'Fruitful' season in Chitral : Chitral,10 Oct 09: Winter may not be far away but the present in Chitral is full of fruits and vegetables. Grapes apples, pears, pomegranates, walnuts, corn on cob, you name it and you find it in Chitral, a place well known for going short on daily essentials in winters. It is expected that the Lowari tunnel would be open to traffic this winter, which may bring much relief, particularly in the availability of commodities at earthly prices...(CN report)

Walk held to commemorate 2005 Earthquake : Chitral,09 Oct 09: A walk was held to observe disaster risk reduction day. DCO, ACO, RPM Focus and other dignitaries' led the walk comprising of students and public. District Nazim and Director PDCC also spoke on the occasion stressing the need to be prepared for unforeseen natural disasters and have their rescue plans ready. --(GH Farooqi)

PPP workers demand  cabinet dissolution: Chitral,06 Oct 09: PPP workers in a meeting at Drosh presided over by Haji Abdur Rehman demanded immediate dissolution of the present district cabinet, as they accused them of manipulating wrong award of NA ticket in the last general elections, thereby loosing the seat cheaply. --(GH Farooqi)

Boy drowns after falling off bridge : Chitral,05 Oct 09: A student of 6th Class Adil Khan son of Bahadar Khan resident of Sarghuz Mastuj drowned after falling off a pedestrian bridge into the Mastuj river. His body was later recovered from the river.--(GH Farooqi)

DSL reaches Chitral ?:  Chitral,04 Oct 09: It may be a bit of good news for internet users in Chitral town to learn that PTCL has started booking orders for DSL service in here. Phone calls from the company's Lahore sales office on Saturday to various users announcing the advent of DSL service in Chitral, said that modems, routers and other paraphernalia would be set up in a few days for those who order the service. --(BH Azad)

Eid ul Fitr celebrated in Chitral : Chitral, 22 Sep 09 Eid ul Fitr prayers were offered in Big mosques and Eid Gahs of Chitral. There was a visible gleam of achievement on the faces of those who had braved through the month observing all fasts. Both the Sunni and Ismailia community prayer leaders stressed amongst other things need for mutual love and respect and service to humanity in their sermons. Children in bright clothes were seen sprightly enjoying buying sweets and toys with their Eidi money. Families mostly men folk moved about amongst relatives houses, greeting them. Womenfolk were also busy entertaining 'bumbarakdoyu' (Those coming for Eid greetings) with sweet meat and tea, the later item being a favorite craving much missed during Ramazan. --(CN report)

Chitrali awarded foreign fellowship : Chitral, 16 Sep 09: Shahid Nadeem has been awarded a fellowship  by the Netherland Ministry of Development Cooperation under the Netherlands Fellowship Program to participate in international course on "Project Appraisal Management- ( PAM) offered by the Maastricht School of Management (MSM), of 12 weeks starting January 15 next. He is among the two candidates selected throughout Pakistan..--(GH Farooqi)

DCO warns adulterators, profiteers : Chitral, 16 Sep 09: DCO Chitral Rehmatullah Wazir carried out a surprise check of the Chitral Bazar on Tuesday and fined shopkeepers violating the official price list of daily use items. He raided the cold drink agency and took sampes for laboratory test on complaints of adulteration. He said that cooperation of civil society is necessary to curb vices in the society.--(BH Azad)

Chitrali students demonstrate: Peshawar 12 Sep 09: Chitrali students of Peshawar University along with the president and ex president CSWA Iqbal Murtaza and Rizwan Ali Roomi respectively, demonstrated outside the Press Club, demanding similar incentives as that of troubled Malakand area. They maintained that they were also negatively affected by operations in Malakand area and deserve all the concessions given to students of Malakand troubled area.--(Afaq Saad Muluk)
 

Kalash give 3 day deadline for recovery of Greek: Chitral, 10 Sep 09: Dozens of Kalash tribesmen and women Thursday demonstrated in front of the DCO and DPO offices and gave three day ultimatum for recovery of the Greek NGO worker abducted by masked gunmen two days ago. Later they addressed a press conference at the press club and said if Athanasee Laironaise is not recovered within the time they would migrate out of Chitral. --(Firdaus Khan)

Free Medical camp in Birir: Chitral, 09 Sep 09: A free medical camp was arranged at Birir valley for treatment of cholera patients where six people have so far died and 25 more affected by the epidemic. Dr Saleema Hassan, gynecologist who is also member board of Director of Legal Awareness Program for Human Rights, along with other doctors examined patients. The medical camp was visited mostly by children and female patients who could not approach Chitral hospital. --(GH Farooqi)

