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Showing posts from February, 2025

Sports Crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 12 Sports Complexes De-notified, Directorate Shifts Blame

  In the heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a storm is brewing over the fate of its budding athletes. A promising vision to nurture talent and promote sports has been marred by bureaucratic negligence and alleged financial mismanagement. The tranquility of the region is now overshadowed by the growing controversy surrounding the de-notification of 12 sports complexes. The tale begins in the scenic Lelonai area of Shangla, where a sports complex, once a beacon of hope for local youth, was abruptly de-notified in 2023. The decision, attributed to the Deputy Commissioner of Shangla, was justified by persistent issues plaguing the project since its inception in 2014. However, this was not an isolated incident. A report by the Sports Directorate of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa revealed that 12 sports complex projects were scrapped during the 2023-24 period. The report, however, remained conspicuously vague about the exact locations, fueling speculation and unease among the public. Sources suggest t...

Mardan's Green Heart Bleeds: Sports Complex Under Siege by Illegal Logging!

    The air in Mardan's Sports Complex, once crisp and vibrant, now hangs heavy with the scent of freshly cut wood – a grim testament to the ongoing environmental assault. The majestic trees that lined the complex, providing shade and vital oxygen, are falling one by one, victims of an illegal logging operation that has sparked outrage and fear among residents.   The scene is a stark contrast to the lively sporting events usually held within the complex. Where athletes once ran under leafy canopies, now stand stumps and debris, a silent accusation against those responsible. Whispers swirl, pointing fingers at the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), who allegedly granted permission for the felling – a power that, according to environmental law, rests solely with the Department of Environmental Protection.   "It's a betrayal," lamented a local environmental activist, his voice thick with frustration. "This isn't just about trees; it's about our futur...

The Mysterious Demise of Batagram Sports Complex: Funds Available, But Why De-Notification?

  Another major scandal has surfaced in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate, where the former DG Sports de-notified the land of the Batagram Sports Complex without consulting the Secretary of Sports. Surprisingly, the Project Director of the thousand-project sports initiative, who was appointed on deputation, prepared a report claiming that funds were unavailable for the project. This was far from the truth—the Sports Directorate had already transferred funds to the Deputy Commissioner, and construction was about to begin. However, under pressure from certain individuals, the project was scrapped. The Batagram Sports Complex was de-notified in 2023, but the actual report has yet to be released. Sources say that the former DG Sports, at the behest of the Project Director, de-notified land allocated for sports complexes not only in Batagram but also in Shangla and Mera Kachori. Whispers suggest that these decisions were influenced by favors granted to powerful individuals. ...

Harassment Case of Female Coach: A Dead End for Investigation?

  The harassment case involving a female coach in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate is taking a new turn. On one hand, a new committee has been formed, disregarding the existing inquiry report. On the other hand, the interference of influential figures in this case has further complicated matters. Sources say that a former bureaucrat is pulling all the strings to protect his favored official. This is the reason why no action was taken on the first inquiry report, and now, an attempt is being made to bury the matter through the new committee. Internal sources also claim that an official posted in the merged districts sports directorate was patronized by the former DG Sports. Thanks to this, he was given important positions in the provincial sports directorate instead of the merged districts. This administrative irregularity has led to serious issues, including the harassment of the female coach, but relevant authorities seem more interested in suppressing the matter than...

Lost in the Mist: The Missing Safari and the Umbrella of Secrecy

    Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - An atmosphere of secrecy surrounds the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cultural and Tourism Authority's (KPTCA) highly publicized safari service, which was inaugurated with great fanfare in March 2024. Nine months later, the promised excursions to the province's stunning tourist attractions are largely undocumented, raising questions regarding transparency and accountability in the KPTCA. The safari facility, meant to highlight KP's natural beauty, has turned out to be a mystery. Information about how many safaris were operated, where they were taken, and how the passenger list was compiled is nowhere to be found.   The KPTCA has also kept silent about the monetary side of the project, evoking suspicions of how public funds were being spent. Was the safari service an individual endeavor on the part of the KPTCA, or a cooperative venture with another organization? The response, as for the safari trails themselves, is one of secrecy. Adding t...

Stumps of Silence: RTI Request on Mardan Sports Complex Tree Felling Mired in Delay

  Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa –  The recent felling of trees at the Mardan Sports Complex has sparked public concern, compounded by a significant delay in responding to a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking details about the project.  A Peshawar-based journalist filed the RTI application on January 8, 2025, requesting crucial information about the environmental impact and legality of the tree removal.  However, as of February 17, 2025, the 15-day legal deadline for a response has passed without any communication from the relevant authorities. The RTI application specifically requests the following information: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Confirmation of whether an EIA was conducted before the Mardan Sports Complex improvement project commenced. Tree Felling Details: The precise number of trees felled, their species, and any plans for compensatory replanting. Legal Status: All relevant permits and environmental clearances obtained for the proj...

Information Denied: Sports Directorate Faces Scrutiny Over Delayed RTI Response

  Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa –  A Peshawar resident's attempt to access information about the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate's operations has been met with silence, prompting a formal reminder letter.  The citizen filed a Right to Information (RTI) request on January 8, 2025, seeking details about various aspects of the directorate's activities, including men's trials, campus development, equipment procurement, Quaid-e-Azam Games preparations, post-games funding, and lists of officials and players.  The legally mandated 15-day response period expired on February 17, 2025, without any communication from the Sports Directorate. Undeterred, the citizen sent a reminder letter on February 17, 2025, demanding immediate release of the requested information.   The RTI application, filed under the Access to Information Act, 2013, specifically seeks the following:   Trials Funding: The total budget allocated for men's trials, along with a detailed brea...

Bannu Sports Complex, Hockey Stadium Gutted by Lack of Staff

    Bannu's sporting ambitions are being kicked into touch due to a full-blown staff shortage at the city's major sports grounds. Both Bannu Sports Complex and the nearby hockey ground are suffering with critical shortages of staff, with the impact spilling over onto maintenance, sanitation, and in the end, the capacity of sportsmen and women to practice and compete. The 30-kanal hockey ground is astonishingly governed by only three watchmen in shifts. This minimal security presence is woefully insufficient for such a vast area. Compounding the issue, only two janitors and one sweeper are responsible for keeping the grounds clean, a task almost impossible to accomplish considering the size of the stadium. The 74-kanal sports complex fares no better. Five watchmen, three gardeners, and two sweepers are responsible for keeping the enormous complex in line. The irony is biting: the sports complex is left idle with its modern cleaning equipment, a testimony to the ineptitude...

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Hockey Teams Shine in National Competition

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hockey is making waves!   Two teams, Peshawar Civil Quarter Hockey Club and Mardan Bijli Ghar Red Hockey Club, recently battled their way to the semi-finals of a prestigious tournament held at the DHA Lahore ground.   Their impressive performance highlights the dedication and hard work being poured into developing the sport in the province.   The journey to this achievement began with intense inter-club competitions held across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's districts.   These local tournaments ignited passion and provided a platform for young talent to hone their skills.   The competition then progressed to the regional level, culminating in a final round held in Charsadda, where President Bugti commended the players for their commitment.   Peshawar Civil Quarter’s victory over Mardan Bijli Ghar in the semi-final is a testament to the growing strength of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hockey. This success isn't just about one match; it...