DERA GHAZI KHAN: The Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority in a joint operation with the food department has seized 6,000 maunds of illegally hoarded wheat at Pul Daat and sealed the warehouse.

Sub-Divisional Enforcement Officer Qalb Hussain said the raid was carried out at a warehouse being operated under the cover of a tractor showroom, from where the wheat was recovered and the premises sealed.

He said a notice had been issued to the warehouse owner a week earlier, directing him to declare the wheat stock, but since he failed to comply within the given time, legal action was taken.

He said strict action would continue against all hoarders without any discrimination, and no one will be allowed to operate outside the ambit of the law.

The district administration has made it clear that illegal hoarding of wheat or any other essential commodity will not be tolerated, and violators will face strict legal consequences.

WADORE TORRENT: Ghazi University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed, along with faculty members Dr. Matloob Ahmed, Dr. Zahoor Hussain, Dr. Talat Bilal, Dr. Waseem Abbas Gul and Dr. Samar visited Wadore Torrent.

He said due to hill torrents, the area suffers heavy losses every year, including the destruction of houses, crops, belongings, and the death of livestock. He added that Ghazi University will now also take steps to address this issue.

The VC emphasised that if hill torrent water is properly managed, it can become a blessing instead of a disaster.

He said the university has a team of experts, including irrigation and drainage specialists, agricultural engineers, and climate change researchers, who will conduct a detailed survey of the area and prepare practical recommendations. These recommendations will be implemented in collaboration with the district administration to find a permanent solution to this longstanding problem.

He further said that the Ghazi University is working on a comprehensive strategy for the social and economic development of the region. In this regard, the university is launching a major initiative called the “Greater Fort Munro Project,” aimed at promoting afforestation in the Koh-i-Sulaiman range.

Implementation of this project will increase greenery on the mountains, improve environmental balance, and help control major issues like hill torrents.

The VC announced that the Ghazi University, in collaboration with the forest department, would establish a large grazing ground along Sakhi Sarwar Road to facilitate local livestock farmers and boost the livestock sector.

He stressed that Ghazi University is not limited to education and research but is also committed to community welfare and finding sustainable solutions to the region’s longstanding challenges.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2025