Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi BANNU: Security officials have linked a recent suicide attack on a Pakistan army vehicle in Bannu to a terrorist network allegedly operating from across the border in Afghanistan. According to security sources, responsibility for the bombing was claimed by Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen, described as a splinter faction of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. The network is said to be aligned with elements referred to by Pakistani authorities as Fitna al-Khawarij. Officials maintain that the group’s leadership, including Gul Bahadur and several senior commanders, are currently based in Afghanistan. The sources alleged that the group has been using Afghan…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the Dera region has foiled a major terror plot during an operation in Sheikh Yousaf Khema Basti, preventing what officials described as a potential large-scale tragedy. According to sources, the CTD received intelligence about the presence of a young female suicide bomber in the area. Acting on the tip-off, the department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team raided the identified location and arrested a young woman. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) said the suspect was apprehended before she could carry out the operation, highlighting the ongoing vigilance of…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: DSP Paharpur Circle, Hafiz Muhammad Adnan, along with SHO Paharpur Cadet Zafar Abbas, successfully recovered five snatched motorcycles during operations conducted within the Paharpur Circle. Two suspects were also arrested in connection with the incidents. According to details, the police launched targeted actions under the supervision of DSP Hafiz Muhammad Adnan, leading to the recovery of the stolen motorcycles, which were later returned to their rightful owners. Speaking on the occasion, DSP Hafiz Muhammad Adnan stated that the police remain committed to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens in Paharpur. He added…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A prominent veterinary doctor and FSSC Lead Auditor from Peshawar, Dr. Muhammad Nisar, recently paid a special visit to the Food Technology Laboratory at the Agricultural Research Institute, Dera Ismail Khan. On the occasion, Principal Research Officer and Head of the Food Technology Section, Dr. Shehzada Arshad Saleem Saddozai, delivered a comprehensive briefing on the institute’s ongoing research initiatives. He particularly highlighted the modern technology developed for the ripening and drying of dates. Dr. Saddozai explained that in response to climate change and environmental challenges, several scientific experiments are underway, with the locally…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Officials held a detailed review of the recent anti-polio campaign in the division, with Commissioner Daud Khan joining via video link, as authorities discussed achievements, missed children, and security arrangements. The meeting, chaired by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary, included the regional police officer, WHO’s area coordinator, and other key officials. Security teams briefed participants on measures taken to protect vaccination staff during the drive. Commissioner Khan urged all departments to work in coordination to ensure no child is left unvaccinated, reaffirming his commitment to deploy all available resources for an effective campaign.…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Sohail Afridi inaugurated a newly constructed residential complex for government employees at the Civil Quarters in Peshawar on Friday, describing the project as part of a broader effort to strengthen public institutions through improved staff welfare. Officials said the development comprised 96 modern flats, each measuring 1,000 square feet, housed within a four-storey structure with a basement. Spread over 6.91 kanals, the complex was equipped with essential facilities including electricity, water, gas supply, security arrangements and designated parking spaces. The scheme was presented as a step towards addressing longstanding housing concerns faced by…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Earthquake tremors were felt across several cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa during Iftar, prompting residents to rush outdoors in panic, officials said. The tremors affected Peshawar, Mardan, Bajaur, Parachinar, Malakand, Dera Ismail Khan, North Waziristan, Swabi, Upper Dir, Sargodha and surrounding areas. Initial reports indicated the earthquake measured 5.7 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter in the Hindu Kush region. Separately, a 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck Kharan and nearby areas. Strong tremors were also felt in Kabul, Afghanistan. Authorities said no casualties or significant property damage had been reported and monitoring of the situation…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi LAKKI MARWAT: Police foiled a major sabotage attempt on Tuesday after defusing an improvised explosive device (IED) that had been planted in a residential area, officials said. The device, discovered near a gas pump in Mohallah Railway Station, prompted an immediate response from a heavy police contingent and the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), who worked swiftly to prevent a potential catastrophe. Station House Officer Imran Khan said authorities had received timely information about the suspicious device, which was located along Mianwali Road. On inspection, the IED was found to contain roughly 40 kilograms of explosive material…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi reportedly began consulting close allies on Tuesday over the possibility of resigning, according to sources familiar with the matter briefed Daily Metro Morning. The consultations came amid mounting political pressure, widespread protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and increasing scrutiny over recent judicial and social media developments. The sources, on complete anonymity, further said that CM Afridi convened a secret meeting at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House with trusted aides to assess the rapidly evolving political landscape. Discussions reportedly centered on the ongoing demonstrations, a recent Peshawar High Court ruling,…

By Syed Tauqeer ZaidiDERA ISMAIL KHAN: Authorities in Dera Ismail Khan have finalized a comprehensive traffic management plan for Ramazan to ensure smooth movement in the city’s main markets, officials said. The plan, announced after a meeting chaired by Secretary Regional Transport Authority Shaukat Iqbal, was prepared in consultation with trader organizations to balance traffic flow with a conducive business environment. DSP Traffic Anwar Khan Khattak said the police, under directives from DPO Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada, have developed a detailed strategy to regulate market traffic during the holy month. Under the scheme, Qingqi rickshaws will have limited access in designated…