Dawn
By Zar Alam Khan
ISLAMABAD: Despite the inspiring slogan of “A Haji served is one Haj earned”, Pakistani authorities and officials got the ire of the pilgrims during Haj 2008 by failing to ensure required facilities and provide guidance to them despite arbitrarily increasing the Haj charges on fictitious grounds.
Though Pakistan’s flags fluttered high in all vantage points, particularly at Mina, government officials and other functionaries including the Khuddamul Hujjaj were explicit by their absence where they were needed. As a result, the pilgrims, mostly aged above 70 years, suffered the most and many of them remained untraced for days.
The arrangements, including accommodation and transportation, for the Hajis in the holy land are made by Saudi Mualims who receive advance fee from each Haji along with transportation charges. However, neither the Mualims visited the Hajis to listen to their complaints nor provided them sufficient transport vehicles particularly from Makkah to Mina, Arafat and back. After waiting for over 12 hours for the buses, the devotees had to hire taxis on exorbitant rates to reach Mina from Makkah. As the Taxi drivers dropped them at the entry point of the tent city, the Hajis had to spend hours in scorching sun to locate their places of stay in the labyrinth of tents. Many of them spent the first night under the open sky after failing to trace their tents and the next morning had to reach Arafat on foot. Elderly Hajis without company had to suffer the most and many of them remained missing during the five-day rituals. Over 40 to 50 Hajis were crammed into a single tent at Mina making it difficult for them to sleep or even move about and stretch their feet. Instead of providing accommodations to the Hajis close to each others like other countries had done, Pakistani tents at Mina were scattered near Kubra Abdul Aziz and Kubra Faisal etc., while the Haj Mission had reportedly set up its office over four kilometers away, making it difficult for the pilgrims to approach it. Many of the Hajis were also seen screaming in search of their missing relatives particularly outside Jamrats but there was no Pakistani official to help them.
Unlike in the past, the government this time had abolished the white and green category systems for selection of the Hujjaj. The Haj air fares were increased from Rs46,000 last year to Rs85,000 on the plea that petroleum prices were on the rise in the international market. However, when the POL prices started decreasing, the fares were not adjusted, saying an agreement had already been signed with the PIA fixing the Haj fares at Rs85,000 which cannot be reversed.
Besides, the ministry of religious affairs had initially announced that after deduction from the Rs200,000 Haj dues on account of building rents, transport charges and other expenses including the Haj fee to be paid to the Saudi government, each Haji would be given at least 1,300 riyals to meet their day-to-day expenses. However, when the pilgrims reached the Haji camps before their departure they were informed that the amount had been slashed to 750 riyals. Those coming from far-off areas could not arrange extra riyals within the short period and had to face a lot of financial problems. Many of them skipped at least one time’s meal daily during the 40-day stay in the holy land while some were also seen receiving food being distributed among the Indian pilgrims at Mina.
The Pakistani Hajis were angry at the government for its failure to provide basic facilities to them despite increasing the Haj dues from less than Rs130,000 in 2007 to Rs200,000 in 2008. It was learnt that initially the government had decided to fix the Haj charges at Rs150,000 per pilgrim but later an amount of Rs50,000 was added to it without any justification. The Hajis frequently cited the example of India which had charged its Hajis in three categories ranging from Rs85,000 to Rs97,000 and provided them far better facilities. The Pakistani Haj directorate at Makkah even failed to hire accommodations near the Haram though many buildings were reported vacant till the end. The Hajis were housed in distant places like Azizia, etc., due to which they also faced lots of hardship in reaching Kaaba as transport was not available. Even private tour operators with their offices in Pakistan had managed to rent buildings in the nearby localities of the Haram at much lower rates.
Most of the buildings hired for the Pakistanis were in dilapidated conditions. In one such building at Jarwal (Quba), the Pakistanis spent their 30-day stay protesting against shortage of water and other facilities. Four to seven pilgrims were accommodated in one room in the four-storey building and each one of them was charged 100 riyals per day. The building which housed over 700 pilgrims lacked maintenance with broken and missing fixtures. Besides, there was no arrangement for cleanliness and the house keeping staff always refused to clean the rooms. The pilgrims were often seen gathering in the compound and protesting against shortage of water. However, there were no officials either from the Pakistan House or the building management to answer to their complaints. Staff deployed supposedly to serve the Hajis by the building owner remained busy in running their own small business at the reception by selling tea and eatables to the Hajis. Similar complaints were also received from most of the pilgrims in other areas of Makkah.
Though government’s working right from receiving the Haj application forms to preparation of Haj-related documents was appreciated, the pilgrims were of the view that accountability and coordination among government officials deputed on Haj duty should be ensured to facilitate the pilgrims in performing the religious obligation with peace of mind.
The writer performed Haj in the year 2008.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Chitrali youth found murdered in Taxila
Chitral Online Report, Islamabad
The Taxila police have found the bullet-riddled body of a Chitrali young man from the Margallah Hills. The deceased has been identified as Sharifullah, 25.
The body has been kept at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Taxila. The police said some passersby informed them about the presence of the bullet-riddled body on the hills. The police reached the spot and shifted the body to the hospital.
The Taxila police have found the bullet-riddled body of a Chitrali young man from the Margallah Hills. The deceased has been identified as Sharifullah, 25.
The body has been kept at the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Taxila. The police said some passersby informed them about the presence of the bullet-riddled body on the hills. The police reached the spot and shifted the body to the hospital.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Malpractices at Malakand University - Letter
I am making a plea to the Governor NWFP, Vice-Chancellor, Controller of the Malakand University and also request the Chairman of Higher Education Commission regarding the blunders committed by the University of Malakand in terms of conducting examination.
Quite oblivious of its sacred duties, the examination block of the university wreak havoc on the future of the students. Chitral, being a far-flung district of NWFP, unfortunately comes under the jurisdiction of the Malakand University and the students of Chitral have become a victim of the highhandedness of the unscrupulous officials of the university. The examination days of the academic years are like a harvesting season for the unconscientious examiners who haunt the examination halls again and again and reap the ignomious harvest in the form of tours, treats and gifts at the cost of the poor and helpless students, who cannot afford the consequences of the displeasure of the examiners. As a
result cheating and unfair means not only affects the academic performance of the laborious and intelligent students but also becomes part and parcel of the future generation. Another problem faced by the unfortunate students is at the time of declaration of the examination results. DMCs and certificates take months to reach the students and most of the students have to make an arduous journey to the University and the worst thing the students encounter is that instead of the marks of the subjects the students have taken examination, some other subjects are mentioned in the detailed marked certificates for example instead of political science computer is written and marked. Another carelessness of the university towards Chitrali students is that after applying for degrees they cannot get them even after three years. In the previous examination some students got roll numbers in which the allocated examination halls of other district had been mentioned.
The helpless students manage to reach the office of the University and unwillingly will have to grease the palms of some of the dishonest personnel of the office to get their problems solved. I hope that the authorities will take notice of these malpractices and will constitute a fair examination system by appointing honest and Godfearing examiners and will rectify the marking and issuing of the certificates and degrees.
Saeedul Abrar
Muglandeh Chitral.
Quite oblivious of its sacred duties, the examination block of the university wreak havoc on the future of the students. Chitral, being a far-flung district of NWFP, unfortunately comes under the jurisdiction of the Malakand University and the students of Chitral have become a victim of the highhandedness of the unscrupulous officials of the university. The examination days of the academic years are like a harvesting season for the unconscientious examiners who haunt the examination halls again and again and reap the ignomious harvest in the form of tours, treats and gifts at the cost of the poor and helpless students, who cannot afford the consequences of the displeasure of the examiners. As a
result cheating and unfair means not only affects the academic performance of the laborious and intelligent students but also becomes part and parcel of the future generation. Another problem faced by the unfortunate students is at the time of declaration of the examination results. DMCs and certificates take months to reach the students and most of the students have to make an arduous journey to the University and the worst thing the students encounter is that instead of the marks of the subjects the students have taken examination, some other subjects are mentioned in the detailed marked certificates for example instead of political science computer is written and marked. Another carelessness of the university towards Chitrali students is that after applying for degrees they cannot get them even after three years. In the previous examination some students got roll numbers in which the allocated examination halls of other district had been mentioned.
The helpless students manage to reach the office of the University and unwillingly will have to grease the palms of some of the dishonest personnel of the office to get their problems solved. I hope that the authorities will take notice of these malpractices and will constitute a fair examination system by appointing honest and Godfearing examiners and will rectify the marking and issuing of the certificates and degrees.