Meeting of principals held: Chitral, 09 Sep 09: A meeting of principals of private colleges and schools was held under the chairmanship of DCO Motasim Billah to review the follow- up actions to implement the recommendations of the recently held educational conference. The meeting decided to set up three committees, one to inspect schools and college to ensure quality education and legal compliance. The second committee would devise ways and means to provide financial assistance to orphan students and the third committee would evaluate exam results of various institutions. The DCO expressed his determination to smash the cheating mafia and hold fair examinations. He emphasised the need to create conducive environment for improved marketable education , which he said was the only panacea for the problems of Chitral. --(Islamuddin)

Soneri bank in Booni sets new trends: Chitral, 08 Sep 09: Soneri Bank opened in Booni late last year has already established itself as a new trend setter in modern banking. With ATM and online banking facility the bank has grabbed a large share of customers from existing banks. Branch Manager Amir Afzal talking to Chitral News said the bank believed in providing superior service aided by the latest technology and that is why we have achieved targets in one year which newly opened banks usually look for in five to six years. It may be noted that Soneri is the only bank providing ATM service in Booni. --(CN report)

One killed, one kidnapped in Bumburet: Chitral, 08 Sep 09: One person Athanasee Laironaise, a Greek was kidnapped, while his police escort constable Zafar Ahmad r/o Kosht Mulkhow tehsil was killed when masked men attacked the former's residence in Bumburet valley Monday night.. --( GH Farooqi)

Electricity Restoration committee meets CE Pesco:  Chitral, 08 Sep 09:  Members of 'Action Committee for restoration of electricity to Chitral town' met the visiting Chief Engineer (Technical) Pesco, Nawaz Khan at the Judilasht grid station. They apprised him of the problems being faced by the people particularly the inefficiency of the staff in providing electricity to the town. The CE apprised the delegation of steps being taken to alleviate the electricity problems of Chitral town. Meanwhile with operation of diesel generators at the town powerhouse, outages during peak hours (sehr and iftar) have greatly reduced in most part of the town.--(CN report)

Probe into embezzlement demanded:  Chitral, 05 Sep 09: Addressing a press conference, Syed Sardar Hussain, Nadir Gulab, Zainul Abideen, Faizur Rehman, Muhammad Ghulam and Ghulam Nabi condemned the XEN, engineers and other staff of irrigation department for corruption and embezzlement in the funds meant for irrigation channels in Green Lasht, Zait Lasht and Mori Lasht. They said that the officials of the department had spent millions of rupees on the repair, widening and lining of irrigation channels in papers in these areas. However, no real work had had been carried out in these areas. They demanded of the government to order an enquiry into the corruption and embezzlement of fund. --(The News)

Chitrali selected for Higher Education in Sweden: Chitral, 05 Sep 09: Taj Muhammad son of Lt Col Khush Muhammad Khan from Chitral left for Sweden to join a two years MSc in Nuclear Medicine programme at Uppsala University, one of the best institutions of higher learning in world ranking. He was one among the twenty six students selected world over for the studies.  --(CN report)
 

Fasting slows down pace in Chitral:  Chitral, 04 Sep 09: Chitralis can be seen physically weakened by the two week long fasting with two more weeks to go.  Life which is at slow pace otherwise, has further slowed down. With general ill nourishment, some people (specially the smokers and naswaris) are so weakened by the fasting that they appear to be in a trance during the day.  Spiritually however it is hoped and assumed that they are stronger than in normal non fasting days.--(CN report)

Chitralis resent Air service discontinuation:  Chitral, 30 Aug 09: Chitralis have resented the discontinuation of the Islamabad-Chitral air service on Sundays, which has been allocated to the Gilgit Skardu route. Passengers have condemned those politicians who have naively been demanding cancellation of Islamabad-Chitral flights, as it is because of such people the PIA gets excuse to deny the service to Chitralis and give it to other Northern Areas.--(CN report)

Chitrali attends seminar in Nepal:  Chitral, 29 Aug 09: A Chitrali, Shahzada Amir Hasnat uddin, chief representative of Toshi Conservation Committee attended the Indigenous People Community Conserved Areas Conference at Katmandu Nepal. various issues regarding conservation of wild life were discussed in the seminar.--(GH Farooqi)

Two die in Kalash valley cholera breakout:  Chitral, 26 Aug 09: Two women namely Zardana w/o Mashtor Kalash and Chiterich w/o Adeena Khan  died as cholera epidemic struck the castaway Kalash valley of Birir. Many are reported hospitalised due to the illness.  Medical team has been sent to the valley to check the epidemic says the district hospital superintendent --(GH Farooqi)

