PML-N leader attacked

GILGIT, Nov 22: A leader of PML-N was shot at and seriously injured by unknown assailants in the busiest market on airport road on Monday evening, police said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Mirza Khan told this correspondent Salamat Jan, PML-N president Gilgit-Baltistan Labour Wing, was outside his business place when two assailants opened fired on him and made their escape good.

DSP Mirza said Mr Jan was removed to CMH where his condition was stated to be out of danger.

Police cordoned-off the area and started search for netting the assailants. The incident panicked the people and law-enforcement agencies increased patrol on the roads.

Police were unable to describe the motive behind the incident and said as soon as investigation completed the situation would be clear.—Correspondent

Wheat seed, fertiliser

PESHAWAR, Nov 22: Former MPA and president PPP, Chitral, Zain-ul-Abidin has expressed concern over the non-availability wheat and fertiliser for the upcoming wheat crop in the district.

In a press statement issued here on Monday, Mr Zain-ul-Abidin said due to rainfalls in July/August this year the stock of wheat ready for threshing was spoiled and the farmers were unable to save wheat seed.

He apprehended that the situation could lead to severe shortage of food stuff. He said Chitral had a unique geo-physical location which warranted special attention of the government for timely supply and distribution of seed and fertiliser to avoid any untoward situation in future.

The former lawmaker deplored that he had appealed to the federal as well as provincial governments to take steps to ameliorate the sufferings of the farmers but to little avail.—Bureau Report

Falcon seized

LAKKI MARWAT, Nov 22: A raiding team of wildlife department of D.I. Khan division seized a falcon from a house in Mandra locality here, claimed an official on Monday.

Range Officer Wildlife Idress Ghazi told this correspondent on phone from D.I. Khan that a team led by DFO Niaz Mohammad Niazi, on a tip off, raided a house in Mandra area and recovered a falcon from the place.

“The bird was reportedly caught through illegal hunting”, he said, adding, a case had been registered against the poacher under Wildlife Act.

“Commissioner D.I. Khan division Sardar Mohammad Abbas later freed the precious bird in the natural habitat in a ceremony which was also attended by DCO Khuda Baksh, ACR Malik Damsaz Khan Marwat, SP Investigation Mohammad Aslam Khattak and officials of the wildlife department”, he maintained.—Correspondent

War on terrorism

TIMERGARA, Nov 22: The central vice-chief of JUI-F Senator Maulana Gul Naseeb Khan on Monday asked the government to quit the war on terrorism.

Talking to Dawn at Chakdara he said the US wanted to impose Indian supremacy in the region, adding, India had been one of the greatest threats to the sovereignty of Pakistan.

“A big foe of Pakistan has been provided with nuclear technology and modern weapons to make it all powerful in the region. And Pakistan in reaction should quit the so-called war on terror,” the JUI senator suggested. He alleged the US and its allies had been hatching conspiracy to pitch Pakistan army against its own people particularly Pakhtuns.

The JUI leader said the government should immediately announce local government elections in the country. The JUI, he claimed, would win these polls.

When asked about internal differences in the party, the senator said the party had been united on all fronts.—Correspondent

PPP’s founding day

PESHAWAR, Nov 22: PPP leadership will celebrate the founding day of the party on Nov 30 in all the districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Speaking at a meeting of the district level office-bearers at People’s Secretariat on Monday the party provincial president Syed Zahir Ali Shah conveyed message of the party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari regarding the celebrations.

He said the party units in different districts would arrange seminars, functions and workers meetings to pay homage to the late leaders of the party and recall their services for welfare of the public.

Mr Shah said the sister organisations like People’s Lawyers Forum, People’s Youth Organisation, People’s Students Federation, People’s Labour Bureau and Women Wing would play role in strengthening the party.—Bureau Report