Saeedul Abrar
Muglandeh Chitral.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
All parties moot demands immediate opening of Lowari Tunnel
Report Bashir Hussain Azad, Chitral
An all parties meeting was held at the Govt Commerce College Chitral in which a great number of political activists belonging to different parties, nazims, representatives of trade unions and transport unions participated. The meeting was chaired by District Nazim Haji Maghfirat Shah.
The main point of the meeting was how to solve the transportation problem of edible items; sugar, oil and gas that have fallen short in the market and their prices have skyrocketed. Serious patients referred to Peshawar for specialized treatment have suffered a lot owing to the unavailability of the conveyance facility. The meeting termed the route via Afghanistan risky in these days and unanimously demanded that Lawari tunnel if opened twice a week or for two hours every day will solve the problem. Haji Maghfirat Shah District Nazim Chitral, Muhammad Hakim Khan Advocate General Secretary PPP, Jamaat Islami Ameer Maulana Ghulam Muhammad, Syed Ahmed President Muslim Legue (Q) Balinas of JUI, Sartaj Ahmed Khan Tehsil Nazim, Habib Hussain Mughul President of Trade Union, Muhammad Sardar and President Chitral Press Club Shah Murad Baig during their speech told that the authorities of SAMBO and other consultant have agreed for the limited use of the tunnel and have termed it quite feasible but they asked astonishingly as who was impeding the approval of the opening of Lawari tunnel. District Nazim said that at this critical juncture of Lawari tunnel is not opened, an uncontrollable law and order situation will prop up. Hence all the speakers stressed that Lowari tunnel should be opened immediately for the common people.
An all parties meeting was held at the Govt Commerce College Chitral in which a great number of political activists belonging to different parties, nazims, representatives of trade unions and transport unions participated. The meeting was chaired by District Nazim Haji Maghfirat Shah.
The main point of the meeting was how to solve the transportation problem of edible items; sugar, oil and gas that have fallen short in the market and their prices have skyrocketed. Serious patients referred to Peshawar for specialized treatment have suffered a lot owing to the unavailability of the conveyance facility. The meeting termed the route via Afghanistan risky in these days and unanimously demanded that Lawari tunnel if opened twice a week or for two hours every day will solve the problem. Haji Maghfirat Shah District Nazim Chitral, Muhammad Hakim Khan Advocate General Secretary PPP, Jamaat Islami Ameer Maulana Ghulam Muhammad, Syed Ahmed President Muslim Legue (Q) Balinas of JUI, Sartaj Ahmed Khan Tehsil Nazim, Habib Hussain Mughul President of Trade Union, Muhammad Sardar and President Chitral Press Club Shah Murad Baig during their speech told that the authorities of SAMBO and other consultant have agreed for the limited use of the tunnel and have termed it quite feasible but they asked astonishingly as who was impeding the approval of the opening of Lawari tunnel. District Nazim said that at this critical juncture of Lawari tunnel is not opened, an uncontrollable law and order situation will prop up. Hence all the speakers stressed that Lowari tunnel should be opened immediately for the common people.
Chitral-Ishkashem Highway - Letter
Different letters have been published in online news regarding Chitral-Ishkashem highway. We shall appreciate the individuals who have started thinking about such an important project. There are alternative routes to link Chitral with Central Asian countries. We shall try our best to convey information to the concerned authorities to conduct feasibility survey and decide the best route.
Our main objective should be to link Chitral with Central Asian countries whether it is through air service or land. Flights and vehicles shall leave from Chitral main town; the people of upper and lower Chitral shall be unbiased keeping in view the bright future of Chitral and its inhabitants and there shall be no leg pulling
Few points shall be considered while suggesting the feasible route.
First distance shall be minimum so that there shall be less time spent in travelling
Route shall be all weather to ensure regular movement
Route shall be safe and secure
One time cost does not matters, main problem is maintenance cost after construction, it is practical experience that in mountainous areas high cost will be incurred at the time of construction but maintenance cost very low.
There are different routes to link Chitral with Central Asian Countries few of them are under:
Broghil side is one option, distance is lengthy, it is soft area initial cost of construction could be the same as other areas; there are no main rocks in the way for tunneling. But the main hurdles are; maintenance cost will be high, travelling time as compared to other sides will be more.
Second option is from Karimabad side, a portion of Trichmir Mountain lies at the boundary of Chtiral and Afghanistan, in the foot of Trichmir there is a large cave that was used to travel between Chitral and Afghanistan before creation of Pakistan for trade purposes. Some people living in Karimabad told that it was about 2 km lengthy cave, dacoits from Afghanistan have used this route to attack on Chitral, for defense point of few this cave was blocked from Chitral side. According to the remarks of the people with little efforts this cave can be reopened, such people can identify the side where the cave starts, jeeb able road has been constructed up to Terichmir, so this is another option. From Chital to Karaimabad and Terichmir distance is only 52 km, after crossing the cave, distance to Tajikistan bourder is 35km.
Third Option is Akram Gole Arkari, now a days people of Arkari use to travel to Afghanistan using this route, total distance from Arkari to Afghanistan takes about one and half day on foot. A gentle men from Siwakht who called Pir has migrated to Afghanistan, his children are now living there, people of Arkari are visiting frequently Afghanistan to meet such individuals, it is a safe side, there is no law and order issue. People of Arkari almost purchasing animals cows and goats from Afghanistan. This route is used for transportation of narcotics opium by Afghan people because there is less restrictions by law enforcing agencies as compared to Broghol and Garumchashma. Distance from Chitral to Oveer Arkari is only 50 km, if this route selected low cost will be incurred in construction and maintenance also. After establishment of proper check posts transportation of narcotics will be controlled.
Forth option is Shah Silim Garumchashma, link road has already been constructed from Garumchashma to Zebak Afghanistan in early nineties, due to defense point of view during Taliban attack on Afghanistan this route was closed. Now there is a need of repair and it would be possible with low repairing cost. The main hurdle is the rock exists at the boarder of Garumchasham and Afghanistan, area is feasible but 3 km tunnel has to be excavated to make it all weather route. The initial cost could be the same or little high as compared to other sides but maintenance cost after construction will be very low. This touches the Badakhsan Province of Afghanistan there is no law and order issue in this province, all people were in Garumchashma and Chtiral during afghan war, they have good relation with Chitralis. This side is most feasible for road construction.
It will take 5-10 years to complete the road if any one of the above sides selected for construction of road, but we shall think about the shortest time period to have linkage between Chitral and Central Asian Countries. The only solution of this issue is air service between Chitral and Khorog Tajikistan. According to the remarks of pilots of Aga Khan Foundation who used to flew from Chitral Air Port to Khorog Air Port the maximum time is 30 minute, which is the shortest time in any international travel.
From Karachi to Khorog there is chartered flight service almost on a weekly basis, a large number of passengers are going to Karachi from NWFP and Punjab to Karachi to avail flight for central Asian countries, with efforts and struggle this route can be changed. If higher authorities contacted and motivated to start flights from Chitral to Khorog even twice a week this could be feasible both for passengers and PIA authorities. From Islamabad to Karachi air ticket is more than Rs. 10,000, but passengers will pay only 3,600 for Islamabad to Chitral flight, further cost from Chitral to Khorog will be less as compared to Karachi to Khorog flight. The existing ATR planes can be used from Chitral to Khorog.
Every Chitrali shall try its best to convey the message to higher authorities, in this regard I would especially request to Shahzada Sirajul Mulk and Fardad Ali Shah who have good relations with the higher authorities to discuss the possibilities with PIA and other government officials. MNA Shahzad Muhaidin and Minister for Population Welfare Salim Khan are also requested to please raise the matter in their respective platforms to initiate flight service between Chtiral to Khorog.
Shamsher Khan
Golimar, Karachi
Our main objective should be to link Chitral with Central Asian countries whether it is through air service or land. Flights and vehicles shall leave from Chitral main town; the people of upper and lower Chitral shall be unbiased keeping in view the bright future of Chitral and its inhabitants and there shall be no leg pulling
Few points shall be considered while suggesting the feasible route.
First distance shall be minimum so that there shall be less time spent in travelling
Route shall be all weather to ensure regular movement
Route shall be safe and secure
One time cost does not matters, main problem is maintenance cost after construction, it is practical experience that in mountainous areas high cost will be incurred at the time of construction but maintenance cost very low.
