Police authorities termed both incidents acts of terrorism and have launched search operations to trace and arrest the perpetrators.

On Friday morning, Police Constable Mishqat Amir was returning home after attending a gathering at the Hamza Tablighi Centre when he came under attack on Bannu-Miranshah Road near Azad Mandi.

According to initial reports, unidentified armed assailants opened fire on him while he was on his way home. As a result of the attack, the constable sustained critical injuries and died on the spot.

In a separate incident that took place on Thursday night in Saidgi Baka Khel, Police Constable Muhammad Roshan, who belonged to the Wazeer sub-division police, was shot by unidentified gunmen outside his residence.

Police said that Roshan was serving at the North Waziristan Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) Camp in Baka Khel and had returned home after completing his duties.

According to officials, the attackers opened fire on him while he was standing outside his house. He was seriously injured and immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries and embraced martyrdom.

Police authorities have classified both incidents as targeted killings linked to terrorism. Investigations are underway from multiple angles, while intelligence-based search operations have been launched in the respective areas to apprehend those responsible.

Police ranks and residents condemned the attacks and called for swift action against the perpetrators. Law enforcement officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and bringing the attackers to justice.

Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and local security forces coming under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence.

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.

Last month, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said in an assessment that after two consecutive months of improvement, Pakistan’s security situation had deteriorated sharply in May 2026, driven primarily by escalating terrorist violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

On May 9, a suicide attack in Bannu claimed the lives of 15 police personnel, after which Pakistan issued a “strong demarche” to Afghanistan.

A bench consisting of Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Inamullah Khan adjourned hearing of a petition filed by Mr Afridi against ECP proceeding on the matter without first deciding the issue of its jurisdiction and maintainability.

An application was submitted on behalf of the petitioner’s counsel Bashir Khan Wazir seeking general adjournment in his (counsel) cases. Next date of hearing will be fixed later.

“In the meanwhile, the respondent, Election Commission of Pakistan, may proceed with the matter; however, it shall not pass any final order adverse to the petitioner [Sohail Afridi] till further orders,” the bench declared.

Puts off hearing into CM plea challenging proceedings against him in Haripur bypoll case

In Nov last year, the chief minister and candidate Shehrnaz Omar Ayub, supported by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in the by-election, had challenged issuance of notices to them by ECP for allegedly violating election code of conduct.

The chief minister had challenged the notice issued to him on Nov 20 by ECP, wherein he had been accused of delivering provocative speech against government functionaries in connection with by-elections in NA-18 Haripur.

ECP claimed that the speech of the chief minister was contrary to the code of conduct issued by the commission for the by-election, for which polling was held on Nov 23.

Mr Afridi had requested the high court to set aside the impugned notice issued to him on Nov 20 by ECP. However, the court turned down both petitions, observing that no adverse order has so far been passed against the petitioners.

“The impugned proceedings are aimed at inquiring into the allegations of violation of the code of conduct/offence under the Act. The inquiry is at a very initial stage,” the court ruled.

“Suffice it to hold that, at present, the petitions are premature and do not call for interference by this court, as no adverse order has been passed against the petitioners so far. Nevertheless, we expect that ECP, in the first instance, will determine its jurisdiction in the matter before proceeding further with the inquiry.”

The ECP later fixed the matter for hearing on Jan 27, while the impugned notice was issued to the petitioner over the alleged misuse of powers.

The petitioner said that he was chief minister of the province and ever since he had assumed office, he had been addressing public meetings in different areas.

He added that he had addressed a public gathering in Havelian (Abbottabad), which was not in the constituency NA-18.

The petitioner said that the ECP stated in the impugned notice, issued under Section 234 of the Elections Act, 2017, that the petitioner had hurled threats at state functionaries.

He contended that the high court in its earlier order had mentioned that ECP would first decide its jurisdiction in the matter.

However, he said that they had learned that instead of first deciding the issue of its jurisdiction, the ECP intended to decide the same with the main case.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026

In a statement, Mr Jan said that the NEC meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by chief ministers of all provinces and senior government officials, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa being represented by CM Sohail Afridi along with adviser (finance) Muzammil Aslam and the chief secretary.

He said that the meeting reviewed the Annual Development Programme and national development initiatives. The minister said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government effectively raised the issue of non-provision of NFC resources for merged tribal districts.

“CM Sohail Afridi maintained that despite the merger of Fata with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the resource distribution formula had not been revised accordingly, placing an additional financial burden on the province. He emphasised that development of merged tribal districts was contingent upon fair allocation of financial resources,” he said.

Minister Jan says PM promised resolution of tribal districts funds issue within six months

Mr Jan said the prime minister acknowledged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s demand as constitutional and legitimate and said efforts would be made to resolve the issue within six months.

“If a consensus-based solution is not reached within the stipulated period, the prime minister will advise the president to exercise powers under Article 160(6) of Constitution to update the NFC formula through constitutional and legal means. This development is the first formal progress at the federal level regarding the rights of merged districts,” he said.

