive board meeting of NAB held here with Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry in the chair.
According to the NAB spokesman, the first reference was approved against Tariq Awan, a former secretary in the Workers Welfare Board (WWB); Abdul Waheed, a former project manager of the WWB; and contractors Muhammad Asghar Awan, Arslan Qureshi, Manzoor Ahmad Ghuri and Naeem Rabani for illegal award of nine contracts for procurement of equipment.
He said that generators, vacuum cleaners, first-aid boxes, fans, fibre glass rooms, interactive boards, stationery, carpets, uniforms, sports items, etc., had been procured through fake and non-registered firms at exorbitant rates of Rs517 million, causing loss to the national exchequer on account of short and substandard supply of equipment for the WWB.
The second reference will be filed against Prof Dr Abdur Rahim Khan, a former chairman of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dera Ismail Khan; former controller Muhammad Atlas Khan, former acting controller Amanullah Khan and former assistant controller Wajeehuddin Ahmad.
The officials were accused of violating rules and regulations as they received applications from students after the due date with normal fees had passed and in some cases they did so even without receiving any fee.
The NAB official said that answer sheets had been illegally re-checked, fraudulently remarked, award lists had been changed/replaced and tampered by using fluid and overwriting in the result sheets of both SSC and HSSC annual results by the suspects who misused their authority and extended illegal benefit to non-deserving students.
They re-checked papers and changed marks of 2,394 students in 4140 answer sheets. The illegal and corrupt practices caused grave social injustice as they awarded unjustified marks to non-deserving students who in turn deprived the deserving students of their due rights. The accused caused a loss of Rs2.94m to the exchequer, the spokesman said.
In a separate case, the meeting decided to close an inquiry against Najaff Abbas Siyal, a former Land Acquisition Collector of the Lahore Development Authority and others.
The meeting also closed a complaint verification against Allah Wasaya Awan, a former director general, Information Technology, Training & Research, regarding accumulation of assets beyond his known and legal sources of income due to lack of incriminating evidence.
Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2015
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Offices asked to beef up security
LAJKKI MARWAT: Local police officials have asked the managements of banks, post offices and other government installations to improve security arrangements as poor security measures adopted by them may result in any untoward incident.
During surprise visits, the police officials learned that security arrangements at the banks, post offices, hospitals and other departments in Lakki district were not up to standards as given in the guidelines issued by the provincial police department, said an official on Sunday.
He said that Lakki Marwat and Naurang circles sub-divisional police officers and station house officers had carried out visits on the directives of district police officer Ismail Kharak.
The official revealed that CCTV cameras installed at several banks in Lakki, Naurang and other towns were found to be out of order, while the equipment were not linked with the main control room. He said that digital video recorders were installed at unsafe places in the banks.
He said that the administration of hospitals and posts offices had not installed closed circuit cameras despite repeated directions by the police department. “The police officials were astonished to see that effective security measures were not put in place at the entry and exit points of all such installations,” he said.
The official said that the police also learnt that employees of banks, post offices and other government organisations did not display their service cards during duty hours. He claimed that the emergency alarm system at some banks were out of order, while the watchmen did not posses metal and explosive detectors.
Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2015
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A man uses his cellphone. — AFP/file
PESHAWAR: Police with the help of some young and energetic students of Peshawar have launched SMS service for getting updates on traffic issues from the traffic control in the city.
People can get traffic updates immediately by just sending an SMS to Peshawar traffic police.
The service has been introduced keeping in view the fact that people face difficulties while using the road with respect to traffic. The service will enable people to get traffic updates immediately.
The SMS alert system has been developed by Syed Shahzad and Faizullah, who are young and energetic students of Peshawar.
They have voluntarily developed the system to facilitate people, says a press release.
The students met IGP Nasir Khan Durrani and volunteered to build a system by which information about traffic flow and traffic jams would be shared with the public immediately and people would be able to plan their journey according to those traffic updates.
The users would be sent a request to Peshawar traffic police through SMS and would receive traffic update instantly.
The people should type PT and sent it to 8333 from any network, the release said, adding they would receive updates about the traffic situation in Peshawar city.
The service will be initially providing traffic updates of Peshawar and will soon be extended to the entire province.
Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2015
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GPS technology to be used to monitor forests: CM
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak inaugurating spring tree plantation campaign by planting sapling of Chinar at lawn of CM House. — INP
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Monday launched spring tree plantation campaign with introduction of latest GPS technology to ensure proper growth of every sapling.
Chief Minister Pervez Khattak opened the tree plantation campaign 2015 by planting a sapling of Chinar at the lawns of the Chief Minister House here on Monday, according to a handout.