Minister distributes cheap wheat: Chitral, 25 Aug 09: Provincial minister Saleem Khan distributed cheap wheat amongst the poor. A total of 6500, 20 kg bags would be distributed at 33 distribution points, with a subsidy of Rs 500 per bag.--(GH Farooqi)

Fasting period longer in Chitral: Chitral, 25 Aug 09:  Fasting day during Holy Ramadan is lengthier by 20 minutes in Chitral compared to other Pakistani cities. The fast begins earlier and ends later due to daylight being visible on the Terichmir peak for a longer period.--(CN report)

All public taps broken / leaking: Chitral, 23 Aug 09: All water taps at public places carrying Angarghun spring water are either completely broken or are damaged and leaking on roadsides, mosques and other places where they are installed in Chitral town. There seems nobody responsible to look after them., The result is loss of pressure in the line and adequate drinking water is not available to consumers in their homes because of such wastage due to negligence of concerned authorities.--(CN report)

Two die in car accident:  Chitral, 20 Aug 09: Two persons namely Akhlaq Ali Shah s/o Gul Shah r/o Singoor and driver Fazluddin s/o Akbar  Khan of Mori died when their Toyota car (Ghuagai) plunged into the river at Barenis Thursday morning.--(GH Farooqi & BH Azad)

Sikander e Azam selected for Aitchson College:  Chitral, 19 Aug 09: Sikandar e Azam s/o Muhammad Ayub r/o Bumburait valley and a sixth class student of Langlands School Chitral has won scholarship admission to the prestigious Aitcheson College Lahore. --(GH Farooqi)

Elite force to be deployed in Chitral: Chitral, 19 Aug 09: Two battalions of elite force are to be deployed in Chitral, it was learnt here. --(Online News)

Girl commits suicide: Chitral, 19 Aug 09: A young girl of class 9 committed suicide by eating poison at Seenlasht village on the outskirt of Chitral town. Cause is reportedly family squabble.--(GH Farooqi)

Girl commits suicide: Chitral, 09 Aug 09:  A 12 year old girl of Singoor village Chitral town, ended her life by jumping into the river after  altercation in the family. --(GH Farooqi)

School function:   Chitral, 08 Aug 09:  To celebrate 52nd Independence day of Pakistan students of Frontier Corps Public School (FCPS) girls students of Class 1 to 5 participated in a competition of national songs. The program was organized by FCPS and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation who recorded the national songs competition for Radio Pakistan Chitral Bazmi Shaheen program. Commandant Chitral Scouts Col. Suhail Iqbal was chief guest on the occasion while Principal of the school Samad Gul  presided over the ceremony. --(GH Farooqi)

New School opened in Bang Yarkhun:  Chitral, 06 Aug 09:  Veteran educationist and former EDO Education Sher Wali Khan has opened a private School by the name of  Quaid-e-Azam Model School & College of Excellence, at Bang Bala  in the Yarkhun Valley. People of the area have welcomed the school coming from an accomplished Academician.--(CN report)

Police job gains favour again: Chitral, 01 Aug 09: Operations against militants in Swat having

ended, police job has again gained favour with Chitralis. 738 candidates including 30 female appeared for recruitment written test held in Chitral on Friday. During the heat of military operations against militants in Swat, youth were reluctant to join the police force, for fear of being dispatched to the operational areas.--(CN report)

PPP workers demand party Reorganization. Chitral, 29 July 09:  PPP workers demanded removal of the Chitral district PPP organisation and induction of fresh blood in their place  Speaking on behalf of the workers during Fed Minister Arbab Alamgir/s meeting with the workers here, district Joint Secretary Syed Burhan Shah Advocate said the incumbent setup had failed on all accounts and repeated demands by workers through party conventions to replace them is falling on deaf ears which is harming the party with each passing day. Provincial Minister Saleem Khan was also present on the occasion. --(GH Farooqi).

Bridge collapses under a van : Chitral, 28 July 09: Bridge over the Laspur river at Istordaini Mastuj, collapsed Tuesday evening, under a loaded van, resulting in the van plunging into the ferocious river. The driver's body has not been retrieved. The ill fated van was coming from Gilgit with a cargo of steel bars  --(CN report)

Fed Minister to visit Lowari Tunnel: Chitral, 28 July 09: Federal Minister for communication Arbab Alamgir Khan arrived Chitral Tuesday. He will visit Lowari tunnel and attend briefing regarding re-commencement of work. The Federal Minister is also likely to enquire about the possibility of commissioning of the Lowari tunnel as a simple road tunnel instead of putting an unnecessary railway system  in it, at an exorbitant cost.--(CN report)

Girl dies falling off a bridge: Chitral, 25 July 09:  A young girl Robina of Golain village died after falling off an improvised pedestrian bridge on the river, while trying to cross it.  Some said it may have been a suicide but police insisted it was a case of slipping off the bridge.--(GH Farooqi).
 

