Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi NORTH WAZIRISTAN: A series of jirgas between Frontier Corps (South) commanders and tribal elders were held in different areas of South and North Waziristan, focusing on security challenges, public grievances and community development concerns, officials and local sources said. In one jirga held at Nishpa II in the Jannata area of South Waziristan, tribal elders discussed a recent firing incident at the Kazha post in which a child was injured. Security officials briefed participants on the overall law and order situation and warned that strict action would be taken against individuals involved in anti-state or disruptive…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: A solemn awards ceremony was held at the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar under the Frontier Corps (North), where military honours were conferred on the families of martyrs and serving officers in recognition of bravery, dedication and sacrifice. The ceremony was attended by Inspector General of Frontier Corps North Major General Rao Imran Sartaj, who was the chief guest and presented the awards, paying tribute to the martyrs and ghazis for their services to the nation. A total of 123 military awards were distributed during the ceremony. Of these, 98 families of martyrs were awarded the…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A farewell ceremony was held in honour of Abdul Nasir Khan on his transfer, who also served as chief executive officer of the Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) Dera Ismail Khan. The event was attended by a large number of senior management officials, officers and staff members of the organisation. Speakers paid tribute to the outgoing deputy commissioner, saying he had taken effective steps during his tenure to improve institutional performance and played a key role in strengthening municipal services, particularly sanitation and public service delivery. They said several public welfare initiatives…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in the Spinwam area of North Waziristan, killing four militants, including a high-value target identified as Umar alias Jan Mir, security sources said. Officials said the operation targeted a militant hideout where the suspects were allegedly involved in planning and facilitating attacks against security forces and civilians. Umar alias Jan Mir was described as a key militant commander in the region. He was reportedly involved in establishing underground bunkers, tunnels and improvised explosive device networks in the vicinity of Bobali Mosque in Spinwam, which were allegedly used…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi BAJAUR: Two schoolboys were killed in a reported drone or quadcopter strike in the Shah Tangi area of Mamund tehsil in Bajaur district, according to local sources. Residents said the incident took place in the mountainous Shah Tangi area, around 25 kilometres from the district headquarters Khar. The children were returning home on foot after school when they were allegedly hit by an explosive device dropped from a drone. Local sources identified the victims as boys aged between 10 and 12 years. One of them was named as 10-year-old Hassan, son of Israr. Sources further claimed…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi BAJAUR: Two police personnel deployed to protect a polio vaccination team were killed in separate firing incidents in Bajaur, underscoring once again the persistent security risks surrounding immunization campaigns in Pakistan’s north-western districts. According to a Deputy Superintendent of Police, the attacks took place in the Salarzai area, including Tabai and Dog Qila, where unidentified armed assailants opened fire on security escorts accompanying teams engaged in the ongoing anti-polio drive. The officers, identified as Qadir and Aziz, were killed in the line of duty while providing protection to health workers. Officials said the attackers fled the…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Division Daud Khan to discuss irrigation rights and the construction of spillways at the Ghasha Sindh site. The meeting was attended by representatives of the National Highway Authority, the Directorate General of Small Dams, Assistant to Commissioner (Political and Development) Sajjad Baloch, and officials from the Irrigation Department, CRBC, Communication and Works, Flood Division, Rod Kohi and other relevant departments. During the session, detailed discussions were held on the irrigation rights of farmers in the Rod Luni area of Tehsil…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A protest rally was held under the banner of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam against the killing of Shaheed Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Muhammad Idrees in Dera Ismail Khan. The rally started from GPO Chowk and proceeded towards Topanwala, with a large number of party workers and local residents participating. It was led by District General Secretary Chaudhry Ashfaq Advocate, Qari Ejaz Farooqi, Qari Umair Farooqi, Naveed Ahmed Nizami, Hafiz Adil, Lal Khuroti, Jamal Abdul Nasir Advocate High Court and Amber Nawaz Advocate, along with other leaders. Participants carried banners and placards and raised slogans in tribute to…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A ceremony was held at Agricultural University Dera Ismail Khan to mark Youm-e-Marka-e-Haq and the first anniversary of Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos, in what officials described as an event held with enthusiasm and patriotic spirit. The programme was organised on the directives of Vice Chancellor Dr Latif Gondal. Faculty members, administrative officers and a large number of students attended the ceremony. The chief guest on the occasion was Vice Chancellor of Qurtuba University of Science and Technology campus Professor Dr Khair-uz-Zaman, while the guest of honour was Pro Vice Chancellor of Gomal University Professor Dr…

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.…