KOHAT: The business community ended its 72-hour-long strike and agreed to use biodegradable shopping bags following talks with the deputy commissioner here on Wednesday.

The traders had gone on strike after the DC banned the plastic shopping bags three days ago and imposed section 144 on their manufacture, use and sale.

The Tajir action committee’s secretary general Abid Khan told reporters that they had formed legal and political committees to raise the issue in the court and with the government after the ban was imposed. Despite many attempts the deputy commissioner and the DIG could not be contacted. However, on Wednesday the DC called them to their office, he said.

At the meeting, Abid Khan said the deputy commissioner told the traders’ leaders that the ban had been enforced by the chief minister and he was only implementing it. The deputy commissioner said he could not be of any help and had to enforce the section 144 as had been done all over the province, said Mr Abid, adding the DC also warned that if anyone was found selling or making the banned item he would be heavily fined.

Therefore, said the Tajir committee office-bearer that they had decided to destroy the plastic bags and sell only government-stamped shopping bags.

PASSING OUT PARADE: Passing out parade of 258 cadets, including four women of upper course, was held at the Police Training College, Hangu, on Wednesday.

The college’s principal Dr Masood Asalm was the chief guest on the occasion, while DSP training Syed Mohsin Shah took oath from the cadets.

On the occasion, the college principal said the training brought discipline in the lives of people and hoped that the successful cadets would uphold the sanctity of the department while serving the people and protecting their lives and property.

He said the cadets having completed training from the historical college were discharging their duties in several districts with devotion.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2019