Author: Sudhir Ahmad Afridi

By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi LANDI KOTAL: The termination of contracts for higher teachers has resulted in a significant staffing shortage in primary schools, exacerbated by the fact that these teachers have not received their salaries for the past eight months. In a press conference held at the Landi Kotal Press Club in District Khyber, Finance Secretary of the Higher Teachers Association, Jameel Khan, and President of the Teachers’ Organization District Khyber, Sharifullah Afridi, voiced their concerns and demands. They emphasized that instead of dismissing higher teachers, the government should permanently hire them to address the ongoing staffing crisis in primary…

Several drivers, speaking on the condition of anonymity, contend that authorities are aware of the smugglers and commission agents involved in these illegal activities By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi TORKHAM BORDER: An official notice has been issued at the Torkham border, stating that starting October 1st, vehicles will be confiscated if any smuggled goods are found on board. This decision has stirred a heated debate among drivers, who argue that only the illegal goods should be seized, not the vehicles themselves. They propose that having conductors present with drivers would help prevent smuggling activities, including the clandestine hiding of individuals, such…

By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi KHYBER: The Hajji Caravan, supported by Haji Shah Ji Gul Afridi, has opposed the proposed name change of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the constitutional amendment, stating that billions of rupees would be wasted on the name change, which is unnecessary. “The removal of ‘Khyber’ from the name of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is unacceptable,” said the leaders of Hajji Caravan in an emergency press conference held in Jamrud. During the press conference at the Jamrud Press Club, the leadership of Hajji Caravan from Jamrud Tehsil and Khyber District expressed strong concerns over the possible proposal to remove “Khyber” from…

By Sudheer Ahmed Afridi LANDI KOTAL: Candidates for the Torkham Custom Clearing Agents elections, Aimal Shinwari and Mujeeb Shinwari, pledged to work together to resolve the challenges faced by clearing agents. They highlighted problems in import and export, citing unnecessary taxes and poor policies that have negatively impacted trade. Aimal Shinwari pointed out that while the FBR imposes duty on imports, Afghanistan also imposes taxes after the fruit and vegetable season begins, causing losses to traders. He called for the immediate removal of the 2 percent provincial tax and criticized the intentional malfunctioning of scanners by NLC. He urged the…

By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi TEHSIL JAMRUD: The funeral prayers for the individuals who lost their lives in the police firing during the Pashtun national jirga in Reggi Lalma, District Khyber, have been held, drawing thousands of mourners. The prayers were led by Mufti Munir Shakir, who presided over a gathering that included prominent figures from various political backgrounds. Notable attendees included Manzoor Pashteen, the leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM); Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, a former senator from Jamaat-e-Islami; and provincial leaders from the Awami National Party, along with various Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs). The substantial turnout underscores…

By Sudheer Ahmad Afridi KHYBER: The NADRA office in Landi Kotal has remained closed for two days due to an alleged altercation between local government representatives and the NADRA manager. This closure has significantly affected elderly individuals and women who traveled from remote areas seeking identity card services, forcing them to return without assistance and resulting in both financial loss and wasted time. NADRA officials have refrained from commenting on the situation. The dispute reportedly stemmed from a citizen’s complaint to the tehsil chairman regarding repeated delays in the renewal of a blocked ID card, which was sent for verification…

By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi LANDI KOTAL: In a significant show of unity, government primary teachers in Landi Kotal took to the streets on Monday, joining a wave of protests across the province. The educators, led by Teachers’ Association President Sharifullah Afridi, are demanding the upgradation and regularization of their positions, calling attention to the need for improved educational standards in underprivileged areas. Armed with placards emblazoned with their demands, the teachers voiced their frustrations with the provincial government, accusing it of pursuing “anti-education” policies. They emphasized that without proper recognition and support, the quality of education for children in marginalized…

By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi LANDI KOTAL: In a significant demonstration, the Koki Khel tribe has announced a march towards Tirah on October 14, joined by thousands of Pashtuns, to advocate for the reopening of closed areas and the restoration of displaced persons. The gathering took place at the historic Bab-e-Khyber in Jamrud Bazaar, District Khyber, where representatives from various political parties and community leaders expressed solidarity with the affected individuals. The attendees issued a declaration demanding the government to facilitate the return of displaced persons to the Tirah Rajgal region. They stressed that if no announcement regarding their return is…

Social media activists have criticized the police for their actions, highlighting a perceived double standard in the government’s approach By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi JAMRUD: On Wednesday, Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) workers faced a violent crackdown in Regi Lalma Jamrud as police dismantled their tents and dispersed them using intense tear gas shelling. The PTM, led by Manzoor Pashtoon, was in the process of setting up a camp for a grand Pashtun gathering scheduled for October 11, aimed at addressing longstanding issues faced by the Pashtun community. Over a span of 24 hours, the police conducted two raids on the tent…

By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi LANDI KOTAL: The Landi Kotal police successfully solved a blind murder case that occurred at the Landi Kotal football ground, leading to the arrest of the primary suspect along with the murder weapon—a pistol. The crime was motivated by a personal dispute involving women. The incident took place at the government high school ground within the jurisdiction of Landi Kotal police station, where Lavid Shah, son of Jan Muhammad and a resident of Fatimi Khel, was shot by an unknown assailant. Shah sustained injuries from the attack and later succumbed to them. A case (No. 143)…