Weddings: Chitral, 21 July 09: It is wedding season in Chitral !. Two of the events that came to CN notice were, where, eminent educationist Dr Mir Afzal Tajik, Director PDCC, tied the knot with Shagufta Naz d/o senior economist Shah Kiriiz.. In an earlier marriage ceremony, Asma d/o Prince Muhammad Amir Hasnat-ud-Din of Dolomuts was married to Bilal Khan Khattak. Grand receptions were hosted on both occasions to celebrate the weddings.--(CN report)

killed, Kidnapped in Arandu Chitral, 20 July 09: One person Taj Muhammad of Narai (Afghanistan) was killed while his colleague Nasir khan also of Narai was kidnapped by unknown  culprits at Chashtangal Arandu area near the Afghan border. --(GH Farooqi)

'Waiting for Aid' : Chitral, 13 July 09: Crisis period being over (so says the govt), Chitralis now eagerly await a substantial aid and reconstruction package out of the international donations, as economy of the district along with psychological health of its people has been devastated by the 'great south asian game' being played in the theatre.--(CN report)

Malakand road opened: Chitral, 12 July 09: According  to reports the Malakand pass road which has remained closed due to security operations against militants in the area, has been declared opened for normal traffic. The road which remained closed for the last several months had brought much misery to Chitrali travelers who had to divert to the tribal Bajaur area where four Chitrali travelers were brutally murdered recently. The road opening would also bring down the artificially inflated prices of essential commodities in Chitral. --(CN report)

Jackal kills man: Chitral, 28 Jun 09: A jackal attacked a vehicle driver in village Damail because of which the injured driver fell off his vehicle and got crushed under it. --('Mashriq)

Grazing pasture dispute reemerges: Chitral, 28 Jun 09: Dispute between residents of Broze and Golain villages has reemerged with the Golainese not allowing the Brazeghs to send their goats to Golain pastures and the latter threatening action against the former. --(Mashriq)

 Student's distinction: Chitral, 28 Jun 09: A Chitrali student Tahira Rahim D/O Raheem Ullah of Terich Mulkhow secured 461 marks out of 525 during recent ninth class board exam from Forward High School Peshawar.--(Zainul Abidin)

Student's distinction: Chitral, 23 Jun 09:  Khalid Bashir s/o Bashir Ahmed, belonging to Warijun Molkoh, got 925 marks out of 1050 in the SSC examination as a regular student of Islamia collegiate School Peshawar. He has attributed the brilliant success to his hard work and prayers of parents and teachers..--(Khalid Pervaiz)

Cricket victory celebrated: Chitral, 22 Jun 09 Pakistan's final win in the T20 championship was celebrated by fans in Chitral. The game was watched with viewers glued to TV sets and after the final results people came out exuberantly congratulating each other and sweets were distributed at some places in the bazaar. --(CN report)

Hafiz-e-Quran student scores high in SSC: Chitral, 21 Jun 09: Hafiz-e-Quran Tajamul Hussain S/o Inspector Chiragh Hussain of village Preyeet has secured 822 marks in SSC examination out of 1050 marks and topped in Govt high school Mori. He termed his success to the hard work of his teachers and prayers of his parents.--(BH Azad)

Lowari Tunnel work should resume immediately:  Chitral, 21 Jun 09: Patron in Chief  'All Pensioners Association District Chitral' and PPP leader Wg Cdr (r) Fardad Ali Shah has asked the Federal Govt and NHA to arrange resumption of work on the tunnel immediately. He said there was no reason to stop the work in the first instance and now that much precious time has been wasted any further delay would amount to willful negligence. He said the tunnel is complete and after interior upholstery should be put to use at the earliest without wasting more time/funds.--(CN report)

Flights cancel despite good weather: Chitral, 20 Jun 09 Flights to Chitral both from Islamabad and Peshawar are being delayed first and then cancelled for no apparent reason, in good weather, causing tremendous inconvenience to passengers going to the airport and coming back and stranded women and children unable to undertake the via Bajaur dicey route to Chitral. --(CN report)

Peshawar-Chitral flights resume: Chitral, 19 Jun 09: Peshawar Airport reopened Friday, after closure for two days due to security reasons. Chitralis, particularly women and Children are facing grave travel problems due to disruption in the air service to Chitral, both form Islamabad and Peshawar --(CN report)

