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Committee Submits Report on Animal Encroachment in Dera Ismail Khan; Calls for Accountability

      The committee tasked with investigating animal encroachment in Dera Ismail Khan's Rata Kalachi Grounds has delivered its findings to the Directorate, urging accountability measures.   According to insider accounts, a four-member committee, spearheaded by a senior Grade Nine officer, probed the influx of animals into the Dera Ismail Khan Complex. Following the circulation of a viral video depicting the incident, the committee swiftly convened to address the issue.   Three members of the committee conducted on-site investigations in Dera Ismail Khan, extensively questioning officials and employees. Witness statements were meticulously recorded, alongside the acquisition of relevant documentation.   Remarkably, the committee's senior member dismissed the viral video as outdated, shedding light on the complexity of the situation. Additionally, the committee's report highlighted instances of employee negligence, emphasizing the urgent need for corrective ac

Peshawar’s Wushu Warrior: Obaidullah Khan’s Rise to Martial Arts Mastery

    In the heart of Peshawar, a city steeped in martial traditions, stands a figure who embodies the spirit and skill of Wushu: Obaidullah Khan. From the bustling streets of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Obaidullah has emerged as a martial arts prodigy, claiming victory at district, provincial, national, and international levels. His journey is not just one of personal triumph but a testament to the indomitable will to succeed against all odds.   Born into modest beginnings, Obaidullah’s early life was shaped by the cultural heritage of Peshawar. His education at Islamia Model School Lakhkarabad laid the foundation for his academic pursuits, which he continues at Government College Peshawar. As a first-year BS student in Health and Physical Education at Alhaq Government College Peshawar University, Obaidullah balances his studies with the rigorous demands of his sport.   Obaidullah’s foray into martial arts began at Club Rehmat Martial Arts Academy under the guidance of coach Najmullah

Rising Talent Masood Afridi Joins PCB Umpire Panel Post Level Two Course Completion

    Peshawar, Pakistan - Masood Afridi, hailing from Peshawar, has marked a significant milestone in his cricket journey. He has now secured a spot in the prestigious Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) umpire panel after successfully passing the level two cricket umpiring course.   Expressing profound pride in representing his province, Masood credits his achievement to dedication and skill, guided by the belief in Allah Almighty. The rigorous training program set by PCB, comprising four courses, culminated in Masood's selection among the elite group of 14 umpires.   Acknowledging the unwavering support from his family and friends, Masood highlights their prayers and encouragement as driving forces behind his success. His journey, initiated with coaching, saw him mastering the intricacies of umpiring under the mentorship of seasoned coaches like Asif Yaqub, Ahsan Raza, and Nasir Hussain.   Masood's influence extends beyond borders, having served as the official coach fo

Are Millions Spent on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Development Just Disappearing?

      The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Policy 2018 aims to develop sports at the district level through District Sports Officers (DSOs). These officers are tasked with managing sports clubs, identifying talent, and promoting traditional sports. However, concerns exist regarding the effectiveness of the program.   While DSOs receive salaries, benefits, and office expenses exceeding Rs. 15 lakh annually per district (totaling Rs. 7 crore for all districts), questions remain about the impact on athletes.     Lack of Transparency: Information requests for a list of sports competitions held in districts have gone unanswered by the Sports Directorate.   Unclear Results: The number of new players identified and supported by DSOs is unknown.   Focus on Administration: The high cost of DSO offices raises concerns about spending on sports equipment and development initiatives.     Citizens should hold DSOs accountable by asking:   How many new players have been ident

Coaches Highlight Neglected Training, Renovation Spending Spree

      Peshawar, Pakistan - In a scathing letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Advisor Sports, and Secretary Sports of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a group of daily wage coaches have highlighted the alleged neglect of training programs and misuse of funds within the Provincial Sports Directorate.   The letter, penned by a concerned coach on behalf of his colleagues, criticizes the directorate for running without coaches for almost a year (July 2023-March 2024).   The coaches claim that training continues without proper guidance, while millions of rupees are being spent on renovating the Director General's office, including furniture and bathroom fixtures.   The letter further exposes alleged discrepancies in coach selection. It criticizes the inclusion of retired employees with hefty pensions and non-performing coaches who lack recent achievements. The coaches urge the authorities to prioritize qualified and dedicated individuals who can demonstrably improve player performance

