Sargoda News
Citrus production: Sargodha’s orange farms endangered by diseases in absence of research
About District Bar Association of Sargodha
Clans continue to hold sway on Sargodha politics
Sargodha police charges 50 landlords with water theft
Citrus production: Sargodha’s orange farms
endangered by diseases in absence of research
SARGODHA: The government will financially reward the farm owners that encourage new research to overcome the canker disease in orange orchards, said Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan.
Speaking to orange growers and exporters in the first-ever Orange Exporters Award, organised by the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Association (PFVA) and the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) here on Thursday, he said, “diseases, especially canker, are posing a threat to Sargodha orange farms.”
The government could not do much, if the growers and exporters did not come forward and act against fruit diseases, he said.
Sargodha is the hub of orange production in Pakistan with an overwhelming share of over 90% in annual output. However, years of neglect have compounded problems of the farmers and exporters and now various diseases are threatening the very existence of orange farms in the city.
“If the government and exporters do not take emergency measures, fruit diseases can badly hurt orange exports in coming years,” said PFVA Patron-in-Chief Waheed Ahmed.
Pakistan has succeeded on many fronts like establishing fruit processing factories and fruit packaging, but we have badly failed in improving the quality. STOCK IMAGE
“Pakistan has succeeded on many fronts like establishing fruit processing factories and fruit packaging, but we have badly failed in improving the quality. This has to change now,” he warned.
Ahmed was of the view that Pakistan could increase fruit and vegetable exports from the current $625 million to $7 billion in the next 10 years.
Similarly, orange exports can jump from the current $200 million to $1 billion if all stakeholders start applying latest research in Sargodha.
DPP Director General Dr Mubarak Ahmad said due to efforts of all stakeholders, this year orange exports touched a record 350,000 tons, compared to last year’s 230,000 tons.
DPP is one of the 14 organisations that work under the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. It provides complete quarantine facilities to fruit and vegetable growers.
The organisation came into the limelight last year when it strictly enforced quarantine rules on the import and export of fresh and other farm products. Efforts of DPP officials saved the country from a possible ban by the European Union on fruit and vegetable imports from Pakistan.
Ahmad also warned orange growers, exporters and the government that canker was an existential threat, which had to be dealt with firmly in coming years. A large number of orange growers attended the meeting. They appreciated the government’s recent efforts aimed at maintaining the quality of oranges being exported.
The growers said they were aware of the growing threat of diseases in Sargodha and were trying to follow good agricultural practices in the farms. Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2015. Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
Curtsey:The Express Tribune, Published: April 10, 2015
Video: kinnow(citurs) documentary
Struggles For High Court Bench In Sargodha
Struggle for Lahore High court bench in Sargodha is covered by English and Urdu newspaper at local and national level. Along with this FM radio stations and TV channels also cover this story.
Sargodha Division came into being in 1960 comprising Sargodha, Mianwali, Jhang and Faisalabad Districts. Since its very creations dire need for setting up High Court Bench at Sargodha was felt and the proposal is still on anvils. In 1985, Faisalabad and Jhang District were disintegrated as Faisalabad was declared a separate Division. There after Sargodha Division Comprised of Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali and Bhakkar districts.
The demand for the bench remained on the ground. The population of the Division increased manifold increasing problems proportionality . One of the major problem being that the people of remote areas went under aqute difficulties and inconvenience to persue their cases in the High Court at Lahore both in view of the financial difficulties as well as long distance between their abode and Lahore. The pressure for The bench increased on behalf of the litigants and the advocates. In view to get the demand expiated, a meeting of the District Bar Association Sargodha was held on 12th April 2004 there in Resolution was passed for taking effective steps for setting of a High Court Bench at Sargodha. As such concerned authorities were moved including a letter dated 20th April 2004 to the then president of Pakistan. This exercise too could not bring fruit to and the case kept on hanging fire. Efforts thereafter continued but to no effect.