Private schools excel in matric results:  Chitral, 17 Jun 09:  Private schools in Chitral District showed better results compared to govt schools in recently declared matric results of the Peshawar board . Alina Shahid of Langland School stood first getting 901 marks, Javed Iqbal of Broze Public School was second with  897, Fariha Shuja of GGSS Chitral came third with 886 marks. For further details visit the Urdu page.--(CN report)

Weather refuses to get warm in Chitral: Chitral, 17 Jun 09: Third quarter of June is supposed to be the hottest in Pakistan including its northern parts, but this year is unusually under-thermed every where. In the Mastuj and Garam Chashma tehsils, people are still using quilts and warm jackets. Wheat crop is far from ripening which would have been harvested by this time in Chitral. Freak weather phenomenon has added to the anxiety of an already bewildered lot looking in anguish at the happenings in the country. --(CN report)

Student achieves distinction: Chitral, 16 Jun 09: Muhammad Junaid Yar s/o Hashmat Yar of Moghlandeh Chitral town score high by bagging  963/1050 marks  in the Annual Examination 2008 from Cadet College Kohat. He wishes to become an Engineer and serve the nation. --(SN Fatmi)

Road may open this week: Chitral, 15 Jun 09: Peshawar-Chitral road which is blocked between Dargai and Timergara due to military operations may be opened for normal traffic by end of the current week, if no further untoward situation develops, Chitral News came to know through unofficial sources.  Presently commuters are in a tight corner as even the Flights are cancelling due to frequent inclement weather, something quite unusual at this time of the year --(CN report)

Border with Afghanistan sealed: Chitral, 13 Jun 09: Chitral and Dir borders with Afghanistan have been sealed to stop any undesired movement of militants as a result of the ongoing operation 'Rah Rast' says an official handout. (CN report)

Shandur Festival on schedule:  Chitral, 11 Jun 09:  Shandur festival shall be held on schedule ie 7-9 July, it was learnt here. The festival earnings would be contributed to the relief of the Internally displaced persons (IDPs), said the district Nazim. (CN report)

No Tobacco day observed:  Chitral, 08 Jun 09: A walk has been organized by RHC Torkhow staff on the occasion of 'World No Tobacco day'.. Students of Salik Public School and College Participated in this No Tobacco Campaign along with community members and local figures. Dr Saeed Ahmad  MO,RHC Shahgram delivered a comprehensive lecture highlighting the background of tobacco usage and hazards of smoking. --(Rehmat Khan)

Chitrali achieves distinction: Chitral, 08 Jun 09: Saifuddin of Morder has been appointed as the Country Manager for Pakistan, University of Wales Newport, UK.. Earlier he was working as International Liaison Officer Pakistan, University of East Anglia UK. --(SKA Shah)

PPP-S holds convention: Chitral, 08 Jun 09: PPP (Sherpao) held a convention in Chitral, Sunday, which was attended by its provincial president Sikander Sherpao, provincial Gen Secy Bakht  Bedar and others. The convention was organised by district president Abdul Wali Khan Advocate. Sikander Sherpao announced scholarships for fifty Chitrali students. from the Sherpao Foundation and promised funds for uplift schemes. --(GH Farooqi)

Environment day in Chitral: Chitral, 07 Jun 09: Rehmat capacity building (RCB) an environment serving organisation, held a function to award pioneers in different fields like flying, paragliding, social work, music, polo etc. Col Khushwaqul Mulk was chief guest on the occasion while Shahzada Sirajul Mulk presided over. DPO Saleem Khan Marwat was also present along with other distinguished guests. Speakers said purpose of the occasion was to induce inspiration in the young generation to contribute to the environment and society. --(GH Farooqi)              

Schools re-open on 06 June: Chitral, 06 Jun 09: All schools, government and private, in Chitral district are to re-open on Saturday 06 June. Earlier all schools in NWFP were ordered closed till 30 June due to security concerns.--(BH Azad)

Environment day at Garam Chashma: Chitral, 06 Jun 09:  World Environmental Day walk was held in Garam chashma. The event was organized by AKRSP in collaboration with Garamchishma Area Development Program (GADAO) and Drought Mitigation and Preparedness Plan (DMPP) funded by Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). After the walk, a seminar was also held at Pamir Degree College where speakers highlighted importance of environment and stressed upon the masses to preserve the natural resources and protect the  environment. --(GH Farooqi)

