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Introduction: The utilization of fauna and fauna-based byproducts in ethnomedicinal usages has been a longstanding human activity, practiced across various cultures worldwide. This study focuses on investigating the utilization of animal-based traditional medicine by the people of Pakistan, specifically in the Gujranwala area. Methods: Data collection took place from January to September 2019 through interviews with local communities. Ethnomedicinal applications of animal products were analyzed using several indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Folk Use Value (FL), and Relative Occurrence Percentage (ROP). Results: The study identified the use of different body parts of 54 species of animals in treating various diseases and health issues. These include but are not limited to skin infections, sexual problems, pain management (e.g., in the backbone and joints), eyesight issues, immunity enhancement, cold, weakness, burns, smallpox, wounds, poisoning, muscular pain, arthritis, diabetes, fever, epilepsy, allergies, asthma, herpes, ear pain, paralysis, cough, swelling, cancer, bronchitis, girls' maturity, and stomach-related problems. Certain species of fauna were noted by informers with high "frequency of citation" (FC), ranging from 1 to 77. For instance, the black cobra was the most frequently cited animal for eyesight issues (FC= 77), followed by the domestic rabbit for burn treatment (FC= 67), and the Indus Valley spiny-tailed ground lizard for sexual problems (FC= 66). Passer domesticus and Gallus gallus were noted to have the highest ROP value of 99. Discussion: The findings of this study provide valuable preliminary insights for the conservation of fauna in the Gujranwala region of Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, screening these animals for medicinally active compounds could potentially lead to the development of novel animal-based medications, contributing to both traditional medicine preservation and modern pharmaceutical advancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe utilization of fauna and fauna-based byproducts in ethnomedicinal usages has been a longstanding human activity, practiced across various cultures worldwide. This study focuses on investigating the utilization of animal-based traditional medicine by the people of Pakistan, specifically in the Gujranwala area.MethodsData collection took place from January to September 2019 through interviews with local communities. Ethnomedicinal applications of animal products were analyzed using several indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Folk Use Value (FL), and Relative Occurrence Percentage (ROP).ResultsThe study identified the use of different body parts of 54 species of animals in treating various diseases and health issues. These include but are not limited to skin infections, sexual problems, pain management (e.g., in the backbone and joints), eyesight issues, immunity enhancement, cold, weakness, burns, smallpox, wounds, poisoning, muscular pain, arthritis, diabetes, fever, epilepsy, allergies, asthma, herpes, ear pain, paralysis, cough, swelling, cancer, bronchitis, girls’ maturity, and stomach-related problems. Certain species of fauna were noted by informers with high “frequency of citation” (FC), ranging from 1 to 77. For instance, the black cobra was the most frequently cited animal for eyesight issues (FC = 77), followed by the domestic rabbit for burn treatment (FC = 67), and the Indus Valley spiny-tailed ground lizard for sexual problems (FC = 66). Passer domesticus and Gallus gallus were noted to have the highest ROP value of 99.DiscussionThe findings of this study provide valuable preliminary insights for the conservation of fauna in the Gujranwala region of Punjab, Pakistan. Additionally, screening these animals for medicinally active compounds could potentially lead to the development of novel animal-based medications, contributing to both traditional medicine preservation and modern pharmaceutical advancements.

