KikxNow , Digital Creator

Peshawar, Pakistan – Pakistan's rising squash star, Seherish Ali, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Gold Medal at the prestigious US Junior Gold Squash Tournament held in the United States. In an exciting all-Pakistani final, Seherish faced off against her own sister, Mahnur Ali, who finished as the runner-up. The sisters competed in the Girls Under 15 category, showcasing exceptional talent and skill. In a fiercely contested final match, Seherish defeated Mahnur 3-2 in sets, although some sources report a dominant 3-0 victory. This victory marks Seherish Ali's 17th international gold medal of her career, a testament to her consistent success and excellent training. Seherish has not only brought pride to Pakistan but also significantly improved her global ranking. US Junior Gold events are highly significant as the points earned contribute to both US and international junior rankings. Mahnur Ali, as the runner-up, also gained valuable points that will provide ...

  The air of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) today is heavy with the customary dust, but for hopeful athletes in the province, another type of dust is settling – the dust of abandonment and broken promises. Though the provincial government loudly espouses "transparency" and "youth development," the ground reality of sports in KP tells a very different story. Thirty-five districts, with the newly merged tribal ones included, are all meant to be abuzz with sporting action. There is a District Sports Officer (DSO) assigned to each one, and there even is a Directorate specifically for the merged districts. But the stadiums rest quiet, the fields grow weeds, and the aspirations of so many young potential talents are nothing more but dreams. Reporters and citizens with a cause, empowered by the Right to Information (RTI) Act, set out to investigate. They asked questions: lists of athletes who were receiving benefits under programs, information about competitions con...

  A silent storm is brewing in Pakistan's sporting industry—one that's shrouding genuine talent in pretence and self-aggrandisement. Today, almost every sportsperson presents himself/herself proudly as a "National" or even "International" player. But the question remains: Are they actually worthy of such designations? Or is it merely a title accompanied by a photograph, a jersey, and a booming assertion? A National Player is a person who officially represents his/her province, department, or force at state-sponsored national-level events, like the National Games, which are played every four years in Pakistan. It's only after these Games that players formally attain the right to don the Pakistan colours — the symbolically revered green kit. But today, each sport hosts its own country-level tournaments — usually privately organized with minimal participation. Players of such tournaments start to address themselves as "National Players" or ...

  Kohat – What was supposed to be a welcome break from the Eid holidays at the Kohat Sports Complex government swimming pool turned into a shocking exhibition of mismanagement, unabashed corruption, and total neglect of public health and safety. As families tried to find relief from the sweltering summer heat, they were greeted instead by a stinking pool, hazardous facilities, and an alleged cash racket that routed lakhs of rupees, all under the noses of mute officials. Citizens who visited the complex during the Eid break were greeted with a scene that defied imagination. The pool, a public facility, was a churning whirlpool of dark, odious water – so pungent, many likened its odor to urine. Aside from the unpleasant water, the physical structure was in a dangerous condition. Ruptured stairs and grilles posed real dangers to life and limb, rendering a leisure activity a potential risk. "Even animals would not swim in this," one appalled citizen commented, giving voice to...

  Peshawar: A citizen has formally lodged a complaint with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission after not receiving a response to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA). The RTI application, submitted on April 7, 2025, requested detailed information about former employees of the Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) who are currently serving in KPCTA. The information requested included: ·          A list and copies of final academic qualifications of former TCKP employees now working in KPCTA ·          Details of the degree verification process, including the verifying agencies and outcomes ·          Copies of regulations approved by the KPCTA Board of Directors and any subsequent amendments ·         ...

  In a concerning example of bureaucratic silence, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cultural and Tourism Authority has failed to respond to crucial Right to Information (RTI) requests regarding the operations of the Tourism Police. The initial request was filed on May 9, with a formal reminder submitted on May 24—yet the department has not provided any response to date. The RTI application sought detailed information critical for public transparency and accountability, including: Monthly breakdown of fuel consumption for motorcycles used by the Tourism Police over the past 12 months Details of the allocated vs. utilized fuel budget specifically for motorcycle operations Number of Tourism Police personnel currently deployed in the following districts: Peshawar Abbottabad Mansehra Swat Chitral Upper Dir (Dir Bala) Full list of officers deployed in Peshawar, along with their ranks and daily responsibilities Current location of six motorcycles assigned to the Peshawar hea...

