Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the World Bank have joined forces to tackle air pollution, holding a consultative meeting on the Smog Action Plan and Air Quality Management via video link, officials said.The KP delegation was led by Secretary Climate Change Junaid Khan and included Special Secretary Talha Hussain Faisal, Additional Secretary Ahmad Kamal, MPA Ahmad Karim Kundi, and senior Environmental Protection Agency officers. The World Bank team highlighted the need for an airshed-based approach, stressing that pollution crosses administrative boundaries and requires regional cooperation.Mr Shafiq from the World Bank said achieving a 35 percent reduction in…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi MIRANSHAH: A jirga convened under the supervision of the Pakistan Army in Miranshah brought together tribal elders, maliks, and district officials to review the law and order situation in the region, officials said.GOC Miranshah Major General Adil Iftikhar welcomed participants and praised the role of tribal leaders in promoting peace and development. He emphasized that lasting security depends on cooperation between local communities and security institutions.The meeting discussed threats from terrorist elements aiming to disrupt stability, including attacks on development projects and communication infrastructure. Tribal elders and local leaders reaffirmed their commitment to support security forces…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A high-level delegation from the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) met with District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada to review the security of UN-supported development projects in the district.The DPO briefed the delegation on ongoing initiatives and emphasized that safeguarding these projects is a top priority for the district police. He highlighted the force’s round-the-clock efforts to maintain law and order and protect both personnel and public property. Sahibzada noted that UN-backed projects play a vital role in the region’s development and assured the delegation that all necessary measures are…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: An oath-taking ceremony of the Pakistan Doctors Association was held at the DHQ Hospital in Dera Ismail Khan, bringing together senior medical professionals, hospital administrators and political figures from the district.Former chief minister Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur attended the event as chief guest and administered the oath to PDA members. Doctors renewed their pledge to uphold professional duties, provide quality patient care and adhere to medical ethics.Addressing the gathering, Gandapur said doctors were among the most important segments of society because of their direct role in serving humanity. He described the health…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Public protests were held across Pakistan against what demonstrators described as a US-backed “peace board” linked to the Palestine issue, with a large rally taking place in Dera Ismail Khan on the call of Majlis-e-Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM) Pakistan.In Dera Ismail Khan, worshippers gathered outside Kotli Imam Hussain after Friday prayers and staged a peaceful but forceful demonstration. The protest was followed by a rally through the area, during which participants raised slogans in support of Palestine and against what they termed American and Israeli conspiracies.Similar scenes were reported in the city’s outskirts, including Dhala…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Federal Board of Revenue sealed four major business establishments in Dera Ismail Khan for failing to comply with the Point of Sale system, officials said on Thursday.According to the FBR, the action was taken after the businesses did not implement the mandatory e-POS system and failed to respond to repeated notices. The enforcement drive was carried out on the directives of the FBR commissioner and led by Malik Muhammad Riaz, deputy commissioner FBR in Dera Ismail Khan.Officials said each of the sealed outlets had been fined Rs500,000 for not being connected to…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Private Education Network (PEN) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has strongly condemned the Labour Department’s issuance of heavy fines and notices worth millions of rupees to private educational institutions, calling it state oppression and a blatant attack on education.PEN Pakistan’s Provincial President Saleem Khan and Deputy General Secretary Sardar Muhammad Arsalan Sadozai said private schools across the province are being systematically targeted. They claimed the campaign aims to pressure schools, create unrest, and force protests against the government, describing the actions as “unbearable and unacceptable.”The leadership emphasised that schools are not factories but guardians of…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Dera Ismail Khan: Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur visited the District Central Jail in Dera Ismail Khan to inaugurate two new buildings constructed at a cost of millions of rupees. The ceremony included ribbon-cutting and unveiling of commemorative plaques.He was welcomed by Superintendent Jail Ejaz Mehsud, DIG Prisons Dera Range Tahir Shehbaz, Deputy Superintendent Zafarullah Marwat, and Tank MNA Dawar Khan Gandapur. During the visit, Gandapur inspected various jail sections, met prisoners, and reviewed the quality of food, cleanliness, medical facilities, and the condition of patients under treatment. He…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Authorities in Dera Ismail Khan launched a major anti-encroachment operation across key city areas, aiming to restore smooth traffic flow and public convenience.The operation, directed by Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan and supervised by Assistant Commissioner Syed Muhammad Arslan, targeted Circular Road, Fakirni Gate, and Commissary Bazaar. Remaining encroachments along Circular Road from Syndicate Chowk to Liberty Plaza near St. John’s Church were removed, while illegal structures inside Fakirni Gate were also cleared.In Commissary Bazaar, several shopkeepers were found placing goods on the road’s Right of Way despite repeated warnings, prompting legal action.…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) delegation met with Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Ashfaq Anwar at the Ranges Police Office in Dera Ismail Khan to discuss the security of ongoing UN projects in the region.The meeting focused on challenges faced in the field and measures to ensure the safety of UN representatives working on local development initiatives. UNDSS officials expressed full confidence in the Dera Range Police, commending their professionalism, courage, and dedication in maintaining peace and stability.RPO Syed Ashfaq Anwar assured the delegation that protecting lives and property…