This article examines the factors that contribute to gender inequality and violence against women in Punjab, Pakistan. It focuses on District Gujranwala and examines patriarchal power structures, cultural norms, and restrictive gender roles. The article analyzes court decisions in District Gujranwala from 2012 to 2023, which show a high number of acquittals, mostly because of retracted eyewitness testimony. We argue that despite statutory reforms, there exists an over-reliance on visual evidence that undermines justice. We suggest that a comprehensive policy is needed that challenges cultural norms, advances gender equality, fortifies legal frameworks, and reforms investigation and prosecution techniques to effectively prevent honour killings and increase conviction rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field survey was conducted in rice-wheat cropping system of Gujranwala zone, Pakistan during Kharif season 2020 to estimate the economic viability and profitability analysis of mechanically transplanted rice (MTR) in comparison to conventional manual transplanting (CT). Convenience and snow-ball non probability sampling method was used due to less adoption rate of MTR with a sample size of 240. Among targeted MTR growers 72% had 6-row riding type mechanical transplanters (MT), 18% had 4-row walk after type MT and 10% had 8-row riding type MT. Super Basmati and PK 386 were found more adopted varieties with 47% and 38% share of rice area. An 11-13% improved yield and 16-20% more net returns estimated with MTR by acquiring required plant population in the field despite of paying 6.17% more operational cost for sowing and transplanting nursery. For service users of MT on rental basis the 292-303 values (variety wise) of marginal rate of returns (MRR%) was calculated. The project appraisal method of financial analysis illustrated the viability of MTR from the owner user or service provider's point of view as calculated by the indicators like benefit cost ratio, net present value, internal rate of return, payback period (yr) and breakeven point (ha yr-1). Hence, the adaptation of MTR would give farmers the opportunity to increase the productivity of rice crop and their farm income by coping the issues like labor scarcity, less plant population, delay in transplanting with more aged nursery, improper fixation of nursery plants in the soil etc. The study results projected mechanically transplanting area (ha) for riding type MT as well as for walk after type MT respectively as 64.78 and 28 annually. Accordingly, there would be 36.15 (000 ha) mechanically transplanted area (5.41%) of province Punjab, Pakistan annually after completion of the Govt. prevailing project on rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthenium hysterophorus L., is a noxious annual weed rapidly spreading across the cropped and non-cropped and has become a major threat to cropped and noncropped areas. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different herbicides against parthenium weed at its mixed population of different growth stages in non-cropped area. The experiments were laid out in accordance with RCBD with three repeats of ten treatments. Herbicides used in the experiments were RoundUp 54SL (glyphosate) @ 2.5 l ha-1, Maxtrol 38SC (atrazine) @ 1200 ml ha-1, Sencor 70WP (metribuzin) @ 625 g ha-1, Gesapax combi 80WP (ametryne+atrazine) @ 2.5 kg ha-1, Clean Core 50EC (acetochlor) @ 250 ml ha-1, Gramaxone 20SL (paraquat) @ 1250 ml ha-1, Stomp 330 EC (pendimethalene) @ 2500 g ha-1, Premextra Gold 720 SC (atrazine+s-metolachlor) @ 2000 ml ha-1, and Sodium chloride (common salt) @ 5% solution and untreated control. Statistical analysis of the data showed that different herbicide treatments had significant effect on the mortality of parthenium weed. The post emergence herbicides, glyphosate and ametryne+atrazine at rossete stage provided 97% & 82% and at bolted stage 96% & 60% mortality of parthenium weed at 4 Weeks After Spray (WAS). Among the pre-emergence herbicides pendimathaline and atrazine proved best with 10 & 16 plants m-2 respectively and inhibited the regeneration of weeds for a longer period of time. It is recommended that a mixture of glyphosate (nonselective herbicide) in pendimethalne or atrazine at their recommended doses can be used on noncropped areas for effective control of Parthenium weed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current studies revealed the ethnobotanical importance of the threatened flora of Gujranwala region, Punjab, Pakistan including Gujranwala, Kamoki and Wazirabad Townships. This region is facing rapid expansion of industrialization and urbanization, therefore it is prime time to document and conserve it before it is lost. 100 different species belonging to 52 families were recorded through questionnaire and interviews. Steps for preservation, classification, quantitative indices and phytochemical composition were performed. Asteraceae was the dominant family with ten species. 55% of these represent herbs, 27% shrubs, 15% trees, 2% grasses and 1% weeds whereas 85% plant species were wild and 15% were cultivated. Leaves are the most frequently used parts 77%, followed by stem 12%, roots 12%, flowers 20%, rhizome 17%, seed oil 18%, and so on. As common remedies they are used as diuretics 26%, against fever 25%, laxatives 23%, emollients 22%, against constipation 20%, blood purifiers 20%, and against cough and cold 17% etc. RFC was recorded from 0.001 to 0.78. Informant consensus factor (FCI) ranged from 10-40, with the lowest value belonging to Cucumus melo which is used for treating eczema, dysuria, leucorrhea and as laxative whereas the highest 37 for Indigofera heterantha and Quercus incana reported to be used for hemorrhagic septicemia and joint pain. Concrete efforts are required to conserve traditional flora and to provide awareness for possible benefits of threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work has evaluated the performance of urban public bus transport service operating in Gujranwala city of Pakistan. The assessment has been made in terms of financial viability, bus condition, operational performance and user perception. Based on the data requirements, various traffic/transport surveys were conducted including Passenger Boarding and Alighting Survey, Bus Count