  Peshawar: Young people are a major 50 percent of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's population. According to a 2020-21 survey, in rural as well as urban areas, males are 50.57% and females 49.42% of the population. In rural areas, covering 84.04% of the population, males are 42.27% and females are 41.77%. The remaining 15.96% live in urban localities, of which males comprise 8.30% and females 7.65%. The survey, made in association with the labor force, revealed that the greatest density of population in rural as well as urban areas is in the 5-9 year age group, followed by the 10-14 and 15-19 year group. Although gender proportions differ, official figures indicate that the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa contains a higher percentage of people in these age brackets than do other provinces. Youth are the future of any country, and the engagement of young people in constructive activities is the duty of both the state and all members of society. An important question that the provincial Ministr...

  PESHAWAR, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – A shocking report from the Directorate of Works of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Works Department has revealed a grim picture of more than 60 sports projects, triggering serious concerns regarding their intention and implementation. From badminton complexes to cricket academies, tennis facilities, climbing walls, and artificial tracks, these projects seem plagued by redundancy, dubious locations, and a stark absence of any real need or functionality. The report identifies a startling incidence of badminton halls in unlikely locations. From Law College D.I. Khan to Government Primary School Malik Pur, Buner, the halls appear to mushroom without obvious reason. In Lakki Marwat alone, there are three halls reported, two with the same name – an evident indication of possible forgery or frank abuse of public money. More baffling is the establishment of badminton halls inside the Mardan Central Jail and a Darul Uloom, raising serious doubts about whether these are...

  Peshawar: A citizen has applied for a Right to Information (RTI) request on April 29, 2025, requesting information regarding the appointment of the Public Relations Officer (PRO) at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA). Yet, despite the expiration of the legally mandated response period, the department has yet to return any information. Even after sending a reminder, the request is not replied to. The citizen today, June 10, filed a complaint with the Pakistan Information Commission under complaint number 15236, calling for an inquiry into the situation. The petition called for important information such as the name of the serving PRO, date of appointment, educational qualifications, photocopies of the degrees submitted, advertisement for the post, number of applications received, interview time table, and the composition of the selection committee. Certified copies of all documents were also called for. The silence from the department is a serious c...

    Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa professional swimmers have made a passionate appeal to Mr. Tashfeen Haider, Director General Sports Department, regarding deplorable conditions at Adil Khan Swimming Pool. The swimmers, who hope to play for Pakistan in both national and international competitions, stated that the state of the facility is compromising their practice and creating serious health hazards. In a letter to Mr. Haider, the swimmers thanked him for his recent initiatives to manage sports facilities throughout the province. Nevertheless, they particularly pointed out to him the Adil Khan Swimming Pool with a description of a series of worrying problems. "The quality of the water in the swimming pool is very poor, which not only hinders training but is unhealthy too," the letter read. Swimmers complained of itching and skin rashes after visiting the pool, a sign of unhealthy conditions. One of the key issues raised is the lack of a permanent ...

  Abbottabad, Pakistan – The 31st National Karate Championship, the 17th National Women's Karate Championship, and the 6th Cadet & Junior Karate Championship have formally opened in Abbottabad, a milestone moment as the city hosts a national-level karate competition for the first time. The lively opening ceremony at the historical hall of Government Graduate College attracted more than 300 keen athletes from all over the country, covering all four provinces, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan Army, WAPDA, Police, Railways, and HEC. The choice to host the championships in Abbottabad, which enjoys a good climate, was a relief for participants and visitors alike, providing a clean break from hotter cities. The championship, at the college hall initially set up in 1953 by then Chief Minister Abdul Qayyum Khan, drew a huge and energetic audience. Local players, college students, and sports enthusiasts packed the hall, clear evidence of the youth of Abbottabad's abiding inte...

  Peshawar recently witnessed a brilliant display of encouragement for young talent when Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Peshawar Rao Hashim and SP Rehmat Ullah Malik formally awarded a Certificate of Excellence to Malik Farman, Chief Executive of a renowned cricket academy, for his outstanding performance. This honor symbolizes the spirit of appreciating the hard work, dedication, and abilities of young individuals. During the ceremony, officials lauded Malik Farman's achievements, stating that young players are "our bright future," and the government will provide them with all possible facilities. Malik Farman's exceptional performance at the cricket academy has not only impressed coaches but also garnered the attention of the district and police administration, reflecting his diligent and exemplary conduct. His academy has successfully produced national and provincial level players in the field of cricket. Such initiatives boost the morale of young people an...

