Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: Allegations of serious merit violations have emerged in the Communication and Works (C&W) Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the PTI government, raising questions about transparency and governance. Reports claim that Muqarrab Khan, a Grade-11 diploma holder, has been appointed to and is currently holding a Grade-17 Executive Engineer (XEN) position. Initially given temporary charge, he is now reportedly functioning in the post, sparking concerns over compliance with service rules and required qualifications. This follows a similar case in Tank district, where a watchman of the Public Health Engineering Department was promoted as a Sub-Engineer, prompting…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Deputy Commissioner Ashmatullah Wazir convened a Khuli Kachehri (Open Court) at the DC Compound on Friday to hear and address the concerns of residents from the Badar area of Sarwakai Sub-division. The session saw participation from local elders, youth, social activists, and officials from multiple line departments, reflecting strong public engagement. Residents raised issues including poor road infrastructure, water scarcity, electricity load shedding, gaps in healthcare and education, and limited employment opportunities. The DC listened attentively, sought immediate explanations from department heads, and issued directives to resolve several matters on the spot while setting…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The executive engineer of PESCO’s rural division in Dera Ismail Khan, Engineer Muaz Ahmed, said the provision of safety equipment to line staff would help ensure the timely resolution of electricity outage complaints while protecting workers’ lives. He said the government had allocated significant funds to supply protective gear so that line staff could prioritize their own safety before carrying out field duties. He was speaking at a safety seminar held at the PESCO Cantt Complaint Office. The seminar was attended by SDO PESCO Cantt Sub-Division Engineer Sanaullah Khan, line superintendent Inam Khan,…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The monthly meeting of the Dera Press Club for December 2025 was held at the club hall in Dera Ismail Khan under the chairmanship of its president, Muhammad Yasin Qureshi. The meeting was attended by former president and senior journalist Ahmed Khan Kamrani, office-bearers and a large number of club members. Participants held detailed discussions on professional matters, challenges faced by journalists and future strategies. The press club cabinet also presented its annual performance report, which was appreciated by those present. Addressing the meeting, Qureshi said the Dera Press Club was not merely…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Commissioner of Dera Division Dawood Khan met a delegation of persons with disabilities from the Deaf Welfare Association at his office in Dera Ismail Khan, where challenges faced by people with disabilities, existing facilities and welfare initiatives were discussed in detail. During the meeting, the commissioner assured the delegation that the district administration and relevant government bodies would provide full cooperation and necessary facilities to support the welfare and well-being of persons with disabilities. The delegation welcomed him on his new posting and expressed hope that meaningful steps would be taken under his…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Lawyers from the District and High Court Bars staged a protest outside the office of the District Police Officer over the non-arrest of Advocate Khalid Mansoor’s killers and the registration of incorrect FIR sections in a case involving Advocate Hasan. Led by Advocate Sardar Qaisar Khan Miankhel and Advocate Zain-ul-Abidin, the lawyers demanded the immediate arrest of the killers, suspension of the concerned SHO, and a transparent inquiry into both incidents. Advocate Zahid Mohibullah warned that the protest would intensify if their demands were not met. DSP City Circle Hafiz Muhammad Adnan, SP…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The District Administration hosted a farewell ceremony for trainee Assistant Commissioners, recognizing their contributions and professional performance during their training period and extending best wishes for their future careers. Deputy Commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan congratulated Muhammad Umair, Taimoor‑ul‑Hassan, and Uthwa Jameela on completing their district attachment, which ran from 9 July to 26 December 2025. During this time, the officers gained practical experience in revenue and general administration and contributed to the compilation of the Dera Ismail Khan District Gazetteer, marking a notable achievement after a long interval. The Deputy Commissioner praised…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The academic future of Allied Health Sciences students at Gomal University received a boost after a high-level meeting in Peshawar, chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education and Local Government, Meena Khan Afridi. The meeting brought together Professor Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Vice Chancellor of Gomal University; Dr. Farrukh Jameel, Hospital Director at the Medical Teaching Institution (MTI); Gulzar Khan, Head of MTI Legal Team; senior officials from Khyber Medical University (KMU); and representatives of the Higher Education Department. Minister Afridi acknowledged the concerns of Allied Health Sciences students across the province…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Wildlife Department released black and grey partridges in the Sheikh Badin area as part of efforts to restore their population and encourage breeding in the wild. The release, carried out under the directives of Divisional Forest Officer Khan Malook Khan, aimed to strengthen the partridge numbers in the Special Game Reserve. Officials and staff of the Wildlife Department attended the ceremony and highlighted the importance of wildlife conservation. Speaking on the occasion, Khan Malook Khan said such initiatives were crucial to protecting wildlife and maintaining ecological balance, adding that similar conservation efforts…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The funeral of Major Adil Zaman Sadozai, who was martyred during a security operation in Bajaur district, was held in his hometown of Dera Ismail Khan with full official honours. Thousands of mourners, including senior civil and military officials, political figures, and local citizens, attended the funeral prayers at Government Islamia School. Inspector General Frontier Corps (North) Major General Rao Imran Sartaj and Inspector General Frontier Corps (South) Major General Muhammad Imran Rao were among the dignitaries present. After the prayers, Major Sadozai was laid to rest in a local graveyard. A Pakistan…