SARGODHA, April 6: Mini-marathons scheduled to be held here on Friday will now be organized on Sunday in view of religious procession to be held on the same date. This was announced by District Nazim Malik Amjad Ali Noon in a press statement issued here on Wednesday. ?Being Muslims, we cannot arrange any sport on a day of religious significance. Religious scholars from all over Pakistan are likely to participate in processions,? he said.

He said the government had decided to hold mini-marathons on Sunday keeping in view the importance of the day.

He said women would participate in a marathon and other games being arranged at the Government Postgraduate College, Chandni Chowk, at 7am while men?s race would start from the Sports Stadium at 8am.

Meanwhile, the social circles have criticized the Nazim?s stance, saying ?if the marathon will not be held jointly, it is least likely to succeed.

JEHANGIR BADR: PPP Secretary-General Jehangir Badr failed on Wednesday to gather three factions of his party on one platform for according welcome to Asif Ali Zardari on April 16.

He, however, said there were no differences within the ranks of the PPP and the party

would accord welcome to Mr Zardari.

He was speaking at a press conference at the residence of PPP Divisional Coordinator Malik Azizul Haq.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that MPA Dr Nadia Aziz will set up a special camp in front of her house near Mela Mandi where registration of workers would be made.

Mr Badar, who visited the district to review arrangements for Mr Zardari?s welcome, met MNA Tasneem Ahmad Qureshi, Malik Azizul Haq and Dr Naveed Akram, but avoided to meet the workers.

Later, the party workers expressed resentment over the party leader?s attitude. They said although Ehsanul Haq Piracha, a former federal finance minister, has potential to motivate the workers particularly those hailing from Bhalwal to get ready for the welcome, Dr Akram had no prominence in the district.