Sports News

Shandur Polo Festival Begins at the World’s Highest Polo Ground

Chitral: The three-day Shandur Polo Festival commenced at the world’s highest polo ground, with Faisal Karim Kundi attending the opening ceremony as the chief guest.

Tourists from across Pakistan and around the world participated in the festival to witness the traditional “Game of Kings.” On the opening day, teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan competed against each other, providing an exciting spectacle for polo enthusiasts.

Speaking to the media, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that the promotion of tourism remained a top priority. He added that meetings would be held with the federal government and the National Highway Authority to improve road infrastructure and ensure the provision of other essential facilities.

Special Assistant for Tourism Malik Adeel Iqbal and Information Minister Shafee Jan also spoke to the media during the inaugural ceremony.

Governor KP News

KP Governor Expresses Concern Over Wheat Supply Issues

Peshawar: Faisal Karim Kundi has expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for approving the supply of wheat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through PASSCO, but has raised concerns about delays and restrictions in the broader supply chain.

The Governor stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa requires approximately 3.6 million metric tons of wheat, while only 200,000 metric tons have been approved through PASSCO so far.

He further said that the free movement of wheat and flour from Punjab remains halted, and that supply through nine checkpoints along the Punjab border is currently restricted.

According to him, under the Constitution and the new wheat policy, free inter-provincial movement of wheat and flour is the rightful entitlement of the province.

Faisal Karim Kundi urged the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Punjab to take immediate notice of the situation at the checkpoints and ensure uninterrupted supply of wheat and flour to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He emphasised that alternative supply channels, in addition to PASSCO allocations, must be secured to meet the province’s demand, ensuring affordable flour remains available to the public.

Local News

Section 144 Imposed in Mardan to Prevent Forest Fires

Mardan: The District administration has imposed Section 144 across Mardan to protect forests and valuable natural resources from the risk of wildfires, issuing a ban on activities that could trigger forest fires.
According to orders issued by Deputy Commissioner Wasif Rahman, the decision was taken on the recommendation of Divisional Forest Office Mardan amid growing concerns over forest fire incidents.
The administration stated that dry weather conditions, rising temperatures, dried vegetation and increased human activity have significantly heightened the risk of wildfires, posing serious threats to forests, wildlife, the environment, biodiversity and public property.
Under the orders, fireworks, campfires and all activities that may cause fires in forests and adjoining areas of Mardan district have been prohibited for a period of two months.
Deputy Commissioner Wasif Rahman urged public to cooperate with the district administration in safeguarding forests and protecting the environment by immediately reporting any suspicious or hazardous activity to relevant authorities.
He warned that violators would face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. The district administration has also directed all concerned departments to ensure strict implementation of the orders.