Survey, Bus Inspection Survey, Illegal Operations Survey and Public Transport User Interview Survey in consultation with concerned department/agencies. Field surveys were also conducted to get input from passengers and local people. Initial investigation informed that out of four operational bus routes, only two routes are profitable. The overall bus operation is running in loss (only 0.3% net profit). It has barely any profit for the bus operator against its investment thereby making the urban bus operation financially non-viable. The whole revenue flow is dependent on passenger ticketing revenue only. Around 35% of the buses are in poor condition with major issues of quality of tyres, no speedometer, worse condition of seats, floor and ceiling, and display of route. Illegal operation of Qingqis/Rickshaws (as para-transit mode) along the bus routes is also decreasing the revenue by capturing the passenger volume. According to passenger opinion analysis, around 55% of the passenger are not satisfied with the service quality and prefer other modes of transport. Their major concerns are absence of facilities for disables and bus stops, bus seating and standing capacity, poor bus condition and pick pocketing. Collectively, these factors are contributing

Frogs are common in aquatic habitats such as marshes, edges of water bodies and paddy fields. High prevalence of deformed frogs as well as reduction in body length, head length, limb size, growth rate and increase in liver weight are known from various frog species occurring in pesticide contaminated sites. We hypothesized that snout-vent length, liver, kidney, body weight and growth of Common Skittering Frog inhabiting areas contaminated by pesticides and fertilizers such as paddy fields of District Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan, do not differ than those from areas with less pesticide and fertilizer use such as urban wetlands in Rawalpindi-Islamabad Districts. Our results revealed statistically significant differences in measurements such as in snout-vent length, inter-orbital width, distance from front of eyes to the tip of snout, distance between the nostrils, inter-nasal space, distance from front of eyes to the nostrils, distance from nostrils to the tip of snout, distance from tympanum to the back of eyes, forelimb length and body weight of frogs from paddy fields and urban wetlands. We found a strong significant relationship between snout-vent length and body weight of female frogs collected from paddy fields and urban wetlands and of male frogs collected from paddy fields only. We found that Common Skittering Frog had a higher growth in paddy fields, presumably due to abundance of food. Our study documented first record of a deformity (micromelia) and an abnormality (gas bubble disease) in Common Skittering Frog from Pakistan. We suggest detailed studies on food availability and consumption by Common Skittering Frog in the paddy fields and urban wetlands to understand factors influencing the growth pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work has evaluated the performance of urban public bus transport service operating in Gujranwala city of Pakistan. The assessment has been made in terms of financial viability, bus condition, operational performance and user perception. Based on the data requirements, various traffic/transport surveys were conducted including Passenger Boarding and Alighting Survey, Bus Count Survey, Bus Inspection Survey, Illegal Operations Survey and Public Transport User Interview Survey in consultation with concerned department/agencies. Field surveys were also conducted to get input from passengers and local people. Initial investigation informed that out of four operational bus routes, only two routes are profitable. The overall bus operation is running in loss (only 0.3% net profit). It has barely any profit for the bus operator against its investment thereby making the urban bus operation financially non-viable. The whole revenue flow is dependent on passenger ticketing revenue only. Around 35% of the buses are in poor condition with major issues of quality of tyres, no speedometer, worse condition of seats, floor and ceiling, and display of route. Illegal operation of Qingqis/Rickshaws (as para-transit mode) along the bus routes is also decreasing the revenue by capturing the passenger volume. According to passenger opinion analysis, around 55% of the passenger are not satisfied with the service quality and prefer other modes of transport. Their major concerns are absence of facilities for disables and bus stops, bus seating and standing capacity, poor bus condition and pick pocketing. Collectively, these factors are contributing towards the failure of bus public transport in Gujranwala city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multivariate statistical techniques such as factor analysis (FA), cluster analysis (CA) and discriminant analysis (DA), were applied for the evaluation of spatial variations and the interpretation of a large complex water quality data set of three cities (Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot) in Punjab, Pakistan. 16 parameters of water samples collected from nine different sampling stations of each city were determined. Factor analysis indicates five factors, which explained 74% of the total variance in water quality data set. Five factors are salinization, alkalinity, temperature, domestic waste and chloride, which explained 31.1%, 14.3%, 10.6%, 10.0% and 8.0% of the total variance respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped nine sampling stations of each city into three clusters, i.e., relatively less polluted (LP), and moderately polluted (MP) and highly polluted (HP) sites, based on the similarity of water quality characteristics. Discriminant analysis (DA) identified ten significant parameters (Calcium (Ca), Ammonia, Sulphate, Sodium (Na), electrical conductivity (EC), chloride, temperature (Temp), total hardness(TH), Turbidity), which discriminate the groundwater quality of three cities, with close to 100.0% correct assignment for spatial variations. This study illustrates the benefit of multivariate statistical techniques for interpreting complex data sets in the analysis of spatial variations in water quality, and to plan for future studies.

