TIMERGARA: The Jamaat-i-Islami has demanded of the government to introduce reforms in the electoral system in the country.

Addressing a gathering at Ahyaul Uloom Balambat here on Sunday, the leaders of Jamaat-i-Islami also demanded that national elections should be held on the basis of proportionalrepresentation.

The gathering was addressed by JI central leader Mian Mohammad Aslam, MNA Sahibzada Yaqub Khan, former MNA Maulana Asadullah, Al-Khidmat Foundation president Noorul Haq and Dr Iqbal Khalil.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Aslam said that electoral system in the country should be changed by amending the constitution. He said that under the present system only minority groups came into power.

About the sit-ins by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Pakistan Awami Tehreek in Islamabad, Mr Aslam saidthat JI chief Sirajul Haq and members of the political jirga suggested an honourable way both for the government and protesters to resolve the crisis.

The JI leader said that PML-N bagged only 20 per cent of the total votes. That`s why it had a weak government, he added. He said that JI had presented a 30-page election model to the government. Mr Aslam termed delay in holding local government polls a violation of the constitution. He said that government should hold local government polls as soon as possible.

The participants of the meeting, through a unanimously adopted resolution, said that they would not support removal of the prime minister through unconstitutional means.

TRAINING: A training workshop on first aid and school safety was held here for teachers of community schools working under a non-governmental organisation, the Khwendo Kor (KK), in Dir Lower. The teachers were trained as master trainers to help the needy students and community and minimise hardships during natural and man-made disasters.

The trainers demonstrated different techniques and skills to the students on the occasion. The Students were informed about the first aid skills, evacuation in case of earthquake, firefighting and school safety.

Spealcing on the occasion, theKhwendo Kor officials Ibrar Pasha and Ayaz said that those skills were needed for everybody. `If these skills are shared with other family members, friends and general community, we can largely benefit our fellow countrymen, they said.

They said that teachers should train theirstudents tolearn dressings,bandages for minor cuts, burns and wounds.

They said that bleeding of nose was common in the hot season during school time and students should be educated how to stop it.

WHEELCHAIRS: The Al-Khidmat Foundation on Sunday distributed wheelchairs among 15 physically challenged persons in the district.

A function in this regard was held here with district president of the foundation, Fazl Mehmood, in the chair.

Addressing the function, Mr Mehmood said that the Al-Khidmat Foundation was serving humanity throughout the world within its limited resources. He urged Dir people to extend their support to the organisation.

Meanwhile, the district administration started a drive against encroachers and shopkeepers.

The assistant commissioner raided different markets and ordered removal of encroachments from Hospital Road.

Several shopkeepers were also fined for overcharging customers.