  The scorching Peshawar summer had always been the unseen opponent at the Qamar Zaman Squash Complex. Players, their faces slick with sweat, battled not just their rivals but also the oppressive heat radiating from every corner of the court. The old air conditioning units, perched high and useless, only served as a grim reminder of the discomfort. Complaints echoed through the complex like a missed serve, but for too long, they seemed to fall on deaf ears. Then came the day Tashfeen Haider, the Director General Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stepped onto the sun-baked courts. He listened intently as athletes and coaches, their voices laced with frustration, detailed the unbearable conditions: inefficient AC placement, poor ventilation, and a general lack of upkeep. Tashfeen Haider didn't just listen; he acted. Immediate instructions were given to the administrator, a clear mandate for change. Weeks later, the air at the Qamar Zaman Squash Complex felt different. A gentle hum repla...

    Peshawar, KP, Pakistan – The 2018-19 purchase of new ball-tossing machines, hailed as a gigantic leap for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa player development, has turned into a harsh reminder of the government's ineptitude and a desperate setback to the province's hopeful players. The Rs. 4.5 million spent, once hailed by then DG Sports Asfandyar Khan, has produced nothing but rusted chances and an extreme feeling of disappointment among the youth players. These pieces of equipment, meant to offer cutting-edge training in table tennis, badminton, and tennis, vowed programmed modes suited for every level of skill and the convenience of one-on-one or group training. However, after a momentary public display, they were banished to obscurity, more resembling lost artifacts than instruments of advancement. This miserable failure to incorporate new technology in player training directly contradicts the very people these buys were intended to help elevate. The immediate and most seriou...

  A comprehensive staffing report has revealed that out of 497 sanctioned positions, a total of 393 posts are currently filled, while 104 remain vacant across the department. The report highlights the complete list of employees, including top-level officials, technical experts, administrative staff, and field workers. Among the senior officers actively serving are Rashida Ghaznavi (Additional Director General), Tashfeen Haider (Director General), and Niamat Ullah (Director), along with numerous other professionals including coaches, doctors, IT personnel, assistant directors, administrators, and more. Total Sanctioned Posts: 497 Filled Positions: 393 Vacant Positions: 104 Senior Officials (BPS-17 to 20): Rashida Ghaznavi, Tashfeen Haider, Niamat Ullah, Jaffar Shah, Muhammad Saleem Raza, and others. Support Staff (BPS-03 to 16): Hundreds of personnel serving as drivers, sweepers, malis, electricians, clerks, coaches, and chowkidars. The vacant positions span across nea...

  A detailed personnel list has been released by the department, outlining a total of 497 sanctioned positions, with 393 currently filled and 104 still vacant across various job grades and categories. The filled positions span senior management to field-level operational staff. The list includes notable names such as Rashida Ghaznavi (Additional Director General), Tashfeen Haider (Director General), and Niamat Ullah (Director). Below is a summary of the personnel actively serving in their respective roles: Senior & Mid-Level Officers (BPS 17–20) Rashida Ghaznavi, Tashfeen Haider, Niamat Ullah, Jaffar Shah, Shafqat Ullah Khan, Muhammad Jamshed, Nazia Zaki, Mohammad Ismail Khan, Asad Khan, Munir Abbas, Muhammad Saleem Raza, Amjad Iqbal, Shah Faisal, Wasif Ullah, Kashmala Inayat, Ishfaq Ahmad, Muhammad Uzair, Abid Ali, Jamil Khan, Haya Naz, Tahir Iqbal Khan, Munawar Zaman, Ibadullah Khan Technical & Administrative Staff (BPS 14–16) Sabir Rehman, Izaz Tariq, Amir Iqba...

    PESHAWAR, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – In a welcome step towards efficiency and transparency, the two-year transfer policy of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary will put much-needed change in the provincial Sports Directorate. Although initial rollout has been stonewalled by interests, the fact that discrepancies are being revealed at all marks an important step towards a fairer, more dynamic public service. For far too long, a perceived "monopoly" by powerful officers and personnel in the Sports Directorate has resulted in stagnation, as some Grade 16 officers allegedly occupied the same posts for five years or more, usually with unauthorized extra responsibilities. This state of affairs, whereby "strong" staff members allegedly circumvented the Chief Secretary's memorandum while others were consigned to out-of-the-way postings, has raised eyebrows in terms of fairness and accountability. But the added public debate and scrutiny of these practices are now...

