A police constable was martyred and three others sustained injuries when unidentified miscreants opened fire on a police mobile in DI Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Wednesday.
Police told The Express Tribune that in the jurisdiction area of Daraban Police Station a police team was providing security to census team in Kara Mastan when terrorists opened fire at the police vehicle.
“As a result three policemen including Constable Aftab Ahmad, Gul Faraz and Driver Sabir were injured. They were rushed to the nearby hospital where Constable Gul Faraz succumbed to his injuries,” said a police official, adding that the attackers once again managed to escape after committing the crime.
A large contingent of police reached the spot and started a door-to-door search operation but there was no sign of the attackers.
He said that the attack took place at a deserted place where terrorists had set an ambush.
“They fired at police and also threw hand grenade causing a confusion which helped the terrorists escape,” he said, adding that police registered an FIR and opened investigation in the case.
This is the second attack on DI Khan police this month. On March 4, terrorists had stormed a police post of Kulachi police station. The attackers had surrounded the post and fired three RPG-7 shoulder-fired rockets.
The exchange of fire continued for almost 45 minutes after which the terrorists fled.
Police said that a policeman Ihsanullah was injured in the attack who has been hospitalized. His condition is stated to be stable now.
Two labourers killed in blast
Two labourers were killed in a blast in an abandoned match factory in Hayatabad Industrial Estate.
Police told The Express Tribune that the factory was closed for at least eight years and recently it was leased by a local trader who assigned several labourers with the task of cleaning it.
“During the cleaning process suddenly a loud explosion occurred in which two labourers were seriously injured. They were rushed to the Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC) where both of them succumbed to their injuries,” said a police official, adding that most probably the chemicals used in match-making caught fire and exploded.
“Highly inflammable chemicals had been left in the factory which caused the blast as probably these chemicals caught fire during cleaning and exploded. A BDU team has been called to inspect the site and give expert opinion,” he said, adding that it was really premature to jump to conclusion. “The BDU team would inspect the site for the presence of any explosives in the abandoned building. It is difficult to say whether it was a terrorist attack or not,” he said.
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Police constable dies in DI Khan ambush
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PML-N finally concedes to elections in Punjab, K-P
While Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had been vocal about postponing elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and had even used its position of power in the Centre for the purpose, it seems to have finally come to terms with the reality of elections and the repercussions of stonewalling the Supreme Court (SC) orders as party President Shehbaz Sharif has invited application from candidates for party tickets and instructed the party to prepare for the polls.
Shehbaz has called for applications for party tickets from interested candidates from Punjab. He has also directed the party’s parliamentary boards to finalise the lists of the candidates for Punjab and K-P. He has further directed the candidates to submit the papers in their respective constituencies in view of the announcement of March 14 as the last date for the submission of nomination papers in Punjab by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
For submitting applications, candidates have been instructed to approach the central party secretariat at 180-H Model Town. The party president has also instructed the workers to prepare a plan for running an election campaign.
In his message to party candidates, he said that the party leaders should prepare themselves to enter the political arena. He said that under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, they have taken Pakistan out of crises in the past and will do it again now. He further said that PML-N, during its time in power, ensured the reduction in prices of essential commodities, eradicated terrorism, provided world-class travel facilities, ended load-shedding, stabilised the economy, educated youth, provided jobs, and gave scholarships.
So far, PML-N was maintaining that the party would only enter the electoral arena after a level playing field was provided to them and after Nawaz was cleared of all the charges that were placed on him.
Party’s chief organizer, Maryam Nawaz, whose division-wise tours were dubbed as an election campaign, had reiterated these demands during a youth convention. It was generally perceived that PML-N was not entering the political arena despite being up against a formidable rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and would continue with the pursuit of trying to delay the polls by using finance or security as an excuse.
However, any attempt to further delay the elections would have brought the central government against the apex court. Interestingly the newly-appointed chief organiser of the party, while addressing the young leaders of the party, did not even hint towards the party's plan of inviting applications.
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WSSP initiates cleaning of canal
Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP) started cleaning of Hazar Khwani Branch Canal at Yakatoot following orders of Peshawar High Court (PHC), said a press statement issued here on Thursday.
