35th National Games

Boxing, Basketball, Handball and Tug-of-War Trials Set for KP Athletes

PESHAWAR, April 5, 2025 – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association has announced the schedule for player selection trials for the 35th National Games in boxing, handball, tug-of-war, and basketball.

According to Secretary Zulfiqar Ali Butt, tug-of-war trials will be held on April 6, while basketball selections will take place on April 5-6 at Peshawar Sports Complex. Boxing trials are scheduled for April 6-7 at the same venue.

Men’s handball trials will be conducted on April 8 at Peshawar University Hostel No. 9 grounds, while women’s trials will be held on April 9 at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar.

Butt assured that all associations will conduct trials on time with transparent player selection. He added that various training camps will be organized for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa athletes following the trials to further enhance their skills.

New Zealand Sweeps Pakistan 3-0 in ODI Series

New Zealand Sweeps Pakistan 3-0 in ODI Series

RAWALPINDI, April 5, 2025 – New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 43 runs in the third and final One Day International (ODI) match, completing a 3-0 clean sweep in the series.

Batting first in a rain-affected match reduced to 42 overs, New Zealand set a target of 264 runs for Pakistan. In response, Pakistan’s innings folded at 221 runs. Babar Azam was the top scorer for Pakistan with 50 runs.

New Zealand’s Ben Sears claimed the Man of the Series award after taking 10 wickets across the three matches.

Dera Jaat' Festival

Celebration of Heritage: ‘Dera Jaat’ Festival Inaugurated in KP

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, April 5, 2025 – The much-anticipated ‘Dera Jaat’ cultural festival was inaugurated today with a vibrant ceremony at Ratta Kulachi Stadium in Dera Ismail Khan, marking the beginning of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s largest cultural event.

According to Faraz Ahmad Mughal, Spokesperson to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the grand inauguration ceremony featured prominent dignitaries, including Member National Assembly Faisal Amin Gandapur, Provincial Minister Syed Fakhar Jahan, City Mayor Umar Amin Gandapur, along with other national and provincial leaders.

“The ‘Dera Jaat’ festival has been made possible through the personal efforts of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sardar Ali Amin Khan,” stated Mughal during the ceremony. He emphasized that this event represents the cultural heritage, history, traditions, and customs of all three provinces.

The spokesperson highlighted that ‘Dera Jaat’ incorporates various elements including cultural showcases, sports competitions, traditional music performances, and recreational activities. The festival features parades, cattle shows, physical training displays, fireworks, livestock exhibitions, horse riding competitions, and march-past events.

“Athletes and enthusiasts from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces are participating in this grand event,” Mughal added. He further noted that ‘Dera Jaat’ plays a significant role in promoting the positive image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Dera Ismail Khan.

“This festival is a vital initiative to preserve our traditions, culture, and history,” Mughal concluded, underscoring the importance of cultural events in maintaining regional heritage.

The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across Pakistan, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the region while fostering inter-provincial harmony.

158 Terrorists Eliminated as Security Forces Strike Across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

MAJOR COUNTER-TERRORISM SUCCESS: 158 MILITANTS ELIMINATED IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

PESHAWAR, April 5, 2025 – Security forces have achieved significant success in their ongoing counter-terrorism operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, with 158 militants neutralized during operations conducted last month, according to security sources.

Official reports indicate that a total of 73 operations were carried out across 15 districts of the province during March, demonstrating the government’s continued commitment to eliminating terrorist threats in the region.

North Waziristan witnessed the highest casualties among militant groups, with 40 terrorists eliminated in targeted operations. Security sources further revealed that 25 militants were killed in DI Khan, 20 in Mohmand, and 18 each in Bannu and Mardan districts.

The successful campaign also resulted in 13 terrorists neutralized in South Waziristan and 7 in Lakki Marwat. Additionally, counter-terrorism forces eliminated 6 militants in Bajaur, 4 in Khyber, and 2 each in Karak and Tank districts. Single militant casualties were reported in Charsadda, Swat, Hangu, and Peshawar.

During these operations, security forces recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition from terrorist hideouts, including 123 submachine guns, 29 rocket launchers, and 9 machine guns, severely degrading the operational capabilities of militant groups in the province.

These operations highlight the continued resolve of Pakistan’s security apparatus to eliminate terrorist networks and restore peace and stability across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

KP Olympic Association Unveils National Games Trials for Multiple Disciplines

KP Olympic Association Unveils National Games Trials for Multiple Disciplines

PESHAWAR, April 5: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Olympic Association has announced the schedule for athlete selection trials in multiple sports ahead of the 35th National Games.

According to Secretary Zulfiqar Ali Butt, trials will be conducted at Peshawar Sports Complex and other venues on the following dates:

  • Tug of War: April 6

  • Basketball: April 5–6

  • Boxing: April 6–7

  • Men’s Handball: April 8 (University of Peshawar Hostel #9 Ground)

  • Women’s Handball: April 9 (Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University)

Butt assured that the process will be transparent and merit-based, and that selected players will later attend training camps aimed at refining their skills for the national stage.