LOWER DIR: The Dir Officers’ Welfare Association (DOWA), a Peshawar-based body representing Dir officers, on Sunday held its inaugural general body meeting at the University of Malakand’s convocation hall.

The meeting, which was attended by officers from Peshawar, professors, doctors, journalists, and civil administration officers from Dir, was presided over by renowned ENT expert and DOWA pattern-in-chief Dr Muhibullah. Abasyn Yousafzai, a writer and academic and renowned Pushto poet, led a poetry session. The audience was captivated by the new poetry that local poets Rizwanullah Shamal, Fazal Hakim Andaleeb, Habib Abid and others delivered. Additionally, a multi-media documentary showcasing DOWA’s accomplishments was shown.

DOWA president Dr Syed Mohammad Ilyas, general secretary Karam Ilahi, Dr Muhibullah, UoM’s Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rashid Ahmad and Abasyn Yousafzai spoke on the occasion.

Shields, certificates and cash prizes were distributed among position holder students of SSC and HSSC Annual examinations held by the BISE Malakand this year. Two female students of the Jamia Muhsinat Sangolai Maidan, Ms Kulsoom and Ms Nofa Bibi who got second and third position in Rabitatul Madaris board throughout Pakistan, were also awarded with shields and certificates.

The organisers also awarded shields to the DOWA life time donors and the participating poets.

The speakers said that talented students from Dir would be financially supported in getting them standard education. They said the DOWA members fully supported needy and deserving Dir citizens in the provincial capital.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2024