According to WSSP, waste bins have also been installed at various locations from Bairy Bagh to Cemetery to prevent littering and waste dumping in the canal.
It is pertinent to mention here that the irrigation department is responsible for the cleaning of the canals but WSSP management has initiated de-silting in accordance with court orders to clean the canal and launch an awareness campaign. “We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities regarding the cleanliness and sanitation of the city. The Yakatoot Canal cleaning campaign and awareness drive prove the commitment of WSSP to keep the environment clean,” said Chief Executive Officer of WSSP Dr Hassan Nasir while commenting on the canal cleaning campaign.
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8 killed in separate shooting incidents
Three separate incidents in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday resulted in the deaths of eight people, including an alleged robber.
In Bannu’s Chakkar Mandan area, unidentified assailants in a motor vehicle fired at bike riders in a crowded market, killing four people and injuring six others. The attackers escaped the scene after the incident.
The deceased have been identified as Arifullah, Abdullah, Ihsanullah, and a nine-year-old child named Muhammad Abdullah.
The six injured individuals have been identified as Waleed, Sajjid, Mir Saud, Amir, Kashif, and Amjad. A police official believes the shooting may have resulted from personal or family disputes, but since it took place in an crowded marketplace many people were hit.
In Swabi’s Shiwa area, three individuals, including a father and son, were killed due to a family dispute.
According to complainant Muhammad Zahid, his brother and nephew, Muhammad Saddiq and Waqar Ahmad, gave a ride to Wahid Ali while en route to Shah Mansoor Judicial Complex.
On the way, the accused Wahid Khan and his two sons, Akmal Khan and Asfandyar, ambushed the vehicle in the Khakata Pull area and killed all three individuals.
Police said that complainant Muhammad Zahid lodged an FIR with Parmoli police station, stating that his brother and nephew Muhammad Saddiq and Waqar Ahmad went to Shah Mansoor Judicial Complex to appear before the court in a case. On their way, they provided lift to Wahid Ali. He stated that he himself with a friend Inamulalh followed them on their bike.
“When their car reached Khakata Pull area, the accused Wahid Khan and his two sons Akmal Khan and Asfandyar ambushed the vehicle, killing all the three on the spot,” he added.
An FIR has been registered against the three accused, and the investigation is ongoing.
In a separate incident in Peshawar’s University Town area, an alleged robber was killed in a police encounter.
During routine patrolling, police encountered armed robbers and asked them to surrender, but they instead opened fire on the police. The police returned fire and killed one of the robbers, seizing his pistol and mobile phone. The identity of the alleged robber has yet to be determined.
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Three more terrorists killed in North Waziristan operation
At least three more terrorists were killed in a follow-up sanitisation of the area by security force on Thursday, a day after six terrorists were killed in an intelligence based operation in North Waziristan’s Datta Khel area, the military said.
On Wednesday, at least six terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces during an intelligence based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan’s Datta Khel area, military's media wing, the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.
“The terrorists had remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces and civilians,” it added.
The ISPR said that the operation was followed by sanitisation of the area by security forces, during which three more terrorists were killed after intense exchange of fire. “Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists,” it added.
Locals of the area appreciated the security forces’ response and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the area, the statement further read.
Last month, two soldiers were martyred during an exchange of fire with militants in the Spinwam area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (K-P) North Waziristan district.
Also read: Six terrorists killed in North Waziristan IBO
During the intense exchange of fire, 25-year-old sepoy lmran Ullah, resident of District Bajaur District, and sepoy Afzal Khan who was 21 years of age and a resident of Upper Dir District, fought gallantly and embraced martyrdom, the ISPR said.
At least two terrorists were also killed while two others were apprehended by army troops. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists, it added.
Pakistan's security forces have conducted numerous operations against terrorism across the country, not only arresting terrorists and their facilitators but also foiling several attacks during the last three months.
Security forces have killed more than 150 terrorists during the last three months as operations to eliminate terrorism from the country continue. At least 1,007 terrorists were arrested during 6,921 operations by security forces across the country in the last three months.