There are different routes to link Chitral with Central Asian Countries few of them are under:
Broghil side is one option, distance is lengthy, it is soft area initial cost of construction could be the same as other areas; there are no main rocks in the way for tunneling. But the main hurdles are; maintenance cost will be high, travelling time as compared to other sides will be more.
Second option is from Karimabad side, a portion of Trichmir Mountain lies at the boundary of Chtiral and Afghanistan, in the foot of Trichmir there is a large cave that was used to travel between Chitral and Afghanistan before creation of Pakistan for trade purposes. Some people living in Karimabad told that it was about 2 km lengthy cave, dacoits from Afghanistan have used this route to attack on Chitral, for defense point of few this cave was blocked from Chitral side. According to the remarks of the people with little efforts this cave can be reopened, such people can identify the side where the cave starts, jeeb able road has been constructed up to Terichmir, so this is another option. From Chital to Karaimabad and Terichmir distance is only 52 km, after crossing the cave, distance to Tajikistan bourder is 35km.
Third Option is Akram Gole Arkari, now a days people of Arkari use to travel to Afghanistan using this route, total distance from Arkari to Afghanistan takes about one and half day on foot. A gentle men from Siwakht who called Pir has migrated to Afghanistan, his children are now living there, people of Arkari are visiting frequently Afghanistan to meet such individuals, it is a safe side, there is no law and order issue. People of Arkari almost purchasing animals cows and goats from Afghanistan. This route is used for transportation of narcotics opium by Afghan people because there is less restrictions by law enforcing agencies as compared to Broghol and Garumchashma. Distance from Chitral to Oveer Arkari is only 50 km, if this route selected low cost will be incurred in construction and maintenance also. After establishment of proper check posts transportation of narcotics will be controlled.
Forth option is Shah Silim Garumchashma, link road has already been constructed from Garumchashma to Zebak Afghanistan in early nineties, due to defense point of view during Taliban attack on Afghanistan this route was closed. Now there is a need of repair and it would be possible with low repairing cost. The main hurdle is the rock exists at the boarder of Garumchasham and Afghanistan, area is feasible but 3 km tunnel has to be excavated to make it all weather route. The initial cost could be the same or little high as compared to other sides but maintenance cost after construction will be very low. This touches the Badakhsan Province of Afghanistan there is no law and order issue in this province, all people were in Garumchashma and Chtiral during afghan war, they have good relation with Chitralis. This side is most feasible for road construction.
It will take 5-10 years to complete the road if any one of the above sides selected for construction of road, but we shall think about the shortest time period to have linkage between Chitral and Central Asian Countries. The only solution of this issue is air service between Chitral and Khorog Tajikistan. According to the remarks of pilots of Aga Khan Foundation who used to flew from Chitral Air Port to Khorog Air Port the maximum time is 30 minute, which is the shortest time in any international travel.
From Karachi to Khorog there is chartered flight service almost on a weekly basis, a large number of passengers are going to Karachi from NWFP and Punjab to Karachi to avail flight for central Asian countries, with efforts and struggle this route can be changed. If higher authorities contacted and motivated to start flights from Chitral to Khorog even twice a week this could be feasible both for passengers and PIA authorities. From Islamabad to Karachi air ticket is more than Rs. 10,000, but passengers will pay only 3,600 for Islamabad to Chitral flight, further cost from Chitral to Khorog will be less as compared to Karachi to Khorog flight. The existing ATR planes can be used from Chitral to Khorog.
Every Chitrali shall try its best to convey the message to higher authorities, in this regard I would especially request to Shahzada Sirajul Mulk and Fardad Ali Shah who have good relations with the higher authorities to discuss the possibilities with PIA and other government officials. MNA Shahzad Muhaidin and Minister for Population Welfare Salim Khan are also requested to please raise the matter in their respective platforms to initiate flight service between Chtiral to Khorog.
Shamsher Khan
Golimar, Karachi
Friday, February 6, 2009
Train through Lowari Tunnel opposed
DAWN
By Zar Alam Khan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chitral chapter leader Fardad Ali Shah has asked the federal government to reconsider laying railway track in the recently-dug Lowari Tunnel.
“The tunnel having the total length of 8.5 kilometres has become a reality for the Chitralis and a milestone in the history of Chitral. The important point now is to rethink as to whether we really need a railway track through the tunnel when all kinds of vehicles are already capable of driving through it,” he said while talking to Dawn.
The NHA and the Korean Sambu Construction Company vehicles are plying comfortably through the tunnel from one end to the other which proves the tunnel is now fit to take in vehicles, he added.
In the first phase of the project, excavation work was completed on January 14, while in the second phase, railway track will be laid through the tunnel at an estimated cost of Rs5 billion.
Mr Shah said even if we overlooked its whooping initial cost, railway service through the tunnel is an avoidable external factor and additional liability with all its associated problems like operating cost, maintenance, mismanagement, breakdowns, etc., besides it will be causing an unnecessary wastage of time in loading/unloading of vehicles on the train at both the ends. Involving a railway system should best be avoided when the tunnel without it is capable of doing the needful, he said.
There are much longer, equally narrow, tunnels in Europe including the 1980-constructed Gothard Tunnel in the Swiss Alps which is 16.3 kilometres long and is a single-lane road tunnel.
In case of the Lowari Tunnel, at most a couple of additional ventilation ducts may be needed to be installed to be used as a regular road tunnel. Giving block timings for up/down traffic can regulate traffic through the tunnel. (The proposed railways system also is a one-way system).
What is more important is to judiciously use Rs5 billion saved by scrapping the railways system.
Mr Shah, a retired wing commander of PAF, said the saved amount could be used to construct a series of hydropower stations in Chitral and provide cheap electricity to the people to uplift their living conditions, protect forests and encourage small cottage industries requiring electricity.
Provision of affordable electricity is a need of the people, second only to the need for an all-weather road. By the grace of Allah, we achieved the all-weather road target, Shah said, adding that now, priority should be given to fulfilling our energy requirement.
By Zar Alam Khan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chitral chapter leader Fardad Ali Shah has asked the federal government to reconsider laying railway track in the recently-dug Lowari Tunnel.
“The tunnel having the total length of 8.5 kilometres has become a reality for the Chitralis and a milestone in the history of Chitral. The important point now is to rethink as to whether we really need a railway track through the tunnel when all kinds of vehicles are already capable of driving through it,” he said while talking to Dawn.
The NHA and the Korean Sambu Construction Company vehicles are plying comfortably through the tunnel from one end to the other which proves the tunnel is now fit to take in vehicles, he added.
In the first phase of the project, excavation work was completed on January 14, while in the second phase, railway track will be laid through the tunnel at an estimated cost of Rs5 billion.
Mr Shah said even if we overlooked its whooping initial cost, railway service through the tunnel is an avoidable external factor and additional liability with all its associated problems like operating cost, maintenance, mismanagement, breakdowns, etc., besides it will be causing an unnecessary wastage of time in loading/unloading of vehicles on the train at both the ends. Involving a railway system should best be avoided when the tunnel without it is capable of doing the needful, he said.
There are much longer, equally narrow, tunnels in Europe including the 1980-constructed Gothard Tunnel in the Swiss Alps which is 16.3 kilometres long and is a single-lane road tunnel.
In case of the Lowari Tunnel, at most a couple of additional ventilation ducts may be needed to be installed to be used as a regular road tunnel. Giving block timings for up/down traffic can regulate traffic through the tunnel. (The proposed railways system also is a one-way system).
What is more important is to judiciously use Rs5 billion saved by scrapping the railways system.
Mr Shah, a retired wing commander of PAF, said the saved amount could be used to construct a series of hydropower stations in Chitral and provide cheap electricity to the people to uplift their living conditions, protect forests and encourage small cottage industries requiring electricity.
Provision of affordable electricity is a need of the people, second only to the need for an all-weather road. By the grace of Allah, we achieved the all-weather road target, Shah said, adding that now, priority should be given to fulfilling our energy requirement.
Woman commits suicide in Chuinj
MASTUJ: A young woman committed suicide due to domestic problem in Chuinj village on Friday.
The 22-year-old, daughter of Sharif Khan, was reprimanded in the house over some domestic issue after which she went into a room and hanged herself. The girl had passed intermediate exam and was unmarried.