Mughal Panel re-elected in Tajjar Union re-elections: Chitral, 03 Jun 09: Habib Hussain Mughal was re-elected president Tajjar Union Chitral by securing 1097 votes against 487 votes of his rival candidate Haji Muhammad Jalil. Other members of the elected panel include Gen Secy Haji Manzoor Qadir,  First Vice President Zafar Ali Khan, Finance Secy Khurshid Ahmad Joint Secy Fazle Wahid.  The incumbent had earlier won the seat by a narrow margin, but objection by rival candidate Haji Muhammad Jalil had resulted in ordering re-elections by the court. (BH Azad)

JUI leaders in Chitral: Chitral, 01 Jun 09: Provincial leaders of JUI Senator Gul Naseeb and Mufti Kifayatullah are in Chitral for a party  convention. Addressing a press conference along with local JUI Ameer Moulana Jahangir, they criticised the ANP and PPP govt for Swat operation and accused them of receiving US dollars for the operation. They threatened long march if the operation did not end by 10 June.--(BH Azad)

Two die in different incidents: Chitral, 28 May 09: Asmat Jalal s/o Thanedar r/o Denin Chitral town died after falling off a cliff during hunting. He was cousin of DOR Akbar Jalal, Union Council Nazim Syed Jalal and lecturer Maqbool Jalal. In another incident, a nine year old boy Amjad s/o Ghulam Sardar fell to his death off a bridge in Bumburet.--(Firdaus Khan).

Lightening sparks flood in Reshun: Chitral, 28 May 09: Lightening triggered flash flood in Romandur village of Reshun, causing damage to crops and cattle head.. Residents of the area have appealed for assistance. from the government. --(GH Farooqi)

Teachers training workshop held: Chitral, 18 May 09. AFAQ (Association for Academic Quality) held six days content course training workshop for teachers of private schools from 14th May to 20th May in a local hotel Chitral. During six days content course training workshop, teachers of private schools were offered training in English, Maths, Science, Urdu, Islamiat and Social Studies. Teachers both male and female participated in large number in the sessions. It was aimed at working on quality education through training and capacity building of teachers.--(BH Azad)

Poet remembered: Chitral, 18 May 09.  President Khowar Chap Committee, Fakhruddin, Gen Secy Farid Ahmed and other members of the committee in a meeting in Islamabad, expressed grief and sorrow over the untimely death of Fida Ur Rehman Fida editor Khowar chap. They paid rich tribute to the  renowned Khowar writer and poet. Later on a joint Dua was conducted for the eternal peace of the departed soul and the participants shared sympathies with the bereaved family. --(Ejaz Ahmed)

'One killed in Jeep fall: Chitral, 17 May 09. :A minor boy Najiur Rahman died and his brother and sister sustained serious injuries when a jeep plunged into a ravine at Kosht village here on Sunday afternoon. Police sources said that the jeep was coming to Kosht village from Gohkir when it met accident while turning a sharp turn. The injured have been removed to tehisl hospital in precarious condition. The driver of the vehicle Habibur Rahman of Gohkir village also sustained injuries --(Zahiruddin).

'Roti' being sold @ Rs 8: Chitral, 14 May 09::A roti (local bread) is being sold at Rs 8 in Chitral bazaar tandoors as against the same weight Roti at a price of Rs 2 in Punjab cities,  i.e. four hundred percent more expensive, to a hand to mouth living people.--(CN report)

Lowari pass opens for lite traffic: Chitral, 13 May 09:: Lowari pass  has opened for light traffic. on Tuesday according to NHA source.. However due to ongoing operation en route in Dir Malakand area, there was hardly any traffic reaching Chitral.--(GH Farooqi)

Chitrali Educationist promoted: Peshawar:12 May 09: Senior Educationist Sher Wali Khan Aseer has been promoted to grade 20 and posted as principal RITE. --(CN report)

Work on Tunnel suspended: Peshawar:11 May 09:The construction work on Lowari Tunnel was suspended on Monday over security reasons and foreign consultants shifted to Islamabad. According to NHA sources, the construction had been stopped till May 31 in view of tense security situation in Upper Dir area.  Curfew is in force in the area which is making it difficult for supply of construction material from Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. The sources further said work would resume after analyzing the security situation. --(The News)

CSOL formed in Lahore: Chitral, 05 May 09:: Chitral Students Organisation was set up in Lahore to solve students problems with the foll. office bearers: Mr Shadman (NCBAE) President, Muhammad Afzal (SKANS) VP, Nazir ul Haq (LUMS) as Genl Secy, Sajjad ur Rehman (FCCU) Joint-Gen Secy & Riaz Dastagir Rahi (PAC) as Fin Secy.--(CN report)