A total of 1,960 operations were conducted in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, out of which 1,516 were area-domination operations, 301 were intelligence-based operations, and 143 were area-sanitisation operations.
As a result of the operations conducted by security forces, 98 terrorists were killed and 540 were arrested in K-P.
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Five terrorists killed in Waziristan intel-based ops
At least five terrorists have been killed as security forces carried out intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in North and South Waziristan districts, the military said in a statement on Friday.
"Weapons, ammunition and a large quantity of equipment were also recovered from the killed terrorists," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The ISPR further said that the army was determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from every inch of our territory with an unflinching resolve.
Read: Cop martyred in K-P check post attack
Pakistan's security forces have conducted numerous operations against terrorism across the country, not only arresting terrorists and their facilitators but also foiling several attacks during the last three months.
Security forces have killed more than 150 terrorists during the last three months as operations to eliminate terrorism from the country continue. At least 1,007 terrorists were arrested during 6,921 operations by security forces across the country in the last three months.
A total of 1,960 operations were conducted in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, out of which 1,516 were area-domination operations, 301 were intelligence-based operations, and 143 were area-sanitisation operations.
As a result of the operations conducted by security forces, 98 terrorists were killed and 540 were arrested in K-P.
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Lavish menu for moon-sighting body suspended
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Caretaker Minister for Auqaf, Haj, Minorities Affairs and Information, Barrister Feroz Jamal Kakakhel has taken notice of the social media reports that 11-item menu dinner has been planned for the participants of Rueat-e-Hilal Committee meeting in Peshawar.
Social media is abuzz with reports that a tender has been issued for dinner – with 11 dishes on the menu including halwa, naranji rice, dampukh with rice and seikh kabab for 100 VIPs. Similarly, a six-dish menu had been prepared for another 100 people.
Separately a five-item high tea had also been planned. The pictures of the tender were widely circulated on social media which invited widespread criticism from the general public.
“The minister ordered suspension of the tender and an inquiry into the case. He asked secretary concerned to submit the inquiry report within 12 hours,” said an official while talking to The Express Tribune.
He said that the minister also ordered that instead of inviting 100 VIPs and 100 members of the general public, only members of the committee should be invited so as to save money.
The minister said that government was strictly following the policy of austerity and no one will be allowed to ignore it, adding that a simple dinner should be served to the members.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2023.
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Clinic for autistic children opens in Peshawar
A clinic for the treatment of children affected by autism was opened at the Paraplegic Centre Peshawar on Friday.
Advisor to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Caretaker Chief Minister Health Dr Abid Jameel performed the inauguration.
He paid a visit to the centre and was very impressed with the performance of the largest physical rehabilitation center in the country and highly appreciated the dedication of its staff.
On this occasion, the health advisor formally opened program for the treatment and physical and psychological rehabilitation of children affected by autism.
Dr Abid Jameel visited various departments of the institution, mingled with the patients under treatment there and inquired after their well-being.
Spinal cord injury patients, hailing from different parts of the country, informed the health advisor that apart from three meals a day, all treatment facilities and equipment are provided to them completely free of charge, while staff behavior was excellent.
Jamil acknowledged that he himself is a witness to this fact as his close relative was admitted here a few years ago who was rehabilitated sooner due to the excellent medical facilities available here.
He observed that the number of children affected by autism is increasing rapidly across the country and it has become a big challenge, but unfortunately there are very few institutions for the treatment of the condition and they are also very expensive.
It may be noted that children suffering from autism are usually self-absorbed and unaware of their surroundings. They shy away from socializing with people, are not interested in reading and cannot concentrate on any task.
They cannot sit in one place and get down to fighting and breaking things.
Dr Syed Muhammad Ilyas informed the advisor that although the treatment and physical and psychological rehabilitation of children with autism is a difficult job, the Paraplegic Centre has taken up this Herculean task.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2023.
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Power distribution ‘requires overhaul’
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam has said that the electricity distribution systems needed overhaul in the aftermath of the floods which inflicted heavy damage on the power transmission lines.
