The protesters had gathered at the Hayatabad toll plaza to protest the death of a teenage girl in a suspected quadcopter strike in Bara’s Akkakhel area. Six other family members, including women and children, were injured in the attack.

The site of the incident is located close to the Bara Bazaar.

Hashim Afridi, one of the participants, told Dawn that about 150 tribesmen from Bara and other adjacent areas had gathered at the Hayatabad toll plaza to protest the quadcopter strike. He claimed that the police opened fire, apparently over some scuffle near a roadblock.

However, he said there were no casualties, and no arrests were made. He added that Khyber MNA Iqbal Afridi joined the protest later.

MNA Afridi, speaking to Dawn, said the firing began when some protesters broke the windows of a car.

However, he maintained that the protest was peaceful and that the protesters were only seeking to raise their voice against civilians becoming collateral damage.

Afridi added that the people of Khyber were asked to leave Tirah earlier this year, and now “they are being killed in other areas as well”.

The parliamentarian further stressed that tribesmen were powerless in the face of militancy in the region and claimed that the individuals were targeted on the pretext of providing food to militants, questioning how an ordinary person could refuse such a demand.

Afridi also called on the government to fulfil its responsibilities and provide security to the people who were in the crosshairs of militants.

Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who also hails from Khyber district, ordered an inquiry into reports of the police opening fire at the protest, according to an official statement.

He also directed authorities to take strict action against those responsible for the act.

Peshawar City police did not offer a comment on the incident.

Last week, security forces killed five militants in a major counter-terrorism operation in the Akkakhel area of Bara in Khyber district.

Security officials said that the operation was launched in Tandori village of Akkakhel, bordering Khazankhel village on the outskirts of the provincial capital, Peshawar.

They said that terrorists who had descended from the restive Tirah Valley over the past few weeks had gathered in significant numbers in Tandori village and Khazankhel.

On March 30, security forces killed 10 militants after they seized a government school in the Akkakhel area and hoisted their flag on the school premises.

Earlier in the same month, five children were injured in a quadcopter attack — believed to have been carried out by terrorists — in the Takhtikhel area of KP’s Lakki Marwat district.

Last year in May, four children were killed, and five others, including a woman, were injured in a suspected quadcopter attack in Mir Ali tehsil of North Waziristan district.

The sources said that the operation was carried out in response to “unprovoked aggression” by Afghan Taliban forces and terrorists on the border, under the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.

Security sources said the Pakistan Army effectively targeted and destroyed several Afghan Taliban posts in Chaman. The Sarshan, Al-Marjan and Edhi posts, as well as vehicles and other installations, were successfully hit, they added.

They further added that security forces’ determination to defend the homeland was unwavering and that the “intentions of terrorists and their patrons will be crushed”.

The operation “will continue until all the set targets are achieved”, the sources elaborated.

Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on its soil, particularly those linked to the banned TTP. Officials say those appeals have gone unheeded.

Pakistan, meanwhile, is carrying out Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the Afghan Taliban and terrorists operating from its soil. It was lau­nched on the night of Feb 26, following unprovoked cross-border attacks by the Afghan Taliban.

After a temporary pause on March 18 at the request of “brotherly Islamic countries,” Pakistan had announced the operation’s resumption on March 26, saying it would continue “until its objectives are achieved”.

On Sunday, security forces destroyed the gun positions of Afghan Taliban involved in unprovoked firing at civilians in South Waziristan.

Security sources said that the posts were destroyed after the Afghan Taliban fired at civilians and left three people, including two women, injured.

Earlier this month, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said security forces had foiled an attempt by the Afghan Taliban and terrorists to attack a border post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Ghulam Khan Sector, in which 37 of the attackers were killed and more than 80 were injured.

“Today, a [suspected] drone strike took place in Peshawar’s Hassankhel subdivision, with Jamia Masjid being the target. Only a few days ago, a similar incident took place, raising serious questions about the security agencies’ [performance],” treasury MPA Shair Ali Afridi said during a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Suriyya Bibi here.

Afridi said that the subdivision bordered the main Nowshera and Kohat districts and not Afghanistan or Iran, so drone strikes left many residents injured.

He complained about the frequent imposition of curfews to the inconvenience of people, saying movement restrictions stop children from sitting exams.

Question performance of security agencies

The lawmaker also raised questions about the security situation in other parts of the province. He requested the chair to direct the relevant house committee to discuss the matter and make recommendations.

Another treasury member, Abdul Ghani, said that two resolutions were passed by the house against military operations in his Khyber tribal district.

He said that he and other lawmakers had long been pointing out the presence of militants in the region but senior security officials would always dismiss their concerns by insisting that there are only a few militants.

“Today, Tirah residents have left their homes due to the poor law and order situation. Their properties are being occupied, trees cut down and checkposts established,” he said.

Ghani said that those “few” militants had been moving around freely and recording videos on the main roads, making their presence in the area public.

He added that the militants had begun recording videos and checking people in the Akakhel area of Khyber district as well, causing fears about a potential law and order situation.

Member of the opposition PPP Ahmad Karim Kundi complained that funds were allocated for repairing power transformers in his constituency but 13 of those repaired didn’t belong to his area.

He said that authorities released Rs1 billion across the province for transformer repairs but no one explained the mechanism for the release of those funds.

Special assistant to the chief minister for information Shafi Jan informed the house that the matter was related to the federal government as it collected electricity bills, but even then, the provincial government paid the repair costs.

Treasury lawmaker Anwar Khan complained that most of the people in his constituency, who lived abroad for work, struggled to speak to their family members back home due to poor mobile network.

He said that his constituency was located near the Pak-Afghan border, so it became really difficult for residents to communicate in “critical situations”.

MPA Liaqat Khan complained that as the area had no coverage of towers of cellular networks, students couldn’t attend online classes.

The chair observed that people in her constituency also faced similar issues. She asked lawmakers to discuss the issue in a meeting scheduled for today (Tuesday).

Minority MPA Askar Parvez Khan said that a Christian graveyard in Thanda Maira area of Abbottabad district was under threat from land grabbers but authorities didn’t heed complaints of the Christian community.

He also said that a similar situation was reported in Peshawar and Kohat as well.

