TOBA TEK SINGH: University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), Vice-Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan has said that trained manpower and tangible research work are prerequisites for agricultural development. He made these remarks during a gathering of UAF alumni on Sunday.

Dr Khan said the agriculture sector was serious challenges, including low productivity, water scarcity, climate change, irrational use of inputs, and market problems.

He underscored the crucial role of agricultural scientists in addressing these challenges and stressed the need to develop strong links with farmers. Dr Khan said that the UAF is conducting excellent research while equipping manpower with modern sciences.

He expressed optimism that by developing agriculture on a scientific basis, Pakistan can not only meet its agricultural needs but also earn foreign exchange, ushering in a new era of agricultural development.

RACE: The three-day greyhound race concluded on Sunday at the UAF, providing entertainment and a break from routine life for locals who attended.

PBM: The Pakistan Baitul Mal (PBM) has signed a memorandum of understanding with an Australian cochlear implant manufacturing company to support 154 deserving, silent, and non-verbal children in Pakistan. PBM Managing Director Syed Tariq Mahmoodul Hassan announced on Sunday in Kamalia that the MoU includes Rs2.3 million assistance for each cochlear implant, of which PBM contribution is Rs1.5 million, and the remaining amount sponsored by the partner company.

DIES: Sardar Abid Aleem, Faisalabad’s senior journalist and chief editor of the daily Millat Faisalabad, passed away on Saturday night after a brief illness. He was the elder brother of retired APP Faisalabad bureau chief Sardar Sajid Aleem.

The funeral prayers, attended by scores of people, took place in Ghulam Muhammad Abad graveyard on Sunday.

THEATRE COMPETITION: The Punjab Council of Arts, Faisalabad, organised the first Punjab theater competition at the divisional level. Talented youth showcased their skills in acting, writing, and directing. Various theater groups from Jhang, Chiniot, Jaranwala, and Faisalabad participated. Judges, including literary personality Prof Shabbir Ahmed Qadri and well-known artists and directors Shahzad Parvez and Ahmed Niazi, evaluated the performances.

The drama “Sassi Pannu” of Jog Rangai Group of Faisalabad secured the first position, followed by Dilawar Hussain Group’s drama “Taleem-i-Balghaan” in the second position, and Baraq Association’s drama “Ghatda Chanan” in the third position.

Director and artist Prince Parvez, along with Prof Qadri distributed prizes and certificates. Faisalabad Arts Council Director Muhammad Abrar Alam announced that the group winning the first position at the divisional level competition would participate in the provincial level competition on March 9 at Bagh-i-Jinnah Open Air Theater, Lahore.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2024