The 22-year-old, daughter of Sharif Khan, was reprimanded in the house over some domestic issue after which she went into a room and hanged herself. The girl had passed intermediate exam and was unmarried.
New Zakat chairman for upper Chitral
CHITRAL: A meeting of chairmen local zakat Committees held at Beyar Local Support Organization office in Booni under the chair of District Zakat Chairman Mohammad Ismail elected Abdul Rehman as zakat chairman for upper Chitral.
The participants also discussed various issues and problems of inhabitants of upper Chitral. As there was no chairman nominated for upper Chitral, people had been facing great problems. The meeting suggested different names for the post and later all the members agreed upon the name of Mr Rehman.
On this occasion, the district zakat chairman also distributed cheques among the deserving people of Booni. --GH Farooqui
The participants also discussed various issues and problems of inhabitants of upper Chitral. As there was no chairman nominated for upper Chitral, people had been facing great problems. The meeting suggested different names for the post and later all the members agreed upon the name of Mr Rehman.
On this occasion, the district zakat chairman also distributed cheques among the deserving people of Booni. --GH Farooqui
Gas-fired power plant for Pakistan
It is in apropos of a news item that the government will get 320 MW of gas-fired power plant from UAE. Our President himself was present at the time of the handing over ceremony. It shows our President’s personal interest and his government's terms with UAE that in the time of dire need of electricity we have received such a valuable powerhouse which even can be operational with gas-fired. Let’s stop this incident here. First I will quote the example of my own district Chitral. We have three thermal power stations lying inoperative
in the time of severe load shedding period: one is in Tehsil Molkhoh and the other in Mastuj while the third one is in proper Chitral. On asking the reason for these inopearive thermal power houses, the authorities bluntly say that the government doesn’t give us diesel to run the powerhouses. So what about the new gas-fired power plant; will our brotherly UAE govt also give us gas to run it otherwise Wapda never bothers to run such power stations within the country.
Another aspect of this charity we received wrapped into the cover of gift from the UAE Govt is surprising. Why we the people of Pakistan always ask for charities from different countries, sometimes for oil or financial and powerhouse? After all we are the nuclear country. Doesn’t our scientists have any capability to manufacture such kind of powerhouse? Because the Holy Prophet (PBUH) once said, “That the upper hand is better than the lower one”. Is it our fate and destination to ask for aid all the time? It is not the proper time to change our policies toward the aid centre to the self-sufficiency. If our Govt and we try to make some effective reforms we would be in the position to say no to foreign aids forever. It is the universal truth that those nations who look for foreign aids and never rely on their own resources never progress in any field.
So it is now the responsibility of our "popular" Govt to lead the nation towards self-sufficiency and economical independency, while using and relying on our own sources instead of foreign aid.
Bashir Hussain Azad
Chitral.
in the time of severe load shedding period: one is in Tehsil Molkhoh and the other in Mastuj while the third one is in proper Chitral. On asking the reason for these inopearive thermal power houses, the authorities bluntly say that the government doesn’t give us diesel to run the powerhouses. So what about the new gas-fired power plant; will our brotherly UAE govt also give us gas to run it otherwise Wapda never bothers to run such power stations within the country.
Another aspect of this charity we received wrapped into the cover of gift from the UAE Govt is surprising. Why we the people of Pakistan always ask for charities from different countries, sometimes for oil or financial and powerhouse? After all we are the nuclear country. Doesn’t our scientists have any capability to manufacture such kind of powerhouse? Because the Holy Prophet (PBUH) once said, “That the upper hand is better than the lower one”. Is it our fate and destination to ask for aid all the time? It is not the proper time to change our policies toward the aid centre to the self-sufficiency. If our Govt and we try to make some effective reforms we would be in the position to say no to foreign aids forever. It is the universal truth that those nations who look for foreign aids and never rely on their own resources never progress in any field.
So it is now the responsibility of our "popular" Govt to lead the nation towards self-sufficiency and economical independency, while using and relying on our own sources instead of foreign aid.
Bashir Hussain Azad
Chitral.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Rain, snowfall lash Chitral again
CHITRAL: Heavy Rain and snowfall again lashed Chitral bringing down the temperature and blocking roads in a number of valleys particularly in the upper areas on Wednesday.
The rain started on Wednesday morning and till evening it had intensified in all parts of the district including the Chitral town keeping the residents indoor.
In upper Chitral which was already blanketed in over half a foot snow, the fresh snowfall has blocked many villages creating problems for the people in getting essential commodities especially firewood.
Most of the people in Chitral describe this year’s record rain and snowfall as a blessing coming on the heels of the epoch-making change due to the construction of Lowari Tunnel.
Chitral-Shikashim Highway
Dear Editor,
I used to live in Chitral for quite long time during the Afghan War and I travelled through Broghil and Durah so many times, I was doing stone business in Chitral. This is the only source to read this online news paper to be incontact with Chitrali people. I always remember the Chitrali people, their simplicity, honesty and hospitality. I have enough information about the route which is more discussed in the local online news papers. What is feel I want to extant this topic into you online news papers as well because too many readers browsing the online newspaper. Currently, I have a leather business in the Nothern City of Tajikistan "Khujand". The letter I am pasting bellow also you can find in attahced file,
Regards,
Mirza Muhammad Ziayie
Khujan - Tajikistan
Chitral – Ishkashem Highway Project
During my studies in Kazakistan one of my colleagues awed me very much, there were two reasons; one I was not a good reader, weak in studies and second I was not good as my friend was in Russian. It took me three months; I mean I was so impressed, he was quoting books and writers all the time; one fine morning we were sitting outside the apartment Ms. Dilnozo asked me about my friend Mr. Rahmikodov. I replied; he is very learned guy, and she smile, her impression was showing that something is wrong. I mean to quote the sentence here is, we have to take this debate on a very positive way and on realistic grounds, not the fake materials people do write and we will extract. Whilst, the topic we are talking, is very important for the future generations of Chitral, Badakhshan Afghanistan and Badakhshan Tajikistan. Before I start answering the respectable writers, I can apologize first, because my English is not up to that standard and I am not a good writer
like them. However, I am not personally targeting anyone; it is a kind of experience sharing. During the Afghan war several times I traveled to Chitral from Badakhshan and Chitral to Badakhshan via Durah, Khatinza and once from Broghil. During my student life and even now I have very frequent visits to Central Asian Countries, still doing business in Khujan Tajikistan. Last week I traveled from Ishkashem Afghanistan – Tajikistan via Khorog to Dushanbe then fly to Khujand.
First of all, I can comments on the first writer; Mr. I. Aseer’s write up is impressive one; he has a good knowledge about the area from Chitral to up –to Ishkashem Bridge. The same he has written is perceive sound; I met one Chitrali guy in 1994, we travelled from Chitral Town to Garum Chashma, he was helper with the surveyor team, still I remember his name; Syed Alim Shah. During discussion he told that the distance is the same what Mr. I. Aseer has written in his letter. But on the other hand, I will be disagreeing with the distances given by Mr. Aseer between Dushanbe and Chitral is not the correct one. Yes, it is right as Alim Shah told that 185 to 225 like that, it is from Chitral to Ishkashem not Dushanbe it might be miss printed. While, you are travelling from Chitral to Dushanbe that you have to choose three bridges to enter into Tajikistan.
Bridge One (Ishkashem)
The nearest bridge which has access for heavy and light vehicular is Ishkashem the bridge has been inaugurated by HH Prince Karim Aga Khan, Mr. Khalili from Afghan side and Mr. Imam Ali Rahmanov the President of Tajikistan. If you cross that bridge you will enter into Tajikisan there is only one road leads to Dushanbe is the road on the right bank of Oxus River (Darya-e-Panj in Tajikistan and Dary-e-Amu the Afghan people says). The condition is good in most places but, it is difficult to travel in winter time due to heavy snow fall as we experienced last week. Here, I can share with our readers about the distances between Chitral to Ishkashem Tajikistan is similar like that what Mr. I. Aseer has written as I traveled, but it might be less or may be 50 km longer not more than that. While, you are travelling from Chitral to Brogil it is approximately 220 km only in Pakistan side. Beside of that last year July when we went to Brogil in Afghanistan side we
measured by our own jeep distance recorder, it is 110 km from Ishkashem to Khandud the capital town of Brogil and the same from Khandud to Brogil, it means 220 km from Afghanistan side. So, to reach the first bridge through Broghil pass indicates traveling more than 440 km from Chitral to reach Ishkashem Bridge. In one autumn we three friends traveled from Chitral to Ishkashem , it was 1996 and took fifteen days to reach there through Broghil. While, travelling from Chitral to Ishkashem is only three days journey through Durah Pass. Here, I can also mention the distance between Ishkashem to Khorog that is 180 km and distance between Khorog to Dushanbe is 579 km but, if you reached in Khorog one another road is leading to Kirghizstan, so you may go to Dushanbe or other central Asian Country (but only in summer Kirghizistan).
