RAWALPINDI, Dec 23: Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said efforts are underway, on political level, for the inclusion of Rawalpindi in Islamabad which would bring revolutionary changes in the city.

The minister said Islamabad had billion of rupees funds but this amount remained unspent owing to the shortage of development projects in the capital.

“Lobbying is also underway for the inclusion of Murree and Kahuta in Islamabad,” he said while speaking at a function organised by the Teachers’ Forum at the Government Degree College for Women, B-Block, in connection with the extension of contract of 80 teachers on Saturday.

The minister said he had already raised the issue of regularisation of teachers with Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi who assured him of his full cooperation, adding that after completion of legal formalities all the contractual teachers would be regularised.

He said the extension in three years contract of lecturers would encourage the chief minister’s “Educated Punjab programme”, adding that his mission was to regularise the services of all contractual teachers before the next general elections.

He expressed the hope that teachers would perform their duty with more devotion and dedication when they get handsome salaries and feel free from economic worries.

Sharing his views regarding problems being faced by residents of the city, the minister said a mini-express train would run between the twin cities to facilitate commuters.

Mr Ahmed said after getting an alternative residence, he would donate Lal Haveli to the Fatima Jinnah University.

He said a housing colony for nursing staff and employees of Wasa and post office would be announced soon while a nursing school would also be constructed.

Annual sports event: A three-day annual sports event concluded at the Government Degree College, Satellite Town on Saturday.

City District Nazim Raja Javed Ikhlas was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the 27th sports event.

Among others, Town Nazim Mian Imran Hayat and teaching staff of the college were present on the occasion.

Several competitions were held during the three-day event which comprised races of different ranges including that of five kilometers, 1,500 meters, 800 metres, 400 metres, 200 metres and 100 metres.

In addition, competitions were also held in long, high jump; wheel barrier race, triple jump, partner lifting race, slow cycling, spear throw, discus throw and pillow fighting.

Speaking on the occasion, the district nazim highlighted the importance of extracurricular activities and said healthy activities made nations stronger.

He stressed upon the students to make efforts to excel in both education and sports activities.

He said the district government would help the college administration in providing better atmosphere for education. He said a survey would be conducted after Eidul Azha which would be followed by repair work in the college.

The principal of the college, Aleemuddin, spoke about various activities of the college.—Agencies