Young computer programmer

PESHAWAR, June 26: A student of the Muslim Educational Complex Peshawar has achieved the title of ‘young computer professional programmer’ from Microsoft and Google by developing a web-database for BMW Company.

Speaking at a news conference at Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday, Salman Malik, 17, claimed he had fixed software errors for 10 international business companies through online programming and developed a unique web database for BMW Company for which he was awarded distinctive certificates.

The student said he had the ability to create operating system and anti-viruses software if the government supported him. —Bureau Report

Ring Road project

PESHAWAR, June 26: Chief Minister Ameer Haidar Hoti has directed the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) to immediately launch work on northern section of the Peshawar Ring Road from Pajjagi Road to Warsak Road to facilitate flow of traffic in the provincial metropolis. This he said while chairing a meeting here on Tuesday.

The chief minister said funds had already been allocated for the work in the next financial year’s ADP, therefore, directed the concerned authorities to complete formalities, including acquisition of land, so that the project could be launched as early as possible. —Bureau Report   

Workers’ rights body set up

SWABI, June 26: The workers of both public and private sector associations have established a new body named Swabi Action Forum to protect their rights.

The body was formed at a meeting of leaders of about 35 public and private sector associations and unions. The meeting was presided over by president of Qam Qalam (a writers’ association) Rohal Amin Yusufzai. Unions of farmers, lawyers and media are also part of the forum. The participants vowed to work for protection of workers’ rights. —Correspondent

Power protesters block road

LAKKI MARWAT, June 26: Residents of several villages blocked Indus Highway near Ghaznikhel on Tuesday to record their protest against unscheduled loadshedding and delay in execution of work on new transmission line from Tajazai grid station.

People from Kherukhel, Paharakhel Pakka, Jabukhel and other villages converged on Indus Highway near Ghaznikhel and closed it for vehicular traffic. The closure of road connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with other three provinces for nearly one hour caused numerous problems for transporters and commuters in sizzling heat. A police contingent was rushed to the place to avert any untoward incident. —Correspondent  

Chitral DPO’s role lauded   CHITRAL, June 26: MNA from Chitral Shahzada Mohyuddin has lauded the role of Chitral DPO Abdur Rashid for busting the notorious inter-provincial gang of swindlers.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, he said the gang members had confessed to committing crimes of heinous nature throughout the country. He warned that criticism of the police by some elements was uncalled-for, which should be stopped as it could demoralise the police force. He said the DPO did not even spare an official of local police who was abetting the swindlers. —Correspondent  

Workers seek service structure

TIMERGARA, June 26:  Employees of the forest department on Tuesday demanded of the government to announce proper service structure for them. They also called for upgrading the basic pay scale of forest guards to 9, foresters to 14 and deputy rangers to 15.

The demand was made during an oath-taking ceremony of the office-bearers of the forest guards, foresters and deputy rangers’ association, Lower Dir, held at Chakdara. State Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Malik Azmat Khan administered oath to the newly elected office-bearers of the association. —Correspondent

PTI flays new PM

PESHAWAR, June 26: Former PTI provincial president Asad Qaiser has criticised the PPP for electing Raja Pervez Ashraf as Prime Minister because he was ‘responsible’ for the grave energy crisis in the country.

He said the energy crisis had brought the country to the verge of collapse because the government’s policies were based on loans and it was unable to steer the country out of the quagmire.

Speaking at press conference at Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday, Asad Qaiser alleged Raja Pervez Ashraf was already facing cases of rental power scandals. —Bureau Report

Journalists hold demo

PESHAWAR, June 26: Expressing concern over growing attacks on journalists and media offices the Khyber Union of Journalists (KhUJ) and civil society members on Tuesday held a protest demonstration on the premises of Peshawar Press Club and demanded of the government to take effective steps for their protection.

Holding banners and placards inscribed with demands for protection to the media persons the protesting journalists shouted slogans against the increasing attacks on journalists and news channels. Addressing the protesters, KhUJ president Arshad Aziz Malik condemned the attack at office of Aaj television in Karachi by armed men. —Bureau Report  

Arms shop looted

KARAK, June 26: Robbers broke into a shop of arms and ammunition and took away weapons worth Rs1 million in Karak city on Monday night.

The shop owner lodged a report in the Karak police station, saying thieves entered his shop by making a hole in the roof and took away 10 pistols, 2 rifles, 2 repeaters and 900 cartridges of different bores.

The traders union expressed concern over the theft in the main city, demanding immediate arrest of the culprits.

Meanwhile, a young man, Akhtar Gul, was shot dead by unidentified men near Jatta Ismael Khel. —Correspondent