KHAR: The local political administration on Tuesday suspended cellular phone service in Bajaur Agency without citing any solid reason.

Sources said that the administration directed the local franchise of all cellular phone companies to shut their towers and disconnect their networks in the agency.

Sources said that the decision was taken on the directives of senior officials. “We don’t know about reason behind disconnection of cellular phone service in the region. The decision was taken on the instructions of senior officials,” they added.

The representatives of various mobile phone companies and owners of franchise in the agency confirmed that the services were suspended on the directives of local administration. They said that the administration instructed them to suspend cellular phone service immediately across the agency. However, they refused to share more details.

“We don’t know anything about the suspension of mobile phone service nor the administration mentioned any cause for taking the decision,” they said.

An official of the local political administration, when contacted, confirmed suspension of cellular phone service in the agency. He said that mobile phone service in the region was suspended owing to security reasons. It was meant to further improve law and order in the agency especially in the border areas, he added.

The official said that the decision was taken in a high level meeting. According to the decision, all mobile networks across the agency would remain suspended for unidentified period.

“We know that it is very tough decision, but the step has been taken in the larger interest of the agency. We will try our best to resume the mobile phone service as soon as possible,” said the official.

It was for the first time since May 2012 that mobile phone service was suspended in the agency. The local people showed concerns over the suspension of cellular phone service and termed it unjust.

“The suspension of cellular phone service would cause problems and create fear among the residents of agency,” they said.

ACCIDENT: Two children were killed and two others received injuries in a road accident in Bajaur Agency on Tuesday evening.

Officials said that a speedy motorcar hit a group of children in Yousafabad area of Khar tehisl. Two children identified as Fawad Khan and Jalaludin Khan were killed on the spot while two others identified as Saira Bibi and Umar Khan received injuries in the accident.

The injured children were taken to agency headquarters hospital in Khar where their conditions were stated to be stable.

The personnel of Bajaur Levies arrested the driver, who was trying to escape. The driver was shifted to Khar prison.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2016