Abducted Population Welfare Officer released.
CHITRAL: Aziz Ahmad son of Hasil Man Shah Resident of Singoor Chitral who was serving as Population Welfare Officer in Population Planning Department Ghalanai Muhmand Agency was abducted on 26th January 2008 by some unknown persons. Local people are in the opinion that Aziz Ahmad was kidnapped by local Taliban alleging him birth control system in population department is non Islamic and he was forced to resign from his service hence authenticity of this chapter could not confirmed by concern authority. He remains in their posses for more than 2 months. During this period his mother was also died by shock M. Sultan his first cousin confirmed. He was released on Sunday 13th April, 2008. Hence it is not confirmed that either he was released after payment of ransom, conditionally or without any condition. Aziz Ahmad is youngest brother of Salahuddin former ACO Chitral and presently District Support Manager of President Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) Chitral. It is worth to mention here that an other Chitrali soldier serving in Pakistan Army had also been abducted by local Talibaan when he was traveling through Muhmand Agency coming from Peshawar to Chitral but later he was released on intervene of a local journalist.
Prince Karim Aga Khan will visit Chitral and Northern Areas.
PRINCE Karim Aga Khan will visit Northern Areas and Chitral during the concluding part of the ongoing Golden Jubilee celebrations. The celebrations, which were to end on July 11, 2008, have now been extended to December 13, the birthday of the Aga Khan. The spiritual leader of the Ismailis is expected to visit the area after ten years.
Arrangements are in the final stages to welcome the Aga Khan to the area. During his visit, the Aga Khan will spend much of his time discussing socio-economic development of the region with governmnet authorities.
He is also expected to meet his followers in Garam Chashma, Booni, Brep, Gahkuch, Gupis, Hunza, and Gilgit city.
In Chitral’s upper areas, preparations for the visit, including a cleanliness drive, have already been launched. In Gahkuch, a pindal covering 52 kanals is being prepared for the expected Deedar of the imam.
Report by G.H. Farooqi.