He commended the PESCO team and its leadership for its dedicated efforts to restore the power transmission lines and hoped that their efforts would yield positive results.
Muqam chaired a meeting of top officials at WAPDA house Peshawar where he was briefed by the incumbent CEO PESCO Sardar Arif Khan Sadozai, CEO TESCO Qazi Tahir and other senior officials.
The provincial line losses target, put forth by the ministry, for the month of February, was achieved and surpassed by more than one per cent, he was informed.
The advisor highlighted the dire need to improve the billing system so that public is not forced to pay hefty bills in false over-billing cases which is a major complaint by the general public.
He directed the quarters concerned to ensure real-time readings and fill vacant seats of linemen where necessary so as to provide maximum relief to PECO consumers.
Muqam stressed that accountability of billing offenders must be ensured across the board for the sake of national interest.
He maintained that few corporate offenders are capable of stealing electricity that amounts to the total supply of several villages and such people should be taken to task by all means.
Numerous restaurants, crush plants and prominent hospitals have been caught stealing electricity and fined on the spot since the incumbent CEO took charge of his office which is really commendable, he said.
PESCO CEO Sadozai emphasised that recovery in hard areas stand at 41 per cent as compared to 88 per cent in soft terrain areas.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2023.
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Coalition partners to boycott NA by-elections in KP
The coalition government partners on Saturday announced that they would participate in the by-elections for three seats of the National Assembly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
Pakistan Democratic Party K-P spokesperson Abdul Jalil Jan said that “it is our policy and decision that we will not participate in any by-elections”, adding that the “coalition parties are now preparing for general elections and will participate in them”.
No candidate from the parties included in the PDM will submit nomination papers for NA-22 Mardan, NA-24 Charsadda and NA-31 Peshawar constituencies.
PTI candidates Ali Muhammad Khan, Fazal Muhammad Khan and Haji Shaukat Ali won the three seats K-P in the 2018 general elections.
Read PPP withdraws from by-polls
After the resignation of the PTI lawmakers from the NA, PTI chief Imran Khan won the by-elections held on October 16 last year on the above-mentioned three seats.
However, these seats were declared vacant by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as the ousted prime minister had failed to take an oath.
Last month, the electoral watchdog announced that by-elections on 31 vacant seats of the NA would be held on March 19, as the polls supervisory body held consultations regarding the dates for holding elections of the provincial assemblies of Punjab and K-P.
Also Read CDA moves to evict denotified PTI lawmakers from Parliament Lodges
The ECP released the schedule for the by-elections on 31 NA seats. According to it, nomination papers would be submitted from Feb 10 to 14, which would be scrutinised on Feb 18.
The candidates would be able to withdraw the nomination papers till March 1. After that, the election symbols would be allotted to the candidates on March 2. The ECP said that the balloting in the vacant constituencies would be held on March 19.
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Orientation session for ACs held in Swat
A two-day orientation session on providing technical knowledge to assistant commissioners of Malakand division as Principal Accounting Officer was held in Saidu Sharif, Swat on Saturday.
On the first day of the session, Commissioner Malakand Division Shahidullah Khan addressed as the chief guest. The session was organized by the provincial finance department with technical support from the Sub-National Governance Program and financial assistance from the UK’s Foreign, Common Wealth and Development Office.
The purpose of the awareness session was to equip assistant commissioners with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively under the new local government system.
Shahidullah Khan appreciated the SNG program of Oxford Policy Management for organizing the session for the assistant commissioners of the division.
The commissioner emphasized the importance of enhancing the quality of governance and improving service delivery to strengthen the government institutions.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 12th, 2023.
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Olive Gala organised in Peshawar
The Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) Tarnab, Peshawar on Friday hosted an Olive Gala, showcasing the potential of the olive industry in Pakistan. The event was organized under the auspices of the Italian-funded project ‘Olive Culture-Holistic and Multi-Professional Mechanism for a Pakistani Olive Oil Value Chain’ and ‘Promotion of Olive Cultivation on Commercial Scale in Pakistan’.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Ghulam Ali, was the chief guest of the event.