Aide to the CM Jan said that Thanda Maira graveyard was not notified by authorities, so it was not under the control of the Auqaf department. He, however, said that the department had written a letter to the district administration to look into the matter.

Jan said that a boundary wall would be constructed around the cemetery from the next annual development programme’s funds.

MPA Pir Musawwir complained that cheap electricity was produced by hydel projects in Malakand but even then, the federal government controlled power supply and closed feeders for hours.

He said that those not paying electricity bills should be arrested and nobody would support them. The house passed the KP University Amendment Bill, 2026, as reported by the house committee. The bill was tabled by minister for public health engineering Fazal Shakoor Khan.

The chair later put off the sitting until 2pm today (Tuesday).

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026

They said that an explosion also took place in the same area inhabited by Zakakhel, a sub-tribe of Hassankhel. They said that the target of the explosion was a local hujra. The nature of the explosion could not be confirmed, they said. They added that no casualties were reported in both incidents.

According to locals, it was the third drone strike in the same area and the second one that damaged a mosque. They said that the attack took place around 10am in the morning and partially damaged Jamia Masjid Qamar Sar. There were no casualties as nobody was present in the mosque, they added.

They said that on April 22 a suspected drone strike hit a mosque in Chandoka area of Hassankhel. Senior police officials along with officers from security forces reached the scene and cordoned off the area. However, there were no reports about any search operation.

Since all senior police officers were present in the said area, no one could be reached for an official comment on both the incidents. The area is out of the mobile telephone network.

Sub-division Hassainkhel falls in the territorial limits of Peshawar. Its western border links it to Kohat and the eastern border to Nowshera district.

The first suspected drone strike took place in Kandao locality of the area on October 6, 2022 and targeted an alleged hideout of terrorists, killing brother of the then militant commander Abdul Rahim.

The October 6 drone attack was carried out days after a military convoy came under attack in the area. Rahim was later killed in an intelligence-based operation in the area on July 10, 2024.

On April 19, officials said that security forces along with police conducted a successful intelligence-based operation against terrorists in Hassankhel. They said that the operation was launched following intelligence reports about the presence of militants in the area.

“Military, the paramilitary force of Frontier Corps, police and Counter-Terrorism Department carried out a coordinated operation against militants,” a senior official said. He added that during an exchange of fire in the hilly Hassankhel subdivision, several militants were injured while many were believed to be killed.

Two policemen, with one abducted on April 11 and the second on April 13, were later martyred in the same area on the days of their abduction while several attacks on police installations in Hassankhel, Passani, Adezai and Badhber, an area comprising the same National Assembly constituency, were reported during the last three months.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026

A large number of employees also blocked the busy Jamrud Road outside the university campus and chanted slogans against provincial government and university administration. Due to blockade of road, motorists and commuters suffered a lot in the hot weather.

President of Class-III Association Imtiaz Khan told Dawn that the historic UoP was facing a lot of financial problems while its administration and provincial government were not taking any pragmatic step to resolve those issues.

He said that the university paid salaries for the month of March in instalments to low ranking employees. He said that only 40 per cent salaries were paid to faculty members while retired employees were yet to get their pension.

He said that their protest would turn more severe if arrangements were not made to pay their salaries and pensions on time.

Meanwhile, Peshawar University Teachers Association has written a letter to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to seek financial relief for the university.

“We write to you with deep concern and a sense of urgency regarding the situation at University of Peshawar, an institution that has, for more than 75 years, shaped the lives, careers and aspirations of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” says the letter.

For generations, this university has been more than a place of learning. It has been a pathway to opportunity for thousands of families, a training ground for the province’s teachers, civil servants, and professionals, and a quiet but powerful force behind the region’s social and economic progress, it says.

Its strength has always rested not only in its legacy, but in the dedication of the people who serve it. “Today, those very people are under severe strain. Half of the salaries for March remain unpaid (Rs131 million), and pensions for the same month (Rs162 million) have not been released at all,” states the letter.

Many employees and pensioners are now struggling to manage basic household expenses, rent, utilities, medicines and their children’s education.

For some, this is no longer a matter of inconvenience, but of genuine hardship. What is most troubling is the uncertainty ahead. The university does not have resources to ensure salaries and pensions in the coming months.

This has created anxiety and distress across the university community – among those who teach, those who support, and those who have already given their years in service.

Despite repeated delays over the past year, the faculty and staff have continued their work with patience and dignity. Classes have not been disrupted; students have not been abandoned. But there is a limit to how long this can continue without assurance or relief.

Public universities exist because the state invests in them, not only financially but as a commitment to its people and its future. When such institutions struggle to pay those, who sustain them, it is not just an institutional issue; it touches the lives of families across the province, says the letter.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026

Police sources said the incident took place in the Mamash khel area within the jurisdiction of the Cantt police station. The workers were laying communication cables when armed men arrived. The attackers forced them into custody at gunpoint. The abductors fled to an undisclosed location. The incident created panic and fear in the area.

The abducted workers have been identified as Mohammad Ali, Zahid Khan, Ghulam Sadiq, Noor Habib, and Wahidullah. All of them reportedly belong to Bajaur and were part of a government-linked development project aimed at improving communication infrastructure in the region.

Following the incident, security forces and law enforcement agencies immediately launched a large-scale search and intelligence-based operation to trace the whereabouts of the abducted individuals. Authorities are investigating the matter from multiple angles to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Meanwhile, terrorists blew up a government high school in the Hakumat Mamandkhel area of Bannu with explosives.

According to sources, the powerful blast extensively damaged the building. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported in the incident.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026

District health officer Dr Adnan said the health department was closely monitoring the situation and was providing necessary treatment facilities in the affected areas.

He said that injections used for the treatment of leishmaniasis, including Glucantime, were available at the district health office and the District Headquarters Hospital, Wana. The official added that efforts were being made to ensure that patients received timely treatment.

He stressed the need for awareness campaigns in the affected areas to inform people about the measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, residents of Azam Warsak and Shaheen Panga in Birmal tehsil of Lower South Waziristan asked the health authorities to take steps to control the situation.

They said the skin disease was spreading in rural areas, with children being the most affected ones. The situation, they maintained, had created anxiety among families, fearing the disease could spread if preventive measures were not taken.

