SIALKOT - The people of Sialkot border villages observed thousands of colourful migratory birds reaching here from Siberia, Russia, India, Iran, Turkey, Greece and other countries.

According to local villagers, the migratory birds from Siberia and other coldest parts of Russia have reached Sialkot bordering villages along the Rivers Chenab, Tavi and Jammu after increase in the prevailing cold wave in these areas along the icy alps of the neighbouring Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

"We are much delighted to see the flocks of colourful birds as the scene of landing and taking off flights of these birds give freshness to the eyes," they added. The local people said that these birds were innocent ambassadors of love and affection beyond the boundaries.

On the other hand, a big number of hunters were already there along the river banks despite an official ban on the hunting of these birds by the Wildlife Department.

Expressing grave concern over the presence of hunters in the areas, the local people urged the government to take effective measures to halt the possible hunt of these birds.

CUTLERY, KITCHENWARE

EXPORTS 60PC UP

The Pakistan Cutlery Association said that there was a 60 percent increase in the exports of cutlery and kitchenware to the European countries.

Pakistan Cutlery Association Chairman Khalid Mehmood Mughal told newsmen that now the annual exports of cutlery and kitchenware had increased to Rs16 billion from Rs9 billion during the last quarter of fiscal year 2017-18.

He said that the main reason behind the increase was easy access of the cutlery manufacturers and exporters to the European trade markets, who also remained successful in exploring and capturing the new European and international markets.

Meanwhile, the government released the special funds of Rs137 million for the district health authorities in Gujranwala Division.

According to the senior officials of the health department, the government has released Rs34 million for Sialkot district, Rs19 million for Narowal district, Rs25.6 million for Gujrat district, Rs19.7 million for Mandi Bahauddin district, Rs10.2 million for Hafizabad district and Rs28.1 million for Gujranwala district.

The officials added that the local district health authorities would be able to spend special funds for paying the electricity bills of the hospitals, dispensaries, offices, employees' salaries, and the purchase of medicines and equipment.

ELECTIONEERING: The campaign for the annual elections of Sialkot District Bar Association (DBA) is gaining momentum.

The elections will be held on January 13, 2018. Four candidates Irfanul Haq, Abdul Kahliq Naru, Mujahid Rasul and Faiz Ullah are in the race for the slot of DBA president.

Two candidates Imtiaz Qadeer and BM Aslam are contesting for the slot of vice president and three candidates Suhail Iqbal, Malik Muhammad Shabir and Ch Ajmal Abbas contesting for the seat of general secretary.