The minister said that CM Afridi also raised the issue of restrictions on interprovincial movement of wheat and flour. He argued that such restrictions were contrary to constitutional guarantee of free trade.

“Taking notice of the matter, the prime minister ordered the immediate removal of all such restrictions.”

Minister Jan said the meeting also agreed that Passco would provide wheat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in accordance with existing agreements. He added that consensus was reached on addressing the province’s additional requirements.

Mr Jan said that the chief minister also clarified the province’s position regarding proposals for financial arrangements linked to national strategic requirements.

“CM Afridi categorically stated that any matter carrying significant financial and political implications would require consultation with and approval from the party’s leader Imran Khan, before any final commitment or decision could be made. The KP government can’t make any commitment without such approval,” he said.

Minister Jan said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa delegation effectively defended the province’s constitutional rights during the meeting and strongly advocated for equitable financial resources and constitutional justice for merged districts.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026

A statement said that the federal interior minister visited the Central Police Office (CPO), where he laid a floral wreath at the Police Martyrs Memorial and offered fateha. On the occasion, Mr Naqvi inspected drones, night-vision guns, and other security equipment. KP police chief Zulfiqar Hameed briefed the interior minister on the capabilities and use of the modern equipment.

A special meeting was held at CPO under the chairmanship of Mohsin Naqvi. The meeting was attended by chief secretary KP Shahab Ali, commandant Frontier Constabulary Nazir Gara, the head of CTD and other senior officials.

Mr Naqvi said that KP police were on the front line in the fight against terrorism. He said that modern weapons, technology, and equipment were being provided to the force on a priority basis.

He emphasized that the federal and provincial governments were working together to provide all necessary resources to strengthen the operational capacity of the KP police and CTD, and will continue to do so in the future.

Mr Naqvi also announced that the federal government will fully support advanced counterterrorism training programs for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and CTD.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026

The accused, a former head clerk in communication and works department, filed a petition in the high court, requesting it to set aside the May 20, 2026, order of the accountability court wherein it was ordered that multiple movable and immovable properties including cash and jewellery allegedly belonging to him stood surrendered and forfeited/confiscated.

The petitioner sought declaration of the court that his statement recorded by the accountability court on May 20 was without lawful authority and illegal. He requested to declare as illegal the proceedings conducted by the accountability court on May 20, wherein he was summoned from prison for recording his statement.

He also sought interim relief, requesting the high court to suspend operation over the impugned order of the accountability court and also restrain the respondents including National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and relevant government functionaries from alienating, transferring, disposing of or creating any third-party rights in respect of the properties declared forfeited, till final disposal of the petition.

Order of accountability court violates principle of fair trial, claims petitioner

Qaiser Iqbal, and his wife Gul Fareen were arrested by NAB in Oct 2025, in the case involving alleged embezzlement of more than Rs37 billion in the Upper Kohistan district accounts office.

They had remained in custody of the bureau for 14 days after which they were sent to prison on judicial remand by an accountability court. Subsequently, Gul Fareen was set free on bail by the high court in Feb this year on condition of furnishing two surety bonds of Rs5 million each.

On May 19, an application was moved before the accountability court by NAB for passing an appropriate order on the basis of an application submitted by Mr Iqbal for surrendering and forfeiting his assets as proceeds of crime.

On May 20, the accountability court issued the impugned order, stating that the accused was summoned from prison and his statement was recorded. It added that the accused was willing to surrender the said properties.

The present petition, filed through advocates Naveed Ahmad Khan and Sayed Abid Shah, includes as respondents the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government through its chief secretary, provincial home secretary, NAB chairman, its KP director general, NAB’s combined investigation team (CIT) and others.

It is pertinent to mention that NAB has alleged that Qaiser Iqbal along with other accused persons was involved in the illegal withdrawal and misappropriation of over Rs37 billion from the contractors security deposit head of an account, G-10113.

The bureau claimed that it had started an inquiry and during probe it revealed that officials of communication and works department in Upper Kohistan, in connivance with officials of district accounts office, and NBP branch there, had misappropriated funds from different projects through bogus withdrawal of funds from the national treasury in the name of several contractors, who had not executed any civil work.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026

The jirga extended its full support to the police peace committee but expressed serious concerns over the alleged detention of citizens by security personnel in plain clothes and desecration of dead bodies.

The jirga was held at the Darul Uloom Islamia seminary, with Malik Dilnawaz Khan, a representative of Bannu’s residents in Islamabad, in the chair.

The participants included former Senator Prof Ibrahim Khan, MNA Maulana Syed Naseem Ali Shah, former mayors Irfan Durrani and Junaid Rashid, elders Dr Pir Sahib Zaman, Malik Raza Khan, Malik Nek Daraz Khan, Nisar Khan, Sahibzada Idrees Khan and Mureed Hayat, Traders Association president Gul Pir, as well as a large number of tribal elders, religious scholars, and representatives of various segments of society from across the district.