Residents said that limited healthcare facilities and difficulties in accessing timely medical treatment worsened the situation in the remote areas. They said that many affected families were struggling to reach hospitals, resulting in delays in diagnosis and treatment.

They demanded that the government and health authorities take urgent steps to provide proper treatment facilities to the people.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026

The renovation and repair of the airport mark a significant step toward restoring air transport in the region.

On April 26, Pakistan Army Aviation conducted trials at Parachinar Airport to assess the quality of construction and upgradation work, as well as runway functionality and overall operational readiness.

Pakistan Army Aviation completed six successful landing and takeoff trials, after which the airport runways were declared compliant with professional standards and safety protocols.

During the trials, the performance of the airport and runways was evaluated under various operational scenarios.

Following the success of these trials, Parachinar Airport’s operational capacity is expected to be further strengthened, significantly enhancing regional connectivity, emergency response, and economic activity in the area.

Last year, officials from the PAA and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) visited Parachinar Airport to assess its operational feasibility for commercial and humanitarian flights.

The government also formed an eight-member committee of PAA and PIA officers to evaluate the airport’s infrastructure and prospects for reopening.

The committee members conducted a comprehensive inspection of the airport’s infrastructure, including the terminal building, runway, fire garages, accommodation, generator room, and other operational facilities.

In a statement, the PMD said the quake was recorded at 11:46am. It added that the epicentre was located near Afghanistan’s border with Tajikistan and had a depth of 170 kilometres.

According to PMD, jolts from the earthquake were felt in Islamabad, Swat, Shangla and Buner.

However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquake’s magnitude as 5.1 on the Richter scale, with its epicentre having a depth of 105.1km.

Residents of Islamabad and KP had last felt earthquake tremors on April 3, when an earthquake of 6.1 magnitude hit the Hindu Kush Region in Afghanistan.

Earlier this month, Balochistan also witnessed two quakes.

Pakistan falls on three major tectonic plates — the Arabian, Euro-Asian and Indian — which create five seismic zones under the country. The intersection of multiple fault lines means that tectonic movements remain a frequent occurrence in the region.

According to rescue sources, the incident occurred near Dhora Solahn Adda in the district’s Paroa tehsil, where a trailer loaded with cloth suddenly caught fire, and the blaze intensified within moments.

Thick plumes of smoke spread across the area, creating panic among commuters and nearby residents.

Officials said traffic on the highway remained fully suspended due to the fire, while rescue teams reached the site and launched efforts to extinguish the flames.

Rescue authorities confirmed that no loss of life had been reported so far, though significant financial losses were feared.

Commuters have been advised to use alternate routes and avoid the affected area until the situation is brought under control.

Accidents are common on highways and motorways across Pakistan, caused by reckless driving, speeding, driver fatigue, and poor vehicle maintenance. Poor road conditions contribute to mishaps, while weak enforcement of traffic laws allows violations to go unchecked, worsening the situation.

At least nine people were injured in a road accident near the Matani Bypass in KP earlier this month, after a passenger van, travelling from Shakardara to Peshawar, lost control due to the driver’s error and met with an accident near the bypass.

The previous week, a motorway police inspector, who was providing assistance following a traffic accident, lost his life after being struck by a truck near the Hazara Motorway.

“There was no such issue prior to the implementation of semester system in government schools,” the principal of a government high school told Dawn.

Last year, elementary and secondary education department replaced the British-era annual examination system in government schools up to grade 8 with the two-semester system. The new system was introduced to lessen burden on students and teachers and end student learning losses due to months-long vacations.

However, private schools have not implemented the government decision of semester system rather they are still following the annual examination system.

Expert calls for across the board enforcement of semester system

In the government schools of summer zone, the academic year will commence on Sept 1, with the fall semester running from Sept 1 to Dec 31. The spring semester will begin on January 16 and end on May 31.

In the winter zone, the academic year will start on March 1, the spring semester will last from March 1 to June 30 and the fall semester will be from August 1 to Dec 22. Contrary to the semester system in government schools, the academic year starts in April and ends in March in private schools.

“Often many students of private schools used to get admission in government schools for several reasons when there was uniformity in the academic calendar,” the headmaster of a government high school told Dawn. The major reason used to be poverty as parents of such students were unable to pay tuition fees to private schools, he added.

He said that switching over of students from private to government school was also result of poor quality of education in private schools. He claimed that only few chains of private schools were providing quality education to students and the rest of them were not performing well.

The headmaster said that a student, who passed 6th grade examination in a private school that declared their results in March year and started academic year in April, could not take admission in 7th grade in a government school, if he wanted so, as the academic year was still in progress and the new one would start in September.

He said that courses in government schools would be in progress in April and would complete at the end of May.

Another headmaster of a government school said that several parents approached the school for admitting their children but they refused to enrol their children when they were explained the disparity in the academic calendar. He said that parents would have to wait till September if they wanted to enrol their children in government schools.

Talking to Dawn, an academician lauded education department for introducing semester system in schools but he demanded that it should be enforced across the board.

He suggested that semester system should be introduced at matric and intermediate level that would not only lessen academic burden on students but would also minimise the chances of unfair means being used in examination system.

President School Officers Association Samiullah Khalil told this scribe that government must ensure uniformity in academic calendar in the larger interest of students.

“Due to disparity in the academic calendar, neither we have books nor new classrooms for newcomers,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2026

They said that the posts were destroyed after Afghan Taliban fired at civilians and left three persons including two women injured. Three persons including Rahimullah, his wife, and the wife of Zainullah were wounded when Afghan Taliban fired an artillery shell at Zalulkhel area, they added.

Security sources said that Afghan Taliban had been making attempts to help a group of Fitna Al-khawajir [a term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan] cross into Pakistan. They, however, said that due to the prompt action by military, every infiltration attempt was thwarted.

“Out of frustration, following several failed attempts to infiltrate into Pakistan, Afghan Taliban targeted civilian population in Angoor Adda today,” they said. They added that the injured persons were immediately shifted to district headquarters hospital in Wana tehsil of the district.

Security forces destroy posts of attackers in Afghanistan

Security sources said that locals strongly condemned Afghan Taliban’s firing and targeting civilians and called Pakistan Army to retaliate to the unprovoked firing from across the border.

Pakistani military, during Ghazab lil-Haq operation, successfully targeted and destroyed militant hideouts in Afghanistan, they said.

