Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: The Right to Public Services (RTS) Commission organized a one-day training workshop for RTS Ambassadors and District Monitoring Officers (DMOs) in Peshawar to strengthen institutional capacity and improve public service delivery across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At the inaugural session, the Chief Commissioner highlighted the Commission’s aim to ensure timely, transparent, and high-quality services for citizens, stressing efficiency, transparency, and citizen facilitation. Participants received briefings on the RTS Act, rules and regulations, complaint redressal mechanisms, operational responsibilities, and monitoring systems. Special sessions focused on professional ethics, leadership skills, and the responsible use of social media to promote…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: Thirty-seven students from the Department of Journalism at University of Peshawar have been awarded laptops under the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme, recognizing their academic performance across PhD, MPhil, MS, and BS programs. The distribution ceremony was held at the department, where Chairperson Dr. Mehnaz Gul handed over the laptops in the presence of Assistant Professor Ali Imran. Dr. Gul said the initiative would motivate students, strengthen digital skills, and encourage academic excellence. She urged students to make the most of the opportunity and bring pride to their department and university. The students expressed gratitude…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Regional Police Officer Syed Ashfaq Anwar has reinstated DSP City Circle Malik Abid Iqbal after strong public demand, a move welcomed by local residents, traders, and civic groups. Three days earlier, DSP Iqbal had negotiated with individuals blocking the Dera Darya Khan Bridge, which had disrupted traffic. When talks failed, he took decisive action to clear the road and restore normal traffic flow, earning praise from the public and political representatives. Following his reinstatement, community members applauded RPO Anwar’s decision and expressed confidence that DSP Malik Abid Iqbal would continue serving with dedication…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Pakistan Customs destroyed narcotics and other illegal goods valued at Rs812.125 million in Dera Ismail Khan, officials said, as part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and protect public health. The ceremony took place at Ratta Kulachi Stadium in the presence of media representatives. Assistant Collector Customs Umar Jan said the items had been seized during multiple anti-smuggling operations and were being disposed of in accordance with the law. “The operation reaffirms Pakistan Customs’ commitment to eliminating smuggling and hazardous goods that threaten public health and societal values,” he said. He added that…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: SP City Division Murtaza Khan Bangash met with Ulema from Ahl-e-Sunnat and Ahl-e-Tashia, along with District Peace Committee members, to finalise security arrangements for the holy month of Ramadan. The meeting, held under directives from DPO Dera Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada, focused on safeguarding mosques and Imambargahs, managing Taraweeh prayer crowds, and ensuring security during Sehri and Iftar timings. Participants stressed inter-sect harmony and cooperation to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. SP Bangash assured that additional police personnel would be deployed at sensitive sites and key religious locations. He urged religious leaders to continue supporting…

Security forces decisively thwart attempted assault on checkpoint, exposing militants’ plot and underscoring vigilant defence, ISPR confirms By ISPR/Syed Tauqeer Zaidi ISLAMABAD/BAJAUR: At least 12 militants linked to an India-backed proxy group were killed, while 11 security personnel lost their lives during a brazen terrorist attack in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Tuesday. The attack, which targeted a joint checkpost manned by Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies, was swiftly repelled, though not without tragic consequences. According to the ISPR, the assailants attempted to breach the checkpost with a combination of firearms…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi BUNNU: A motorcycle-mounted bomb detonated near the main gate of Miryan Police Station on Sunday, killing two civilians—including a child—and injuring 17 others, officials reported. The blast, caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on a parked motorcycle, struck in the morning hours, targeting an area crowded with passersby and nearby residents. The injured were rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital in Bannu, where medical teams provided emergency care. Hospital sources confirmed that most of the victims were in stable condition, though several remained under observation. Authorities described the explosion as a deliberate attempt by…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi TIARZA: The civil administration organised an open court (Khuli Katcheri) in Tiarza, providing residents a direct platform to present their concerns to senior officials. The event was attended by civil and military authorities, local representatives, and community members. Officials present included the Assistant Commissioner Tiarza, Tehsildar, Station House Officer (SHO), NADRA representatives, and officers from various line departments. During the proceedings, residents raised concerns over inadequate healthcare facilities, shortage of medical staff and medicines, gaps in education, delays in official documentation, poor road infrastructure, and security challenges. Calls were also made for improved basic services, better…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A spirited debate on the “Responsible Role of Media in National Development” took place at Gomal University’s City Campus as part of the Fifth Edition of the Dosty Peshawar Literature Festival, Dera Chapter. The event, organised under the guidance of Professor Dr Ihsanullah Danish, Director of the Tank Campus, was moderated by senior journalist Muhammad Rehan from Dera Ismail Khan and drew participation from students, academics, and media professionals. Speakers included journalist Muhammad Irfan Mughal, Incharge of the Press Information Department Dera and PRO to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Muhammad Fazal…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi LAKKI MARWAT: Police in Lakki Marwat successfully averted a major terrorist attack after defusing two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing over 20 kilograms, officials said. The devices had been planted along Land Ahmad Khel Road, a public area, with the apparent aim of causing mass casualties and widespread property damage. Authorities launched an intelligence-based operation under the direction of District Police Officer Nazir Khan after receiving credible information about the threat. The operation, led by SP Investigation Murad Khan and SHO Saddar Qadir Khan with support from the Bomb Disposal Squad, involved cordoning off the area…