Threatens sit-in in Islamabad or Peshawar

The participants unanimously adopted resolutions, calling on the federal and provincial governments to ensure lasting peace in the district and resolution of public issues.

They announced their complete support for all lawful measures taken by the police and other relevant institutions to establish peace and stability in Bannu.

While condemning terrorism in all its forms and describing it as the greatest obstacle to peace and development, the jirga voiced reservations about the alleged detention of people by plain-clothesmen.

It stressed that the police should perform their duties strictly within the framework of the law and the Police Act, 2017, emphasising that the people will not take up arms.

The jirga urged the provincial government to provide the Bannu police with all necessary resources, powers and facilities to maintain peace in the district.

It declared that the people and elders of Bannu stood shoulder to shoulder with the government and law-enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism.

The jirga paid tribute to law-enforcement personnel and civilians who lost their lives in recent incidents of violence and demanded a special compensation package for their families.

It also called for the immediate reopening of major highways and roads connecting different areas of Bannu to ease public movement and reduce hardships faced by residents.

The jirga demanded a review of FIRs and cases registered against Bannu elders following the July 19, 2024, peace march and sought the immediate release of all “innocent individuals”, including Abdul Samad Khan.

It demanded the reopening of the blocked Juma Khan Road, Kot Adil Road, Amandi Road and other arteries, along with markets and business centres.

The jirga called for speedy work on development projects across the district.

The elders announced that they would seek meetings with the corps commander and the chief secretary to pursue the implementation of their demands.

They also warned that if the issues remain unresolved, a sit-in protest could be staged in Islamabad or Peshawar.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2026

The main Miramshah-Bannu Road witnessed limited traffic, while mobile phone and internet services remained suspended, leaving residents struggling to maintain contact with relatives and business associates.

Local residents also reported difficulties in obtaining food and other basic necessities in some areas.

Official sources said security forces were continuing operations in and around Miramshah and that restrictions imposed under Section 144 would remain in place until the security situation improved.

Government and private educational institutions in Miramshah have remained closed for more than a week, affecting thousands of students. A teacher at a government school, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that academic activities and examinations had been severely disrupted.

“Practical examinations and papers for grades 11 and 12 are being cancelled or postponed. Students are losing valuable academic time. Educational opportunities are already limited in the region, and a prolonged closure will further affect their studies,” he said.

A teacher at a private school said the suspension of internet services had also eliminated the possibility of online learning.

“In major cities, students at least have access to online classes during disruptions. Here, both mobile and internet services are unavailable, leaving students completely disconnected from education,” he said.

Local traders said business activity had declined sharply due to communication restrictions and reduced public movement.

“Markets are open, but business is almost at a standstill. People are staying indoors and customers from surrounding areas are unable to reach the town,” said a shopkeeper in Miramshah Bazaar.

Another trader said the internet shutdown had disrupted digital transactions and banking-related activities.

“Many payments and business transactions now depend on mobile applications and online systems.

“The absence of internet connectivity has created additional difficulties for traders,” he said.

Residents of Palangzai village on the outskirts of Miramshah reported shortages of essential food items, including flour, sugar and vegetables, due to restricted movement and disruptions in supply chains.

A local elder said stocks of basic commodities at some shops were rapidly diminishing.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026

They stressed the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to restore peace and security in the volatile region, which, they said, had witnessed a steady rise in insecurity over the last one and a half years.

The jirga was held in Rustam Bazaar of Wana, bringing together all local political leaders, tribal elders, members of civil society, religious scholars, youth representatives, social activists, and members of various schools of thought.

The speakers observed that the worsening security situation had created a sense of fear, uncertainty and insecurity among residents. They said people in Wana and surrounding areas were increasingly concerned about their safety due to the growing number of violent incidents.

Calls for coordinated security measures without delay

According to participants, continued deterioration of law and order has severely affected public confidence and disrupted normal life across the district.

The speakers noted that the impact of insecurity extended beyond public safety and had significantly damaged economic and commercial activities in the region. Traders, labourers, students and ordinary citizens were facing growing difficulties in carrying out their daily routines.

They said business activity had declined considerably, while unemployment was increasing as investors and entrepreneurs remained reluctant to engage in economic ventures under prevailing security conditions.

Participants further stated that recurring incidents of violence had placed additional burdens on local communities.

They warned that prolonged instability was negatively affecting educational opportunities, social development and the future prospects of young people. Parents, they said, were increasingly worried about the safety and education of their children, while students often faced difficulties travelling to educational institutions.

The jirga emphasised that sustainable development, prosperity and social progress could not be achieved without lasting peace. Speakers stressed that peace was a prerequisite for economic growth, educational advancement and the overall well-being of society. They urged all stakeholders to work collectively to address the challenges confronting the region.

Several proposals aimed at promoting peace and long-term stability were presented during the gathering. Participants agreed that broader public consultation was essential for building consensus and strengthening community engagement in peacebuilding efforts. They proposed the formation of delegations comprising tribal elders, religious leaders, political representatives and youth activists to visit various localities and engage directly with residents.