“Following immense losses suffered by terrorists in Pakistan and their inability to find any supporters, Afghan Taliban are now targeting Pakistan’s civilian population,” they said. They added that previously, Afghan Taliban repeatedly targeted Pakistani civilians in Dir, Bajaur, Orakzai, Torkham and North Waziristan districts.

On December 19, 2025, Foreign Office (FO) issued a demarche to Afghan Taliban over their failure to rein in terrorist organisations operating from Afghanistan after a deadly attack on a military camp in North Waziristan.

Four security personnel were martyred when an attempt by terrorists to attack a security forces camp was foiled in Boya area of North Waziristan district.

In a statement, the FO said that Pakistan condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms and identified the attackers as members of Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, a group under the TTP umbrella.

“To convey our strong demarche, the Afghan deputy head of mission was summoned to Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the statement read.

“The ministry conveyed Pakistan’s grave concern over the continued support and facilitation provided by the Afghan Taliban regime to FAK/TTP, enabling them to carry out terrorist attacks against [the] Pakistan Military and the civilian population along the Pak-Afghan border and in adjoining areas,” it said.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2026

A bench consisting of Justice Mohammad Naeem Anwar and Justice Wiqar Ahmad accepting two identical petitions field by several students including Gohar Ali and others against withholding of their scholarships, stipends and fee exemptions to which they were entitled under the NBSP.

The bench also directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to arrange and release the remaining funds to the UoP in accordance with the terms of the scholarship programme.

“The University of Peshawar is further directed to immediately disburse all amounts already received, or to be received, from the Higher Education Commission to the entitled students. Such amounts shall not be retained by the University any longer,” the bench ordered in its seven pages detailed judgment.

High court rules financial constraints can’t be excuse for denying scholarship to petitioners

The bench observed that perusal of record revealed that the entitlement of petitioners to the subject scholarship program had not been denied.

“The scholarship in question is a need-based program, designed to support financially disadvantaged students enrolled in public sector universities. Therefore, any constraint in funding cannot be made a ground to deny the scholarship or to make reduced payments to the petitioners,” the bench observed.

It further observed: “This need-based scholarship program deserves priority, as it enables deserving students to complete their education and improve their future prospects and careers.”

Advocates Shahid Raza and Danish Khan Afridi appeared for the petitioners and stated that their clients were duly enrolled students of the UoP.

They stated that the HEC, through the UoP authorities announced HEC NBSP and invited applications from eligible and deserving students.

They stated that on completion of the selection process, petitioners were declared successful and were duly approved as scholarship recipients.

Consequently, they said, the petitioners were entitled to exemption from tuition fees and payment of stipends in accordance with the HEC policy, which provided that funding would continue for the entire duration of the respective academic programs.

They stated that some of the petitioners also received initial installments of the scholarship.

The counsel stated that the lists of successful candidates were forwarded to and approved by HEC, and funds were released to the university, however, despite such approval and release of funds, respondents including the UoP failed to disburse the scholarships and stipends to the petitioners.

They claimed that the respondents withheld payments on the pretext of financial constraints and diversion of funds for other purposes.

They stated that despite repeated requests the authorities continued to withhold their scholarships and stipends.

In its comments, the HEC stated that it had been providing funds to public sector universities through annual recurring grants, under which the NBSP was also managed.

It was submitted that scholarships were awarded by the Institutional Scholarship Award Committee (ISAC), headed by the vice chancellor, to the most financially deserving students, subject to maintaining satisfactory academic performance.

It was added that as per SOPs, selected students were entitled to a monthly stipend of Rs6,000 along with full tuition fee, and in the case of five-year programs, funding was being provided for the entire duration.

The HEC claimed that it had already disbursed funds to the relevant financial quarters and duly communicated same to the UoP.

It also stated that although petitioners raised concerns with HEC, the commission clarified that the funds had already been transferred to the university, therefore, any issue regarding delay or nonpayment of scholarship fell within the domain of the UoP.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2026

Speaking to media persons, he said: “Peace in the region is in Pakistan’s interests, and we should prioritise diplomacy over war.” He underscored that peace was linked to economic prosperity and development.

He hoped that Pakistan’s efforts would result in forging lasting peace in the volatile Middle East.

Turning to Pakistan’s politics, he claimed that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf workers had expressed their distrust in their own leadership.

“The PTI workers have spoken out against their former chief ministers, Pervez Khattak, Mahmood Khan and the incumbent, Sohail Afridi,” he said. “PTI’s provincial government has failed to resolve public issues and control inflation as the leadership is focused on securing Imran Khan’s release from jail.”

Haq, who remained the finance minister during the religious parties’ government in the province, said that PTI workers had admitted that unemployment had reached an alarming stage in the province.

The former JI emir also attended a consultative meeting held in Ahya-ul-Uloom Mansabdar.

On the occasion, Haq said that a membership drive would be launched across Pakistan. “At the district level, a peaceful protest movement will be launched to press the government to address the farmers’ issues, end electric loadshedding, resume CNG supply, and arrest the deteriorating law and order situation.

He said that the campaign would have the support of traders, transporters, miners’ unions, CNG station owners, farmers, labourers and others. “A huge protest will be held on May 5 at Swabi Aman Chowk,” he said.

Haq criticised the central and provincial governments, saying the federal government was unjustifiably increasing the prices of petroleum products, burdening the common man, while various types of ‘illegal’ taxes had hit the businessmen and common people alike.

JI provincial general secretary Sabir Hussain Awan and president of the political committee Wajid Ali Shah also spoke on the occasion, saying that the planned protest campaign would continue till the issues were resolved.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2026

According to official sources, under the plan, modern streetlights will be installed across major commercial hubs as well as residential areas, particularly in the inner city. Officials say the project will improve visibility, support business activities and enhance overall security.

The metropolitan government’s officials said that all tenders would be processed through an e-bidding system in accordance with rules set by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Procurement Regulatory Authority and the federal government’s policy framework.

The system is designed to minimise human involvement and prevent favouritism. Only technically qualified and licensed contractors will be eligible to participate. All tender-related information has been uploaded to the official platform for open access. In case of objections, contractors can approach the KPPRA committee, where complaints will be addressed strictly on merit, the officials said.

