Free IT and AI Courses to Police Families
Haripur: Haripur Police has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RankingGrow to provide free modern IT and digital skills training to families of martyred police personnel, retired officers, serving employees, and their children.
Under the agreement, beneficiaries will receive free courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital marketing, graphic designing, and other advanced IT fields.
The MoU was signed by Shafiullah Gandapur and RankingGrow Founder and CEO Imad Ali. Shabbir Hussain Shah and representatives of RankingGrow were also present at the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, DPO Haripur Shafiullah Gandapur said that the importance of IT and digital skills has significantly increased in the modern era, and the initiative aims to empower police families, especially children of martyred personnel and young individuals, through modern technology and professional training.
He added that Haripur Police is not only committed to maintaining law and order but is also taking practical steps for the welfare, education, and better future of police employees and their families. According to him, modern digital skills are key to securing a brighter future for the youth.
KP CM Chairs ADP Meeting, Approves Rs5.6 Billion for CTD
Peshawar: Muhammad Sohail Afridi chaired an important meeting regarding the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for fiscal year 2025-26, reviewing sector-wise fund releases and expenditures for merged and settled districts.
During the meeting, the chief minister directed authorities to ensure full and effective utilization of the released funds before the end of the current fiscal year. He also instructed officials to increase the utilization of AIP funds from the current 89 percent to 100 percent.
The meeting also reviewed the provincial cash flow forecasting for the fourth quarter of the ongoing fiscal year, alongside progress on various development schemes.
Officials informed the meeting that approval had been granted for the release of Rs5.6 billion to the Counter Terrorism Department. Additionally, Rs2.39 billion had already been released for near-completion projects.
The briefing further stated that Rs13.825 billion had been released for the PRP project, while 100 percent funds had been released for the Pakistan Highways Authority.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi directed the concerned departments to ensure transparency and timely completion of development projects so that public welfare benefits could be delivered without delay.
Colorful Chilam Joshi Festival Begins in Kalash Valleys
Lower Chitral: The Traditional Chilam Joshi Festival in the Kalash valleys of Chitral has been initiated from May 13, and will continue until 17 May 2026.
Assistant Director Tourism Authority Muhammad Saad said the festival formally began in Rumbur Valley with the traditional “Cherik Pipi” ritual, known as the day of drinking and sharing milk.
He explained that during the ritual, boys and girls visit goat barns, which are decorated with wildflowers and walnut leaves. Milk, cheese, and yoghurt are distributed among participants as symbols of love and harmony, while walnut bread is also traditionally prepared and shared during the celebrations.
Participants perform traditional dances to the beat of cultural drums, showcasing the unique heritage and customs of the Kalash community.
Muhammad Saad stated that Tourism Police personnel have been deployed from the Lowari Tunnel to the Kalash valleys to facilitate and ensure the security of tourists. He added that, on the instructions of Director General Tourism Authority Shahid Khan, leaves of tourism police personnel had been cancelled during the festival period.
Large numbers of domestic and foreign tourists have arrived in all three Kalash valleys to witness the cultural festivities, while the concluding ceremony of the festival will be held in Bumburet Valley.
Jirga Held on Reopening Torkham Border For Stranded Pakistanis
Khyber (Landi Kotal): An important jirga was held between tribal elders of Landi Kotal and the commandant of Khyber Rifles to discuss the return of stranded Pakistani drivers, traders, and students, as well as the restoration of movement through the Torkham Border crossing.
During the meeting, jirga elders submitted a jointly signed written request addressed to the Inspector General of FC North through the commandant of Khyber Rifles. The application demanded immediate permission for Pakistani citizens, traders, students, and drivers stranded in Afghanistan to return home via the Torkham border.
The jirga members stated that the continued closure of the border had created serious difficulties for many Pakistani citizens and severely affected trade and business activities in the region. They urged authorities to facilitate the return of stranded individuals on humanitarian grounds.
The commandant of the Khyber Rifles assured the jirga participants that their concerns and demands would be conveyed to higher authorities in writing and that relevant institutions would be contacted regarding the matter.
Betani Education Awareness Seminar Held in Tank
Tank: An educational awareness seminar organized by All Betani Students Association was successfully held in Tank, drawing participation from tribal elders, political and social figures, government officials, teachers, students, youth, and members of civil society.
The seminar focused on promoting education, awareness, and the constructive role of youth in society. Participants expressed their commitment to improving educational opportunities and encouraging positive social change among the younger generation.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Najeebullah Betani said the successful organization of the seminar was a matter of pride and happiness for the entire region.
He particularly appreciated the participation of the District Police Officer Tank, stating that it added significance and dignity to the event.
Dr Najeebullah Betani also thanked community elders, friends, and supporters who contributed financially and morally towards the success of the programme, saying their cooperation and trust made the event possible.
He further praised members of his cabinet and organizing team for their tireless efforts and teamwork, emphasizing that collective efforts were essential for promoting education, awareness, and a brighter future for the youth.