Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government released a special grant of Rs136m to 77 tehsil municipal administrations across the province to ensure the timely payment of salaries and pensions. Officials said the funds were allocated to ease financial pressures on local governments and prevent delays in payments, offering relief to municipal employees and pensioners. Under the allocation, TMA Dera Ismail Khan received Rs40m, while Rs15m was released for TMA Kulachi. TMA Paharpur was granted Rs39m, and Rs19m each was allocated to TMAs Prova and Daraban. Authorities said the financial support was intended to strengthen the functioning of…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi MARDAN: Literary and academic competitions organized by the Malik Foundation under its “Bazm-e-Malik” initiative concluded successfully in Mardan, drawing wide participation from students across the district. Students from 24 leading educational institutions took part, competing in a range of literary and academic categories and demonstrating their speaking and writing skills. In the Urdu speech competition, Amina Khan and Talha Khan secured first place, while Sohail Khan topped the English speech contest. Kashmala Khan won first position in the Urdu essay writing competition for her performance. At the closing ceremony, the foundation’s chairman, Dr Junaid Noor, and…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The vice-chancellor of the Agricultural University Dera Ismail Khan, Professor Dr Shakeeb Ullah, said wetlands played a vital role in maintaining environmental balance, supporting agriculture and protecting human life. In a message issued on World Wetlands Day, he warned that natural water resources were under increasing threat due to climate change, making collective action necessary to safeguard them. He said Pakistan’s economy depended heavily on agriculture and natural water systems, and the protection of wetlands was therefore critical for both environmental sustainability and agricultural growth. Dr Shakeeb Ullah urged young people and students…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The entry test for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Youth Package 2026 was successfully conducted at Shaheed Sher Nawaz Public School, Sararogha, aiming to provide quality educational opportunities to the youth of Upper South Waziristan. A large number of students from various tehsils and remote areas participated enthusiastically. The administration ensured a transparent and well-organized environment, with proper security and logistical arrangements so that students could take the test without fear or inconvenience. The local Brigade Commander visited the examination center, interacting with students and encouraging them. He said the COAS Youth…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi LAKKI MARWAT: Police in Lakki Marwat conducted a major search and strike operation targeting terrorists of Fitna Al-Khawarij across the district, officials said on Monday. The operation was carried out under directives from RPO Bannu Sajjad Khan and DPO Lakki Marwat Nazir Khan. Heavy contingents led by DSP Naurang Circle Saeed Khan and DSP Lakki Shahi Bakht conducted coordinated searches in Nasr Khel Dargah, Karam Dargah, border areas near Bannu, Wanda Akhundan, Wanda Sher Dil, Atshi Machan Khel, Ghati Machan Khel, and surrounding localities. Several terrorist hideouts were demolished, including a key safe camp used by…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi KHYBER: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Ameer and Senator Maulana Ata-ur-Rehman has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the province, warning that the government’s writ has nearly collapsed and citizens are increasingly at the mercy of terrorists. Speaking at a press conference at Maskan Darveshan in Takht Bhai, Maulana Ata-ur-Rehman highlighted a steady rise in terrorist incidents across KP, creating insecurity among the public. He stressed that safeguarding citizens’ lives and property is a fundamental duty of the state, which he said the government has failed to fulfil. He also…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The recruitment of temporary teachers through Parent-Teacher Council (PTC) committees has been successfully completed in 36 schools of Tehsil Daraban Kalan, officials said on Monday. The process was overseen by Sub-Divisional Education Officer (SDEO) Dr. Abdul Hafeez. The appointments were made strictly on merit in line with the provincial government’s education policy. Meetings of the PTC committees in all 36 schools were held to formally approve the selections under the chairmanship of Dr. Hafeez. Speaking about the initiative, the SDEO described the recruitment as a positive step for the region, highlighting its potential…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR/HAZARA: World Bank President Ajay Banga paid a high-profile visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accompanied by his spouse and a senior delegation, in a trip that combined development diplomacy with a focus on the province’s cultural heritage. Ajay Banga was received by provincial officials, including the chief minister’s finance adviser, Muzammil Aslam, and MNA Faisal Amin Gandapur, while Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb later joined the delegation, underscoring the visit’s national importance. During the visit, Banga toured the Julian Buddha archaeological site in Khanpur district, one of the most significant remnants of the ancient Gandhara civilization. Archaeologists…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: After a long hiatus, an open court (Khuli Kachehri) was held at the Police Lines, allowing citizens to directly present grievances and concerns to District Police Officer (DPO) Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada. The session was attended by city elders, civil society members, social activists, and representatives of trader organisations. Participants praised the police for their sacrifices in combating terrorism and maintaining law and order, while also raising concerns about rising social crimes, including theft, robbery, drug trafficking, and illegal money lending. DPO Sahibzada listened to the complaints and issued immediate directives to address several…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR/HAZARA: World Bank President Ajay Banga paid a high-profile visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accompanied by his spouse and a senior delegation, in a trip that combined development diplomacy with a focus on the province’s cultural heritage. Ajay Banga was received by provincial officials, including the chief minister’s finance adviser, Muzammil Aslam, and MNA Faisal Amin Gandapur, while Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb later joined the delegation, underscoring the visit’s national importance. During the visit, Banga toured the Julian Buddha archaeological site in Khanpur district, one of the most significant remnants of the ancient Gandhara civilization. Archaeologists…