The officials noted that the e-tendering model would help ensure transparency and allow only capable firms meeting all requirements to secure contracts and deliver quality work.

The project was approved by the local government and rural development minister Mina Khan Afridi, following public complaints about streetlights in various parts of the city. Residents had highlighted that many neighbourhoods remain dark after sunset, creating difficulties for pedestrians and commuters and posing security challenges.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2026

Witnesses said that members of the Malakshahai and Nazarkhel, two sub-clans of the Mehsud tribe, clashed after tensions flared up over the ownership of a site believed to contain gold deposits.

Both sides claimed ownership of the area, which was supposed to have the gold deposits.

This caused disagreement among the tribesmen, leading to an exchange of harsh words.

The tribesmen started attacking each other using daggers and stones.

Police sources said that four people were injured in the clash.

Two of the injured were identified as Gulbadin Mehsud and Firdous Mehsud.

The injured were rushed to a nearby health facility in Kaniguram, from where they were referred to the District Headquarters Hospital, Wana.

Upper South Waziristan District Police Officer Arshad Khan said that policemen from Ladha and Makeen were sent to the area along with additional personnel from the Kaniguram post to calm down the situation.

He added that the situation was brought under control and cops were deployed to prevent the spread of violence.

He said legal action had been initiated against both parties involved in the incident.

The police said an investigation had been launched to identify those who were responsible for the disturbance.

Both parties were summoned to the Ladha police station for an inquiry into the incident.

Meanwhile, tribal elders intervened to resolve the issue.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

The top tier of local bodies in the province was done away with prior to the previous LG elections and implemented the local government system at the level of tehsil and village and neighbourhood councils.

Official sources told Dawn that the local government department had proposed amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act, 2013, for the restoration of the district tier.

They said the local government department had already forwarded the law with draft amendments to the law department for vetting. The sources said that a summary in that respect had also been submitted to local government minister Meena Khan Afridi for approval.

LG dept has forwarded draft amendments to law dept for vetting

“With the approval of the minister, the summary will be sent to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for consent,” a source said.

Besides the restoration of the district tier of the LG system, the department has also proposed to increase the size of population covering a village and neighbourhood council from the existing 5,000 to 10,000 and the existing 25,000 to 35,000, respectively.

Regarding the powers and functions of the district tier, sources said that it would be too early to say anything about their functions.

They further said that the government had yet not decided about which departments would be in the domain of the district tier that was devolved to the tehsil tier or retained by the provincial government prior to abolition of the district tier in 2019.

The first phase of local body elections was held in December 2021 in half of the province, while in the remaining districts, polls were held in the second phase in May 2022.

The four-year tenure of those elected in the first phase was completed on March 15, 2026. The councillors elected in the second phase will complete their tenure on June 30, 2026.

Under the Election Act, 2017, the Election Commission of Pakistan was bound to hold local body elections within 120 days of the expiry of the tenure of local bodies.

When contacted, Local Council Association president Himayatullah Mayar said he had seen the proposed law amendments, which showed the government’s plans to restore the district tier of the LG system with the power of only monitoring and supervision in violation of the Constitution.

He said that Article 140-A of the Constitution clearly declared, “each province should establish a local government system and devolve political, administrative, and financial responsibility to elected local representatives.”

Mr Mayar said in the instant case, he said that the provincial government was intending only to give the monitoring and supervision role to the elected representatives at district level.

“In the absence of legitimate powers with the local government’s representatives, the bureaucracy will have the supreme role in the LG system,” he said.

The association leader said that the LG system introduced by President General Musharaf was much better than the current one as at that time, 28 government departments were devolved to local bodies compared with24 departments currently working under the system introduced by the PTI in 2013.

He said that the previous LG system was “toothless” as the PTI not only abolished the district tier but also reduced the number of devolved departments to nine at tehsil level.

Mr Mayar, who was also the mayor of Mardan city, said prior to the abolition of the LG system’s district tier, the provincial government was legally bound to give 30 per cent funds of the provincial Annual Development Programme to local bodies, but the percentage was later reduced to 20.

He said that since the provincial government was going to restore the district tier, it should also increase the share of local bodies in the ADP funds to 30 per cent.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has borne a disproportionate burden of trauma due to decades of conflict, militancy and disasters like floods and displacement. The province has the highest rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety in the country, so we’ve recruited psychologists at district level, for the first time, for timely disease investigation and management,” project director of the Revamping of non-teaching District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospitals project Dr Shahzad Faisal told Dawn.

According to him, an estimated 25-34pc population in conflict-hit districts suffer from some form of mental health condition but majority stay undiagnosed, getting no treatment and no support as primary and secondary health facilities lack the structured capacity to identify or manage these cases, leading to dangerous delays and over-reliance on tertiary care.

“As per plan, we are setting up mental health desks at DHQ hospitals to serve as a structured entry point for routine screening of patients in addition to providing them safe, confidential space, especially for women and youth, to seek help without stigma,” he said.

Official says initiative to ensure timely diagnosis, management of people with mental disorders

Dr Faisal said those desks would act as a referral hub linking community health workers, basic health units and tertiary facilities besides generating district-level epidemiological data to guide future policy and resource allocation for mental health issues.

He said the induction training took place under supervision of leading professor of psychiatry Prof Mian Mukhtarul Haq and it was decided to establish structured documentation of patients and mechanisms for electronic consultation and patient referral modalities.

The official said that health department launched the project at the cost Rs32 billion in December 2020 under which equipment, including latest anesthesia machines worth Rs2.55 billion, had been provided to 32 DHQ hospitals to enable that surgical procedures are done and facilitate patients at local level and lessen burden on tertiary care hospitals.

He said the health minister, secretary and other high-officials were taking immense interest to revamp district health services.

Dr Faisal said that the project had several goals including revamping infrastructure, ensuring availability of latest diagnostic and therapeutic equipment to strengthen elective and emergency services.

He said the DHQ hospitals were getting ventilators, digital x-rays, Doppler ultrasounds echocardiography, incubators and other nursery equipment, defibrillators, mobile X-rays, lab equipment along with reagent, tables and lights for operating theatres, crash carts and other surgical instruments.