    Dir Balaa - A truly heartwarming and inspiring moment unfolded at the Dir Sports Complex during the ongoing Aman Sports Festival, as a dedicated segment of the event — the Special Games — was held to honor and uplift athletes with disabilities. These determined and talented special athletes from Dir Bala participated with extraordinary enthusiasm, proving once again that true strength lies not in the body, but in the spirit. From basketball to cricket, they showcased remarkable skill, passion, and resilience — earning rounds of applause and admiration from the audience. The event was formally inaugurated by Upper Dir District Sports Officer, Sadiqullah, with full support from the district administration and the local community — a strong gesture of unity and encouragement. To further honor these athletes, Alkhidmat Foundation Dir Bala graciously hosted a special lunch in their name — a gesture deeply appreciated by the participants. Many of the athletes expressed j...

  Dir Bala: The highly-awaited 4th installment of the "Aman Sports Festival 2025" got underway today with a colorful opening ceremony at the Dir Sports Complex. The thrilling event is being jointly organized by the Dir Bala District Sports Office and the District Administration Dir Bala. District Sports Officer Upper Dir, Sadiqullah, opened the festival by cutting the ribbon, kick-starting a month-long celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. The opening ceremony was well attended by district administration officials, local dignitaries, and a large number of excited athletes. The festival, which is held at the Dir Sports Complex, includes an exciting lineup of competitions, including cricket, football, volleyball, basketball, martial arts, and gymnastics. These events will promise to give the youth a great platform for constructive activities, camaraderie, and sporting recreation. Speaking to the gathering at the ceremony of launch, DSO Sadiqullah said that th...

  Women's boxing trials for the Prime Minister's Youth Talent Hunt program held at Qayyum Sports Complex were severely mismanaged, inflicting deep disappointment and mental pain on scores of female boxers who came from far-flung areas. As per official reports, the trials were to go on from May 29 to June 3, 2025. But after just the opening ceremony on May 29, the trials were suddenly concluded on the same day, and the subsequent days were declared a holiday without notice. May 30 and 31, when the players came again to attend the trials, no officials were there, nor was any communication about the cancellation. The concerned players explained that they had given up examinations, other sport events, and personal appointments to take part in the trials, but the sloppy management made their efforts go in vain. Parents and coaches have called for the responsible individuals to be taken to task and demanded a repetition of free and fair trials. This scenario raises serious doubts...

  The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Sports Directorate has refused to disclose the funds allocated and expenses incurred for sports events held in collaboration with third parties—particularly those involving female athletes—even though a formal Right to Information (RTI) request was submitted by a citizen on March 25, 2025. The citizen from Peshawar posed several important questions to the Sports Directorate, including: How much funding was allocated for events organized with third-party collaboration? How much was spent on sports kits, shoes, and other essentials for female athletes? What amount was provided as TA/DA (Travel and Daily Allowance) to female players? How many district teams of female athletes participated in these events? What was the cost of media coverage for these events? Where were the female athletes accommodated, and how much did it cost? Despite the official RTI application, the Sports Directorate has yet to provide any response, raising serious que...

  The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Sports Directorate has refused to disclose the funds allocated and expenses incurred for sports events held in collaboration with third parties—particularly those involving female athletes—even though a formal Right to Information (RTI) request was submitted by a citizen on March 25, 2025. The citizen from Peshawar posed several important questions to the Sports Directorate, including: How much funding was allocated for events organized with third-party collaboration? How much was spent on sports kits, shoes, and other essentials for female athletes? What amount was provided as TA/DA (Travel and Daily Allowance) to female players? How many district teams of female athletes participated in these events? What was the cost of media coverage for these events? Where were the female athletes accommodated, and how much did it cost? Despite the official RTI application, the Sports Directorate has yet to provide any response, raising serious que...

  PESHAWAR – Daily wage employees working at the Adil Khan Swimming Pool, located within the Peshawar Sports Complex, have not received the additional payments promised to them over a month ago. The workers were assured they would be paid Rs. 1,000 per day if they agreed not to take their usual weekly days off on Saturdays and Sundays during the busy summer swimming season. These employees, reportedly numbering ten, had been taking weekends off previously. However, with the swimming pool attracting a large number of visitors during the warmer months, management requested them to forgo their off days in exchange for extra daily compensation. One worker, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared: "We were told that if we didn’t take leave on Saturdays and Sundays, we would be paid daily wages because of the high visitor turnout at the pool on weekends. We canceled our rest days, hoping to earn a bit more, but it's been more than a month and we haven’t received any payment...