Bridge Two (Shughanan)
The second Bridge also constructed by Aga Khan Development Network between Shughnan Afghanistan to Khorog. Shughnan is like Chitral, six month cut off from the other part of Afghanistan due to heavy snow fall in Shiwa Pass. If you are choosing this bridge to go to Tajikistan then you have to travel to Baharak and then Shiwa pass to Shughan and then Khorog. So, from Ishkashem to Baharak it is approximately 100 km & Baharak to Shughan is approximately the same 100 km the road through Brogil will be 640 to enter into Tajikistan. While, choosing Durah Pass you cannot go to Ishkashem and the distance between Ishkashem and Zebok is 35 km so, between Chitral and Khorog will be 385. Hence, you are in a Central Asian City, you may go to Dushanbe or Kirghizstan from there.
Bridge Three
Sher Khan Bandar the Main Bridge between Afghanistan and Tajikistan
This bridge is situated at a distance of 85 km from Kunduz city, most trade between Central Asian Countries and Afghanistan is accessible through this bridge & route. It is easy for reset of the Asian countries to choose this route rather than the other two bridges, except security the road condition and other infrastructure is very good, if road has been constructed between Chitral to Badakhshan this route will be used sometimes in winter. Here, again I can write the distance between Faizabad the capital city of Badakhshan and Kunduz is 265 and between Ishkashem to Faizabad is 160.
Now I would like to answer the second writer
1. The road will cross through Pakistani Territory (expect Wakhon Strip), what I think is not the the right statement when we are talking about Durah or Broghil, it is only Possible through Arkari to cross the 20 km of Wakhon Strip at Qazdeh, but it is not possible because of the glacier on the way between Arkari and Qazdeh.
2. Every county construct road to see the future feasibility not only to see the current scenario, the future cost of trades and travelers are also being considered. If we think like that the road from Peshawer through Gilgit to Chital is more feasible as compare to Lawari Tunnel. Furthermore, Durah pass was available for vehicular traffic for several years and it has been blocked in several places when Mr. Najmuddin Khan was Commander of Northern Badakhshan due to Taliban fears, only needs repair and expansion.
3. Yes, here I can agree with the writer that very short span of time the road will be constructed, but huge amount will be spend on maintenance or these kinds of roads are constructed for one time. Aga Khan Rural Support Programme built roads even for pastures in Northern Pakistan, Broghil is the only area don’t have road access, what I think is maintenance.
4. Yes, the Broghil road is much easier for Silk Route and if we are thinking about China that this side is 100% more feasible than current KKH between Pakistan & China.
5. Wakhan is six month cut off with other part of Afghanistan due to snow fall and both sides Durah and Broghil are not feasible in winter but using modern technology it can be possible.
6. Finally, we don’t have to be impressed from the Western people and the NOTES OF CHITRAL which written by them, just ask thousand Chitralies & Afghanis living in Chitral have been to Badakhshan during the Afghan war and after that, which part is shortest and more reasonable THAT WE CAN SAY A BEST NOTE.
7. Last but not least, I can comments on the writer’s view & try to correct him; the Capital City of Afghan Province Badakhshan is Faizabad. If you are travelling from Faizabad to Mazar-e-Sharif, you have to go to Takhar Province first then Kuduz Province, then Baghlan Province then Smangan Province then you can enter into Balkh Province and Mazar-e-Sharif is the capital city of Balkh. When we are talking about historical records & trade, we can start from the very recent records i.e. trade during Afghan War (which I was also doing stone business through Durah Pass), at the Time of Mehtar-e-Chitral and Religious Scholars like Hakin Nasir-e-Khisraw and Pir Shams. I can agree with the writer that there are some stories regarding Kirghiz & Chinese people who were using the Broghil route for Pilgrims and trade and still that is feasible for China and the Kirghizstan but that must be another topic like Kashghar or Pamir – Chitral highway not
Chitral – Ishkashem Highway.
Mirza Mohammad Ziayie
Khujand - Tajikistan
I used to live in Chitral for quite long time during the Afghan War and I travelled through Broghil and Durah so many times, I was doing stone business in Chitral. This is the only source to read this online news paper to be incontact with Chitrali people. I always remember the Chitrali people, their simplicity, honesty and hospitality. I have enough information about the route which is more discussed in the local online news papers. What is feel I want to extant this topic into you online news papers as well because too many readers browsing the online newspaper. Currently, I have a leather business in the Nothern City of Tajikistan "Khujand". The letter I am pasting bellow also you can find in attahced file,
Regards,
Mirza Muhammad Ziayie
Khujan - Tajikistan
Chitral – Ishkashem Highway Project
During my studies in Kazakistan one of my colleagues awed me very much, there were two reasons; one I was not a good reader, weak in studies and second I was not good as my friend was in Russian. It took me three months; I mean I was so impressed, he was quoting books and writers all the time; one fine morning we were sitting outside the apartment Ms. Dilnozo asked me about my friend Mr. Rahmikodov. I replied; he is very learned guy, and she smile, her impression was showing that something is wrong. I mean to quote the sentence here is, we have to take this debate on a very positive way and on realistic grounds, not the fake materials people do write and we will extract. Whilst, the topic we are talking, is very important for the future generations of Chitral, Badakhshan Afghanistan and Badakhshan Tajikistan. Before I start answering the respectable writers, I can apologize first, because my English is not up to that standard and I am not a good writer
like them. However, I am not personally targeting anyone; it is a kind of experience sharing. During the Afghan war several times I traveled to Chitral from Badakhshan and Chitral to Badakhshan via Durah, Khatinza and once from Broghil. During my student life and even now I have very frequent visits to Central Asian Countries, still doing business in Khujan Tajikistan. Last week I traveled from Ishkashem Afghanistan – Tajikistan via Khorog to Dushanbe then fly to Khujand.
First of all, I can comments on the first writer; Mr. I. Aseer’s write up is impressive one; he has a good knowledge about the area from Chitral to up –to Ishkashem Bridge. The same he has written is perceive sound; I met one Chitrali guy in 1994, we travelled from Chitral Town to Garum Chashma, he was helper with the surveyor team, still I remember his name; Syed Alim Shah. During discussion he told that the distance is the same what Mr. I. Aseer has written in his letter. But on the other hand, I will be disagreeing with the distances given by Mr. Aseer between Dushanbe and Chitral is not the correct one. Yes, it is right as Alim Shah told that 185 to 225 like that, it is from Chitral to Ishkashem not Dushanbe it might be miss printed. While, you are travelling from Chitral to Dushanbe that you have to choose three bridges to enter into Tajikistan.
Bridge One (Ishkashem)
The nearest bridge which has access for heavy and light vehicular is Ishkashem the bridge has been inaugurated by HH Prince Karim Aga Khan, Mr. Khalili from Afghan side and Mr. Imam Ali Rahmanov the President of Tajikistan. If you cross that bridge you will enter into Tajikisan there is only one road leads to Dushanbe is the road on the right bank of Oxus River (Darya-e-Panj in Tajikistan and Dary-e-Amu the Afghan people says). The condition is good in most places but, it is difficult to travel in winter time due to heavy snow fall as we experienced last week. Here, I can share with our readers about the distances between Chitral to Ishkashem Tajikistan is similar like that what Mr. I. Aseer has written as I traveled, but it might be less or may be 50 km longer not more than that. While, you are travelling from Chitral to Brogil it is approximately 220 km only in Pakistan side. Beside of that last year July when we went to Brogil in Afghanistan side we
measured by our own jeep distance recorder, it is 110 km from Ishkashem to Khandud the capital town of Brogil and the same from Khandud to Brogil, it means 220 km from Afghanistan side. So, to reach the first bridge through Broghil pass indicates traveling more than 440 km from Chitral to reach Ishkashem Bridge. In one autumn we three friends traveled from Chitral to Ishkashem , it was 1996 and took fifteen days to reach there through Broghil. While, travelling from Chitral to Ishkashem is only three days journey through Durah Pass. Here, I can also mention the distance between Ishkashem to Khorog that is 180 km and distance between Khorog to Dushanbe is 579 km but, if you reached in Khorog one another road is leading to Kirghizstan, so you may go to Dushanbe or other central Asian Country (but only in summer Kirghizistan).