Talking to mediapersons on the occasion, Mr Khattak said that the tree plantation drive was being launched with new vigour wherein 350 million saplings would be planted in streamlined and scientific ways. He said that the number would be increased to one billion trees during the coming three years.
A salient feature of the campaign, he said, would be the use of latest GPS technology that would not only ensure proper growth of each and every sapling but its illicit cutting would be immediately traced and dealt with accordingly.
Provincial Minister for Environment Ishtiaq Khan Urmar and secretary environment Syed Nazar Hussain Shah were among those in attendance.
The chief minister deplored that increasing environmental degradation was continuously posing a serious threat to the globe. He regretted that ruthless harvesting of trees and erosion of fertile lands due to floods were the basic reasons for ever soaring air, water and soil pollution.
He said that PTI-led coalition government had initiated revolutionary steps to arrest this alarming situation as trees provided fresh air and oxygen to all living beings on earth.
“The cutting of a tree is a crime similar to killing a human being,” he asserted, saying that even Islam strictly forbade its followers not to harm or destroy standing crops and greenery during the wars with enemies.
Mr Khattak said that his government had come up with comprehensive legislation and effective policies to discourage mighty timber mafia at every cost and to save the green gold from destruction.
He said that basic and revolutionary changes had been brought about in the management and policies of environment and forestry. “The provincial government introduced a brisk tree plantation campaign under green growth initiative and a billion tree tsunami project wherein colossal funds have been released to make it a success story,” he added, saying that all traditional and non-traditional ways were being adopted for tree plantation and increase in forested areas.
The chief minister said that people would be given saplings and technical support to ensure their full participation in the noble cause.
Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2015
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imran renews support to centre’s welfare programme for IDPs
PTI chief Imran Khan addresses representatives of displaced people at Governor’s House, Peshawar, on Monday. — INP
PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan on Monday said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government completely supported the federal government centre over the resolution of the problems facing Fata displaced people as well as their early yet dignified repatriation.
“Despite political difference with the federal government, we fully trust the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor that he will resolve the problems of the displaced population in collaboration with the PTI’s provincial government,” Imran told reporters after attending a tribal jirga at the Governor’s House here.
On the occasion, Governor Mehtab Ahmad Khan, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, Speaker of the provincial assembly Asad Qaisar, PTI central leader Naeemul Haq and provincial chief secretary Amjad Ali Khan were also present.
Imran praised the governor and said he was hopeful that he would look into the hardships of the people, who had given immense sacrifices for the people of the entire country.
Governor forms panel to ensure dignified repatriation of displaced Fata tribesmen
He suggested the formation of a committee comprising representatives of federal and provincial governments and Fata to undertake coordinated efforts for their early return and other problems they were facing.
The governor immediately accepted the proposal and announced the formation of a committee under KP chief secretary where elders from Fata would be represented.
The PTI chief said the governor and chief minister should also make efforts to help the Fata’s displaced population in other province.
He paid tribute to the Fata residents and said they had rendered huge sacrifices for the country.
“We will not leave the tribal people alone in difficult times and will keep helping them till they return to their homes,” he said.
Imran said the nation was united against terrorism and wanted an end to violence for development and progress not only in Fata but in other parts of the country as well.
“The PTI will continue its campaign for the grant of basic rights to the people of tribal areas. It is high time that we bring them into mainstream politics,” he said.
The PTI chairman said the displaced population required assistance in areas of health, education and clean drinking water and that it was the responsibility of all people to extend support to the tribesmen, who left their homes for peace in the country.
He asked the provincial and federal governments to coordinate their efforts to ensure that the displaced people are protected from diseases and get access to education.
He also called for the establishment of schools and provision of health and sanitation facilities to the displaced persons.
A handout issued here said Imran Khan was also briefed about security scenario in tribal areas and was informed about the army campaign against militants there.
He said he was also in contact with the PTI’s Fata-based leaders to know about their hardships and resolve them.
Both Imran and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor Mehtab Ahmad Khan assured members of the tribal jirga that the government stood by them and would make every move to establish peace in their native areas and send them back as early as possible.
Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2015
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Girl arrested for demanding extortion from traders
A pair of handcuffs are seen in this stock photo.— Wikimedia commons
PESHAWAR: A teenage girl arrested on charges of demanding extortion from local traders in the name of a militant outfit was on Monday sent to prison by a judicial magistrate here.
The girl stated to be 17 years old belongs to Mashokhel area here and was arrested a day earlier by the local police.
