Swat women’s jirga demands ceasefire

MINGORA: The Swat women’s jirga has demanded of the government and Taliban to announce ceasefire and initiate dialogue for restoring peace in the country. The 25-member jirga was held here at Saidu Sharif, Swat, and presided over by Khwendo Jirga (sisters council) chairperson Tabasum Adnan. The jirga showed concern over the present law and order situation in the country, particularly in Swat district. Ms Tabasum said that operation and use of force were no solution to the prevailing situation in the country, adding that peace could be restored through dialogue. Says peace can be restored through dialogue “It is obvious that women are being affected by the worsening law and order situation in the country, particularly in the restive areas,” she said and added that they wanted peace in their land. She said that women of Swat were urging the government and militants to start dialogue for peace as early as possible. The jirga chairperson said that it was the responsibility of the government and local administration to take steps for controlling incidents of targeted killing. SEMINAR ON DENGUE: The University of Swat (UoS) on Friday arranged a seminar to create awareness among its students of the causes of dengue fever and ways for its prevention. The seminar was held in collaboration with Relief International (RI), and attended by students and faculty members. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Naeemullah, associate professor of Saidu Medical College, said that elderly people were more vulnerable to dengue mosquitoes and could easily be affected by dengue fever. Dr Mujahid, RI project manager, said that his organisation was working for prevention of different diseases, including dengue, by focusing on public awareness as it could be effective in controlling epidemic diseases. Speaking on the occasion Dr Rafiur Rehman highlighted the causes of dengue fever. ‘‘We can effectively prevent dengue if each member of the society would volunteer to remove stagnant water in house or nearby area,” he said. A research conducted by a student of University of Peshawar was also presented on the occasion, according to which dengue mosquitoes found in Swat were more dangerous than other parts of the country. Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2014