Bridge Two (Shughanan)
The second Bridge also constructed by Aga Khan Development Network between Shughnan Afghanistan to Khorog. Shughnan is like Chitral, six month cut off from the other part of Afghanistan due to heavy snow fall in Shiwa Pass. If you are choosing this bridge to go to Tajikistan then you have to travel to Baharak and then Shiwa pass to Shughan and then Khorog. So, from Ishkashem to Baharak it is approximately 100 km & Baharak to Shughan is approximately the same 100 km the road through Brogil will be 640 to enter into Tajikistan. While, choosing Durah Pass you cannot go to Ishkashem and the distance between Ishkashem and Zebok is 35 km so, between Chitral and Khorog will be 385. Hence, you are in a Central Asian City, you may go to Dushanbe or Kirghizstan from there.
Bridge Three
Sher Khan Bandar the Main Bridge between Afghanistan and Tajikistan
This bridge is situated at a distance of 85 km from Kunduz city, most trade between Central Asian Countries and Afghanistan is accessible through this bridge & route. It is easy for reset of the Asian countries to choose this route rather than the other two bridges, except security the road condition and other infrastructure is very good, if road has been constructed between Chitral to Badakhshan this route will be used sometimes in winter. Here, again I can write the distance between Faizabad the capital city of Badakhshan and Kunduz is 265 and between Ishkashem to Faizabad is 160.
Now I would like to answer the second writer
1. The road will cross through Pakistani Territory (expect Wakhon Strip), what I think is not the the right statement when we are talking about Durah or Broghil, it is only Possible through Arkari to cross the 20 km of Wakhon Strip at Qazdeh, but it is not possible because of the glacier on the way between Arkari and Qazdeh.
2. Every county construct road to see the future feasibility not only to see the current scenario, the future cost of trades and travelers are also being considered. If we think like that the road from Peshawer through Gilgit to Chital is more feasible as compare to Lawari Tunnel. Furthermore, Durah pass was available for vehicular traffic for several years and it has been blocked in several places when Mr. Najmuddin Khan was Commander of Northern Badakhshan due to Taliban fears, only needs repair and expansion.
3. Yes, here I can agree with the writer that very short span of time the road will be constructed, but huge amount will be spend on maintenance or these kinds of roads are constructed for one time. Aga Khan Rural Support Programme built roads even for pastures in Northern Pakistan, Broghil is the only area don’t have road access, what I think is maintenance.
4. Yes, the Broghil road is much easier for Silk Route and if we are thinking about China that this side is 100% more feasible than current KKH between Pakistan & China.
5. Wakhan is six month cut off with other part of Afghanistan due to snow fall and both sides Durah and Broghil are not feasible in winter but using modern technology it can be possible.
6. Finally, we don’t have to be impressed from the Western people and the NOTES OF CHITRAL which written by them, just ask thousand Chitralies & Afghanis living in Chitral have been to Badakhshan during the Afghan war and after that, which part is shortest and more reasonable THAT WE CAN SAY A BEST NOTE.
7. Last but not least, I can comments on the writer’s view & try to correct him; the Capital City of Afghan Province Badakhshan is Faizabad. If you are travelling from Faizabad to Mazar-e-Sharif, you have to go to Takhar Province first then Kuduz Province, then Baghlan Province then Smangan Province then you can enter into Balkh Province and Mazar-e-Sharif is the capital city of Balkh. When we are talking about historical records & trade, we can start from the very recent records i.e. trade during Afghan War (which I was also doing stone business through Durah Pass), at the Time of Mehtar-e-Chitral and Religious Scholars like Hakin Nasir-e-Khisraw and Pir Shams. I can agree with the writer that there are some stories regarding Kirghiz & Chinese people who were using the Broghil route for Pilgrims and trade and still that is feasible for China and the Kirghizstan but that must be another topic like Kashghar or Pamir – Chitral highway not
Chitral – Ishkashem Highway.
Mirza Mohammad Ziayie
Khujand - Tajikistan
Education with a difference
By Islamuddin
The lack of meaningful education is the biggest challenge facing Pakistan and without overcoming this challenge Pakistan can neither develop nor overcome extremism and the culture of intolerance. This situation has persisted in spite of our spending enormous resources in teacher training and mushroom growth of institutions for teacher training.
In this background when I received a letter from the Professional Development Central, Chital (PDCC) of the Aga Khan University informing me that I have been nominated for a six week certificate course in Educational Leadership and Management (ELM), I was in a fix whether to attend the course or not.. Some friends expressed the opinion that there is not much to be learnt from these trainings. As the first segment of the course was due to start in January and I had no other commitments during the month, I decided to join the course. The way the course opened and progressed, I was happily surprised to know that there was so much to be learnt and shared.
The theories and practices discussed during the course had been picked up from successful models around the world, tested and implemented in advanced countries. Discussions on the best practices and their contextualization proved to be fascinating areas for committed teachers. After going through these intensive sessions, the course participants were able to make out sense as to why our education system was not producing desired results. There was consensus among trainees that our teachers fail to be pedagogical leaders. For them teaching was just a job, which only attracted the disgruntled, who lacked commitment to teach and to improve their capacity. Our traditional training modules only re-enforced the existing mindset that trainings were of no practical use except for TA/DA and technical requirements for promotion or a break from school drudgery. No efforts are made to re-engineer the correct mindset, so as to mould the trainees to
become genuine teachers.
The training at PDCC was different. It not only addressed the issue of human re-engineering but also the business process re-engineering. It brought about paradigm shift-in the attitude of trainees and gave them the much needed skills to improve the education scene. The only complaint from the trainees was that they were not allowed space to change things in their institutions. However at the end of the first segment of the training programme the trainees were convinced that given commitment and capacity, way can be found to improve things within the existing system.
There is an urgent need to expand the training activities of PDCC, not only in the education sector but also to extend it to other professions, specially in enterprise development without which Chitralis can not benefit from the post-Lowari emerging world economic order. It is unfortunate that the proposed opening of Aga Khan University campus in Chitral with EU funding, could not materialize and opportunity to gain global reach in education was lost, at least for the time being. In this scenario PDCC provides us a silver lining to update skills of professionals in education and hopefully in other sectors in not too distant a future.
PDCC has proved to be a global level training institution which has brought the most advanced knowledge and skills at the door steps of Chitralis. On the basis of my experience at PDCC I can say with confidence that it will be able to make a difference in our much neglected education sector. It is encouraging to see that all the instructors at PDCC are Chitralis, who know our context. The team is ably led by Dr.Afzal, again a Chitralis, with tremendous commitment to PDC vision. This generous and unassuming scholar along with his dedicated team has put Chitral on the educational map of Pakistan. Today professionals from different parts of Pakistan, including Kashmir and FATA are availing the training opportunities at PDCC. For me my two week stay at PDCC has been most rewarding. It has helped me to conceptualize and contextualize the knowledge and skills that I already have and has also given me additional knowledge and skills to be
more efficient and effective. I found the standard of its faculty and resources to be of global standard of which I have ample experience as I have gone through the training processes at leading institutions like CSA and NIPAs etc. It would be in the fitness of things that the Govt. should get its teachers trained at PDCC and PDCC, on its part should consider starting regular teachers training programmes like PTC,CT,B.Ed and M.Ed to improve the standard of professionalism among teachers and prevent mushroom growth of fake institutions.
The lack of meaningful education is the biggest challenge facing Pakistan and without overcoming this challenge Pakistan can neither develop nor overcome extremism and the culture of intolerance. This situation has persisted in spite of our spending enormous resources in teacher training and mushroom growth of institutions for teacher training.
In this background when I received a letter from the Professional Development Central, Chital (PDCC) of the Aga Khan University informing me that I have been nominated for a six week certificate course in Educational Leadership and Management (ELM), I was in a fix whether to attend the course or not.. Some friends expressed the opinion that there is not much to be learnt from these trainings. As the first segment of the course was due to start in January and I had no other commitments during the month, I decided to join the course. The way the course opened and progressed, I was happily surprised to know that there was so much to be learnt and shared.
