SCN approaches Sherry Rehman for halting indiscriminate cutting of forest trees in KP

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Sun, 23 Jul 2023, 5:57 PM

PESHAWAR, Jul 23 (APP): Sarhad Conservation Nature (SCN), a non-governmental organization striving for conservation of environment, culture and heritage, has approached Federal Minister for Climate Change, Sherry Rehman to take notice of planned and indiscriminate cutting of forest trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) over the pretext of diseased and windfallen trees.

In a letter sent to Federal Minister for Climate Change on Sunday, the SCN office bearers urged Sherry Rehman to divert her attention to a matter of grave concern that requires her immediate attention and intervention.

“It has come to our organization’s attention that certain senior officials within the Provincial Forest Department of KP are engaged in the indiscriminate cutting down of forest trees in specific parts of the province,” reads the letter.

The SCN is committed to preserving and safeguarding our natural resources, including the invaluable forests that contribute significantly to the reduction of Greenhouse Gases as well as the well-being of the environment, climate change and society, it added.

Showing its concerns, the SCN observed the tree felling activities appear to have been initiated without any transparent and accountable assessment, consultation, or public disclosure. This lack of transparency raises serious doubts about the validity of the reasoning provided by the senior officials of the Forest Department.

Furthermore, no comprehensive scientific study or environmental impact assessment has been conducted to ascertain the actual extent of disease and windfall impact on the forests in question, it continued.

Moreover, no external independent organization has been engaged to validate and identify the diseased and wind fallen trees and now the present Secretary has started to prepare a new policy for 6.57 million cubic feet of timber for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the absence of such crucial evaluations which is deeply concerning.

The pace at which the tree cutting is being conducted indicates a rushed approach, leaving little room for responsible decision-making or consideration of the long-term consequences.

The extensive removal of trees can lead to soil erosion, disrupted water cycles, and exacerbate climate change effects, affecting not only the immediate region but also contributing to national climate change and environmental challenges.
The targeted forest areas are known for their rich biodiversity and serve as essential habitats for numerous plant and animal species. Indiscriminate tree felling poses a significant threat to this delicate ecosystem.

As the Federal Minister is responsible for climate change and environmental matters, we urge you to take immediate action to halt the ongoing tree-cutting activities in the KPK until a thorough and impartial investigation is conducted, it requested.

In light of these alarming developments, we recommend the establishment of an independent committee comprising environmental experts, conservationists and community representatives to conduct a comprehensive and unbiased assessment.

This committee should be empowered to propose sustainable solutions that safeguard our natural heritage while promoting responsible forestry practices, SCN suggested.

People purchasing fruits at Fruit and Vegetables Market

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Zia Ur Rehman

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Sun, 23 Jul 2023, 5:56 PM

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PM Youth Hunt Women Football League kicks off

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NNPS Desk

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Sun, 23 Jul 2023, 5:53 PM

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PESHAWAR, Jul 23 (APP): Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Youth Talent Hunt Women Football League, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) got underway in a colourful ceremony at Abdul Wali Khan Sports Complex on Sunday.

Former Governor and senior politician of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Zafar Iqbal Jhagra was the chief guest on this occasion who formally inaugurated the League wherein five teams constituted from all 36 districts across from Dera Ismail Khan to Chitral were taking part under the aegis of Directorate Sports Bacha Khan University Charsadda.

Vice Chancellor Bacha Khan University Professor Dr. Bashir Ahmad, Director Sports and former international athlete Shahbana Khattak, District Sports Officer (DSO) Charsadda Tehseen UIlah Khan, football officials and players from Swat Regions including Chitral, Shangla, Dir Upper, Dir Lower, Kohistan Upper, Kohistan Lower, Mardan Region with players from Buner, Nowshera, Malakand Division, Hazara Region with players from all six districts, Bannu Region and Peshawar taking part.

The ceremony was started with the recitation from the Holy Quran by Qari Kaleem Ullah, followed by the National Anthem and March Past of all the participating teams. Prime Minister Youth Talent Hunt Program was in progress under 10 female and 12 male Games across Pakistan with the aim to hunt talented players’ age 15-25 are eligible.

Speaking on this occasion, former Governor Zafar Iqbal Jhagra appreciated Prime Minister Main Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for launching the Talent Hunt Program under which thousands of talented youth would get a platform to come and show their hidden talent.