“As DHQ hospitals cater to millions of patients, we are strengthening human resources through recruitment of emergency technicians, specialists and information technology support staff,” he said.

The official said doctors, nurses and technicians working at DHQ hospitals were being trained at the Postgraduate Medical Institute and other institutes and that over 150 medics had already been trained.

He said the infrastructure component of the project was earlier assigned to the infrastructure development authority of Punjab but in 2024, the KP cabinet cancelled that agreement with mutual consent.

“Now, the project has been assigned to the communication and works department which has hired Nespak as a consultant firm for carrying it out,” he said.

Dr Faisal said the project ending in 2028 would result in strengthened healthcare services at DHQ level that would benefit the people in their native areas.

He added that at the same time, the tertiary care health facilities would witness reduction of patient flow from districts and would focus on those requiring highly specialised services.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

“We would take around a week to provide hassle free travelling and other services to visitors from across the country and abroad as MNJ Road is cleared till Battakundi, while reopening of Manoor Valley and Saiful Muluk roads is also underway,” Hasrat Khan, the assistant commissioner Balakot told reporters in Balakot.

He said that so far MNJ Road, which was blocked in November last year following the Kaghan Valley received winter season’s first snowfall, could soon be reopened to all sorts of traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

“So far this important artery has been cleared up to Battakundi and within shortest possible time traffic could resume between both federating units via Babusar Top,” Mr Khan said.

The AC Balakot said that reopening work of the artery that connected Kaghan Valley’s commercial hub Naran with Saiful Muluk Road was also well underway and it would also be cleared to four-wheelers within days. “Snow and landslides from Manoor Valley Road are also being removed to connect it with MNJ Road,” Mr Khan said.

He said that the chief minister, chief secretary, secretary Tourism and Archeology and deputy commissioner Mansehra were personally taking interest in tourism promotion and directed district administration for better travelling and hospitality services to people.

Meanwhile, the police departments has also reopened Naran police station after almost over five consecutive months’ closure.

The police department’s media wing told reporters that Naran police station resumed its operation and all posts established along the MNJ Road would be made operational gradually as MNJ Road was being restored after cutting glaciers and clearing snow.

The SP Balakot Sabir Khan also visited the Naran police station, reviewed security arrangements and held meeting with the SHO and police personnel. “As traffic resumes between KP and GB, around a dozen posts established along the MNJ Road that remained closed for almost six months will be made functional to provide security to tourists and passengers,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

According to officials, the attackers, described by police as members of Fitna al Khawarij, a term the state uses to describe militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, carried out a sudden assault on the police station late at night.

During the attack, the terrorists allegedly used rocket launchers, causing a boundary wall of the police station to collapse. Several business outlets adjacent to the police station also suffered severe damage due to the intensity of the attack. Police personnel retaliated and managed to repel the assault after an exchange of fire.

Officials said the attackers fled the scene after facing resistance from the police.

No loss of life was reported in the incident. Following the attack, a heavy police contingent reached the area and launched a search operation to trace the fleeing terrorists.

TWO WITH IRANIAN CURRENCY HELD: The police claimed to have recovered a huge quantity of illegal Iranian currency worth over Rs4.49 billion during an operation in the suburban circle on Saturday and arrested two suspects.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of SP city Mohammad Nauman, while DSP suburb circle and SHO Shorkot Aftab Alam Baloch led the action.

Officials said a car was stopped during checking, and two persons travelling in it were taken into custody. They were identified as Aminullah, a resident of Chaman, and Naqeebullah, a resident of Quetta.

During a search of the vehicle, police recovered Iranian currency amounting to Rs4.499 billion in concealed compartments along with five mobile phones.

The suspects, along with the recovered currency and mobile phones, were handed over to the Federal Investigation Agency for further legal action.

Meanwhile, the Peshawar Electric Supply Company authorities on Saturday launched a campaign against electricity theft in the city, removing multiple illegal connections and warning of strict legal action against those involved.

The operation was led by Pesco City Division Executive Engineer Imran Khan Gandapur.

Officials said the operation was carried out near Mohallah Laghariwala and Madrassa Alauddin. The teams removed several illegal direct connections, commonly known as ‘kundas’.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026

Police and Rescue 1122 officials said on Saturday that the first incident occurred in the Lowi Sam area when assailants opened fire on a police mobile carrying policemen to the nearby Miagano post.

They said five policemen in the vehicle were injured in the attack, adding that the attackers managed to flee.

“The overnight attack on the police vehicle in the Lowi Sam area, considered among the peaceful areas of Khar tehsil, has left five policemen non-fatally wounded,” a spokesperson for the district police said.

The official said that after the incident, a team from the Lowi Sam police station immediately rushed to the scene and launched search efforts for the attackers.

The police spokesperson added that a Rescue 1122 ambulance was attacked by unknown assailants in Khar’s Rashakai area when it was en route to the Lowi Sam area to take the wounded cops to the Khar District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

The official stated that the attack on the Rescue 1122 ambulance, which occurred about 20 minutes after the Lowi Sam incident, left three people wounded, including the vehicle driver and two residents.

A contingent of police personnel led by senior officials from the Police Lines quickly reached the locality and started a search operation against those involved in the ambush after cordoning off the site, he added.

No one has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks, which spread fear in the said localities.

PTI MPA Dr Hamidur Rehman and Awami National Party (ANP) MPA Muhammad Nisar Baz Khan, among others, strongly condemned the attacks and termed them unacceptable.

In social media posts, both lawmakers expressed concern over the incidents and prayed for the early recovery of all the injured.

KP has seen a rise in terrorist attacks in the past year. According to the Annual Security Report 2025 from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), KP recorded a significant surge in violence last year as “fatalities rose from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025”.

On Thursday night, terrorists blew up an abandoned police post in Lowi Mamund tehsil of Bajaur.

On Tuesday night, a mortar shell fired from the Afghan side hit a house in Lowi Mamund. However, no casualties were reported.

Last week, a policeman was injured after unidentified armed men attacked a police post in the War Mamund tehsil.

In a letter to the chief minister, Peshawar’s corps commander and chief secretary, Senator Dost Mohammad Khan drew their attention towards large-scale felling of thick forest in Badar area of Ladha subdivision in Upper South Waziristan district.

