World camel day ‘Importance of desert ship cannot be overlooked’

BAHAWALPUR:

Camels have always been the best means of transportation in deserts and their importance especially in Cholistan cannot be overlooked, Muhammad Mukhtar, the Islamia University, Bahawalpur, vice chancellor said on Saturday.

He was speaking at a seminar to mark the World Camel Day organised at the IUB in collaboration with the Desert Rangers, Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Department and several universities.

“The seminar has been organised to underline the importance of the ‘ship of the desert’ and look for ways to improve its breeding and provide it with proper care,” said Mukhtar.

He said with help from local organisations the Islamia University had been promoting local culture, social and moral values and literature. Desert Rangers Bahawalpur Commander Brig Salim Qadir gave a lecture on the occasion. He said over the years camels had proven helpful for defence purposes.

Several events including a camel parade, camel races and dances were well received by the audience.

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Vice Chancellor Dr Talat Naseer Pasha was the chief guest on the occasion.

Former provincial minister for livestock Mian Mumtaz Manhais, Khalid Gill, Haji Younis from Agrilcuture University, Faisalabad, and Gul Muhammad also addressed the seminar and stressed the need to promote its breeding and safety.

A documentary on camels was also shown on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2013.