DERA GHAZI KHAN: The Sonmiani police rescued a veterinary doctor who fell victim to a honey trap orchestrated by the notorious Gora Imrani gang operating in the riverine area of Tehsil Rujhan Mazari, Rajanpur district.

Dr Barkat, livestock doctor from Chak Dinwani, was lured by the gang under the pretext of treating cattle. Upon reaching the location, he was kidnapped and the gang demanded a ransom of Rs3.5 million, a police spokesperson said.

The police traced the gang and launched a strategic raid. Although the suspects fled, Dr Barkat was recovered. A search operation is underway to arrest the culprits.

The police said that the gang employs deceptive methods to lure victims, often involving promises of cheap goods or women. Public awareness campaigns are being conducted across media platforms and at checkpoints to educate people about such scams and encourage vigilance.

SPORT GROUNDS: A philanthropic initiative will fund the construction of 22 Gymkhana-style sports grounds in government schools across the Dera Ghazi Khan division.

The project, announced during a video link meeting chaired by Commissioner Dr Nasir Mahmood Bashir, includes cricket, futsal, basketball and volleyball facilities in its first phase.

Five schools from each district, along with the Dera Divisional Public School, have been selected for development.

The estimated cost for the grounds is Rs20 million per district.

The commissioner has instructed the e-tendering process to commence immediately, aiming for the completion of all grounds by Dec 31.

The grounds will feature floodlights and potentially solar-powered systems. These facilities will be open to the public after school hours, with designated timings for children, men, and women.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2024