MANSEHRA: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) local chapter remained divided even on the party’s 57th foundation day, holding separate cake-cutting ceremonies. Malik Farooq, the divisional president of the party in Hazara division, was the chief guest at one ceremony, where he cut the cake.

He said that the current party leadership, including chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, was following the legacy of his grandfather and mother while working to strengthen democracy in the country.

A dissident faction inside the party, led by former provincial assembly candidate Haq Nawaz Khan, arranged a separate event. Mr Farooq said, “We are proud of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the founding chairman of our party, and his daughter, who gave their lives for this country.”

He claimed that in his efforts to fortify democracy in the country, the party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was carrying on the traditions of his mother and grandfather.

Speaking at the dissident group’s function, leader Haq Nawaz Khan said they would not tolerate favoritism in the selection of the party’s office-bearers. “We are true followers of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and his daughter’s legacy and will never accept dictatorship within the party,” he said.

DEFORESTATION: Chief Conservator of Forests Kifayat Baloch said that his department was utilising all available resources to curb deforestation and eliminate the transportation of timber across the province.

“The government has imposed a complete ban on the cutting and transportation of timber throughout the province, and we have strictly been enforcing its directive,” he said while speaking to journalists after conducting surprise visits to various forest posts.

“Pakistan ranks among the countries most affected by global warming. We can mitigate its impact by preserving our forests and reducing carbon emissions,” he said. He emphasised the importance of tree plantation drives to convert barren and infertile lands into forested areas across the province.

“Mansehra and the rest of Hazara division are rich in natural resources and dense forests. We must protect them using a scientific approach,” he stated.

“Our department is at the forefront of combating the harmful effects of global warming, but public support is essential in curbing deforestation and expanding forest cover,” Mr Baloch said.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2024