She was produced before the court of judicial magistrate, Johar Ijaz, by the Faqirabad police officials seeking her physical custody for further investigating the case. However, the court sent her to prison on judicial remand for 14 days.
The police claimed that around two months ago they received a complaint from a local trader named Zahir Gul who claimed that he had been receiving calls on his cellular phone from unidentified persons asking him to pay Rs1 million extortion, failing which his children would be kidnapped.
The police alleged that they started investigating the case and came to know that extortion was also demanded from five other local traders from the same phone number, which was registered in the name of someone else, but was also used by the arrested woman.
The police alleged that during initial interrogation the suspect claimed that the complainant was her relative and that she was only teasing him. She also allegedly told the police that she called several other persons too for fun as she enjoyed them being scared after her phone calls.
Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2015
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NAB approves corruption references against KP officials
ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) approved on Monday two references against officials of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for their alleged involvement in white collar crimes.
The decision came at the executive board meeting of NAB held here with Chairman Qamar Zaman Chaudhry in the chair.
According to the NAB spokesman, the first reference was approved against Tariq Awan, a former secretary in the Workers Welfare Board (WWB); Abdul Waheed, a former project manager of the WWB; and contractors Muhammad Asghar Awan, Arslan Qureshi, Manzoor Ahmad Ghuri and Naeem Rabani for illegal award of nine contracts for procurement of equipment.
He said that generators, vacuum cleaners, first-aid boxes, fans, fibre glass rooms, interactive boards, stationery, carpets, uniforms, sports items, etc., had been procured through fake and non-registered firms at exorbitant rates of Rs517 million, causing loss to the national exchequer on account of short and substandard supply of equipment for the WWB.
The second reference will be filed against Prof Dr Abdur Rahim Khan, a former chairman of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dera Ismail Khan; former controller Muhammad Atlas Khan, former acting controller Amanullah Khan and former assistant controller Wajeehuddin Ahmad.
The officials were accused of violating rules and regulations as they received applications from students after the due date with normal fees had passed and in some cases they did so even without receiving any fee.
The NAB official said that answer sheets had been illegally re-checked, fraudulently remarked, award lists had been changed/replaced and tampered by using fluid and overwriting in the result sheets of both SSC and HSSC annual results by the suspects who misused their authority and extended illegal benefit to non-deserving students.
They re-checked papers and changed marks of 2,394 students in 4140 answer sheets. The illegal and corrupt practices caused grave social injustice as they awarded unjustified marks to non-deserving students who in turn deprived the deserving students of their due rights. The accused caused a loss of Rs2.94m to the exchequer, the spokesman said.
In a separate case, the meeting decided to close an inquiry against Najaff Abbas Siyal, a former Land Acquisition Collector of the Lahore Development Authority and others.
The meeting also closed a complaint verification against Allah Wasaya Awan, a former director general, Information Technology, Training & Research, regarding accumulation of assets beyond his known and legal sources of income due to lack of incriminating evidence.
Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2015
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Offices asked to beef up security
LAJKKI MARWAT: Local police officials have asked the managements of banks, post offices and other government installations to improve security arrangements as poor security measures adopted by them may result in any untoward incident.
During surprise visits, the police officials learned that security arrangements at the banks, post offices, hospitals and other departments in Lakki district were not up to standards as given in the guidelines issued by the provincial police department, said an official on Sunday.
He said that Lakki Marwat and Naurang circles sub-divisional police officers and station house officers had carried out visits on the directives of district police officer Ismail Kharak.
The official revealed that CCTV cameras installed at several banks in Lakki, Naurang and other towns were found to be out of order, while the equipment were not linked with the main control room. He said that digital video recorders were installed at unsafe places in the banks.
He said that the administration of hospitals and posts offices had not installed closed circuit cameras despite repeated directions by the police department. “The police officials were astonished to see that effective security measures were not put in place at the entry and exit points of all such installations,” he said.
The official said that the police also learnt that employees of banks, post offices and other government organisations did not display their service cards during duty hours. He claimed that the emergency alarm system at some banks were out of order, while the watchmen did not posses metal and explosive detectors.
Published in Dawn, February 23rd, 2015
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Danish saleem
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absolutely disappointed that most of the pics shared in this pics are from Peshawar only!
no Picture of Peshawar showing any development of infra structure at all.
no Picture of Peshawar showing any development of infra structure at all.
Jazzbot
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Dr. Strangelove
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i m not from kpk but i have been there
right now the priority of kpk government is to fix the existing infrastructure along with a few major projects that are to be completed in a time frame of 2-3 years like peshawar mass transit
other than this they are spending most of the resources on education health and security along with increasing the efficiency of public service departments
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