Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi said on Labour Day that workers formed the backbone of national development and prosperity, paying tribute to their role in building the economy and supporting public life. In a message issued on 1 May, he said Labour Day reminded the world of the dignity and struggle of workers who silently contributed to running the economy, constructing cities and laying the foundations of development. He added that behind every building, road and institution stood the hard work and sacrifices of labourers, which he described as the nation’s greatest strength.…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) parliamentary leader in the provincial assembly, Maulana Lutfur Rehman, said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been facing persistent insecurity for nearly three decades, during which the public had suffered significant losses, including the deaths of loved ones, children and elders. Addressing a session of the provincial assembly, he said both civilians and security forces had made major sacrifices in the ongoing conflict. He stressed that without peace and stability, economic growth and prosperity in the province would remain out of reach. Maulana Lutfur Rehman urged that the issue of law and…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi ISLAMABAD: Two new cases of polio have been confirmed in Bannu and North Waziristan districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, taking the total number of reported cases in the country this year to three. According to the National Emergency Operations Centre, the latest cases involve two girls aged five months and two years. Officials said both children belong to high-risk areas where poliovirus transmission remains a concern. Health authorities said emergency response measures had been launched in the affected regions to prevent further spread of the virus. Surveillance has been intensified, and vaccination teams have been mobilised to…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The 52nd foundation day of Gomal University was celebrated with enthusiasm at the main campus, where General Officer Commanding (GOC) 40 Division Major General Mudassar Saeed attended as chief guest and highlighted the importance of education, unity and character building in national development. Addressing the ceremony at Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan Auditorium, Major General Mudassar Saeed described Gomal University as a prestigious institution with a strong academic history and international recognition, calling it a symbol of identity for Dera Ismail Khan. He appreciated the contributions of past and present faculty members and students…

Press Release KARACHI: “War hysteria, climatic disasters, deepening economic crises, hunger and exploitation are the inevitable products of the capitalist system. World peace, human survival and the achievement of social justice are impossible without ending capitalism. The martyrs of May Day raised the banner of revolt against capitalist oppression one hundred and forty years ago, and their sacrifice continues to illuminate the path of the working class today,” speakers said on Wednesday at a large Mazdoor Rally in Karachi. Trade unionists, political activists, workers and representatives of human rights organizations addressed the rally, jointly organized by the National Trade Union…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: An online meeting was held to encourage the trader community to adopt cashless business practices, with participation from State Bank offices in Azad Kashmir, Islamabad, Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan. The banking session was supervised by Additional Director Tahir Naeem. Key participants included Chief Manager Waqar Ali Khan from D.I. Khan, Assistant Chief Manager Muhammad Amir Ejaz from Rawalpindi, and Rizwan Khalil Shamsi from Islamabad. Deputy chief managers from Azad Kashmir and Peshawar also attended the meeting. From Dera Ismail Khan, representatives of the central traders’ association, including President Suhail Azmi, Muhammad Ramzan,…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi LAKKI MARWAT: Two government employees were killed in separate incidents of violence in different areas of Lakki Marwat district, police and local sources said. In the first incident in Shadi Khel village of Bettani subdivision, unidentified armed assailants opened fire on Frontier Corps personnel Jameel Bettani, killing him on the spot. Sources said he was on leave and had returned home at the time of the attack. In a separate incident near Dhoda, unidentified individuals abducted Fareedullah, an official of the Anti-Narcotics Department from Abdul Khel, and later shot him dead near the area. Police confirmed…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: An awareness walk was organised at Government Primary School Bahari Colony in collaboration with the National Commission for Human Development as part of an enrolment campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of education and encouraging greater school admissions. A tree plantation activity was also carried out on the occasion to raise awareness among children about environmental protection and the importance of greenery. NCHD circle in-charge Safia and Asma Sadaf attended the event as special guests. Head teacher of the school and district president of APTA, Muhammad Farooq, welcomed the guests and thanked them…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Government Degree College No 1 Dera Ismail Khan held its first formal convocation in its 105-year history, awarding degrees to 197 graduates from the 2011 batch onwards, including 50 students recognised for outstanding academic performance. The institution, regarded as one of the oldest educational establishments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after Islamia College Peshawar, marked the milestone ceremony with a large turnout of graduates, faculty and parents. Mayor of Dera City Umar Amin Gandapur attended as chief guest. He said students reflected the values of their institutions, teachers and families, and stressed the importance of…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi BANNU: A police officer and a minor girl were injured when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire in the Shah Dew area of Bannu, police said on Sunday. According to officials, the officer was taking the sick child to a doctor when the attackers suddenly opened fire on them. Both the policeman and the girl sustained injuries in the incident. They were immediately shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital Bannu, where they were receiving treatment. Sources said both were out of danger. Following the incident, police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to arrest the…