Boy drowns in river: Chitral, 05 May 09:: A 14 year old boy Yasir, student of class 8  drowned in Chitral river. His body thus far has not been recovered. Sources said that the boy jumped into the river after domestic quarrel. However, the police said they had not received any report about the boy's suicide. The police said the boy was fishing in the river when he slipped. --(GH Farooqi)

Heavy rains damage crops: Chitral, 04 May 09:: Unusual heavy rainfall at this time of the year is now getting to adversely effect the crops in southern parts of the district where barley and wheat crops have grown thistles and corn heads. In the northern parts the rains would however benefit the crops.--(CN report)

Thief caught red handed: Chitral, 02 May 09: A thief was caught red-handed trying to break into a bakery shop in Shoghore. Shop breaking is a common phenomenon in Chitral bazaars, while catching the culprits is not so. --(GH Farooqi).

Cement bag selling at Rs 540: Chitral, 29 April 09: Due to continuous closure of the Lowari pass and absence of price regulation, a bag of cement is selling for Rs 540 in Chitral bazaar as opposed to the price of Rs 340 per bag in Peshawar and other town bazaars. One can well imagine why does the socio-economic condition of the Chitralis not improve.--(CN report)

Continued Lowari closure prolongs price hike:  Chitral, 26 April 09:  Delay in opening of the Lowari pass road for traffic, has prolonged the resultant price hike and travel problems of the people in Chitral to an unprecedented period. Normally the pass opens in the first week of April, but this year it has not opened until the last week of April, despite several deadlines and 'orders' by the government, to open the pass. --(CN report)

Jashne Qaghlasht 25-27 April:  Chitral, 25 April 09: Jashne Qaghlasht is scheduled to be held from 25-27 April. at the Qaghlasht plateau Mulkhow which becomes lush green at this time of the year. The annual fair includes polo matches, tug of war, different traditional games, cultural shows etc. Large number of spectators are likely to witness the event.--(GH Farooqi)

One electrocuted in Booni:  Chitral, 25 April 09: One young boy Ziaur Rehman s/o Fazal Khan of Booni was electrocuted when the iron pipe he was carrying touched the high voltage transmission line.(GH Farooqi)

Student Kidnap attempt condemned:  Chitral: 22 April 09:Students from Chitral studying at Peshawar University namely  Sajid Hussain Chitrali ,Abubaker ,Abdul Qadir. Sirajud Din, Naveed Allam,Tashfinud Din, Umar Farooq, and Mumtaz Hussain Gohar have condemned the kidnap attempt on Qazi Ubaidullah Qureshi social/political worker of Drosh. These Students have appealed to the District Nazim, DCO and DPO to arrest the culprits. --(SH Chitrali)

Earth  day celebrated  Chitral: 22 April 09: PMAC in collaboration with CMC and VCC celebrated World Erath day at Garam Chashma, by holding a function at the Government Higher Secondary school Garam Chashma. --(GH Farooqi)

Another Lowari casualty:  Chitral: 20 April 09: One person died trying to cross the blocked Lowari pass on foot.  Yahya Baig of Shishi Kooh village, an FC employee was returning to duty after leave, suffered cardiac arrest trying to negotiate the treacherous 10500 ft high pass on foot. --(GH Farooqi)

One drowns in the river:  Chitral: 20 April 09: A young man Shahabuddin s/o Rehmat Nadir fell into the river at Jughoor and lost his life..--(GH Farooqi)

Provincial Minister's activities:  Chitral: 19 April 09:  Provincial Minister for Population Welfare Saleem Khan visited different places including Arandu, Drosh Ayun Jughoor, etc and announced various development projects. The minister is currently visiting his home district of Chitral.--(GH Farooqi)

Prof Nazimuddin promoted: Chitral: 14 April 09: Prof Nazimuddin of Chitral has been promoted to grade 19 and appointed principle Elementary College Drosh. --(CN report)

Nizamuddin promoted Colonel: Chitral: 12 April 09: Lt Col Nizamuddin of Chitral has been promoted to the rank of a (full) Colonel in the Pakistan army as a result of the recently held officers promotion board at the GHQ. .--(CN report)

Chitrali student shines : Chitral: 10 April 09: Hafiz Nazir Hussain s/o Inspector Chiragh Hussain of Village Prayeit Chitral has topped Malakand University in M.Com final exam 2008. He secured 1039 marks out of 1400 to achieve the honour. --(BH Azad)

