Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has demanded that the provincial chief minister clarify who is responsible for ongoing acts of terrorism, questioning why police, Frontier Corps, military personnel, and civilians continue to be targeted. Speaking at a news conference in Peshawar, Kundi said: “If Afghanistan is not involved, then who is responsible for these terrorist attacks? Who is killing our security personnel and citizens? Are they expecting the police to fight empty-handed while the army is withdrawn from the province?” The governor also criticized provincial authorities over the management of federal funds, noting that…

By Syed Tqauqeer Zaidi BANNU: Four members of a local peace committee, including a father and his son, were killed on Tuesday in a targeted terrorist attack in Bannu district, officials said, marking yet another violent strike against community leaders working to maintain law and order. Police reported that the incident took place in the Huwed area as the victims were returning from a jirga held in Gulbadin Landai Dhok. Their vehicle was ambushed at a pre-determined spot by unidentified gunmen who opened indiscriminate fire, killing all four occupants instantly. The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: An emergency meeting was held under the chairmanship of Commissioner Dera Division, Dawood Khan, to review arrangements for the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally, in line with directives from the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The session was attended by Regional Police Officer Syed Ashfaq Anwar, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan, and District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada. Officials briefed the Commissioner on identification, registration, and security measures, as well as the challenges encountered so far. Commissioner Dawood Khan stressed the strict implementation of the law while ensuring humanitarian treatment for women,…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Anti-Corruption Department (ACD), led by Circle Officer Minhaj Sikandar Baloch and in coordination with the Tehsildar of Kulachi, has recovered 1,400 kanals of land worth over Rs25 million in the Kulachi area. The recovery followed a complaint by Samiullah, who claimed the land originally belonged to his family but had been fraudulently taken over by Syed Mumtaz Ali in collusion with revenue officials. The land was later sold to Habib-ur-Rehman, with only Rs200,000 deposited in the national exchequer, causing a substantial financial loss to the government. After a detailed investigation, the Anti-Corruption…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: X-en PESCO WAPDA DIK Division Muhammad Imran Khan Gandapur has issued strict instructions to line staff, emphasizing that “safety must always be the first priority.” The directives were shared during the T&P Parade, attended by senior officials including SDO City Sub Division-1 Waqas Baloch, Divisional Chairman Shoaib Kundi, Zonal Secretary Iftikhar Khan Bannu Zai, Sub-Division Chairman Rizwan Sunbal, Vice Chairman Syed Kamran Shah, and other key staff. X-en Imran Khan Gandapur stressed that no work should be carried out hastily or carelessly. He said linemen must never start work without proper PTW, earthing,…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: In response to rising tribal tensions, a jirga was convened in Mir Ali Tehsil, North Waziristan, under the leadership of the local Brigade Commander. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mir Ali, and elders of the Madi Khel tribe. The jirga discussed recent clashes between the Epi and Madi Khel tribes, including reports of alleged armed drone use, highlighting threats to peace and civilian safety. Officials urged both tribes to exercise restraint, avoid confrontation, and resolve disputes through legal and peaceful channels. Tribal elders reaffirmed their commitment to promote…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Former chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, has said that the people of Dera Ismail Khan should treat the ongoing development projects as their own and extend full cooperation to the government, stressing that while development work may cause temporary inconvenience, it will bring long-term benefits for the city and its residents. He was speaking at a ceremony organized by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Dera and the Social Welfare Department, where more than 300 Transport Special Cards for persons with disabilities, 59 tricycles and 50 hearing aids were distributed…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Senior journalists and representatives of civil society from different walks of life visited the regional office of the Press Information Department (PID) in Dera Ismail Khan, where they held a meeting with the in-charge, Dr Muhammad Fazlur Rehman, to discuss growing concerns over fake news, misinformation and anti-state propaganda. The visiting delegation included senior journalists Abu-ul-Muazzam Turabi, Irfan Mughal, Muhammad Rehan and Sheikh Tauqeer Ikram, along with Mahmood Khan, general secretary of the Small Industries Association, and Central Muslim League leaders Maqsood Hussain, Qari Ehsan and Hafiz Mushtaq. During the meeting, participants held…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Amid an already fragile security situation in the southern districts, the appointment of a Khasadar constable as in-charge of a sensitive check post—rather than an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) or Head Constable—has raised serious concerns over the competence and priorities of the district police. According to details, the District Police Officer (DPO) of Dera Ismail Khan has assigned a Khasadar identified as Mero Sheikh to oversee the Darazinda Check Post, located on the Daraban CPEC International Highway. Under existing police rules and regulations, the position of check post in-charge must be held by an…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Gomal University in Dera Ismail Khan witnessed a moment of pride and academic distinction as Dr Faisal Islam from the Department of Sports Sciences and Physical Education successfully defended his PhD thesis. Dr Faisal Islam’s research, titled “Exploring Sports Participation as a Dynamic Tool for Social Development and Sustainable Peace: Mediating Role of Religious Orientation,” was described as a comprehensive and high-quality scholarly contribution. The thesis examines the role of sports in fostering social development and promoting sustainable peace, and was highly appreciated by the academic panel and subject experts for its depth,…