The theories and practices discussed during the course had been picked up from successful models around the world, tested and implemented in advanced countries. Discussions on the best practices and their contextualization proved to be fascinating areas for committed teachers. After going through these intensive sessions, the course participants were able to make out sense as to why our education system was not producing desired results. There was consensus among trainees that our teachers fail to be pedagogical leaders. For them teaching was just a job, which only attracted the disgruntled, who lacked commitment to teach and to improve their capacity. Our traditional training modules only re-enforced the existing mindset that trainings were of no practical use except for TA/DA and technical requirements for promotion or a break from school drudgery. No efforts are made to re-engineer the correct mindset, so as to mould the trainees to
become genuine teachers.
The training at PDCC was different. It not only addressed the issue of human re-engineering but also the business process re-engineering. It brought about paradigm shift-in the attitude of trainees and gave them the much needed skills to improve the education scene. The only complaint from the trainees was that they were not allowed space to change things in their institutions. However at the end of the first segment of the training programme the trainees were convinced that given commitment and capacity, way can be found to improve things within the existing system.
There is an urgent need to expand the training activities of PDCC, not only in the education sector but also to extend it to other professions, specially in enterprise development without which Chitralis can not benefit from the post-Lowari emerging world economic order. It is unfortunate that the proposed opening of Aga Khan University campus in Chitral with EU funding, could not materialize and opportunity to gain global reach in education was lost, at least for the time being. In this scenario PDCC provides us a silver lining to update skills of professionals in education and hopefully in other sectors in not too distant a future.
PDCC has proved to be a global level training institution which has brought the most advanced knowledge and skills at the door steps of Chitralis. On the basis of my experience at PDCC I can say with confidence that it will be able to make a difference in our much neglected education sector. It is encouraging to see that all the instructors at PDCC are Chitralis, who know our context. The team is ably led by Dr.Afzal, again a Chitralis, with tremendous commitment to PDC vision. This generous and unassuming scholar along with his dedicated team has put Chitral on the educational map of Pakistan. Today professionals from different parts of Pakistan, including Kashmir and FATA are availing the training opportunities at PDCC. For me my two week stay at PDCC has been most rewarding. It has helped me to conceptualize and contextualize the knowledge and skills that I already have and has also given me additional knowledge and skills to be
more efficient and effective. I found the standard of its faculty and resources to be of global standard of which I have ample experience as I have gone through the training processes at leading institutions like CSA and NIPAs etc. It would be in the fitness of things that the Govt. should get its teachers trained at PDCC and PDCC, on its part should consider starting regular teachers training programmes like PTC,CT,B.Ed and M.Ed to improve the standard of professionalism among teachers and prevent mushroom growth of fake institutions.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Convention on Tunnel issue convened in Chitral
THE District Council of Chitral has decided to convene a convention of political parties on February 7 to devise a strategy to build presuure on the federal government to open the Lowari Tunnel for the people of Chitral.
The convention will be held in the auditorium of the Commerce College for which invitation cards are being sent to the political representatives in all parts of the district.
The decision has been taken keeping in view the hardships of the people and the government's stubornness to open the tunnel.--Zahiruddin
The convention will be held in the auditorium of the Commerce College for which invitation cards are being sent to the political representatives in all parts of the district.
The decision has been taken keeping in view the hardships of the people and the government's stubornness to open the tunnel.--Zahiruddin
Another Chitral Scouts personnel killed in Swat
Another Chitrali working in the Chitral Scouts lost his life during clashes with militants in the restive Swat on Tuesday. Sepoy Jan Khan was killed at about 3pm when security forces came under fire in the valley. He was a resident of Inkip in the Yarkhun valley of Chitral.
A number of Chitral Scouts personnel as well as policemen from Chitral have been killed in Swat and FATA. The Chitral Scouts is also taking part in the ongoing operation against militants in the Mohmand Agency.
A number of Chitral Scouts personnel as well as policemen from Chitral have been killed in Swat and FATA. The Chitral Scouts is also taking part in the ongoing operation against militants in the Mohmand Agency.
High LPG, milk prices in Chitral
Report Bashir Hussain Azad, Chitral
After the shortage of one an half month, LPG and milk are again available in Chitral bazaar. According to the dealers, they have arranged gas and milk through Afghanistan roads. The LPG is being sold at Rs130/kg whereas the market rate of LPG in Peshawar an other areas is about Rs80/kg. Similarly, milk is being sold at Rs80/litre instead of Rs60/litre. Because of the cold weather and load shedding the common man has no option but to rush to the LPG shops for filling their cylinders.
Local administration didn’t take any action against these high prices of LPG and milk.
After the shortage of one an half month, LPG and milk are again available in Chitral bazaar. According to the dealers, they have arranged gas and milk through Afghanistan roads. The LPG is being sold at Rs130/kg whereas the market rate of LPG in Peshawar an other areas is about Rs80/kg. Similarly, milk is being sold at Rs80/litre instead of Rs60/litre. Because of the cold weather and load shedding the common man has no option but to rush to the LPG shops for filling their cylinders.
Local administration didn’t take any action against these high prices of LPG and milk.
Monday, February 2, 2009
World Wetland Day observed in Chitral
Report GH Farooqui, Chitral
The Wetland Program Pakistan celebrated World Wetland Day at Chitral. In this connection, a quiz competition was held among students of different schools and representatives of NGO at Radio Pakistan Chitral, which was broadcast on Monday to spread the message regarding importance of wetlands.
Mohammad Ali, Project Manager of Protected Area Management Project (PAMP), was chief guest on the occasion. Participants of quiz competition were divided into three groups A,B and C. Each group was asked five questions. After completion of stipulated time, Group A comprising students of Terichmir Model High School scored first position while representatives of Northern Citizen Community Board were declared second and group B of Iqra Model School stood third. The chief guest awarded trophy and cup to the winner and runner up along with cash awards.
Hameed Ahmad Mir, Social Mobilizer of Wetland Program for Pakistan, highlighted the importance of wetland for human life and why they celebrated this day. He said they celebrated this day to commemorate the convention held at Ramsar city of Iran in 1971 to protect wetlands of the world and Pakistan is also signatory to that convention. He said some 225 wetland sites have been discovered in Pakistan out of which 19 were given the status of Ramsar. After that every year government agencies, non-government organizations and groups of citizens at all levels have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar convention in particular. The proposed theme for WWD for the year 2009 is Upstream-downstream wetlands connect us all”. He said that Kurumbara Lake is one of the most famous lake of the world situated at Boroghil valley at the altitude of 14,500 feet.
Ahmad said our organization was looking for alternative energy sources in Chitral especially at Boroghil valley where the temperature remains below freezing point. He said we are trying to create awareness among the masses regarding importance of these wetland sites to protect them and to utilize them for human benefits. He said these wetlands consisting of water resources can be a cause of a green revolution in the area if they are utilized properly for human benefits.
Shahzada Ibrahim Pirzada, Chairman of NCCB, highlighted the aims and objectives of this awareness raising campaign. Later, the chief guest while expressing his views stressed upon the masses to protect these wetlands because water is a great gift of Allah Almighty and we should not waste it. He said we should keep our environment clean for the future of our coming generation.
The Wetland Program Pakistan celebrated World Wetland Day at Chitral. In this connection, a quiz competition was held among students of different schools and representatives of NGO at Radio Pakistan Chitral, which was broadcast on Monday to spread the message regarding importance of wetlands.
Mohammad Ali, Project Manager of Protected Area Management Project (PAMP), was chief guest on the occasion. Participants of quiz competition were divided into three groups A,B and C. Each group was asked five questions. After completion of stipulated time, Group A comprising students of Terichmir Model High School scored first position while representatives of Northern Citizen Community Board were declared second and group B of Iqra Model School stood third. The chief guest awarded trophy and cup to the winner and runner up along with cash awards.
Hameed Ahmad Mir, Social Mobilizer of Wetland Program for Pakistan, highlighted the importance of wetland for human life and why they celebrated this day. He said they celebrated this day to commemorate the convention held at Ramsar city of Iran in 1971 to protect wetlands of the world and Pakistan is also signatory to that convention. He said some 225 wetland sites have been discovered in Pakistan out of which 19 were given the status of Ramsar. After that every year government agencies, non-government organizations and groups of citizens at all levels have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar convention in particular. The proposed theme for WWD for the year 2009 is Upstream-downstream wetlands connect us all”. He said that Kurumbara Lake is one of the most famous lake of the world situated at Boroghil valley at the altitude of 14,500 feet.
