LANDI KOTAL: Khyber Agency political agent Khalid Mehmood on Friday warned the perks and privileges of local elders would be suspended if they failed to ensure speedy disposal of cases pending with official jirgas (council of elders).

While issuing the warning during a surprise visit to Jamrud lockup here, the political agent said the administration won’t tolerate delaying tactics on part of tribal elders in disposing of the cases.

“All perks and privileges of tribal elders will be either suspended or completely withdrawn if they’re found guilty of denying justice to the people or intentionally delaying the disposal of cases,” he said.

The political agent directed assistant political agent and political tehsildar of Jamrud, who were also in attendance, to personally monitor the performance of pro-administration elders and help speedily implement the jirga’s decisions for the relief of local residents.

He also ordered the release of 19 people jailed for petty crimes.

Mr. Mehmood asked prisoners about food, medical treatment and other facilities provided by the administration. Some local elders were also present on the occasion.

LOADSHEDDING: Electric supply to Ghundi, Gudar, Bakarabad and Shahkas localities of Jamrud area in Khyber Agency remained suspended for the fourth consecutive day on Friday.

The local residents complained the power suspension had caused acute water shortage. They said they’re subjected to misery in the name of technical fault.

Qari Jehad Gul complained the people’s repeated requests to the relevant authorities for ensuring smooth supply of electricity had fallen on deaf ears.

He insisted owners of influential industrial units got regular supply of electricity. He warned the people would take to the streets and block the Peshawar-Torkham Highway if the problem was not resolved immediately.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2017