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Crumbling castle of the last Hindu King, Raja Gira in Swat

Crumbling castle of the last Hindu King, Raja Gira in Swat

Posted by | Mar 6, 2016 | |

By Fazal Khaliq  MINGORA: The castle of Raja Gira, the last king of the Hindu Shahi period before the advent of Muslims in Swat, is crumbling down due to the government’s lack of interest and constant neglect. Perched on a rocky spur of a hillside overlooking the plains of Udigram village, the Raja Gira’s castle with its jutting towers and privileged position guaranteed total control of the city below as well as the entire valley. According to archaeologists, the principal occupational phases of the stronghold can be placed in a later period between the 7th and 10th century. The...

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Ignored by culture directorate, artists in Swat face problems

Ignored by culture directorate, artists in Swat face problems

Posted by | Mar 2, 2016 | |

By Fazal Khaliq  MINGORA: Local singers, musicians and dancers have said that they are faced with social and financial problems but the culture department has neglected them. Living in Banr area of Mingora, hundreds of artists told this scribe that they quit to perform during the three years of militancy in Swat due to fear of death. “During militancy in the valley, we left our profession but we did not know other work so we faced financial issues. Some of our families migrated to Mardan and Peshawar while others went to Karachi,” said Umar Rahman, a local artist. He...

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Aesthetic spring in Swat invites tourists

Aesthetic spring in Swat invites tourists

Posted by | Feb 29, 2016 | |

By Fazal Khaliq MINGORA:  Tourists from across the country enjoy dazzling views of the first blossom of plum apricot and peach orchards in Swat. Flowers in plum, apricot and peach trees are the signal of spring season in the scenic valley inviting local and national tourists to enjoy the romantic travel. However, blooming flowers in fruit trees in the month of February indicates climatic changes in the region. “In the month of February, blooming flowers in the orchard trees means early advent of spring and exit of the winter season, which is not a good sign. It is due...

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Bridge makes my dreams come true: Ijaz Ahmad, person with disability

Bridge makes my dreams come true: Ijaz Ahmad, person with disability

Posted by | Feb 27, 2016 | |

By Fazal Khaliq  MINGORA:  For 17-year old Ijaz Ahmad who is crippled in both legs, the newly constructed bridge at Chinar Khwar became the only source of fulfilling his long-awaited dream of seeing life living at the other side of the stream. “I always dreamt of crossing the stream to see the world on the other side but the dream took years to fulfil,” the 17-year-old of Chinar Khwar said after the opening of a bridge on the stream between his village and Gwalarai here. Tourism and culture minister Mehmood Khan inaugurated the bridge and thanked European Union. The youngster...

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Shuga village in Buner declared as a Seed Village

Shuga village in Buner declared as a Seed Village

Posted by | Feb 26, 2016 | |

BUNER:  Agriculture experts here on Thursday conducted “Onion Seed Crop Management” training for 38 onion growers of Shuga village. The need-based training was organized by the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC) in collaboration with the Agriculture Research Institute, Swat. The experts, after the training, declared Shuga village a Seed Village. The training covered all the management practices of onion seed crop followed by practical demonstration and discussions. The activity, conducted under the Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP) for Pakistan funded by USAID, works to increase agricultural productivity and incomes through the promotion and dissemination of improved technologies and practices in the...

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