MANSEHRA: Light rain and snowfall ended the prolonged dry spell in the Hazara division on Thursday. Rainfall and snowfall began in the plains and high-altitude areas respectively in early hours and continued intermittently throughout the day. The rain, which began in Mansehra, Torghar, Upper and Lower Kohistan, and Kolai-Palas districts, significantly reducedtemperatures. Siri Paya in the Shogran resort and parts of the Kaghan Valley received light snowfall after nearly a month-long dry spell. The mountainous areas of the Hazara division previously witnessed the first snowfall of the season in November. Since then, the weather has remained dry. POLICE DARBAR: Deputy Inspector General of Police Hazara Range Nasir Mehmood Satti on Thursday said the provincial police provided equal employment opportunities to women, who constitute half of the country’s population. “Women are working shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts in the line of duty. We are also going to establish daycare centres so they can take care of their children while fulfilling their professional responsibilities,” Mr Satti told a police darbar here. Accompanied by district police officer Shafiullah Khan Gandapur, the DIG also inaugurated a tree plantation campaign at police lines. He said the police were taking all possible measures for the welfare of personnel and their families. “Your promotions will soon be finalised after the completion of all formalities,” he said. Mr Satti said the police had a legacy of sacrificing their lives to protect locals and foreigners. “You [police] must remain vigilant and ensure foolproof security for tourists and Chinese nationals working on development projects in your and other parts of the division,” he said. The DIG said the enemy wanted to derail and sabotage mega energy development projects and deter national and international visitors from visiting the region. He said he wanted to see the police culture changed, so police officers and personnel should welcome complainants at police stations and their offices. “If you rescue victims of outlaws, you are the best human beings,” he said. On the occasion, district police officer Shafiullah Khan Gandapur said he regularly visited sites of energy projects to review security arrangements.