HARIPUR: Nazim of Haripur district Akhtar Nawaz Khan inaugurated a plantation campaign by planting a sapling on the premises of the district secretariat here on Monday.

Officials of the forest, local government, education and environment departments attended the ceremony.

The nazim said green belts and forest cover should be increased considerably to combat the growing threat to eco-system.

He said the protection of eco-system was one of the goals set by the PTI government.

The nazim said efforts were under way to protect forests and facilitate the maximum growth of plants.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Army sepoy Shahid Nawaz Tanoli, who was martyred in an attack in Wana area, was laid to rest in the native Bet Gali village here on Monday.

The funeral prayers were attended by military men and residents. An army contingent presented salute to the soldier and placed floral wreath on his grave on behalf of the country’s president and the army chief.

BOOK LAUNCHED: Poet Riaz Saghir launched his second poetry book, Sativeen Simt, here on Sunday.

Poet and writer Nasir Ali Syed was the guest of honour on the occasion. Riaz Saghir, a former educationist and native of Haripur district, had earlier penned a poetry book, Panchvan Mosam, a few years ago. It comprised poems and ghazals.

The new book has poems.

Prof Waheed Qureshi, Prof Raja Riaz ur Rehman, Dr Zia ur Rasheed, Tahir Gul and Javed Qureshi presented their papers on the poetry and personality of Riaz Saghir and declared him a poet of different style and personality. They said Riaz Saghir had earned kudos for producing the best and unique poetic work.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2019