The purpose of these consultations, participants said, would be to listen to public concerns, gather recommendations and formulate a comprehensive strategy for peace through collective decision-making. They emphasised that any sustainable solution must include the participation and support of all segments of society.

The jirga also expressed concern over the large number of security-related incidents reported during the past year, stating that these events had further deepened the sense of insecurity among residents.

The participants maintained that ensuring the protection of citizens’ lives and property was a fundamental responsibility of the state and called upon relevant authorities to fulfil their constitutional obligations effectively.

The gathering urged the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments, security forces and law enforcement agencies to adopt an effective and comprehensive strategy to ensure durable peace in Lower South Waziristan.

Participants said that people of the region could no longer afford continued violence, bloodshed and uncertainty.

They called for decisive action against elements involved in destabilising the area and demanded enhanced security measures to protect civilians.

Concluding the jirga, participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, social harmony and unity among all sections of society.

They expressed hope that the government, district administration, police and relevant institutions would take the concerns of local residents seriously and implement practical measures to restore peace and stability in the district.

Among those who addressed the gathering were MNA Zubair Wazir, MPA Ajab Gul Wazir, tribal elders, religious scholars and political and social leaders.

The speakers called for urgent, sincere and effective steps to address the security challenges facing Lower South Waziristan district and ensure a peaceful environment conducive to development and prosperity.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026

A bench consisting of Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Faheem Wali directed secretary of the forest, climate change and wildlife department Junaid Khan to restore the original position of the forests in Galiyat by Sept 16 and produce a report.

It also directed him to hold a meeting with the officials of the Survey of Pakistan regarding the matter.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Galiyat Tahafuz Movement against multiple notifications issued by the last caretaker provincial government to appoint members of the GDA Board and the subsequent actions of the board and its DG, including facilitating construction of a high-rise building on a “disputed land” called Hilda Estate.

Directs forest secy to hold meeting with Survey of Pakistan officials on the issue

During the previous hearing on May 21, the court had summoned the secretary forest, director general of Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) and other officials as they had failed to comply with its earlier order of restoring forest boundaries in the Dunga Gali, Abbottabad.

Forest secretary Junaid Khan, GDA DG Mohammad Fawad, forest conservator Hayat Ali and other officials appeared in the hearing.

Justice Arshad Ali remarked that the number of hotels in Galiyat had increased so much that it had badly impacted the environment.

At the start of the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel, Babar Khan Yousafzai, read out the order from the previous hearing.

The bench asked the forest secretary about progress on the matter.

The secretary submitted a report, saying he convened a meeting on June 8 to review the latest situation.

He said that the Survey of Pakistan had conducted a demarcation survey of the Gallies Reserved Forests measuring 307,424 kanals during the year 2015-16, wherein the 7616 kanals of encroached land was identified.

The secretary said that during an anti-encroachment campaign 6632 kanals were retrieved, while 984 kanals remained under encroachment. He added that a fresh survey was conducted in 2020-21, showing 1,017 kanal of encroached land. Out of that land, 744 kanals have been retrieved, with 243 kanal remaining under encroachment mostly due to litigation.

The secretary said that the anti-encroachment drive continued resulting in retrieval of an additional 58.3 kanals of land, reducing the remaining encroached area to 184.8 kanals.

He claimed that as of June 8, the total remaining encroached area stood at 159 kanals out of which 45.45 kanals were under litigation while 113.5 kanals represent discrepancies between the revenue and forest department records.

The secretary stated that the biggest problem in Galiyat was the revenue record; as according to some records, the land belonged to the forest department, while elsewhere the same land was shown as private ownership.

The bench observed that the secretary had the responsibility to review the alterations made to the records and formally raise the matter with the revenue department.

It added that it simply wanted the forest area identified according to the Survey of Pakistan maps from 2015 and 2016 to be restored to its previous status and action taken against encroachers.

The secretary told the court that they were working jointly with the GDA on this issue. He added that demarcation had been carried out, and three surveys had been conducted that identified various locations as part of the forest.

The bench observed that given the current situation of the forests in Nathiagali, it would turn from a healthy, pleasant place into a hot spot in the future due to the large-scale increase in hotels, which had impacted the environment.

Justice Arshad stressed the need to preserve these forests for the new generation and said that while the court could only issue orders, the administration had to do the work.

GDA DG Mohammad Fawad informed the court that no new NOCs were currently being issued.

He said new building rules had been framed under which NOCs and construction permits, spread over seven stages, would only be granted on non-forest land within GDA’s jurisdiction.

The bench inquired whether building hotels would develop Galiyat. It also pointed out hours -long traffic jams in Galiyat areas.

The DG responded that they were paying attention to this issue, and he was personally overseeing it and that their job was to make Galiyat safe and that no commercial building was being permitted on any GDA land.

