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Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Thousands rally in Bajaur, Lower Dir
Tens of thousands rally in Bajaur tribal district against rising lawlessness, demanding decisive action on terrorism. PHOTO: EXPRESS A massive peace rally was organized in Bajaur to protest the rising lawlessness in the region, drawing thousands of participants. Prominent attendees included MNA Mubarak Zeb Khan, MPAs and DDAC Chairman Dr Hamidur Rehman, Anwar Zeb Khan, Nisar Baz, Tehsil Chairmen Haji Syed Badshah and Dr Khalilur Rehman, former MNAs Shahabuddin Khan, Syed Akhunzada Chattan, and Gul Dad Khan, along with tribal elders Malik Sultan Zeb, Sahibzada Haroon Rashid, Maulana Waheed Gul, Haji Sardar Khan, Malik Khalid Khan, and representatives of various organizations. Speakers at the event criticized successive military operations conducted in Bajaur under different names over the years, claiming they had failed to restore peace. They condemned the government's backtracking on promises made during the merger of the tribal areas and accused authorities of imposing taxes that threaten the remaining livelihoods of locals. The participants also denounced the formation of a new government committee, saying it appeared to be a distraction, with talk of reviving outdated systems like the Jirga. In a joint declaration at the rally's conclusion, the people of Bajaur rejected the ongoing violence and what they called oppressive treatment by the state. They warned that if their demands were not met, they would launch a peaceful protest march and sit-in. The declaration also rejected the imposition of all types of taxes on tribal areas and the formation of the said committee. The rally strongly condemned the recent assassination of Awami National Party leader Maulana Khan Zaib in Bajaur and held a collective prayer for his soul. Meanwhile, a peaceful rally was held in the Kambat Maidan area of Lower Dir under the leadership of Advocate Jabar Khan, drawing a large number of participants. The rally aimed to raise awareness about the growing insecurity in the region and to highlight public concerns. Addressing the gathering, speakers including Rasheed Afghan, Wakeel Khan, Taimoor Khan Afghan, Ezaaz, Nawabzada Jawad Ali, and Ahmad Pashtun emphasized that the people of Lower Dir desire lasting peace. However, the ongoing incidents of violence have left the community deeply distressed. They condemned the brutal killing of Maulana Khan Zaib in Bajaur and called on the government to take immediate and effective measures to restore peace in the area. The speakers stressed that the public can no longer tolerate further unrest and reminded the authorities of their responsibility to protect citizens. The rally concluded peacefully, with participants vowing to continue raising their voices for their rights. Tribesmen and peace activists are holding protest rallies against the increasing lawlessness in several districts of K-P, demanding implementation of national action plan.
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Centre calls for proposals to set up de-addiction centres in 291 ‘gap' districts
The Union government has invited proposals to set up District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) in 291 'gap' districts identified by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment across 30 States and Union Territories in the country as part of its National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction. 'Gap' districts have been identified as those that currently have no Centrally supported infrastructure to treat or rehabilitate people who are dealing with substance abuse or dependence, officials told The Hindu. The Social Justice Ministry is also preparing to launch a fresh round of a nationwide survey to establish the extent and pattern of substance use across India, which is expected to gather data at the district level. The government's national action plan provides for the Social Justice Ministry to support Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), Community-based Peer Led Initiatives (CPLIs), Outreach and Drop-in Centres (ODICs), and DDACs. The Social Justice Ministry told Parliament this April that it is supporting 350 IRCAs, 74 ODICs, 46 CPLIs, and 124 DDACs. Apart from this, the Ministry is also supporting 142 addiction treatment facilities running from government hospitals. 'These [291] districts are ones where currently no IRCA, CPLI, or ODIC supported by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment are running. So, as a start, the government is calling for DDAC proposals for these gap districts, which will also serve the functions of these interventions,' a government official said. In addition to administrative and office space for the staff, each DDAC is supposed to house a treatment cum rehabilitation centre, an area for drop-in centre facilities, and an area for CPLI facilities. The DDACs can have the capacity to house 15 or 30 patients at a time, with specific norms of minimum requirements prescribed for them. According to the invitation issued by the government for the latest batch of 291 DDACs, the highest number of 'gap' districts have been identified in Chhattisgarh, where 31 of the State's 33 districts have figured in this list. Other states where a high number of 'gap' districts have been identified include Madhya Pradesh (23), Gujarat (22), Arunachal Pradesh (21), Bihar (25), Jharkhand (16), Uttar Pradesh (18), Punjab (16), and Assam (10). The invitation for expression of interest-cum-proposal floated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the latest batch of 291 DDACs issued last week asked eligible NGOs and start-ups with at least two years of experience in drug de-addiction treatment to apply by June 30. The government said these DDACs would 'conduct primary prevention activities through awareness programmes among the vulnerable and affected community', and 'engage in risk mitigation of substance use among children/adolescents/youth'. This will include preventing substance use, identifying peer educators in the communities, implementing early prevention education, identifying adolescents or children using substances and referring them to rehabilitation centres or treatment facilities, among other activities. The National Survey of Extent and Pattern of Substance Use conducted in 2017-18 estimated, through extrapolated data, that there were about 1.18 crore children and adolescents using various psychoactive substances, including alcohol, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, inhalants, cocaine, amphetamine-type substances, and hallucinogens. The same survey had estimated about seven crore adults in the country using these psychoactive substances.
