Author: Syed Tauqeer Zaidi

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi reportedly began consulting close allies on Tuesday over the possibility of resigning, according to sources familiar with the matter briefed Daily Metro Morning. The consultations came amid mounting political pressure, widespread protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and increasing scrutiny over recent judicial and social media developments. The sources, on complete anonymity, further said that CM Afridi convened a secret meeting at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House with trusted aides to assess the rapidly evolving political landscape. Discussions reportedly centered on the ongoing demonstrations, a recent Peshawar High Court ruling,…

By Syed Tauqeer ZaidiDERA ISMAIL KHAN: Authorities in Dera Ismail Khan have finalized a comprehensive traffic management plan for Ramazan to ensure smooth movement in the city’s main markets, officials said. The plan, announced after a meeting chaired by Secretary Regional Transport Authority Shaukat Iqbal, was prepared in consultation with trader organizations to balance traffic flow with a conducive business environment. DSP Traffic Anwar Khan Khattak said the police, under directives from DPO Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada, have developed a detailed strategy to regulate market traffic during the holy month. Under the scheme, Qingqi rickshaws will have limited access in designated…

By Syed Tauqeer ZaidiDERA ISMAIL KHAN: Cantt Public School held a colorful and dignified Annual Open Day, attracting enthusiastic participation from parents, especially mothers of students from Play Group to Grade II. The event featured a variety of student performances, including poems, presentations, and character enactments, showcasing the children’s confidence, creativity, and expressive skills. A special highlight was the “Mini Market,” where students ran stalls designed to develop practical life skills and self-confidence, earning praise from parents who described the initiative as both educational and inspiring. At the ceremony’s conclusion, mothers commended the dedication of the school administration and teachers,…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Late on Tuesday night, unidentified militants launched coordinated assaults on the York Police Station and a nearby Customs Police Station, resulting in the deaths of two security personnel and injuries to three others, officials reported. The attacks, which authorities described as “planned and brutal,” sent shockwaves through the district and prompted an immediate response from law enforcement. The first assault targeted the Customs Police Station, where Constable Muhammad Israr was killed and Constable Nauman sustained injuries. According to police sources, the assailants also abducted a customs official and set two vehicles ablaze before…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: Thirty-seven students from the Department of Journalism at University of Peshawar have been awarded laptops under the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme, recognizing their academic performance across PhD, MPhil, MS, and BS programs. The distribution ceremony was held at the department, where Chairperson Dr. Mehnaz Gul handed over the laptops in the presence of Assistant Professor Ali Imran. Dr. Gul said the initiative would motivate students, strengthen digital skills, and encourage academic excellence. She urged students to make the most of the opportunity and bring pride to their department and university. The students expressed gratitude…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi PESHAWAR: The Right to Public Services (RTS) Commission organized a one-day training workshop for RTS Ambassadors and District Monitoring Officers (DMOs) in Peshawar to strengthen institutional capacity and improve public service delivery across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At the inaugural session, the Chief Commissioner highlighted the Commission’s aim to ensure timely, transparent, and high-quality services for citizens, stressing efficiency, transparency, and citizen facilitation. Participants received briefings on the RTS Act, rules and regulations, complaint redressal mechanisms, operational responsibilities, and monitoring systems. Special sessions focused on professional ethics, leadership skills, and the responsible use of social media to promote…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Regional Police Officer Syed Ashfaq Anwar has reinstated DSP City Circle Malik Abid Iqbal after strong public demand, a move welcomed by local residents, traders, and civic groups. Three days earlier, DSP Iqbal had negotiated with individuals blocking the Dera Darya Khan Bridge, which had disrupted traffic. When talks failed, he took decisive action to clear the road and restore normal traffic flow, earning praise from the public and political representatives. Following his reinstatement, community members applauded RPO Anwar’s decision and expressed confidence that DSP Malik Abid Iqbal would continue serving with dedication…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Pakistan Customs destroyed narcotics and other illegal goods valued at Rs812.125 million in Dera Ismail Khan, officials said, as part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and protect public health. The ceremony took place at Ratta Kulachi Stadium in the presence of media representatives. Assistant Collector Customs Umar Jan said the items had been seized during multiple anti-smuggling operations and were being disposed of in accordance with the law. “The operation reaffirms Pakistan Customs’ commitment to eliminating smuggling and hazardous goods that threaten public health and societal values,” he said. He added that…

By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: SP City Division Murtaza Khan Bangash met with Ulema from Ahl-e-Sunnat and Ahl-e-Tashia, along with District Peace Committee members, to finalise security arrangements for the holy month of Ramadan. The meeting, held under directives from DPO Dera Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada, focused on safeguarding mosques and Imambargahs, managing Taraweeh prayer crowds, and ensuring security during Sehri and Iftar timings. Participants stressed inter-sect harmony and cooperation to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. SP Bangash assured that additional police personnel would be deployed at sensitive sites and key religious locations. He urged religious leaders to continue supporting…

Security forces decisively thwart attempted assault on checkpoint, exposing militants’ plot and underscoring vigilant defence, ISPR confirms By ISPR/Syed Tauqeer Zaidi ISLAMABAD/BAJAUR: At least 12 militants linked to an India-backed proxy group were killed, while 11 security personnel lost their lives during a brazen terrorist attack in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Tuesday. The attack, which targeted a joint checkpost manned by Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies, was swiftly repelled, though not without tragic consequences. According to the ISPR, the assailants attempted to breach the checkpost with a combination of firearms…