When the bench asked the secretary how much time he needed to restore the forest boundaries, he replied that it was a technical task requiring at least three months.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026

According to local sources, all the affected individuals developed health complications shortly after consuming the dairy product. They were rushed to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Tangi, where doctors provided emergency treatment and continued to monitor their condition.

Following the incident, the Tangi assistant commissioner, accompanied by officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority, conducted a raid on the shop from where the milk product had reportedly been purchased.

Food authority officials collected samples and launched an investigation to determine the cause of the suspected food poisoning. Authorities said laboratory tests would ascertain whether the milk was contaminated or unfit for consumption.

Officials added that further investigations were under way and legal action would be taken against those found responsible if any violation of food safety regulations was established.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026

A bench consisting of Justice Wiqar Ahmad and Justice Farah Jamshed directed the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and other authorities to act on the matter in accordance with the law and earlier court judgements.

It will release the detailed order later.

The petitioners had sought directives of the court for Nadra and other authorities to issue them documentary evidence regarding the status of their respective applications submitted for cancellation of their ACCs or PoR cards.

Asks authorities to act on matter in accordance with law, court judgements

The petitions were filed by individuals who claimed that they had applied for the cancellation of their ACCs and other refugee-related documentation in order to seek recognition of their Pakistani nationality and obtain Pakistani identity documents.

Saifullah Muhib Kakakhel, Malik Shehbaz, Faheem Marwat, Mohammad Irfan and several other lawyers appeared for the petitioners and said that their clients were not being provided with any written acknowledgment, token, receipt, or documentary evidence indicating whether their applications were pending, under process, accepted, or rejected.

They contended that the absence of such documentation created uncertainty and prevented applicants from effectively pursuing their legal remedies.

During the hearing, some Nadra officials appeared before the court and produced a detailed report regarding the processing of applications for the cancellation of ACCs and other related documentation.

They said that more than 24,000 applications had been received for issuance of certificate of clearance under the Citizenship Act and cancellation of ACCs.

The officials said that around 2,200 applications had been approved, while more than 6,000 applicants did not pursue their cases after filing their applications.

They said a substantial number of applications had been rejected on the ground that the applicants were unable to establish their claim to Pakistani nationality.

Advocate Saifullah Kakakhel said that applicants should be provided with documentary proof reflecting the status of their cases, including whether an application was pending, under consideration, approved, or rejected.

He argued that the absence of any written acknowledgment undermined transparency and created serious difficulties for affected individuals seeking to protect their legal rights.

Moreover, discussion arguments also took place on multiple petitions related to issuance of Pakistan Origin Card (POC) to Afghan spouses of Pakistani nationals and the availability of grievance redressal mechanisms in nationality and identity-related cases.

The bench inquired about the functioning of the Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) and the procedure available to affected persons for lodging complaints.

The lawyers for the petitioners claimed that there was no practical and accessible mechanism through which applicants could directly approach the Committee or pursue grievances relating to delays, refusals, or other issues.

They suggested that at the very least, an official email-based complaint mechanism be introduced to enable affected individuals to submit complaints and supporting documents directly to the relevant authorities.

Various legal and factual issues concerning citizenship, identity rights, verification procedures, administrative transparency and the processing of nationality-related claims were also discussed during the proceedings.

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2026

District Police Officer (DPO) spokesperson Shaukat Khan confirmed the attack and said it occurred when a joint team of local police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) commandos was conducting a search-and-strike operation in the mountainous region.

Terrorists attacked the law enforcement personnel from a hilltop using sophisticated weapons, injuring eight policemen, the spokesperson said.

The official said the injured policemen were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition and out of danger.

A police vehicle was also damaged in the attack, added the spokesperson.

“We have credible reports that several assailants were killed, and their accomplices injured in an intense exchange of fire,” he claimed.

After the attack, an additional police force led by DPO Imran Khan reached the venue and launched a search operation.

“A sanitisation operation is ongoing in the area to neutralise any other terrorists, if found,” the spokesperson added.

He said police had beefed up security and tightened checks at the entry and exit points of the district.

Last month, a police officer in Lakki Marwat’s remote Shadikhel area was martyred when terrorists attacked a police post.

In another incident last month, terrorists affiliated with Fitna-al-Khawarij planted an improvised explosive device at the house of Constable Tehsil Khan.

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

A bench consisting of Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Babar Sattar declared that the prosecution had successfully brought home the charge against the appellant, a resident of Peshawar, beyond any shadow of reasonable doubt and the trial court, after proper appraisal of evidence available on record, rightly recorded the conviction.

The appellant and another accused in the case were convicted by the trial court on March 14, 2025.

They were convicted on two counts under the Pakistan Penal Code’s Section 295-B (defiling or desecration of a copy of the Holy Quran) and Section 297 (trespassing place of burial). They were sentenced to life imprisonment under PPC Section 295-B and also to one year imprisonment under PPC Section 297.

