Our Correspondent

Tarbela Ghazi: The Citrus Gala in Ghazi turned unpleasant due to the Assistant Commissioner’s misconduct with local media representatives. The first-ever Citrus Gala in Haripur District’s history remained devoid of coverage by electronic, print, and social media. Public attendees also left the event disheartened due to poor management.

Organized to promote Ghazi’s citrus fruits, the gala was held at the picturesque riverside venue in Ghazi under the joint collaboration of the University of Haripur and the Agriculture Department. The district administration had provided funding for the event, which was meticulously planned. Officers and staff of the Agriculture Department, along with students from the University of Haripur, worked tirelessly to prepare for the event. Local media also actively promoted the gala for over a week and covered it comprehensively on the event day.

The Citrus Gala witnessed the participation of all administrative officials and notable political and social figures from Haripur District. The event proceeded smoothly as per schedule until Assistant Commissioner Ghazi, Ms. Khola Tariq, prohibited the media from covering the event and directed her guards to mistreat the media representatives. This led to protests by journalists and their announcement of boycotting the event.

Prominent social activist Ramey Khan Tahir Khaili attempted to mediate between the local journalist community and the Assistant Commissioner. However, the AC Ghazi refused to apologize for her conduct. In response, the media fraternity of Ghazi held an emergency meeting at the venue and unanimously decided to boycott the Citrus Gala and all future events involving the AC.