KOHAT: The interior ministry has declared Kohat as one of the most sensitive districts for chehlum of Imam Husain and banned the entry of 290 ulema in Kohat district, sources said.

The district administration has decided to deploy over 4,000 policemen for the security of chehlum processions on Dec 3, 2015.

Chairing a meeting, deputy commissioner Zahir Shah Mohmand also imposed a strict ban on pillion riding on Dec 2 and 3 and Section 144 for one month with immediate effect. It was decided that the business community would keep their shops closed from the evening of Dec 2 till the evening of Dec 3 for their own safety.

The meeting held at the DC office was attended by district nazim Maulana Niaz Mohammad, tehsil nazim Malik Taimoor, DPO Sohaib Ashraf, assistant commissioner Lachi tehsil Irfanullah Mesud, Shia and Sunni elders, political leaders and representatives of the traders.

The three main processions would be taken out from Qaumi Imambargah, Kalo Imambargah and Said Habib Imambargah.

LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT: Special assistant to the chief minister on livestock and fisheries, Mohibullah Khan, has called for immediate steps to preserve the fast diminishing breeds of the meat- and milk-producing livestock. He also felt the need for more research in the field. A briefing was given to Mr Mohibullah about the research being done in the sector at the Ghulam Banda livestock centre here during his tour of the southern district.

The officials said that the government was paying attention to the problems of the farmers and taking steps to tackle livestock diseases. They said that research was being conducted to increase the production of milk and meat. The meeting was attended by additional secretary livestock Shaukat Yousafzai, director general (extension) Dr Sher Mohammad, director fisheries Amanul Mulk and other relevant officials.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2015