Bench issues 49-page detailed judgement in May 2021 incident

While the present appellant had challenged his conviction by filing the instant appeal, the other convict preferred not to do so.

The bench has released a 49-page detailed judgement authored by Justice Sahibzada Asadullah, wherein the bench has discussed in detail multiple aspects of the case.

The appellant and the other convict were charged in an FIR registered at Shahpur police station, Peshawar, on May 8, 2021, under different provisions of the PPC.

The prosecution claimed that some villagers were offering Taraveeh prayer at a mosque and when they came out they observed certain suspicious activity at a nearby graveyard.

When the complainant and other witnesses entered the graveyard they spotted the two convicts burning pages of Holy Quran and had also slaughtered a puppy, which was lying in an injured condition nearby.

Both the convicts had also recorded their confessional statements the next day wherein they admitted that they were involved in sorcery. However, the present appellant claimed that the other convict was the prime accused, whereas he was only involved in supportive acts.

The prosecution asserted that the accused, in pursuit of witchcraft and occult practices, deliberately burnt pages of the Holy Quran within a graveyard and further employed the blood of a dog as part of a ritual intended to facilitate such forbidden acts.

About the testimonies of the witnesses, the bench ruled: “These witnesses narrated in considerable detail the circumstances under which they allegedly reached the place of occurrence, observed the incriminating articles, apprehended the accused, and informed the police.”

“Their testimonies remained substantially harmonious regarding the essential features of the occurrence, namely the presence of the burnt pages of the Holy Qur’an, the ashes recovered from the scene, the injured puppy, the bloodstained knife, and the circumstances leading to the registration of the criminal case,” the bench observed.

“A close and careful examination of their depositions reveals that each witness was subjected to lengthy, searching, and, at times, penetrating cross-examination. Yet the defence, despite considerable effort, was unable to extract any contradiction of consequence capable of striking at the core of the prosecution case.”

“Equally significant is the fact that the defense failed to establish the existence of any personal animosity, prior hostility, or ulterior motive that could have prompted these witnesses to falsely implicate the accused in an occurrence carrying such grave consequences,” the court ruled.

Quoting several verses from the Holy Quran as well as traditions of Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), the bench observed: “The Holy Quran expressly refers to the practice of magic and warns against those who pursue it, while the Prophetic traditions classify sorcery amongst the gravest of sins.”

“The foregoing verses unequivocally condemn sorcery and allied practices, warn against their consequences, and declare the ultimate futility of those who engage therein. The condemnation of sorcery and occult practices is firmly rooted in the primary sources of Islamic law. The Holy Quran does not merely acknowledge the existence of magic, it expressly warns mankind against its pursuit and portrays it as a means of misguidance and spiritual ruin.”

The bench observed that its observations were not intended to predetermine the fate of the accused before the court.

“It is not the function of a court of law to convict on the basis of emotion, public sentiment, religious outrage, or philosophical reflection nor is it the purpose of these introductory observations to suggest that the accused must necessarily be guilty of the allegations levelled against them.”

“No individual can be condemned merely because the allegations against him appear grave, offensive, or morally disturbing. The law requires proof, and proof alone. Accordingly, this Court does not approach the present matter with a preconceived conclusion,” the bench declared.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2026

“Eighteen persons were booked in the case as five of them first kidnapped and assaulted the boy and then made a video to blackmail him if he disclosed their crime to his parents or police,” a statement issued by the police said on Tuesday.

Father of the victim, 15, lodged an FIR with the Shinkiari police, stating that gangsters had kidnapped his son earlier this month when he had gone to visit his aunt’s house. “They confined my son in a room and repeatedly assaulted him. They also filmed the act as a blackmailing tactic,” he said.

The complainant said around 18 accused assaulted his son. The police lodged the case under sections 376/34 of the Pakistan Penal Code and Section 53 of the Child Protection Act, and arrested three of them.

The statement said raids were being conducted to arrest the remaining accused.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2026

He called for accountability over decisions that contributed to the worsening security situation in the province.

During a protest demonstration organised by the ANP’s district Peshawar chapter in Badhber area against an attempt on the life of ANP Pishtakhara tehsil president Malik Rehmanullah, Mr Hussain expressed concern over the “resurgence of terrorism and deteriorating law and order conditions in the province.

He wondered when those decided about the resettlement of militants would be held accountable.

“If Lt Gen Faiz Hameed could face legal consequences in other matters, those behind policies that adversely affected the Pakhtun population should also be held answerable,” he said.

Referring to the recent armed attack on Malik Rehmanullah and a rocket attack on businessman Afzal Gujar in Swat, Mr Hussain termed the incidents alarming and criticised authorities for failing to identify those responsible.

He said that despite the deaths of Afzal Gujar’s son, nephew and a guard in the attack, no effective action had so far been taken, raising serious questions about the response of authorities.

The ANP leader said that the region had suffered from terrorism for nearly five decades, with “certain elements” within the ruling setup continuing to support facilitators of militancy.