He said it would be a milestone as far as Pakistan’s image in the world of sports is concerned. Under the Program, the youth talent would be highlighted by providing them good playing conditions and facilitation.

He said the Program was first introduced by the then prime minister in 2013 wherein he allocated Rs6 billion for the Program. He expressed the hope that the youth would do their online registration in 10 female and 12 male games and exhibited their hidden talent both at provincial as well national leagues.

He also appreciated Higher Education Commission (HEC), Vice Chancellor and Director Sports Bacha Khan University Prof. Dr Bashir Ahmad and Shahbana Khattak and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Shaza Fatima Khawaja for supervising the program in a successful manner. He said, Program turned out to be a real success as national and international athletes groomed well to represent departments and national teams, respectively.

Vice Chancellor Bacha Khan University Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmad said that they would try to facilitate the players during the Provincial as well National League in Football awarded to them by HEC. He said that a total of 54,000 youths from various regions in the country have been positively engaged through diverse sporting activities under the umbrella of the Prime Minister’s Youth Talent Hunt and Sports League.

This program, he said, marks a significant step towards promoting sports and providing young football enthusiasts with a platform to showcase their skills on a national level.

Earlier, former Governor KP Zafar Iqbal Jhagra formally inaugurated the Provincial Football League in a colourful ceremony with great enthusiasm witnessed among the female football players. “We love to play football and it is a great opportunity for the females to come and showcase their talent,” Mariyum Khan, a Martial Art player, now playing football, told APP here.

She said girls have good talent but due to lack of opportunities, they could not come to the national and international sides but with the launching of PM talent Hunt Program, wherein girls can take part in 10 different Games, more talented girls would come up.

In the opening match Peshawar defeated Bannu by 9-0 in the opening match. Rania, Kalsoom, Nadia, Saira, score two goals each while Seema scored the 9th goal in the dying moments while Swat and Hazara played 1-1 draw in the second match.

Pak women squad to leave for China on Tuesday

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NNPS Desk

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Sun, 23 Jul 2023, 5:48 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 23 (APP): A six-member Pakistan women squad, comprising five athletes and one official will fly to China on Tuesday to feature in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Summer World University Games.

Also known as Universiade, the Games are taking place in Chengdu from July 28 to August 8.

The squad is comprised of athletes – Amtul Rehman, Uzma Azam, Manisha Ali, Maliha Ali, Fiza and official Sumera Sattar.
Amtul Rehman, who is a student of Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) will participate in long jump and triple jump events of the Games.

Uzma Azam of Government College Women University Faisalabad will showcase her skills in the hammer throw. Lahore Garrison University’s Manisha and Maliha will be vying in the taekwondo event, while Fiza will contest in the wushu event.

“We’ve selected them purely on the basis of merit. They all claimed gold medals for Higher Education Commission (HEC) in the recently-held 34th National Games in Quetta,” Sumera, who will accompany the girl athletes as manager-cum-coach told APP on Sunday.

Sumera, who is also Director Sports at LCWU, said the athletes had been training hard since the conclusion of the National Games.

“In the National Games, they outshone some of the top athletes of other departments and provinces. That standout performance have boosted their confidence and they seem eager to perform.”

“The World University Games offer a perfect chance to them to exhibit their potential at the international level. The world’s top-notch athletes will be competing in these Games. Participation in the event will give them much-needed exposure. We are hoping they will put up an impressive show,” she added.

The Chengdu 2021 Universiade will feature 269 events across 18 sports. The Games suffered two postponements as the COVID-19 pandemic created a significant hurdle that posed substantial challenges for the preparatory work.

An attractive view of thick clouds hovering over the skies of the Federal Capital

By

Zia Ur Rehman

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Sun, 23 Jul 2023, 5:48 PM

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People purchasing fruits at Fruit and Vegetables Market.

By

Zia Ur Rehman

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Sun, 23 Jul 2023, 5:46 PM

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An attractive view of thick clouds hovering over the skies of the Federal Capital

By

Zia Ur Rehman

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Sun, 23 Jul 2023, 5:45 PM

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Children enjoying donkey riding at Bypass Road.

