KOHAT: Provincial agriculture minister Major retired Sajjad Barakwal has said various important projectshavebeenincluded in the development portfolio of Karak district for the financial year 2025-26.

In a statement issued here on Monday, he said the projects include construction of safe city project, CPEC link road, rehabilitation of city hospital, construction of sports complex, greater water supply scheme, and Indus Uplift Irrigation Canal.

Mr Barakwal said Rural Health Centre, Ahmedabad, would be upgraded to Type-D Hospital, and District Headquarters Hospital to Category-A. He added establishment of modern basic health units in remote areas of the district also included in the development portfolio.

The minister said making functional a girls` degree college in Latamber, and a school in Winki area, were also part of the plan.

He added work would start on water supply schemes in water-scarce union councils of Kunda Ahmedwala, Surati Kala, Zaney Kala, Seekot, Rehmatabad and Tor Dhand.

SPORTS FESTIVAL: A sports festival was held in Bostikhel area of Darra Adamkhel for paying tributes to the armed forces here the other day.

Kohat deputy commissioner Abdul Akram Chitraliwas the chief guest.

The festival was held under the auspices of the army.

Army officers, Darra assistant commissioner Faiz Mohammad, elders and sports lovers in large numbers were present.

Games like cricket, tugof-war, PT Show, and traditional sports were played.

Trophies, cash prizes and shields were awarded to the players of the winning and runner-up teams.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chitrali termed the talents of the Darra Adamkhel youth as a valuable asset. He said sportsmanship of the Bostikhel youth was a guarantee to peace and development in the region.

Later, Mr Chitrali visited the remote area of Jawaki where he met with the Asian boxing champion Hidayat Afridi, who has brought laurels not only to his area but also to the province.

He presented him a cash prize of Rs50,000, a shield and an appreciation certificate, an official statement issued here the other day said. Correspondent