He said the ANP had rendered unprecedented sacrifices for peace and was among the first political parties to oppose the resettlement of militants in the province.

Mr Hussain said he had repeatedly received threats but would not be deterred from speaking out against militancy.

“Peace is a basic necessity for every citizen, and we will continue our struggle for its restoration at all costs,” he said.

Criticising the provincial government, he said the security situation was deteriorating, while the administration remained focused on efforts to secure the release of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan.

The ANP leader also alleged widespread corruption in the province and accused both provincial and federal governments of failing to address the growing threat of terrorism. He said that the National Action Plan had never been implemented in its true spirit.

Responding to criticism that militancy also existed during the ANP’s tenure in government, Mr Hussain argued that his party hadn’t been in power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the past 13 years.

He claimed that during the militancy crisis in Malakand, the ANP had played a significant role in restoring peace and re-establishing the writ of the state.

The ANP leader said the party was committed to democratic and constitutional struggle for peace, development and the protection of Pakhtun rights and would continue raising its voice against both terrorism and policies that contributed to its growth.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2026

“Our teams are actively engaged in efforts to extinguish the fire that erupted in Saleem Bagh forests,” District Emergency Officer Ibrar Ali told reporters on Tuesday.

Firefighters, along with fire tenders, rushed to the site and started efforts to extinguish the blaze, which spread quickly due to dry grass and pine needles.

“The fire was rapidly advancing towards nearby residential areas, but the swift response of our teams restricted it to the forested area,” Mr Ali said.

Unauthorised use of chainsaws banned in Dir

He said firefighters also used traditional methods to put out the blaze in high-altitude parts of the forest where fire tenders could not reach.

“People should avoid throwing or dumping inflammable materials in forests, as such wildfires not only destroy trees, herbs and shrubs but also kill wildlife, which is a fundamental component of biodiversity,” Mr Ali said.

Meanwhile, in view of the growing number of forest fires reported across various parts of Lower Dir over the past two weeks, the district administration on Tuesday imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code and enforced a series of restrictions to help protect forests, wildlife and public property.

According to an official notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Basharat Ahmad, the decision was taken following a report from the Divisional Forest Officer, Timergara, highlighting an increased risk of forest fires, illegal tree felling and the unauthorised use of chain saws in different forest areas of the district.

The notification stated that the situation posed a serious threat to forests, biodiversity, wildlife, public property, and human life, necessitating immediate preventive measures.

The district administration has banned the unauthorised use, transportation and operation of chain saws throughout the district, particularly in forest areas and adjoining localities.

The order also prohibits the felling or removal of trees without permission from the competent authority. In addition, setting fire to grass, crop residues, bushes or any combustible material in or near forest areas has been banned.

The notification warned that any activity likely to cause forest fires, whether through negligence or deliberate action, would be treated as a violation of the order.

The restriction will remain effective for 30 days unless withdrawn earlier. Violators will face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2026

The protesters, mainly from the areas covered by the Parang-I, Parang-II and Charsadda-I feeders, took to the streets against frequent power outages, low voltage and repeated electricity tripping.

The demonstration led to closure of the Nowshera-Charsadda Motorway’s link road, resulting in long queues of vehicles to the inconvenience of travellers.

The protesters complained that despite rising temperatures, power supply to many localities remained highly irregular, severely affecting domestic consumers, businesses and students.

Also, leaders and workers of the Awami National Party held a protest outside the office of the Pesco executive engineer here.

ANP district general secretary Shahzaduddin, tehsil president Gohar Ayub and other speakers criticised Pesco over “failure to provide relief to consumers during the ongoing heatwave”.

They complained that excessive and unannounced power cuts had made people’s life miserable.

The speakers demanded uninterrupted power supply to their areas.

They warned that people’s patience was running out, so if the situation did not improve, they would agitate.

The protesters claimed that the Xen assured them during talks that the duration of loadshedding on the feeders in question would be reduced by two hours.

WOMAN DIES: A woman died in the Tangi Gulabad area here on Monday after allegedly consuming “toxic” tea.

Saeed told police that his wife was taken to a doctor after she complained of a health issue after consuming tea in which a lizard had accidentally fallen, but was sent home after treatment.

“Her health later worsened, so we took her to the tehsil headquarters hospital Tangi where she died,” he insisted.

Police said that an investigation was under way to determine the exact cause of death.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2026

The road not only serves as a vital link between Wana and Gomal Zam but also connects Pakistan with Afghanistan through the Angoor Adda border crossing. However, years of neglect, damaged infrastructure and recurring weather-related destruction have made it increasingly difficult to navigate the route.

Back in February, the strategically significant route had already been in disrepair back in February. Now, nearly four months later, residents say the road has become virtually unusable.

Deep potholes, muddy stretches, broken surfaces and unpaved sections have made travel both difficult and dangerous. Several bridges and culverts along the route have also been damaged or rendered ineffective, further worsening the situation.