Ten injured in Jeep topple : Chitral: 09 April 09: Ten persons were injured when a jeep plunged into a ravine near Shali village while going from Chitral to Arkari. The injured were identified as Rahim Khan, Gul Akbar, Muhammad Siddique, Sajjad Ali, Ameer Ahmad, Iqbal Khan, Shah Muhammad, Sher Murad, Master Hussain, Mithar Hussain and Awais Ali.of  Arkari valley.--(GH Farooqi)

Chitralis eagerly await Lowari road opening : Chitral: 05 April 09:Every year about this time, the Lowari pass opens for vehicular traffic and this year too, Chitralis are eagerly waiting for the opening of the pass to connect Chitral with Pakistan.--(CN report)

NHA appreciated for transporting travelers through tunnel : Chitral: 01 April 09: People passing through the Lowari Tunnel appreciated the gesture of NHA for transporting the needy sick and hard pressed through the tunnel. They demanded immediate commissioning of the tunnel as a road tunnel as it has already proved feasible as such, and no railway is required in there whatsoever,  travelers unanimously opined.. --(GH Farooqi)

Lowari pass road likely to open in a week:  Chitral: 30 March 09: Lowari pass road which is closed for traffic since last December, severing Chitral's road link with the rest of Pakistan is likely to reopen by next week it was learnt here.--(CN report)

Flights cancel for 8 days at a stretch: Chitral: 25 March 09: PIA Flights between Peshawar and Chitral have cancelled for eight days continuously. The road connection between chitral and rest of Pakistan is also blocked at the Lowari pass due to snow. Meanwhile people have demanded from the government to commission the Lowari tunnel immediately as a road tunnel instead of unnecessarily wasting money and time in laying railway line inside it.--(GH Farooqi).

New heads of three depts. take charge: Chitral: 25 March 09: New heads of three government departments have taken charge of their new office . They are District Police Officer Muhammad Saleem Khan Marwat, Executive District Officer (Education) Gulsambar Begum and Executive engineer C&W Nazir Ahmad. --(MMAS Kakakhel)

CSWA elects new Cabinet: Chitral: 24 March 09: Iqbal Murtaza was elected provincial president of Chitral Students Welfare Association (CSWA) at Peshawar. He polled 292 votes, while contenders Faisal Qazi got 280 and Israr Ahmad 176 votes. Mohammad Aftab was elected Chairman, Tariq Ibrahim Frst Patron, Shujat Ali Gen Secy, Tashfin Ud Din SVP, Azhar Khaliq UOP President and Irfan Aziz Cultural Secretary. 758 students participate in the balloting. --(Sarwar Khan)

Chitrali officer earns 'Tamgha Basalat' : Chitral: 23 March 09: A Chitrali army Officer Captain Ali Sarwar of Booni charwelandeh has earned a Military medal 'Tamgha Basalat' for outstanding performance in the line of his duty. --(M Jatoi)

Kuragh residents protest : Chitral: 21 March 09: Angry protestors at Kuragh condemned shortage of grain in the godowns and alleged substandard grain being provided to them. DFC Rauf Aman visited the area and assured the protestors that their demand for sufficient and good quality grain would be met. --(GH Farooqi)

Mastuj Adda innaugurated: Chitral: 21 March 09: TMA innaugurated new Mastuj Adda at Denin while it said it banned all illegal coach and wagon stands in the town.  District Nazim, DCO, tehsil Nazim were present on the occasion.--(GH Farooqi)

Jerry hunts a Markhor: Chitral: 19 March,09: US citizen Jerry Brennes hunted a Markhor at Gahiret Gol game reserve.  Serkan Mert of Turkey and Ghulam Shah of Hunza were also present on the occasion. Prince Saif Ali and residents of Gahiret Village Conservation Committee helped the hunt to conclude successfully. --(BH Azad)

Gulsambar becomes first female EDO: Chitral: 18 March, 09:  Gulsambar Begum has been appointed as  Executive District Officer (Education and Literacy) Chitral. She is the first Chitrali lady to reach this senior position in a govt job. --(CN report)

Chitralis rejoice CJ's reinstatement: Chitral: 17 March, 09: Reinstatement of Chief Justice Iftikhar Choudhry to his rightful place was widely welcomed and rejoiced by Chitralis. Lawyers distributed sweets and people were seen congratulating each other, upon the triumph of principles. --(CN report)

TIP rallies in support of CJ Iftikhar: Chitral: 16 March 09: A rally organized by Tehrik e Insaf Chitral under the leadership of the Vice President M.Ishaq Hamdard, Information Sectary M. Qasim, Tehsil President Raziuddin and Student wing President Zia-u-Rehman demanded the reinstatement of the deposed Chief Justice and also raised slogan for a free judiciary in Pakistan.  (BH Azad).