Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sports and Youth Affairs, Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand, has said that modern sports facilities of international standards are being constructed on the Sports Department’s land in Dotar, Abbottabad, to provide youth with opportunities for healthy and constructive activities.
He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Jashn-e-Neeza Bazi as chief guest at the newly constructed sports ground — the largest in Hazara Division — spread over 85 kanals in Dotar. The event was organized by the district administration in collaboration with the Regional Sports Office Abbottabad.
Tarand said the KP government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to promote sports across the province, ensuring that every district receives modern and quality sports infrastructure. Encouraging youth toward positive activities, he added, is among the government’s top priorities so they may stay safe from drugs, extremism, and other negative tendencies.
Highlighting the importance of traditional sports, he said that events like Neeza Bazi are a vital part of our culture and history. By promoting such sports, the government aims not only to preserve cultural heritage but also to provide young athletes opportunities to excel at national and international levels.
Riders from across the country participated in the event and displayed impressive skills in the competitions. The advisor, along with members of the National and Provincial Assemblies and senior district officials, formally inaugurated the event and later distributed prizes among distinguished performers.
The provincial advisor announced a prize amount of three hundred thousand rupees for outstanding players, saying the incentive would encourage athletes to work harder and perform even better.
Commending the efforts of the Regional Sports Office and the district administration, he said such events play a crucial role in promoting awareness about sports among youth and in nurturing a spirit of healthy competition.
The ceremony was attended by MPA Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, MNA Ali Khan Jadoon, MPA Iftikhar Khan Jadoon, Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Sarmad Saleem Akram, and Regional Sports Officer Abbottabad Muhammad Zaman.

The Provincial Minister for Irrigation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Riaz Khan, met with various delegations, local elders, and PTI workers at his hujra in Malik Pur Pir Baba Buner on the occasion of Public Day. On this occasion, members of the public apprised the provincial minister of the issues and difficulties they were facing. Riaz Khan listened to public grievances with great attention and seriousness, resolved several issues on the spot, and issued clear instructions to the concerned departments for the prompt and effective resolution of other matters. While speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister Riaz Khan said that resolving public issues is the true essence of politics, and that real satisfaction lies in serving the people. He stated that the politics of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is not about holding power, but is based on a clear vision of selfless public service and public welfare. In light of the directives of PTI Founder Chairman Imran Khan the provincial minister also briefed the participants about the street movement, stating that preparations to make the street movement successful are underway. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi and Provincial President Junaid Akbar Khan, the street movement will be made successful in a fully organized and effective manner. Riaz Khan further clarified that the struggle for the release of PTI Founder Chairman Imran Khan is continuing with full force, and that they will not rest until the supremacy of law, the sanctity of the Constitution, and the release of Imran Khan are ensured. He added that the struggle for the protection of public rights and for true freedom will continue under all circumstances.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary Health, Deputy Chief Planning Officer (P&D), Regional Director South Region Dr. Kamran Zakaria, Managing Director Health Foundation Dr. Khizar Hayat, and District Health Officer Upper South Waziristan Dr. Tufail Sherani.

During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on the challenges faced by the health sector in South Waziristan, as well as ongoing and upcoming development projects. Special discussion was held on the long-standing issue of Mola Khan Sarai Hospital, which was being operated under the PPP mode. Due to certain administrative and technical issues, the hospital’s services had been affected. As a result of the continuous efforts of MPA Muhammad Asif Khan Mehsud and the Health Department, the recruitment advertisement for hospital staff has now been issued. The Provincial Minister for Health assured that formal approval will be granted in the upcoming cabinet meeting, after which the hospital will be made functional within the same month, Insha’Allah.

The meeting also reviewed the upgradation of Basic Health Units (BHUs) in South Waziristan. Due to past militancy and conflict, many BHU buildings and infrastructure had been severely damaged. It was decided that all BHUs in South Waziristan will be included in the upgradation scheme, for which principled approval has already been granted. Along with full rehabilitation of these facilities, shortages of human resources will also be addressed.

Detailed discussions were also held regarding the funding of Tank Nara and Makeen Hospitals, which are approximately 70 to 80 percent complete. The meeting emphasized the immediate release of remaining funds so that these projects can be completed at the earliest and better healthcare services can be provided to the public.

Furthermore, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) partnership model was discussed, under which more than half of the BHUs in South Waziristan will be handed over to PRCS under a sharing model, similar to the successful provision of quality healthcare services at BHU Baloch Kot.

The meeting also addressed shortages of infrastructure, medical equipment, and furniture in hospitals. On this occasion, the Provincial Minister for Health assured that these issues will be resolved on a war footing.

Similarly, it was agreed to provide 4 to 5 new ambulances to South Waziristan to expand Rescue 1122 emergency services, in order to strengthen emergency medical response across the district.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Provincial Minister for Health and the Secretary Health directed the DHO Upper South Waziristan to submit a progress report every fifteen days to ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation of the projects.

Finally, the public was assured that the health sector in South Waziristan is being given top priority, and that, Insha’Allah, all health-related issues will be resolved on a priority basis, as healthcare is a fundamental right of the people and the government is fully committed to safeguarding this right.