  Eight months on, no response from the Directorate of Sports for Merged Districts under the Right to Information Act—What really happened during the 2024 Independence Day events in Khyber? Who participated? How much was spent? Still a mystery. Despite repeated claims by every government about engaging youth from the former tribal regions in positive activities, a citizen’s attempt to uncover the truth behind paper-based sports events has hit a wall of silence. In September 2024, a citizen filed an RTI request seeking details of sports events held in District Khyber during Independence Day 2024. To date, no reply has been provided—even though the request was officially registered under RTI number 4050. The questions asked were straightforward: How many teams participated in the football tournament? How long did it last, and what were the expenses? What was the scale of the Tag Ball Tournament at Jamrud Sports Complex—number of teams, duration, and budget? Who took part ...

  In September 2024, a formal request was submitted to the Sports Directorate of the merged districts, asking where the bicycles provided by UNDP were, who had received them, and why they hadn’t been delivered to the cyclists of the merged tribal areas. Unfortunately, no response has been received from the Directorate to date. The application raised key questions: Why were the bicycles not placed in an official store? If there is a stock register, what identification numbers were assigned to these bicycles? And if a coach currently has possession of them, how many individuals have received training so far? These bicycles could have been a valuable asset for the youth in the merged tribal districts with an interest in cycling. Yet, to this day, not a single athlete has received one, and no public record exists that shows how or where these bikes have been used. Is it possible that the Directorate lacks a proper facility to store the bicycles? And if so, was that the reas...

  PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Over three years after advance payment was made to the contractor, the crucial tartan track project at the Peshawar Sports Complex remains unstarted, severely hindering athletic development in the region. This delay comes despite civil work being completed long ago and the original contract issued at a rate of Rs. 920 per square foot. The project, initiated under former DG Sports Khalid Khan, falls under the supervision of the Directorate's own Works Department, a body formed in 2012 and upgraded to a full directorate in 2022. Despite its established structure, the department has demonstrably failed to ensure the commencement of this vital facility. Insiders reveal that the escalating costs of materials and inflation have rendered execution at the original rate nearly impossible. Alarmingly, reports indicate that inferior quality work is now being carried out elsewhere at a staggering Rs. 1420 per square foot, a figure significantly higher than the initia...

    In the quiet corridors of Abbottabad's sports department, numbers don’t just play games — they vanish, reappear, and sometimes multiply. It was just another dull Monday in the District Sports Office. Paperwork lay stacked high, dusty files half-forgotten on rusted metal shelves. Then came the audit memo — short, sharp, and explosive. Rs. 1,53,57,710. That’s what the office had spent under the AD21C46 fund — a whopping Rs. 18 lakh more than the department was actually given. The numbers didn’t lie, but someone clearly had. The government had allocated Rs. 1.96 crore on paper. But only Rs. 1.35 crore ever landed in the department’s account. Despite this, the department managed to overspend like they were flush with cash. Magic? Mismanagement? Or something else entirely? Enter Musarrat Ullah Jan , the hard-nosed journalist who didn’t buy the "extra grant" excuse being whispered around backrooms. He dug deeper. The paper trail was messy — vague mentions...

    In Abbottabad, two sports offices faced the same challenge: deliver results with public money. One played fast and loose with the rules. The other played it smart.   Office 1: The District Sports Officer   Budget Estimated: Rs. 1.96 crore   Funds Released: Rs. 1.35 crore   Amount Spent: Rs. 1.53 crore   Overspending: Over Rs. 18 lakh   Despite receiving only 68.8% of the total estimated budget, this office spent 78.2% of it. That’s 13.7% more than what they were authorized to spend. How? No official answer. No documented re-appropriation. No transparent justification.   This isn’t just bad math. It’s a potential breach of fiscal discipline. Experts say any extra spending must come with clear approvals — otherwise, it's just another audit objection waiting to happen.   Office 2: The Regional Sports Officer   Budget Estimated: Rs. 1.03 crore   Funds Released: Rs. 68.8 lakh   ...