DERA GHAZI KHAN: Experts at the three-day International Hazrat Khwaja Ghulam Farid Conference 2025 stressed the need for connecting the younger generation with the Sufi heritage and cultural legacy.

They were speaking at the conference organised by the Punjab Department of Information and Culture and the Punjab Council of the Arts that concluded on Wednesday.

Dera Ghazi Khan Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry inaugurated the conference on Dec 15, which saw the participation of renowned scholars, writers, and poets from across the country. Ghazi University also actively participated in the conference’s academic and literary activities.

In his address, Mr Chaudhry said the poetry of Hazrat Khwaja Ghulam Farid teaches lessons of peace, brotherhood, and tolerance. He emphasised that the teachings of Sufi saints could promote tolerance and harmony within society.

Prominent figures who addressed the conference included Mujahid Jatoi, Prof Arshad Leghari, Prof Mumtaz Khan Kalyani and poet Aziz Shahid. Later sessions featured addresses by Prof Hamid-ul-Fat Malghani, Prof Ziaullah, and Arts Council Director Rana Maqbool Ahmed.

Experts in Faridiat and Seraiki intellectuals also spoke during the conference. They stressed the need to connect the younger generation with the Sufi heritage and cultural legacy.

A key highlight of the event was a calligraphy exhibition based on the poetry of Khawaja Ghulam Farid. The calligraphy pieces featured in the exhibition were crafted by renowned calligrapher Akhtar Tahseen. Sessions of Sufi poetry and Sufi music were also held.

The conference witnessed a strong turnout, with significant participation from university and college students and faculty, as well as a large number of intellectuals, civil society members, media representatives, and citizens.

WHEAT SMUGGLING: Rajanpur Deputy Commissioner Imran Hussain Ranjha visited the inter-provincial Shah Wali checkpoint to review arrangements and security measures to prevent the unauthorised transportation of wheat outside the district.

He was accompanied by Border Military Police Commandant Naseer Shehzad Dogar and the District Food Controller.

The DC received a briefing from the staff deployed at the checkpoint and inspected vehicle screening procedures, record verification, and the surveillance system. He instructed the officers of the food department that under the Punjab government’s policy, no movement of wheat outside Rajanpur district would be permitted under any circumstances.

He emphasised that the illegal transportation of wheat was not only against the interests of the farmers but could also compromise food security at the provincial level.

He directed all relevant departments to ensure effective and coordinated measures to prevent smuggling.

ACCIDENT: A young girl died in an accident when her neck became trapped in the chain of the rickshaw she was travelling in with her family from Choti to Dera Ghazi Khan on Wednesday.

As per details, the girl’s scarf became entangled in the rickshaw’s chain and as a result, she fell and her neck was severed from her body. Upon receiving the information, Rescue 1122 dispatched an ambulance. However, the girl had already died.

Her body was transferred to the Choti RHC Hospital for necessary legal procedures.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2025