He expressed his happiness at the progress being made in olive cultivation in the country and emphasized the need to disseminate information about new varieties and production technology to ordinary farmers to ensure that the country becomes self-sufficient in edible oil production.
He also added, that Italian experts from CIHEAM Bari are doing impressive work in the development of olive crop.
Provincial Agricultural Minister, Abdul Haleem Qasuria lauded the efforts of ARI in promotion of olive yield in Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan is spending billions of rupees in importing edible oil each year, promoting olive cultivation will help enable Pakistan to make their own olive oil.
Stakeholders from various sectors, including institutions, businesses, farmers, youth, women, consumers, and entrepreneurs, were able to explore and improve the economic, productive, and quality aspects of the Pakistani olive oil value chain during the Olive Gala.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director General ARI, Tarnab welcomed the participants of gala, emphasizing the importance of the olive oil industry in Pakistan.
He added that the ARI in the province is doing a tremendous job in promotion of olive cultivation and production with the help and support of Italian agency.
He also added that they are receiving positive response from farmers.
The Olive Gala also featured representative from CIHEAM Bari who emphasized the importance of enhancing the olive value chain and promoting interaction among all actors along with the olive value addition.
The gala was highly informative and engaging, providing stakeholders with the chance to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the olive industry.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 12th, 2023.
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11% K-P population uses ‘hard drugs’
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan has said that 11 per cent of the population in the province was suffering from drug abuse, terming the prevailing situation of drug use in Pakistan and specially in K-P of grave concern.
He added that it was a collective responsibility of all segments of society, including the government, to combat it. Chief Minister stressed the need of coordinated and concerted efforts by the government agencies and welfare organizations under a well-devised strategy so that the menace of drugs could be eradicated on a sustainable basis.
While lauding the role of Dost Welfare Foundation in this regard, Muhammad Azam Khan said that the foundation had been working for the last 30 years for the rehabilitation of drug addicts in the province to make them useful citizens which deserves appreciation.
He expressed these views while addressing a function organized here on Saturday in connection with the 30 years celebration of Dost Welfare Foundation.
Azam Khan remarked that during these three decades of its establishment, the foundation has extended various kinds of services and facilities to more than 400,000 drugs addicts for which the management of the foundation deserves huge felicitation. He expressed the hope that the foundation will continue its selfless services for humanity in future as well.
“The 30-year-long journey of Dost Welfare Foundation is full of remarkable achievements which has been aided and supported by its companions and friends who have so generously contributed all their time and efforts in reaching out to the most vulnerable segments in our society to heal and restore their self-respect,” the chief minister said, adding that organisation’s services were remarkable particularly in K-P, former Fata and parts of Afghanistan, which were veritable war zones for the past 40 years, include victims of war such as refugees, displaced persons, women and children in crisis and community members caught in the crossfire.
Azam Khan stated that Pakistan in general and K-P in particular has been in the grip of massive drug addiction which is effecting the younger generation adversely; and added that according to the UNODC, 11 per cent population of K-P is using hard drugs, which is almost double figure of other provinces.
“With a professional and dedicated term, DWF provides a continuum of care through its program for drug abuse prevention, rehabilitation, vocational skill training, HIV prevention, human rights protection, legal assistance, research and networking with government departments and civil society organizations,” the chief minister maintained, adding that that the foundation is working in areas where normally government agencies do not reach.
He stressed that such work can best be undertaken by non-governmental organizations with government support through public-private partnership.
Azam Khan further said that besides the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users, the foundation also reaches out to the most vulnerable and marginalized groups of society such as people at risk of or infected by HIV/AIDs, prisons inmates, juvenile offenders, street children, women in crisis, victims of war and disaster, adding that it also reaches out to these unfortunate miserable and stigmatized individuals living in difficult conditions through a process of awareness, primary prevention, rehabilitation and social development.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 12th, 2023.
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Dozens of nomad families stranded
Pakistani Suliman Khel nomadic tribes have been stranded at Angor Adda on Pak-Afghan border waiting to be allowed to enter Pakistan for the past several weeks.
