طریقت اور شریعت

This paper deals with Shariah and Tariqat. The decrees of Shariah have two kinds. One is related to the body (which is visible) , while the other one is about the soul (in visible) . Shariah is a combination of visible and un visible decrees. Tariqat is not a separate entity, it is cm integral part of Shariah. The people who consider Tariqat as a separate entity-, as a matter offact they are misguided persons. Tariqat is nothing but a subservient to Shariah. For the purification ofsoul and to make one self abiding by the laws of Shariah, the Sufia have proposed some specific practices and activities for their followers. They asked their followers to strictly adhere to these practices. Not only for the followers hut also for the spiritual guides; it is incumbent on them to follow the rules ofShariah whether these are related to body or to the soul. Irrespective of the position of the spiritual guide, he should also abide by the laws ofShariah. His Sufipractices. supernatural events or miracles have no value and no acceptance to the Almighty - Allah. Tariqat must be under the rules of Shariah, other wise it will not be accep

Population Ecology of Freshwater Turtle Species of Pothwar Plateau

Freshwater Turtles are the most dynamic group of ‘wetlands’ associated fauna. They form major biodiversity component of aquatic ecosystems, and serve as keystone species benefiting other animals and plants. Pakistan harbors eight freshwater turtle-s species which are facing threat of illegal hunting for their meat and shell. The current study investigated some important ecological parameters including distribution, population, and food habits of freshwater turtle species inhabiting two districts (Rawalpindi and Chakwal) of the Pothwar Plateau. Based on initial field surveys, sixteen water bodies were selected in the study area for data collection. Distribution of freshwater turtle species was determined by employing “Visual observation” method using binocular, to record the turtle species. Populations of different turtle species were estimated by using two different methods direct count method and Capture Mark and Recapture (CMR, while their diet composition was investigated by using stomach contents flushing method. Results showed four freshwater turtle species (Lissemys punctata, Nilssonia gangetica, Pangshura smithii, and Pangshura tecta) distributed in various selected water bodies of district Rawalpindi and two species (Lissemys punctata and Panshura smithii) in district Chakwal. The Lissemys punctata was the most abundant while Panshura smithii was found the least abundant species. A total of N = 3004 and N =1681 individual turtles were recorded (by direct count method, and CMR,respectively), belonging to four species from the study area. Average population densityof Lissemys punctata was 86.9/Km², Nilssonia gangetica 36.6/Km², Pangshura smithii 45.5/ Km² and Pangshura tecta 11.2/ Km² by direct count method. However, the CMR method used estimated average density of Lissemys punctata as 104.6/ Km², Nilssonia gangetica 47.9/ Km², Pangshura smithii 76.2/ Km² and Pangshura tecta 21.5/ Km². In summer/spring season during the study period, turtles populations were high, however, during winter/fall season, turtles populations were found low. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between body weights (kg); carapace length and width; plastron length and width, and shell height of of freshwater turtle species and also between the genders of the four species. The turtles were found omnivorous in their feeding behavior; mean percent volume (% V) of prey items recovered from stomach contents included contributions from insects 26.3 %, earthworms 19.9 %, snails 16.1%, plants 10.2 %, and algae 11.4 %, besides soil particles 7.5 % and some unidentified material. There was significant differences (p < 0.05) in food consumption during winter, summer and rainy seasons. The consumption of prey items during three seasons was significantly (p< 0.05) different in P. tecta while in rest of three species viz. L. punctata, N. gangetica and P. smithiiit, it differed non-significant ly (p > 0.05). The current study highlights that four species of freshwater turtles occur in district Rawalpindi and two in district Chakwal of the Pothwar Plateau; Lissemys punctata is most abundant while Pangshura tecta is least common. All four turtlr species are omnivorous in their food habits and their most preferred prey item is insects.