Video:Lawyers storm University of Sargodha over Chief Minister Punjab 'broken promises'
The pressure of the public especially litigants and the advocates increased for the bench and on 7th July 2010 an emergent meeting of the district bar association Sargodha was held under the chairmanship of its president, Malik Saleem Akhtar Katchela. Advocate associated with Mohsan Raza Shah Sherazi. Advocate, Secretary of association, to consider the ways and means for getting the demand accepted by the government and other concerned quarters. Resultantly a letter dated 9th July 2010 was dispatched to the chief justice, Lahore High Court in the matter through fax informing that district bar association Sargodha shell go on strike with effect from 8th July 2010 and that it shall not be called off till Punjab government recommended the demand and sends a summary to the Chief Justice. At the same time similar letters were sent to the Prime Minister, Federal Law Secretary, Provincial Law Minister, President of Pakistan, the Chief Justice Supreme Court, Registrar High Court. The strike of the advocates started on the fix date.
On 11th July 2010 a Press Release was issued to the effect that is divisional convention was going to be held in which the public from all walks of life shall participate. The convention held on 12th July 2010 in which all the district and Tehsil Bar Associations were present decide Punjab Medical Association, Trade Union, Labour Union, representative of the Press And Journalist, Apca, Students Unions, Representatives of all the Political P arties, all Ex-Nazims and Naib nazims, Counselors, Lady Counselors N.G.Os, representatives of crusher Unions and a great numbers of public at large.
The Divisional convention unanimously passed a resolution in support of a bench of High Court at Sargodha.
The DBA Sargodha held meetings with the governor of Punjab, Chief Justices of Lahore High Court and Supreme Court of Pakistan to elucidate the demand for the bench.
On 21st July 2010, the Chief Minister, Punjab Toured Sargodha an held a meeting with the representatives of the DBA in the Circuit House and assured his full cooperation in the matter adding that he had already forwarded a summary for the bench to the Chief justice Lahore High court. He read out the contents of the said summary to the participants of the meeting and requested for calling off the strike. The strike was called off on the sound assurance of the Chief Minister.
On 20th July 2010 the Senior Minister of Punjab Government Forwarding a copy of the summary to the DBA Sargodha showing that the summary shall be sent to the Chief Justice Lahore after the cabinet approves it.
The matter is still pending with the Punjab government we hope that this long standing genuine issue shall be resolved soon in favour of the public.
Curtsey:District Bar Association Sargodha
About District Bar Association of Sargodha
The name Sargodha consists of two words, namely; ‘Sar’ and ‘Godha’, Sar, means pond or pool and Godha was the name of a Hindu hermit (jogi). As the tradition goes, there was a natural water pond on the place where, at present, a portion of the Divisional Headquarters Hospital and Municipal Office stand. Godha had put up a small hut for himself on the side of this pond. The area around it was an uninhabited ‘bar’ or bush jungle where the cattle used to graze and drink water from the pond, named after the hermit (jogi). According to another tradition, the original name of the hermit (jogi) was Lalu; Godha was the name of his tribe, and he was known as Lalu Godha. When the new city was founded, it automatically took the name Sargodha. The word Godha is probably derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yoddha’, meaning fighter.
University of Sargodha
Even now there are many persons having the name ‘Jodha’ as well as ‘Godha’, both derived from the word ‘Yoddha’. So Sargodha means pond of ‘Godha’ or Abode of the Fighter.It is, therefore, not a mere coincidence that Sargodha has made a name for itself, for fighting valiantly against the Indian Air Force during the wars of 1965 and 1971, as a result of which, it has won the well-deserved title of the City of Eagles.
Aeroplane Formation by PAF Sargodha
The city is very close to the heart of the Punjab, not just geographically but also in terms of cultural depth and diversity, now a city of about half a million. A big canal arising from the River Jhelum brought green revolution to the barren valley of Karana Hills. New settlers started pouring in, not only from the neighbouring districts but also from distant towns like Sialkot, Gujranwala and Gujrat. As a result of the partition in 1947 the Muslims from the East Punjab and the United Province (UP) added more colours to the already coloured and diverse culture of the city.
Being the District headquarters since 1940, Sargodha was upgraded to the status of Divisional Headquarters in the year 1960. Apart from being a well planned city, Sargodha enjoys the distinction of being one of the most important bases of Pakistan Air Force. There is a beautiful cantonment area marked by the Pakistan Army.