The objective of the research was to investigate/assess the water quality standard according to WHO because the study area of research was a canal distributary of 32 cusec discharge for the period of 25 years up to 1972 and thereafter sewage remained flowing period for 50 years. In 2021 PHE Department converted to 42" Ø sewer pipe and polluted water Nallah up to Noshehra Road and constructed a metaled road. The seepage water samples were collected and tested by the Noshehra Road Laboratory. Accordingly, the results identified the water-borne diseases, metals, chemical, biological, fecal, and E-coli bacteria. It was therefore necessary to research the causes of diseases for the safety of health care. Drinking water remedial measures were asked of Health Deptt and other concerned Authorities related to Gujranwala City. The quality of water was assessed by comparing WHO standards. The seepage water contaminated was obtained through hand pumps and dug wells before Municipal water distribution through overhead reservoirs (OHR) duly chlorinated by Public Health Engg Department now WASA and the Municipal Corporation. There are certain industries, falling untreated effluents in drains, causing cancer and other fatal diseases, through agricultural foods, due to sullage water irrigating the vegetables, in the vicinity of subrubs area of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities all over the world, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan, are experiencing rapid urban growth and changing socio-economic profile. Present study was conducted to investigate the trends of urban growth and socio-economic development in Gujranwala, the prominent industrial city, 5th largest city of the Punjab and 7th amongst the big populous cities of Pakistan. By making comparison of its structure with overall socio-economic structure of the Punjab Province, selected indicators were considered viz. population size, housing facilities and urban growth patterns. Data was obtained from various sources and efforts were made in order to realize the behavior of urban growth and socio-economic development. Results revealed that city had better place regarding its educational, health, housing and human development scenarios. But noticeably, a small proportion of population could have access to safe drinking water, sanitation etc. The urban growth patterns suggested the increasing urban population due to migration and natural increase of population, though overall growth rate was declining. Resultantly, city was spatially expanding in north, west and east directions since 1947 to present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted during Kharif 2010-11 at Adaptive Research Farm, Gujranwala, Pakistan to evaluate butachlor orthosulfamuran and pretilachlor used 5 days after transplanting of rice as pre-emergence herbicides for controlling narrow, broad leaves and sedges type of weeds in transplanted rice. The experiment was laid out in RCBD comprising four treatments T1 (Control), T2 (Butachlor 2000 ml/ha) T3 (Orthosulfamuran 150g/ha) and T4 (Pretilachlor 1000 g/ha) with three replications. Statistically significant effect in yield was recorded in T2 (4.57t/ha) followed by T3 (4.21t/ha) and T4 (3.95t/ha) compared to T1 (2.97t/ha) during 2010. However significant effect in yield was recorded by T2 (4.37t/ha) followed by T3 (4.11t/ha) and T4 (3.81t/ha) compared to T1 (2.99t/ha) during 2011. The economic analysis of different weed control treatments depicted that maximum economic return was recorded in T2 (Rs.18664/ha) with CBR (1:1.73); during 2010-2011. It was concluded that orthosulfamuran 5DAT is most effective against all types of weeds in transplanted rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Survey was conducted by the researchers of Adaptive Research Farm, Gujranwala during kharif 2010 to evaluate the economic return of approved and un-approved varieties of coarse rice by selecting eighty five farmers. The selected farmers were interviewed according to a well designed questionnaire. The approved variety KSK-133 gave highest paddy yield 6453 kgha-1 followed by un-approved Shahkaar (6357 kgha-1) and Superi (5574 kgha-1).Income recorded for approvedvariety KSK-133 was Rs. 132344 ha-1 which was slightly less as compared to unapproved Shahkaar (Rs. 136162 ha-1). The result of the survey revealed that education plays a vital role in agriculture development. Moreover farmers having own machinery and easily excess to hired labour earned maximum revenue from their crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the potential risk assessment via consumption of food crops irrigated with wastewater in the districts Sialkot and Gujranwala, Pakistan. For this purpose, samples of water, soil, and food crops were collected from the study area. Metals including potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentration of Na was found highest in wastewater (WW), followed by Ca, Mg, etc., while lowest for Co. Similarly, in WW irrigated soil (WWIS) the highest concentration was found for Fe and lowest for Co, while other metal fall between these two extremes. Results showed significance ( p < 0.001) using t-test among WW and WWIS as compared to tube well water (TW) and TW irrigated soil (TWIS). Food crops were assessed for daily intake of metal and health risk index (HRI), revealing an HRI < 1. However, if