Unemployed Sports Directorate Coaches Seek Relief, KP Sports Advisor Promises Action

      PESHAWAR: Daily wage employees associated with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Sports Directorate, who have been out of work since 2023, met with the Sports Advisor to discuss their situation.   The coaches, representing various sports disciplines, expressed their concerns about their unemployment due to a lack of sanctioned positions (PC Ones).   The Sports Advisor listened attentively to their problems and offered his support. He assured them that he would seek approval from the Chief Minister in the next cabinet meeting to create sanctioned positions, paving the way for their official appointment.   The coaches expressed their gratitude to the Sports Advisor for his intervention and his commitment to resolving their situation.   #KPKCoaches #SportsJobs    

Favoritism Alleged at Mazullah Khan Cricket Academy During Ramadan

    The Mazullah Khan Cricket Academy, under the Provincial Sports Directorate's management, has sparked controversy. The Academy is reportedly closed to players during Ramadan, while some individuals, including club members who claim "senior" status despite lacking club-level performance, are granted free training access.   Cricket circles are critical of this alleged "dual policy." They argue that cricket development should prioritize paying youngsters.   They find it unfair that the Academy is closed entirely while relatives and favored players continue training during Ramadan. This is seen as a violation of fair practices and legal guidelines.   Cricket circles demand action from the Chief Minister, Sports Advisor, and Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They urge an investigation into the free training given to so-called "senior" players and a review of who deserves this designation based on actual performance. They call for an end to the a

Peshawar Witnesses Surge in Sports Shoes Usage, Skechers Gaining Popularity Among Women

      In various areas, notably Peshawar, the trend of sporting footwear has seen a notable upswing, marking a shift from traditional Charasada slippers to athletic shoes. Previously, areas like Hashtangri Phatak, Firdous, and Kohati housed shops offering a variety of shoes, typically priced up to 1000 rupees. However, over the past five years, there has been a significant transition towards sports footwear, now embraced not only by athletes but also by the general populace.   The influx of used sports shoes from abroad has led to a surge in demand within these three markets, consequently driving up prices. Furthermore, the demand for athletic, football, cricket, and other sporting shoes has witnessed a substantial increase across different parts of Peshawar.   Moreover, schoolgirls, once accustomed to locally crafted shoes, have now embraced the trend of used sports shoes. Similarly, working women and other demographics have begun favoring Skechers footwear, drawn to its c

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s 1000 Sports Facilities Project Under Scrutiny for Mismanagement and Corruption

    The ambitious 1000 sports facilities project initiated by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Sports Directorate has come under intense scrutiny. What was intended to bolster grassroots sports opportunities now faces serious allegations of mismanagement and corruption.   Key Concerns:   Misplaced Priorities: Instead of directing resources toward schools and local communities, the project has disproportionately favored government institutions such as police lines and officer messes.   Quality Issues: Reports of substandard workmanship have surfaced in various locations, including poorly maintained hockey grounds and badminton courts.   Questionable Choices: Some projects, like open-air gyms in Nithia Gali, appear ill-suited for their surroundings.   Transparency Gap: The selection process lacks transparency, leaving citizens questioning how resources were allocated.   Vehicle Misuse: Allegations of project vehicles being used for personal purposes and fuel mi

District Sports Office Peshawar's Information Conundrum

    PESHAWAR   . In the bustling administrative corridors of District Peshawar, a cloak of silence shrouds the District Sports Office (DSO), obscuring the transparency mandated by the Right to Information Act. Amidst the clamor for accountability, a tale unfolds, revealing the shadows cast by bureaucratic inertia and disregard for civic rights.   It began innocuously enough, with a citizen's plea for transparency. On April 6, 2023, an application, bearing the solemn promise of Diary Number 846, ventured forth into the labyrinthine depths of bureaucratic procedure. Its plea was simple: unveil the intricacies of the District's sporting endeavors, illuminate the path of accountability. However, the echoes of this call to action faded into the administrative abyss, unanswered and unheeded.   Undeterred by the initial silence, the petitioner persisted. A second missive, sent forth on July 10, 2023, bore the weight of Diary Number 1138, a numerical testament to bureaucrat