Sargodha is linked with all the major cities of the country by road and rail. The Motorway M2 has reduced remarkable time and distance; two hours travelling distance from the Provincial Capital (Lahore) and three hours from the Federal Capital (Islamabad). Train and Road Transport connections are very frequent and comfortable for all main cities of Pakistan, and maintain direct service to Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta.
The District has loamy soil and is favourable for the flora of varied types. The indigenous species of flora are as follows:
•Trees: Kikar, Shisham, Jand, Wann, Karir, Ber, Malla, Lasuri, Lasura.
•Shrubs: Ak, Jawain, Sarkanda, Gondi, Harmal.
•Herbs: Pohli, Kandiari, Bathu, Bhakra, Lani Salooni Booti, Dahh, Murak.
With the colonization the canal system, the following new species were introduced:
Toot, sufeda, Malta, Kinno, Mango, Jaman, Nimbo, Guava, Aru, Amaltas, Neem, Dharek, Bans, Banyan, Peepal.
Among the fruit trees, citrus occupies extensive area of the District. Mango and Jaman are slos quite common.
The last decade has seen Sargodha expanding and prospering. Heavy investment was attracted in the field of industry, especially the agricultural industry. A number of national and multi-national companies have established their offices and new investment is being pumped into the city’s economy. Establishment of the University has brought about a change in the entire culture of the city. Sargodha is a smart and exceptionally cheap place to shop. Getting around the city is very easy. It has an affordable comprehensive transport network. With its lush-green and glowing citrus orchards, the District of Sargodha, the greatest citrus (Kinno) producer throughout the world, deserves the title of the “Kinno Capital of the World”, or the “California of Pakistan”.
Curtsey:District Bar Association Sargodha
Link: http://dbasargodha.com/about-dba-sargodha/
Clans continue to hold sway on Sargodha politics
SARGODHA, Sept 22: The district which has five National and 11 provincial assembly seats has been, and still is, at the mercy of old clans. The graduation bar and accountability drive have failed to make any difference as influential families are very much in. NA-64, SARGODHA-I: Comprising some parts of Bhalwal tehsil, Bhera, Miani, Bhalwal, Moazamabad and Jhawarian Town of Shahpur tehsil, this constituency is considered a stronghold of the Noons and Pirachas.
They had history of helping each other whenever an ‘outsider’ tried to enter this constituency.
They parted ways in the 1990 elections when Anwarul Haq Piracha defeated Malik Ahmed Khan Noon for the provincial assembly seat.
The Piracha family lost hold of this constituency when Ehsanul Haq Piracha, as the PPP nominee, was defeated by Brig Ghulam Hussain Cheema (retired), a PML-N nominee, in the 1993 elections.
The Pirachas helped Mian Naseer Ahmed win the elections of Bhalwal tehsil Nazim in 2001, although Mian Naseer had in past lost all the elections against them. Now to avail of the benefit of authority and funds of Bhalwal tehsil Nazim, the Pirachas offered the provincial seat to his son, Mian Qadeer Ahmed, (now a PPP nominee for PP-30).
For NA-66, the main contenders are Chaudhry Muhammad Ali of the PML-QA, Inamul Haq Piracha of the PPP and Pir Muhammad Ibrahim Shah of the PML-N.
Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, the chairman of the Neelibar Group of Industries and the managing director of the Noon Textile Mills, Bhalwal, is known for his involvement in social works.
Former minister Ehsanul Haq Piracha, influential politician of the district, is making all-out efforts to win the seat for his brother, Inamul Haq Piracha. But the Pirachas face a strong challenge from Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, who will definitely take advantage of the anti-Piracha lobby. If he wins the sympathies of the Jamaat-i-Islami and like-minded people, he will create a lot of problems for Inamul. If some adjustment is made between the PML-N nominee and the JI, it will pave the way for Inam Piracha.
PML-N’s Pir Muhammad Ibrahim Shah enjoys the support of religious groups as his father, the late Pir Muhammad Karam Shah Al Azhari, was renowned religious scholar and had served as a judge of the Shariat Appellate Court.