Express Tribune
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PHC puts govt on notice over DDAC tweak
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has issued notices to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government and other relevant parties, seeking their response to a writ petition challenging an amendment allowing a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) to serve as chairman of a District Development Advisory Committee (DDAC). The petition, filed through Advocate Sultan Muhammad Khan, argues that the amendment is both unconstitutional and illegal. The petitioner has requested the court to declare the move null and void. A two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Naeem Anwar and Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel heard the case. According to the petition, the provincial government initially appointed an MNA as chairman of a DDAC. When the appointment was legally challenged, the government amended the relevant legislation to permit such appointments. The petitioner contends that only the National Assembly holds the authority to legislate on matters concerning MNAs.
Associated Press
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Defensive Drivers Institute's Oregon Distracted Driving Awareness Course Receives Official ODOT Approval
New ODOT-approved online course offers affordable, interactive training to combat distracted driving behaviors among Oregon motorists 'This ODOT approval enables us to offer Oregonians an effective, accessible solution to address distracted driving habits and promote safer roads throughout our communities.' — Tommy Jaramillo, CEO SALEM, OR, UNITED STATES, March 28, 2025 / / -- Defensive Drivers Institute is pleased to announce that its Oregon Distracted Driving Awareness Course (DDAC) has received official approval from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). This milestone expands Defensive Drivers Institute's portfolio of traffic safety education programs specifically designed to address the growing concern of distracted driving in Oregon. The newly approved course fulfills the requirements for distracted driving education and remediation in Oregon. This comprehensive 90-minute program is delivered entirely online through an interactive platform that covers critical aspects of distracted driving, including: * Recognition and prevention of common driving distractions * Oregon's distracted driving laws and penalties * Cognitive, manual, and visual distractions while operating a vehicle * Practical strategies to maintain focus on the road * The impact of technology on driver attention and safety Tommy Jaramillo, CEO of Defensive Drivers Institute, commented on this achievement: 'Receiving ODOT approval for our Distracted Driving Awareness Course demonstrates our ongoing commitment to addressing modern driving challenges. Distracted driving continues to be a significant factor in traffic incidents, and we're proud to offer Oregonians an accessible, affordable solution that promotes safer driving behaviors.' The Oregon Distracted Driving Awareness Course is now available to all Oregon drivers who are required to complete distracted driving education or who wish to proactively improve their safety awareness. As the lowest-cost provider in the state, Defensive Drivers Institute remains committed to making quality traffic safety education accessible to all Oregon residents. Defensive Drivers Institute has established relationships with various courts throughout Oregon that will refer eligible drivers to this newly approved course. Court administrators interested in learning more about referring individuals to the program are encouraged to contact Defensive Drivers Institute directly. The fully online interactive course allows participants to complete the requirements from any device with internet access, making it convenient for busy schedules. Upon successful completion, participants will receive the necessary documentation to fulfill court or legal requirements. About Defensive Drivers Institute Defensive Drivers Institute is a leader in online traffic safety education, providing state-approved courses designed to improve driving skills and promote safer roads. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, the company has helped thousands of drivers enhance their knowledge and reduce their insurance premiums through engaging, comprehensive online courses. For more information, visit Paul Mercado +1 (833) 921-0217 email us here Instagram Other Legal Disclaimer:
