Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

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 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 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 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 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 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 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: Senior leader of the Shia Ulema Council Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Ramzan Tauqeer, condemned Pakistan and other Muslim countries for what he described as participation in an “imperialist and colonial agenda” under the so-called Gaza Peace Board. Addressing a large Friday congregation in Dera Ismail Khan, Allama Tauqeer criticised the initiative and said countries aligning themselves with the board should not expect peace from what he termed the “Great Satan”. He warned that such alignment could expose them to situations similar to those faced by Ukraine, Syria and Venezuela. He alleged that the United…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: A consultative meeting on the Smog Action Plan and Air Quality Management for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held via video link with the technical team of the World Bank, highlighting coordinated efforts to tackle air pollution across the province. The KP delegation was led by Junaid Khan, Secretary Climate Change, Forest, Environment and Wildlife Department, and included Special Secretary Talha Hussain Faisal, Additional Secretary Ahmad Kamal, MPA Ahmad Karim Kundi, and senior officers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During the session, Shafiq, a World Bank team member, emphasised the importance of an airshed-based approach, noting…