SWABI: On the directives of the provincial government, a skills development programme for women was held in government girls’ higher secondary school, tehsil Chota Lahor. According to a statement, the programme was aimed at developing zeal of skills learning among the women; enabling them to earn their livelihood with dignity and play their due role in progress and prosperity of the country. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Assistant Commissioner Swabi Dr Izza Arshad and other senior officials. The district administration planned that skills development courses including freelancing, digital marketing, fashion designing and interior decoration would be offered to womenfolk in government girls schools of the district. Leaders of various political parties and intellectuals, in a condolence reference, paid homage to former central leader of Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) and district naib nazim late Mohammad Jamil Marghuz. They said that late Jamil Marghuz played a dominant role in strengthening democratic norms and he never bowed down to dictators. Jamil, who was a prominent lawyer by profession, recently passed away. The reference was held at the residence of Tamraz Khan and organised by the Swabi Press Club. Speaking on the occasion, former provincial minister Awwal Sher Khan said that when the Swabi Qaumi Mahaz was formed in 1994, it was him who had played a distinguished role in its establishment and he managed all its affairs with great commitment. Said Arab Khan, president of All Cart Pullers Union (Regd) and others told local journalists that contrary to the past practice, the quarters concerned ignored them while preparing the fruits and vegetables’ price list. They complained that the administration was now under political pressure and that was the reason that they were ignored during the preparation of price list. “Our union leaders should be included in the consultation while price list’s preparation,” stressed Mr Khan.