“It has been observed that a substantial number of thick and mature trees have been cut, which raises serious environmental and governance concerns,” he noted.

The senator said that on the one hand, the government was actively promoting plantation drives and distributing plants but on the other, felling of forests was continuing in certain areas.

Insists there is lack of transparency regarding timber utilisation

He said that this contradiction created a sense of injustice among the local population and raised a fundamental question as to how people could be expected to protect and conserve forests when such actions are perceived to be undertaken by state institutions themselves.

Dost said that while such security requirements were fully acknowledged, it was respectfully submitted that any tree felling in such circumstances should be strictly limited to actual operational needs.

He also said that the local population should have been taken into confidence prior to undertaking such activity, particularly where extensive chopping down of matured trees was involved.

The senator said that the felling of thick forest in fragile and mountainous areas such as tribal districts could have serious and long-term environmental consequences.

He also said that it had also been observed through social media reports that similar incidents of tree felling had taken place in other parts of the tribal areas, including Tirah area of Khyber district as well as North Waziristan and Orakzai districts, where local communities had protested against such actions.

“These repeated incidents indicate that the issue is not isolated but reflects a broader pattern that requires immediate attention and a coordinated institutional response,” he noted.

Dost said that another important aspect was the lack of transparency regarding the utilisation of the felled timber as it was not clear where the cut trees had been taken and how they had been utilised.

He asked the government to hold a thorough inquiry into the matter on priority.

The lawmaker said that clear and strict guidelines be issued to ensure that any felling of trees for operational or security purposes remains strictly need-based, minimal and environmentally sustainable and that, too, with due consultation of the local population and in accordance with applicable laws and policies.

He also said that a comprehensive afforestation and reforestation plan should be initiated to compensate for the loss of forest cover and that effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms should be put in place to prevent such occurrences in future.

Meanwhile, a senior official from the department of climate change, forestry, environment and wildlife told Dawn that the department had remained actively engaged, both before and after the merger, in protecting and managing forests in Upper South Waziristan district through close coordination with district administration, law-enforcement agencies and local communities.

He noted that alongside enforcement measures, efforts have focused on community engagement and alternative livelihoods, including training in chilghoza and other non-timber forest products, as well as initiatives such as nurseries and plantations to reduce dependence on forest felling.

“Legal action against offenders, establishment of checkposts and structured forest management have further strengthened protection efforts,” he said.

Regarding the recent tree felling in Halal Algad area, the official said that it was carried out as a preemptive measure under official directives.

He, however, said the department had emphasised that prior coordination is essential to ensure environmental safeguards are upheld.

“Our department remains committed to protecting forest resources while balancing ecological sustainability with the needs and security of local communities,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026

They said that the incident occurred in the Kamar Sar area after terrorists placed explosive material beside the vacant police post on Thursday night.

The explosives went off, destroying the post that had been vacant since July last year, residents said.

Confirming the explosion, police said terrorists destroyed the empty building in the Kamar Sar area.

The post had been abandoned in July 2025 amid the operation against the terrorists in several areas of Lowi Mamund tehsil, a police official told Dawn.

The official said that cops from the Lowi Mamund police station rushed to the scene to trace the culprits. He said that an investigation had been launched into the incident, adding that an FIR would be lodged against unidentified accused.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026

Several teams from Swabi and other districts are participating in the tournament being held in Chota Lahor.

Rescue officials said that a contest was going on between Dodher and Chota Lahor’s teams when a clash erupted over a point.

The referee tried to calm down the situation, but the players became emotional and started shouting at one another, trading fists.

Luqman Khan, a spokesperson for Rescue 1122 in Swabi said that on receiving information, their medical team immediately reached the spot and provided first aid to the injured.

One injured person as identified as Zahoor Khan, while his two colleagues were also injured.

The organisers of the tournament said that the match was abandoned.

Power supply disconnected: Electric supply to the Government Higher Secondary School, Kotha, here was disconnected by the public utility over non-payment of bills, officials said.

Officials of the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) told Dawn that they were mulling cutting off power supply to more public sector institutions in the next few days for not paying electricity bills.

They said the school administration had failed to clear the dues despite repeated reminders.

The residents expressed concern over the development and asked the provincial government to provide funds to the schools to clear electricity bills.

They said that the summer had set in, so it would be difficult for students to concentrate on studies amid the rising temperatures.

The residents said the students would be unable to study, adding that the teachers would also face problems due to the power suspension.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026

Police officials in Landi Kotal said that unidentified gunmen ambushed the car in the Sultankhel area, killing Mohammad Fayyaz and his 10-year-old nephew, Arsalan, on the spot.

The police registered a case against the unidentified attackers and started an investigation. It was learnt that Fayyaz was a salesman in a shop, while his nephew was a fourth grade student.

The motive behind the killings could not be known as the family of the slain persons said they had no enmity with anyone.

Meanwhile, a woman lost her life in a roof collapse incident in the Sur Kamar area of Jamrud on Friday.

Also, the Khyber district administration has sealed several restaurants and meat shops owned by Afghan nationals in the Wazir Dhand market of Jamrud over the last couple of days.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026

According to the ISPR, on April 21 (Tuesday), security forces and law enforcement agencies conducted a joint IBO in Khyber on the reported presence of terrorists.

During the operation, after an intense exchange of fire, “22 khawarij belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij were sent to hell”, it said.

Fitna al Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

“Due to cowardice and fear of getting apprehended alive, khawarij resorted to indiscriminate firing, which resulted in [the] martyrdom of a 10-year-old innocent child,” the ISPR added.

The military’s media wing added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists, who were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.

A sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other khawarij found in the area, the ISPR statement added.

The country’s “relentless” counter terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm-i-Istekham’ “will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” it said, adding that the sacrifice of innocent civilians further strengthened resolve.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both lauded the security forces for the successful operation, state broadcaster PTV reported.

President Zardari, in his statement, expressed sorrow at the martyrdom of the 10-year-old child. He stated that “at a time when Pakistan was making every effort to promote peace in the region and the world, terrorists were attempting to undermine our efforts”.

PM Shehbaz also offered condolences at the martyrdom of the child as well, labelling it a “crime against humanity”. The premier vowed to “continue the war against terrorism until its total elimination from the country”.