Political analysts here are of the view that former MNA Malik Adnan Hayat Noon and District Nazim Malik Amjad Ali Noon would support the Pirachas as the Noons would not like to allow an outsider to take control of the politics of this area. NA-65, SARGODHA-II: In this constituency tribes like Ranjhas, Melas, Badranas, Garas and Midhianas always played decisive role in the elections. It is for the first time that the area of Sargodha tehsil has been included. Although there are five candidates, the main contestants are Mehr Khalid Yar Khan Luk of the PPP, Ghias Ahmed Mela of the PML-QA and Ahtesham Ahmed Cheema of the PML-N.
Mehr Khaliq Yar Luk is a law graduate with a political background. Mehr Khuda Dad Khan Luk was elected as MNA in the Ayub era on the ticket of Convention League and in 1977 from NA-56 by defeating PNA candidate Mir Mazhir Hussain, advocate.
Mehr Khaliq Yar Luk having the PPP ticket, is gaining support from old as well as young parliamentarians. Former MPAs Shah Nawaz Ranjha, a PML-N leader, Saif Ranjha, Muhammad Aslam Midhiana and former MNA Chaudhry Liaquat Hayat Badrana have announced their support to him in addition to the Gara and Gondal tribes. Though the Ranjha tribe has been divided into three factions, the one led by Mian Manazir Ali Ranjha, ex-deputy speaker of the Punjab Assembly, is supposed to favour the PML-QA nominee, Ghias Ahmed Mela.
The other tribe led by Mian Sher Ahmed Ranjha will support Ahtesham Ahmed Ranjha, a PML-N nominee, while a majority of the tribe is likely to support Mehr Khaliq Yar Luk. NA-66, SARGODHA-III: This constituency consists of Sargodha city, the cantonment area and its suburbs. It was considered a stronghold of the PML-N. But this time the PML-N is finding it difficult to convince its electorate why its leader accepted exile only to avoid corruption cases.
There are 10 candidates in the field but the main contesting parties are the PML-N and the PPP.
Former MNA Chaudhry Abdul Hameed’s son, ex-Mayor Chaudhry Hamid Hameed, has been awarded the PML-N ticket but he is not pleased with two candidates contesting from PP-33 and PP-34, Abdul Razaq Dhilon and Ms Tayaba Zamir Qureshi respectively, falling in this constituency.
There are various biradaris, including Arain, Kamboh, Mughal, settlers and refugees. This constituency always remains at the mercy of these clans and rural areas attached with it play a decisive role.
Chaudhry Hamid Hameed is not the sole candidate from Arain biradari because the PML-QA has also fielded Mian Shahid Nazir, a lawyer, from this community. He will share a large number of votes of Arain, Kamboh and refugees. If the other candidates, including Dr Arshad Shahid of the MMA and Tasneem Ahmed Qureshi of the PPP campaign seriously they may derive maximum benefit from this tussle between two Arain candidates.
The MMA has an approximate vote bank of 20,000 but the PPP vote bank would never go in favour of the anti-PPP candidate even if nominated or adjustment made by party high commands. Hence, if Tasneem Ahmed Qureshi succeeded in bringing out the PPP voters from their houses, he would be successful, otherwise there is a golden chance for the MMA nominee.
Mutual differences have surfaced between the candidates. The PPP nominee is supporting the candidate of some other party in provincial assembly polls, while his party has nominated another person.
This seat was going in favour of the PPP nominees, but owing to change in the ticket for PP-33, the entire winning set-up was shaken and though Tasneem Ahmed Qureshi, former Tehsil Nazim, has accepted the PPP symbol, neither would he support the party’s nominee for PP-33 nor would Shoaib Awan back him.
The PPP is divided in this constituency as local leaders would not allow Shoaib Awan to win. So far, nothing is clear. NA-67, SARGODHA-IV: All the political parties have made this constituency a test case. It consists of Sillanwali tehsil and its adjoining areas, the native constituency of Chaudhry Anwar Ali Cheema, who had set a record of achieving the highest lead against Dr Khalid Ranjha, the present federal law minister, in the 1985 elections when Mr Cheema had received almost double the votes bagged by Mr Ranjha.