Official sources told The Express Tribune that these nomads are waiting for verification from the local tribal elders so that they can be allowed into Pakistan.
“Security forces are not allowing anyone to enter Pakistan without verification, leaving hundreds of families including women, children and elderly to wait under the open sky in extreme cold weather,” he said.
An elderly nomad Umar Gul said that they have been travelling seasonally across the border for centuries without any difficulty but these days is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to cross the border.
“We are without food. Our livestock is without food and we are waiting under the open sky in the freezing cold but without any assistance,” he noted.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th, 2023.
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Dilapidated playgrounds irk mayor
Mayor Peshawar Zubair Ali on Sunday visited Warsk Road Civil Colony and Irrigation Colony and expressed his anger over the dilapidated condition of football ground and directed the concerned quarters to immediately make the ground playable.
During his visit to the Warsak Road Civil and Irrigation Colonies, Mayor Peshawar Haji Zubair also inspected the cricket grounds as well. Haji Zubair expressed his anger on the poor condition of the playgrounds and called the relevant officers on the occasion and issued orders to clean the grounds and make every step for the beautification of the sports grounds.
He also ordered construction of a jogging track on the sides of the cricket and football grounds so that local residents could use these tracks for exercise.
He said the boundary walls should be constructed around the grounds and a beautiful design should be used to make them eye-catching.
The mayor announced installation of tiles on the walls, along with the main official gate and ground along the entry and exit paths. The walls will be printed with sports photos, and new grass will be developed to make the grounds more beautiful besides tree plantation so that families of the two colonies can enjoy quality time there and take part in their study with peace and security.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th, 2023.
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PIC employs new treatment method
Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC-MTI) became the first national health facility in Pakistan to launch the new Rotapro system.
PIC Spokesperson Riffat Anjum said on Friday that it is single operator smart device which can help in shaving off the calcium within coronary arteries.
She added that an expert team of PIC cardiologists operated upon a 60-year-old patient with Rotapro, a latest treatment method.
Dr Abidullah, head of the cardiology department PIC, said that latest ROTAPRO therapy in Pakistan is another advanced treatment procedure where minimum complication rate and high efficiency is combined. He said that Rotational Atherectomy is a novel technique to treat calcified coronary lesions.
It is a tool for complex PCI procedures, which help in plaque modification and vessel preparation, for stenting.
This technology is used to treat patient with the hard narrowing in the heart arteries causing chest pain and potential heart attacks, said Dr Abid.
With the collaboration of Boston scientific company, PIC-MTI has achieved this remarkable success.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th, 2023.
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DI Khan, Bannu police get armoured vehicles
Eight modern armoured personnel carriers (APCs) have been handed over to DI Khan and Bannu police to enable them effectively combat terrorism.
Police force in the region badly needed latest bullet-proof vehicles due to the prevailing law and order situation as terrorism has registered a significant spike over the past one year.
Several police posts have been continuously attacked in the darkness of night in the two regions and these attacks were repulsed in the face of extreme danger.
In view of possible terrorist attacks in these regions, K-P IGP Akhtar Hayat Khan had announced provision of APCs to them at the earliest.
Recently at a meeting with Crime Terrorism Journalists Forum Peshawar, IGP reiterated his pledge of ensuring provision of more APCs to these two regions. In this connection a ceremony was held at Tele Communication Department on Sunday in which eight armoured vehicles were handed over to the head of these two regions.
The police chief in a statement here said that all available resources are being efficiently utilized to provide maximum combat capability to the southern districts police in the face of confronting challenges. The IGP has reminded that police personnel performing duties in these regions have rendered unprecedented sacrifices in the line of duty and the entire nation values these sacrifices.
The IGP maintained that modern weaponry and other latest gadgets will be provided to police force against terrorists and miscreants, adding that with the provision of these APCs, police would be able to better respond to any eventuality.
It may also be mentioned here that last week six APCs were provided to the newly merged districts (NMDs) where terrorism has been also on the rise.
