Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A high-level meeting was held under the chairmanship of the commissioner of Dera Division, Dawood Khan, to review security arrangements and overall preparations for the upcoming anti-polio campaign. The meeting reviewed the progress of the previous polio campaign, the performance of field teams and planning for the next phase. It was attended by the regional police officer, Syed Ashfaq Anwar, the deputy commissioner, Abdul Nasir Khan, the district police officer, Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada, the assistant to the commissioner for political and development affairs, Sajjad Baloch, and representatives of the health department, EPI, WHO,…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: The Chairperson of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) concluded participation in the Pakistan–Indonesia Exposure and Learning Visit on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) held from 19–24 January 2026, supported by UN Women. Representing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Chairperson joined a high-level Pakistani delegation that included Federal Secretary Human Rights Khalique Sadique, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women Ume Laila, Chairperson of the Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women Kiran Baloch, and representatives from civil society organizations. During the visit, the delegation engaged with Indonesian government institutions,…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: A representative delegation from the Grand Jirga Circle Kundian, led by Qayyum Khan Kundi, called on the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, at the Governor House in Peshawar. The delegation included President of Grand Jirga Circle Kundian Rafi Kundi, retired principal Saleem Khan, Rehmatullah Kundi, Shah Nawaz Khan, Malik Azeem Khan and other local notables. During the meeting, the delegation briefed the governor on various issues facing Circle Kundian. They demanded the timely completion of the Tank-Pezu Road, construction of a shortcut road from CPEC Yarik to Darki, utilisation of gas royalty funds…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan successfully conducted entry tests for its MPhil and PhD programmes for the Spring Semester at Wensam College, following the special instructions of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal. The tests were efficiently organised under the supervision of Director Admissions Riaz Ahmed Bettani and his team. According to Bettani, 394 candidates appeared for the MPhil entry test, while 97 candidates participated in the PhD test. A special quota was reserved for children of martyrs of the Pakistan Army, security forces and police to ensure equal opportunities for higher…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A serious case of alleged injustice has emerged in Paharpur under the Benazir Income Support Programme, where deserving women were reportedly subjected to illegal deductions from their financial assistance despite clear orders issued by the assistant commissioner. According to local sources, an unlawful deduction of Rs500 per beneficiary continued unabated from government relief funds, in apparent violation of strict and explicit instructions from the assistant commissioner of Paharpur. The sources said the illegal practice was being carried out openly at an office located near a filthy drain, triggering widespread anger and resentment among…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The volleyball team of Agricultural University Dera Ismail Khan made a remarkable return to the Inter-University Sports Championship after a seven-year gap, reaching the semi-finals with an impressive display of skill and determination. Although the team did not advance to the final, their discipline, dedication and high standard of play received widespread appreciation. The achievement was credited to the special guidance and continuous encouragement of the Vice Chancellor of Agricultural University D.I. Khan, Professor Dr. Shakeeb Ullah, who has actively promoted sports activities across the university. Following the match, team members and officials…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi TIRAH VALLEY: The rescue operation in Tirah Valley has successfully concluded, and the registration and relocation process for affected families has resumed after a four-day pause. During the operation, 2,400 individuals, including those in 480 vehicles, were rescued. Over 200 injured residents trapped in snow were provided medical assistance. Three base camps were established at Paindi Chena, Mehrban Killi, and Odo Toi to facilitate relief efforts for affected families. According to Maqsood Alam, spokesperson for District Khyber Rescue 1122, local residents began relocating from Tirah Valley on 10 January. However, heavy snowfall on 22 January stranded…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR/SWAT: Police have registered a formal First Information Report (FIR) against Member of the National Assembly, Dr. Amjad Ali, at Koo Karai Police Station over a controversial speech that has sparked widespread criticism. According to officials, the FIR accuses Dr. Amjad Ali of using provocative and inflammatory language against state institutions, describing the speech as highly contentious and contrary to the interests of the state. Authorities said the remarks were seen as a potential threat to public order, capable of inciting unrest and spreading fear in the area. The FIR notes that the statements violate the…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement, Aqibullah Khan, strongly rejected the federal government’s statement on the displacement of residents from Tirah Valley, accusing the centre of attempting to shift blame onto the provincial government. He noted that the nation is aware of federal ministers’ speeches in the National Assembly regarding the military operation in Tirah Valley. He added that the official letter issued by the Deputy Commissioner and the position of the 24-member local committee of Tirah are publicly available. Aqibullah Khan said that residents were forced to migrate due to the operation…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: An online open court (Khuli Kacheri) for the Irrigation Department was held at the office of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Irrigation, Riaz Khan, in Peshawar, allowing the public to directly present their complaints and concerns. During the session, Minister Riaz Khan received calls from residents across various districts of the province and listened to their problems personally. Secretary Irrigation Abdul Basit and other senior departmental officials were also present. All complaints were formally recorded, and contact details of the complainants were noted for follow-up. The Minister directed officers to take practical steps to resolve issues…