In 1997, he enhanced his lead up to 42,000 votes. He had won the election as MNA five times consecutively and was now waiting for his sure shot victory for the sixth time despite the unity of all the parties.
The MMA nominee is Shamas Naveed Cheema and the PPP nominee is former federal minister Hafeezullah Cheema. He, as railway minister, had rigged the polls in 1977, creating trouble for the PPP, and faced a criminal case filed against him by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Though Mr Anwar Cheema faced charges of corruption levelled by his opponents, none of them was able to establish any allegation against him. He has a hold in the area and his daughter-in-law, Mrs Tanzeela Aamer Cheema, a former chairperson of Zila Council, and his son, Chaudhry Aamer Sultan Cheema, jointly served the people.
Anwar Cheema, the co-ordinator of the PML-QA’s Sargodha division, is holding the party ticket as well. This family obtained one ticket for NA and two tickets for the provincial assembly and reserved NA seat for women. His nephew is also contesting for a provincial seat as his father, Chaudhry Farrukh Javed Ghuman, faced trial under NAB and was recently released after a deal.
On Sunday, some local PPP leaders having considerable following lent their support to Anwar Cheema. NA-68, SARGODHA-V: This constituency which earlier consisted of Shahpur tehsil and some portion of Khushab district, has now been separated from the Soan Valley of Khushab and comprises Shahpur and Sahiwal tehsils.
Malik Naeem Khan and his nominees have been dominating this constituency since 1985 but the provincial seats remained under the influence of the Qureshi family.
Mazhar Ahmed Qureshi, elected MPA from Shahpur Tehsil, played a major role in the victory of District Nazim Malik Amjad Ali Noon. He has resigned as Naib Nazim and also made a compromise with Mian Ilyas Qureshi, who won the election for the provincial assembly from Sahiwal tehsil and was not on visiting terms with Mazhar Qureshi.
PML-QA’s divisional coordinator is also in the field and obtained the symbol of peacock as an independent candidate. It is all due to Mr Qureshi’s reported violation of the party verdict.
Muhammad Ali Raza Khan Lehri, the son of Sahiwal tehsil Nazim, has been awarded PML-QA ticket but Mazhar Ahmed Qureshi refused to accept him as a candidate from PP-37 and was reportedly supporting Maj Asghar Hayat Kalyar (retired), an independent candidate.
Mr Qureshi has an old political rivalry with the Sahiwal Nazim and to set him right the divisional coordinator decided to file his nomination papers himself only to put pressure on Mr Qureshi who has influence in the area.
One of his brothers, Muhammad Ismael Qureshi, remained the secretary of the Punjab Health Department. Another brother, Zafar Qureshi, is a senior superintendent of police. Curtsey:DAWN.COM, — PUBLISHED SEP 23, 2002
Sargodha police charges 50 landlords with water theft
SARGODHA: About 50 landlords belonging to suburban villages were charged for water theft and a case was registered against the Sargodha police on Friday while the police refrained to reveal their identities.
Previously, several written complaints pertaining to water theft, were submitted by the canal department however due to suspected involvement of some influential political figures, a police case could be registered.
According to claims made by a local landlord Hakim Khan, the canal department were involved in corruption and were acting towards the water thieves with a condescending manner. He added that the canal department staff show no interest in de-silting of canals and plugging of breaches.
The landlord further explained that the brick-lined sides of the Mitha Luk drain were breached at several spots to steal water especially for car washing. He added that the officials of the canal department never took notice of the damages sustained by the drain nor did they take any action against those involved as they only want to illegitimately acquire the brick-lining and canal desilting funds for their personal use.
In another incident that took place in Shahpur of Sargodha district, two persons were detained by the Shahpur police when 1,200kg of rotten meat was recovered from their possession.
According to the police, Imran Suhail and Ibrahim were accused of transporting the said putrefied meat from Shahpur to Rawalpindi in a vehicle when they were apprehended. It was reported that their accomplice immediately fled from the scene.
The said men were also involved in sale of dead chickens’ meat in the local market along with transportation of their wings and skins to Faisalabad for manufacture of cooking oil.