Background
Terrorism has been on the rise across the K-P province since the fall of Kabul to Taliban in August 2021. Taliban released all the TTP terrorists imprisoned in Afghan prisons.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th, 2023.
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ANP wants fresh probe into BRT
Awami National Party (ANP) Provincial President Aimal Wali Khan on Monday said that Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) was a plan to destroy Peshawar's prosperity, business and international highway.
“This ‘Tabdeeli’ government’s plan is nothing but a huge burden on the exchequer,” he added, saying that this brilliant project underwent 21 changes even after the approval of PC-I.
According to the party’s headquarter Bacha Khan Markaz, the ANP leader said: “We have been calling this project a ‘white elephant’ since day one, which was started in haste and without planning.”
“Bank of West Indies guarantee checks were accepted for the same project; the chief executive of this project – involved in mega corruption – has already fled abroad,” he pointed out.
Aimal Wali demanded the culprits to be “identified and exposed” in light of the FIA report compiled on the order of Peshawar High Court.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 14th, 2023.
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European support for NMDs solicited
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan held a meeting with EU Ambassador Dr Riina Kionka at his office on Monday. In the meeting, matters of mutual interest with a special focus on the public welfare projects supported by the European Union in the province were discussed.
First Secretary of Cooperation Sven Ruesch and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Imdadullah Bosal were also present in the meeting. On this occasion, Dr Riina Kionka expressed her condolences to the chief minister over the Police Lines blast.
Speaking on this occasion, the chief minister said that the European Union is cooperating in various social sectors of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government and the people of the province appreciate the efforts of the European Union in social sectors, and “we hope that this series of cooperation will continue in the future”.
The chief minister shared that the provincial government needs the special support of the European Union in the merged districts.
The chief minister maintained that the government is making every possible effort to develop the integrated districts at its own level, but the cooperation of international partners is of great importance in this regard.
He clarified that the people of merged districts have been suffering from various problems for the past forty years.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 14th, 2023.
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Leopards help ensure stable ecosystem
Several incidents of leopards being hit by motorists have been reported in the northern areas, particularly Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a tourism-rich area.
These collisions indicate a thriving population of the endangered common Asian Leopard, highlighting the need for community awareness to respect wildlife habitats and ecosystems while visiting the scenic hilly areas of the country.
A senior official from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa wildlife department confirmed that an Asian leopard was found injured on Kaghan Highway after being hit by a fast-moving car, leaving it traumatized and unable to walk on its hind limbs. However, he stated that the increase in the leopard population is not a risk, but rather indicates a healthy ecosystem, as the wildcat controls the population of wild boars which can be detrimental to crops, humans, and ecology if in abundance.
The injured female leopard was timely recovered from Kaghan Highway and shifted to Dhodial Pheasantry, Mansehra for treatment. The divisional forest officer (DFO) Dhodial decided to release the leopardess back into the wild once it had fully recuperated. The DFO's decision was based on the understanding that if the leopard was unable to hunt, it would attack the weakest prey on its food chain, which is humans.
The Wildlife official said that an injured hyena was recovered earlier from Koh-e-Suleiman area and it was rehabilitated and recovered under captivity and then released into the wild.
The KP's Wildlife Department has a policy to keep wildlife in its natural habitats, and the recently extended K-P wildlife act includes the newly merged tribal districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, which are potential habitats of leopards, hyenas, wolves, and other wildlife species. However, there have been frequent leopard-human conflicts in the Khyber districts where the leopard population is thriving, and hunting has been common in that region.
The wildlife department has initiated a compensation mechanism in collaboration with the deputy commissioner's office to provide money in lieu of animals killed by leopards. However, verification by the wildlife department and the affected party is required to ensure that the livestock animal was predated by a leopard.
Community awareness and education have become imperative to ensure wildlife protection and promotion, particularly in areas that are tourism magnets.
The wildlife department is already conducting awareness lectures at schools and colleges for students on wildlife protection and conservation.
Many of these students have higher education and are serving in key positions, contributing to creating sensitivity among the masses to some extent. Standard operating procedures are also necessary to ensure safety for all involved.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 14th, 2023.
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