Ahmad said our organization was looking for alternative energy sources in Chitral especially at Boroghil valley where the temperature remains below freezing point. He said we are trying to create awareness among the masses regarding importance of these wetland sites to protect them and to utilize them for human benefits. He said these wetlands consisting of water resources can be a cause of a green revolution in the area if they are utilized properly for human benefits.
Shahzada Ibrahim Pirzada, Chairman of NCCB, highlighted the aims and objectives of this awareness raising campaign. Later, the chief guest while expressing his views stressed upon the masses to protect these wetlands because water is a great gift of Allah Almighty and we should not waste it. He said we should keep our environment clean for the future of our coming generation.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
FDE's decision to send back teachers to home provinces criticised
DAWN
By Zar Alam Khan
ISLAMABAD, Feb 1: A recent decision of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to repatriate all teachers currently working in the federal government schools in the capital on deputation to their respective provinces or regions after completion of five years has sent a shock wave among the educators, particularly women.
Sources said the FDE was under pressure from ruling politicians to appoint their people and the decision to send back all teachers on deputation was aimed to create vacancies for accommodating the political appointees. So far over 20 teachers have been directed to relinquish work and report back to their respective provinces.
It may be noted that majority of the teachers on deputation are women whose husbands are working in various government departments and private organisations and are posted in the capital. Taking benefit of existing rules facilitating posting of government servants in areas where their spouses lived or worked, hundreds of women from various parts of the country have moved to the capital and some of them have already been regularised by the FDE.
The affected female teachers told Dawn that the move taken by the FDE was arbitrary, anti-women and above all politically motivated. They said on the one hand the PPP government was claiming to be striving for creating job opportunities in the country and was also reinstating sacked government employees but on the other it was taking such steps which would shut the doors of employment on a large number of teachers, especially women.
They said in order to avoid disturbance in their family lives, a large number of women teachers had come to the capital on deputation and now their children were also studying in various educational institutions here. They said due to family constraints, they had sacrificed a number of allowances and other job benefits which they were otherwise entitled to and had been working on the same scale without promotion because as long as they are on deputation they are not included in the seniority list.
“Sending us back to our provinces would mean an end to our careers, because we will not be in a position to go to our areas leaving our children back here,” they added.
They said the new director-general of the FDE, a senior joint secretary at the Ministry of Education, had no authority to take such a decision because it was against rules under which government employees were entitled to get themselves posted in areas where their spouses worked.
They said earlier the facility was available only to those employees whose spouses were also in government jobs. But in 2006, through a special notification titled “Posting of married female government servants at the place of residence/posting of their husbands who are not in government employment”, the federal government also extended the facility to those employees whose spouses worked in the private sector.
The notification dated April 21, 2006, says, “Keeping in view the socio-economic problems and hardships faced by husbands and wives in government service due to posting at different stations of duty, the Establishment Division issued instructions/guidelines vide its O.M. No 10/30/97-R-2, dated 13.5.1998 and 17.12.1999 to facilitate posting of husbands and wives at the same station and the posting of unmarried female civil servants at the place of residence of their parents/families. With a view to also facilitate those female government servants whose spouses are not in government service or working in private sector or are unemployed, it has been decided to extend the facility to this class of government servants too to enable them to serve at the residence of their spouses irrespective of whether such spouses are employed with the government, private sector or even unemployed.”
The teachers said under the existing rules, after completion of five years of deputation teachers were regularised depending on their performance. They said this gave the teachers a chance to spend the remaining period of their service with their families and also motivated them to improve their performance. As a result, majority of the teachers on deputation showed 100 per cent result. They said during the summer vacation last year, about 20 teachers on deputation were regularised by the FDE.
They said if implemented the new decision would put the professional future of a large number of women at risk. They called upon the president, the prime minister and the federal minister for education to restrain the FDE from taking the unilateral decision and save the teachers from mental trauma which the move had caused to them.
When contacted, a spokesman for the FDE, however, clarified that power to extend the deputation period after five years rested with the Establishment Division. He said even after completion of three years’ deputation, further extension was granted by the secretary education. Under the existing rules, he added, maximum period for deputation was five years. After completion of this period, the FDE sends the summary for further extension to the Establishment Division from where it goes to the prime minister for final approval. He said in some recent cases the Establishment Division had turned down the FDE requests seeking extension in the deputation period of teachers.
About absorption after the five-year deputation period, the spokesman said this policy was applied only to teachers in scales 9 and 14 depending on the availability of seats against the deputation quota and the teacher’s satisfactory performance.
By Zar Alam Khan
ISLAMABAD, Feb 1: A recent decision of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) to repatriate all teachers currently working in the federal government schools in the capital on deputation to their respective provinces or regions after completion of five years has sent a shock wave among the educators, particularly women.
Sources said the FDE was under pressure from ruling politicians to appoint their people and the decision to send back all teachers on deputation was aimed to create vacancies for accommodating the political appointees. So far over 20 teachers have been directed to relinquish work and report back to their respective provinces.
It may be noted that majority of the teachers on deputation are women whose husbands are working in various government departments and private organisations and are posted in the capital. Taking benefit of existing rules facilitating posting of government servants in areas where their spouses lived or worked, hundreds of women from various parts of the country have moved to the capital and some of them have already been regularised by the FDE.
The affected female teachers told Dawn that the move taken by the FDE was arbitrary, anti-women and above all politically motivated. They said on the one hand the PPP government was claiming to be striving for creating job opportunities in the country and was also reinstating sacked government employees but on the other it was taking such steps which would shut the doors of employment on a large number of teachers, especially women.
They said in order to avoid disturbance in their family lives, a large number of women teachers had come to the capital on deputation and now their children were also studying in various educational institutions here. They said due to family constraints, they had sacrificed a number of allowances and other job benefits which they were otherwise entitled to and had been working on the same scale without promotion because as long as they are on deputation they are not included in the seniority list.
“Sending us back to our provinces would mean an end to our careers, because we will not be in a position to go to our areas leaving our children back here,” they added.
They said the new director-general of the FDE, a senior joint secretary at the Ministry of Education, had no authority to take such a decision because it was against rules under which government employees were entitled to get themselves posted in areas where their spouses worked.
They said earlier the facility was available only to those employees whose spouses were also in government jobs. But in 2006, through a special notification titled “Posting of married female government servants at the place of residence/posting of their husbands who are not in government employment”, the federal government also extended the facility to those employees whose spouses worked in the private sector.
The notification dated April 21, 2006, says, “Keeping in view the socio-economic problems and hardships faced by husbands and wives in government service due to posting at different stations of duty, the Establishment Division issued instructions/guidelines vide its O.M. No 10/30/97-R-2, dated 13.5.1998 and 17.12.1999 to facilitate posting of husbands and wives at the same station and the posting of unmarried female civil servants at the place of residence of their parents/families. With a view to also facilitate those female government servants whose spouses are not in government service or working in private sector or are unemployed, it has been decided to extend the facility to this class of government servants too to enable them to serve at the residence of their spouses irrespective of whether such spouses are employed with the government, private sector or even unemployed.”
The teachers said under the existing rules, after completion of five years of deputation teachers were regularised depending on their performance. They said this gave the teachers a chance to spend the remaining period of their service with their families and also motivated them to improve their performance. As a result, majority of the teachers on deputation showed 100 per cent result. They said during the summer vacation last year, about 20 teachers on deputation were regularised by the FDE.
They said if implemented the new decision would put the professional future of a large number of women at risk. They called upon the president, the prime minister and the federal minister for education to restrain the FDE from taking the unilateral decision and save the teachers from mental trauma which the move had caused to them.
When contacted, a spokesman for the FDE, however, clarified that power to extend the deputation period after five years rested with the Establishment Division. He said even after completion of three years’ deputation, further extension was granted by the secretary education. Under the existing rules, he added, maximum period for deputation was five years. After completion of this period, the FDE sends the summary for further extension to the Establishment Division from where it goes to the prime minister for final approval. He said in some recent cases the Establishment Division had turned down the FDE requests seeking extension in the deputation period of teachers.
About absorption after the five-year deputation period, the spokesman said this policy was applied only to teachers in scales 9 and 14 depending on the availability of seats against the deputation quota and the teacher’s satisfactory performance.
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