Despite record militant deaths, Pakistan saw a sharp escalation in militant violence in 2025, with terrorist attacks rising by 34 per cent and terrorism-related fatalities increasing by 21 per cent year on year, according to a report released by the Islamabad-based Pak Institute for Peace Studies.

KP in particular has seen a rise in terrorist attacks in the past year. According to the Annual Security Report 2025 from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the province recorded a significant surge in violence last year as “fatalities rose from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025”.

Due to a resurgence of militancy, especially in KP and Balochistan, where attacks often target security personnel and LEAs, the state has intensified counter-terrorism operations.

Last month, security forces killed 13 terrorists in five separate operations across KP.

These operations came after a lieutenant colonel and a sepoy were martyred in a suicide attack during an IBO in Bannu.

In January, ISPR Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry shared that law enforcement agencies of Pakistan — including the army, police, Federal Constabulary, and intelligence agencies — conducted a total of 75,175 IBOs in 2025.

According to local sources, the two men were travelling in a car late at night when they reached the Painda Khel area. Armed militants reportedly signalled them to stop, but when they did not comply, the attackers opened indiscriminate fire on the vehicle.

As a result of the firing, one of the young men was killed on the spot, while the other sustained injuries.

The militants then took them to an undisclosed location. Sources said one of the victims was later executed in captivity.

The following morning, the bodies of the victims were recovered from separate locations. One body was found at Umarzai Chowk, while the other was found near Isparka Chowk.

Both victims belonged to the Taus Khel tribe of the Hathi Khel Subdivision in Wazir, Bannu.

Residents have urged the government and law enforcement agencies to take immediate and effective measures to restore peace and security in the area.

The Hathi Khel tribe has been resisting militant elements over the past year, during which several young men and tribal elders have been killed in similar incidents.

Violence in Bannu has included attacks on police and jirga members, prompting targeted operations by police and security forces in various localities to disrupt militant networks.

KP has seen a rise in terror attacks in the past year. According to the Annual Security Report 2025 from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), KP recorded a significant surge in violence last year as “fatalities rose from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025”.

A bench consisting of Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Inamullah allowed a petition filed by Hashwani Hotels and declared void the impugned order issued by PDA on June 19, 2025, through which the allotment of the land, situated at the heart of Hayatabad Township, had been cancelled.

The said plot at Phase-II of Hayatabad was allotted to M/S Hashwani Group on Feb 13, 1996 for construction of Zaver Pearl Continental Hotel. As per the original allotment letter, the company had to complete construction of the building within three years till April 24, 1999.

Petitioner’s counsel Imran Khan Sikandari contended that the cancellation was illegal and in clear violation of the legal doctrine of “Promissory Estoppel”, which prevented authorities from going back on their commitments.

Accepts plea of hospitality company about land allotted to it 30 years ago

He informed the court that both the PDA and provincial government had formally agreed in writing to extend the construction deadline until December 31, 2026. He argued that the impugned action was contrary to sections 24-A and 26 of General Clauses Act, and also violated Article 10-A of the Constitution, which guaranteed the right to a fair trial.

He pointed out that the grey structure of the hotel had already been completed, making it a project of significant importance for the province. Sikandri pointed out multiple reasons for delay in completion of the project, stating that the petitioner had from time-to-time informed PDA about the reasons for the delay through different communications.

He said that there were multiple reasons for the delay including terrorists’ threats, Covid-19 pandemic and economic hardships. He said that a suicide blast took place on Nov 27, 2017, near the site of the project that forced the contractor to abandon the project for the time being.

He claimed that the project was in final stages, therefore, any unwarranted action taken by the respondents including PDA at that stage couldn’t be justified in law.

The PDA’s counsel stated that the company was served with repeated notices from1996 to 2004 but the petitioner neither could get the building plan approved, nor could he construct the building after lapse of nine years, due to which the allotment was cancelled on March 8, 2005.

He said that the chairman of Hashwani Group, Sadarud Din Hashwani, had submitted a letter on Jan 30, 2008, to the then caretaker chief minister Shamsul Mulk, requesting for restoration of the plot. He added that the plot was subsequently restored by the chief minister with the condition that construction of the hotel should be completed within 36 months from the date of approval of the building plan.

The counsel said that the original plan was approved in 2010 and the date for completion was Sep 27, 2013. However, he said that the construction couldn’t be completed and the company promised that the inauguration would be held soon.

Subsequently, he stated that in 2014 the company made a request for revising the building drawing for construction of additional commercial floor that was approved following which it had to complete the construction by Aug 23, 2019, but it again failed to complete the same.

After different developments, the PDA’s board in its meeting on May 22, 2024, gave a target time of one year up to May 25, 2025, to make operational the hotel otherwise the allotment of the plot would be cancelled. As the petitioner failed to complete the hotel in a 30-year long period, PDA finally issued the impugned cancellation order, he added.

He maintained that the chief minister, in his capacity as chairman of the PDA board, held full authority to make such decisions, and therefore the petition was not maintainable.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026

“Revival of student unions will enable students to participate constructively in democratic processes, help nurture leadership skills, thereby contributing to the development of future leadership,” he said during a meeting of the labour department here.

The meeting was called to review in detail the legal and institutional framework for labour welfare, ongoing reform initiatives and the future course of action, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.

It added that the meeting undertook a detailed discussion on the long-standing issue of the restoration of student unions.

A resolution has already been passed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly in this regard, with practical steps towards restoration being taken.

“A dedicated committee has been constituted to submit recommendations, following which a balanced code of conduct will be developed through consultation with all relevant stakeholders,” it read.

The meeting also decided formal legislation would be introduced to define the framework, scope and regulatory parameters of student unions.

It agreed on the need to further strengthen the social security registration system for labour to ensure effective enforcement of the minimum wage.

The chief minister underscored that full compliance with the government-notified minimum wage was imperative and directed the concerned authorities to expedite the registration process.

Officials said that under the government’s good governance agenda, the initial registration target had been achieved ahead of the specified timeline, with further significant increase in registrations expected by May 1.

The meeting agreed on the need to increase the number of labour courts and the chief minister directed that the matter be taken up at the appropriate forum.

The participants also reviewed progress regarding the issuance of allotment letters for newly constructed residential flats for workers in Peshawar, issuing directions for the timely completion of the process.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026