current practices continued it could cause health hazards in near future. Therefore, this study suggested that local farmers should be educated using awareness programs to avoid WW irrigation to the food crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was focused to explore core rice producing belt of central Punjab to ascertain the presence or absence of Asiatic Greater Yellow House bat Scotophilus heathii. Three districts namely Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Mandi Bhaudin were surveyed from January 2011 through December 2012 and a total of 33 X heathii were captured. The external body, cranial and bacular measurements of the captured specimens were compared with available literature. The average head and body length of all 33 captured specimens was 73.7±4.4 mm, forearm length was 60.6±4.1 mm, greatest skull length (n = 6) was 18.7±1.7 mm while baculum (n = 1) was 3.075 mm long. The cranial and bacular features of the species which are important traits for mammalian identification are reported for the first time in country and this is also the first record of the species from study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field trial was conducted at Adaptive Research Farm, Gujranwala, Pakistan during the year 2010-12 to check the most profitable cropping pattern for Gujranwala zone. The study comprised four cropping systems viz. rice-wheatrice- wheat, rice-green manuring-rice-wheat, rice-berseem-rice-wheat and ricecanola- rice-wheat. Layout system was RCBD with three replications. Plot size was kept as 15m x 21m. Rice crop (cv. Super Basmati) was transplanted on 26th July, 2010 and 13th July, 2011 while wheat, berseem and canola were sown soon after rice harvesting on November 12, 2010. During 2011 wheat (cv. Seher- 2006) was sown on November 10 after rice harvesting on 2nd November. Maximum yield of rice (4.20 t/ha) was obtained in rice-green manuring-ricewheat cropping pattern due to addition of organic matter which showed positive effects on rice yield and succeeding crop. The highest net return (Rs.315643/ha) was recorded in rice-berseem-rice-wheat cropping pattern followed by rice-green manuring-rice-wheat (Rs. 283441 ha). It was noted that green manuring crop did not contribute to the income. The cost of cultivation was minimum in case of rice-green manuring-rice-wheat cropping pattern (Rs. 83325/ha) followed by rice-berseem-rice-wheat system (Rs. 95175/ha). Maximum benefit cost ratio (3.32) was also recorded in rice-berseem-rice-wheat cropping system. So the rice-berseem-rice-wheat was found as the most profitable cropping system for Gujranwala zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of study: This study was focused with the aim to investigate and document the indigenous medicinal knowledge and commonly used medicinal plants from Gujranwala district, Pakistan and to establish a baseline data in continuing studies aimed at more comprehensive investigations on bio-active compounds of indigenous medicinal plants. Material and methods: Rapid appraisal approach (RAA) was used along with the interviews, group meetings with people having knowledge about indigenous uses of medicinal plants and individual meetings with herbalists were conducted, to collect the ethnomedicinal data. Results and discussions: About 71 species of medicinal plants belonging to 38 families have been documented through 203 informants. Most favored plant part used for indigenous medicine was leaves (38%) followed by the seed (13%), whole plant (11%), flower (9%), fruit (8%), root and bark (6%) and the main source of these medicines was wild herbs (54%) followed by the wild shrubs, wild trees (13%), cultivated herbs (10%), cultivated trees (5%), cultivated shrubs (3%) and wild grasses (2%). The herbal preparations were mainly administrated orally and topically. Conclusion: Gujranwala district has great diversity of medicinal plants and people are aware about their medicinal values. Few plants are playing vital role in the basic health care needs of study areas; such plants should be screened for detailed pharmacological studied to explore new biological compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the current project the Sero-prevalence of Avian Influenza (AI) was monitored in broiler flocks in the area of Gujranwala, Pakistan. For this purpose serum samples and cloacal swabs were collected from the 100 suspected and healthy farms in and around Gujranwala. Serum samples were subjected to Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) Test and Agar Gel Precipitation Test (AGPT) for sero-prevelance of AI. Tissue samples and cloacal swabs were sent to the NARC (National Agricultural Research Centre) for isolation of AI. Only three farms located at Wazirabad road, Pasroor road and Lahore road were positive for AI with sero-prevalence of 20, 50 and 30%, respectively. In the population study the upper limit of the broiler population was 15,000 and lower limit was 1500 birds. So the mean was 3870 birds. There was no affect of feed, vaccination schedule and breed on the prevalence of AI. The most affected age of broiler population was between 26 and 38 days. AI vaccine was not carried out at the broiler farms. But almost all broiler breeder farmers vaccinated their birds against both H7 and H9 subtypes of AI, which showed satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]