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Zia Ur Rehman

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Sun, 23 Jul 2023, 5:44 PM

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PM urges masses to defeat political masquerades of PTI in elections

By

Irfan Khan

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Sun, 23 Jul 2023, 5:41 PM

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APP32-230723PM-Faisalabad — FAISALABAD: July 23 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is addressing a public gathering during groundbreaking ceremony for dualization of a road from Faisalabad Bypass to Motorway (M-3) via Satiana. APP

FAISALABAD, July 23 (APP) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday urged the people to avenge the rigging of 2018 general elections with the power of their mandate during the upcoming general elections by defeating the political masquerades of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

He said during 2018 rigged polls, Imran Niazi and his clique was brought to power but the people of Faisalabad would defeat them in the general elections by massively supporting the PML-N candidates.

Addressing a ceremony after laying foundation stone of development projects, including Faisalabad Satyana bypass linking Motorway-3, the prime minister said during the PTI’s four years rule, not a single brick was laid on the projects initiated by the PML-N government rather a barrage of baseless and awkward allegations were levelled against the opposition leadership.

“Imran Niazi was made a the prime minister through rigged polls (Jhurloo elections), with malfunctioning of RTS and the PML-N was deprived of its seats”, he added.

The prime minister sneered that contrary to Imran Niazi’s tall claims for a vast network of public welfare projects, nothing tangible could be witnessed. Where were those 300 billion dollars, they claimed were parked abroad! he remarked and jeered that not a single penny could be brought back.

The prime minister further castigated the PTI chairman for his claims against seeking financial support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and said rather he reneged on the agreement and conspired and burdened the coalition government.

The ceremony was attended by ministers, parliamentarians, relevant authorities, party leaders and a large number of people.

The prime minister said if the people give mandate to the PML-N in the next general elections, Nawaz Sharif would be the prime minister and under his guidance, he would work as an ordinary worker.

“We, all along with our coalition partners in the government, shall set the country on path of progress and prosperity,” he declared.

The prime minister also commended Nawaz Sharif for initiating billions dollars CPEC projects and said during his tenure, inflation was locked at 3.5 per cent.

If the people decided to bring Nawaz Sharif to power in the upcoming elections, within a decade, the former prime minister would transform the country to compete India on the economic fronts, he added.

He assured that if given a chance, they promised ‘to fight for Pakistan and secure its lost place among the comity of nations and will break the begging bowl by sending its pieces to be decorated around Banigala.’

He opined that such achievement would not be possible with witchcraft but by hard work, sincerity and devotion.

Under the guidance of Nawaz Sharif during 2013 o 2018, he said, the development journey of the country continued with its economy sky rocketing, but through a conspiracy involving former chief justice Saqib Nisar who was then heading the coterie, disqualified the former prime minister in Iqama case.

That journey was ended, he said, adding that he had reminded the officials at that time that a day would arrive when they would repent of bringing Imran Niazi to power.

He said that his government had distributed Rs 100 billion across Pakistan after the last year’s devastating floods that had affected millions of people.

He said they had steered the country out of default due to the joint efforts of coalition government.

The prime minister also announced to give millions of laptops to the young people if came to power besides, developing agriculture, natural resources and minerals sectors.

About hike in prices of electricity, the prime minister maintained that it was not applicable to those consumers using upto 200 units.

He regretted that 190 million pounds fraud story and proceeds from Toshakhana watch sale should have been deposited in the national exchequer or donated to the students of Danish schools instead making way into pockets of PTI’s leadership.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Communications Maulana Asad Mahmood said that the mega road network projects were initiated and completed under the PML-N governments and the leadership of Sharif brothers.

Criticizing the PTI’s government, he said they had played havoc with the country and its institutions, adding under the leadership of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, amir of JUI-F, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) was formed which constitutionally get rid of PTI’s corrupt regime.

The person who claimed to have restricted the federal government within the jurisdiction of the federal capital, had been restricted to Zaman Park in Lahore now, he said without naming PTI chairperson Imran Khan.

The minister expressed the confidence that the next government would be formed by the allied parties in the federal government.

Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah said these two development projects would cost Rs10 billion and help save fuel, time and spur economic activities in the district.

He said that due to personal interest of the prime minister during his tenures as chief minister of Punjab had completed different mega uplift projects in Faisalabad, adding serving the masses was practically proved by Sharif brothers.

The minister berated the PTI’s government and its leadership for their failure to initiate any development project in the country, adding the PML-N government was removed through a conspiracy which badly affected the country’s economy and politics.

“Whenever Pakistan is mired into crises, it were always Mian Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N that steered the country out of challenges,” he said while commending Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his relentless efforts for the country during the last fourteen months of the government.