Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa endured a relentless wave of militant violence in 2025, as terrorist attacks swept across the province, leaving a heavy toll on civilians and security forces alike. The report recorded 1,588 terrorist incidents during the year, resulting in 502 deaths and hundreds of injuries. Civilians were the worst affected, with 223 killed and 570 wounded in attacks across the province. Security forces also suffered significant losses. The CTD said 137 police officers were killed and 236 injured, while the Federal Constabulary reported 124 fatalities and 244 injuries. A further 18 personnel from…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A delegation of lawyers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, led by Sardar Hashmat Nawaz Sadozai, Advocate and member of the KP Bar Council as well as leader of the Peoples Lawyers Forum, called on Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at Governor House in Peshawar. The meeting provided a platform for dialogue on enhancing cooperation between the judiciary and the legal fraternity, professional development of lawyers, and broader issues concerning the justice sector. During the discussions, Governor Kundi emphasized the critical role of the legal community as a cornerstone of the justice system. Governor Kundi assured the…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi TANK: An Anti-Drug Awareness Seminar was held at Captain Shaheed Ashfaq Government Degree College in Tank as part of the provincial government’s ongoing public agenda to combat substance abuse. The event was jointly organized by the District Administration Tank, the District Youth Office, and the college administration, reflecting a coordinated effort to raise awareness among young people. The seminar was attended by Assistant Commissioner Jandola, the District Youth Officer, the District Attorney of Tank, the college principal, faculty members, and a large gathering of students. Speakers at the event highlighted the alarming rise in drug use…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Station Commander Brigadier Muhammad Abu Bakar attended the prize distribution ceremony for the annual sports competitions at Darul Uloom Usmania in Maryali, where he encouraged students and celebrated their achievements in volleyball, tug-of-war, and race competitions. The event highlighted the seminary’s efforts to promote both religious and contemporary education alongside extracurricular activities. Upon arrival, Brigadier Abu Bakar was warmly received by the seminary’s administrator, Qari Muhammad Umair Farooqi, faculty members, and students, who greeted him with rose petals and flower bouquets. Qari Umair Farooqi briefed the commander on the institution’s educational initiatives, emphasizing…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: City Police carried out a series of targeted operations over the past week, resulting in the arrest of five suspects linked to theft and narcotics offences, officials confirmed. During the raids, authorities recovered a stolen motorcycle, proceeds from the sale of a stolen rickshaw, and a range of illegal drugs, underscoring the force’s continued efforts to clamp down on criminal activity in the district. The operations were conducted under the supervision of District Police Officer Dera, Sajjad Ahmed Sabzwari, with leadership from DSP City Circle Hafiz Muhammad Adnan and SHO Cadet Khanzada Khan.…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Accreditation and Equivalence Committee of the Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) concluded a two-day evaluation visit to the University of Agriculture, Dera Ismail Khan, to assess the academic standards, infrastructure, and practical training facilities of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences. The visit, officials said, was aimed at reviewing the preparedness of the university to deliver the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program in accordance with national standards. The committee, formed under an official PVMC notification, included former Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Chaudhry Sarwar, Registrar Shabnam Firdous, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal as Convener, Prof.…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi MIR ALI: A deadly explosion at a madrasa in the village of Aisuri, Mir Ali, in North Waziristan, killed two children and injured eight others, security sources have confirmed. Officials said the blast was caused by unexploded ordnance left behind by militants, which the children reportedly triggered while playing. The improvised device had been planted by insurgents to obstruct the movement of security forces in the area. Authorities noted that across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 114 square kilometers had previously been identified as contaminated with explosive remnants and landmines. The Pakistan Army has cleared 82 square kilometers of…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Authorities in Dera Ismail Khan have officially announced the issuance of Transport Special Cards for persons with disabilities. The announcement was made by Secretary RTA Dera, Shaukat Iqbal, during an open katcheri for persons with disabilities, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan. Under the scheme, all public transport vehicles will provide a 50% fare concession to cardholders. After collecting data of persons with disabilities through the Sahara Center, each special card will be delivered to the individual’s doorstep within three days. Speaking to the media, Secretary RTA Shaukat Iqbal said that within…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Residents of Dera Ismail Khan city, particularly in the Dyal Road area and surrounding neighborhoods, are grappling with severe disruptions to daily life due to persistently low gas pressure, officials and local consumers reported. Households have struggled to carry out basic tasks such as preparing breakfast and other meals, despite scheduled gas load-shedding, with many claiming that the supply remains inadequate even during their allotted hours. According to residents, the pressure from the main gas source has dropped to such low levels that very little gas reaches domestic connections, creating frustration and hardship…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Authorities in Dera Ismail Khan foiled an audacious attempt to smuggle crystal meth, known locally as “ice,” by intercepting a vehicle that officials said was being used to disguise the operation under the guise of a family trip. The Excise Department recovered two kilograms of the narcotic from a car bearing registration number FDW-2233 and arrested three suspects, including a woman, in connection with the case. The operation was carried out under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s zero-tolerance policy on narcotics, which has emphasised heightened monitoring and enforcement across the province. Acting on directives…