Speaking to Dawn on Tuesday, elders from the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe expressed frustration over what they described as the administration’s indifference towards the road’s worsening condition.

“The road is not only essential for the people of South Waziristan but also plays a crucial role in regional trade and economic activity,” a tribal elder said. “Its current condition is causing immense hardship to the local population and affecting business on both sides of the border.”

The elders recalled that substantial funds had previously been approved for the reconstruction of the road. However, they claimed that the project was later removed from the provincial development programme, resulting in the suspension of rehabilitation efforts and further deterioration of the route.

Meanwhile, the executive engineer of the Communication and Works Department, Ikram Wazir, acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that the Wana-Gomal Zam Road had become largely unfit for travel due to extensive damage caused by heavy rains, flash floods and landslides.

He said that several sections of the road had suffered structural damage, while bridges and drainage infrastructure had been affected by recurring floods.

Wazir further revealed that a PC-I for the complete reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road had already been prepared and submitted to the Office of the Secretary of Communication and Works in Peshawar. According to him, the estimated cost of the project has reached approximately Rs25 billion.

He added that the commencement of reconstruction work would depend on the approval of the project and the release of the required funds by the relevant authorities.

Recent rainfall has compounded the problem, triggering landslides at various points along the road and obstructing traffic movement. Travellers have reportedly remained stranded for hours as vehicles struggled to pass through damaged sections or were forced to wait until debris was cleared.

According to local reports, the road has remained severely affected by seasonal rains over the past three years, with little progress made towards its rehabilitation. Besides disrupting transportation and commercial activities, the continued deterioration has created serious challenges for residents who rely on the route for business and access to essential services.

Drivers operating on the road describe the journey as increasingly hazardous. Many transporters have been forced to suspend operations or take lengthy alternative routes, resulting in higher transportation costs and delays in the movement of goods.

Traders say the situation has adversely affected local markets and cross-border commerce.

Considered a strategic economic corridor for Lower South Waziristan, thousands of vehicles — including heavy goods trucks, passenger coaches, motorcars, double cabins and commercial transporters — use the Wana-Gomal Zam Road every day.

Despite its significance for Pak-Afghan trade, local tribal elders say repeated appeals to the civil administration and the Communication and Works Department have yielded little response.

PPP South Waziristan district president Amanullah Wazir called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take immediate notice of the issue and ensure the reconstruction of the road on an urgent basis.

He emphasised that the road’s restoration was essential not only for easing the difficulties faced by daily commuters but also for reviving trade and economic activities in the region.

Amanullah also urged the federal government to allocate special funds for the project, warning that continued delays would deepen the transportation crisis and further damage the local economy.

Eight terrorists have also been killed in retaliatory action, and the attempt to capture the post was foiled, according to sources.

The sources said that three FC personnel had been taken hostage by the terrorists.

The sources said that security force personnel also reached the site of the incident, and they have cordoned off the area.

Last month, the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said in an assessment that after two consecutive months of improvement, Pakistan’s security situation had deteriorated sharply in May 2026, driven primarily by escalating terrorist violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The country witnessed six suicide attacks during May, including four vehicle-borne suicide bombings. These attacks alone resulted in the deaths of 34 security personnel and nine civilians.

On May 9, a suicide attack in Bannu claimed the lives of 15 police personnel, after which Pakistan issued a “strong demarche” to Afghanistan.

Over a week later, a prominent tribal elder was among three killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast that struck the busy Rustam Bazaar area of Lower South Waziristan’s Wana.

In early June, security forces foiled a terrorist suicide attack on a military post near Miranshah in North Waziristan.

As KP and Balochistan continue to grapple with militancy, with attacks often targeting security personnel and law enforcers, the state has intensified counter-terrorism operations.

Earlier this month, security forces killed four terrorists in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in KP’s Dera Ismail Khan and Mohmand districts.

In late May, a total of 13 militants were killed in a two-day operation in the Darra Adamkhel area bordering the Kohat and Peshawar districts.

About a week before that, a fierce clash between police, a peace committee and terrorists in Bannu’s Miryan tehsil left at least 25 terrorists dead and several others injured. Two police personnel and two civilians were martyred in the exchange of fire.

This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.

Addressing a joint press conference after a meeting, the two presented a united front over what they described as the federal government’s longstanding neglect of the province.

The JUI-F leader described the emerging engagement between the two parties as a positive beginning.

CM Afridi said the purpose of the meeting was to hold detailed discussions on the pressing issues facing the province. He argued that the current NFC distribution formula was unconstitutional, and specifically flagged the issue of the former tribal districts, which have a population of over six million people but have not received their rightful share.

Instead, he said, other provinces were dividing FATA’s due share among themselves, leaving tribal communities marginalised.

The KP CM also questioned the suspension of wheat supply, calling it a violation of the Constitution. He also noted that while KP produces gas for the entire country, the province itself is being denied adequate supply.

Speaking to reporters, the Maulana said there was broad agreement among both sides on a range of demands. He stressed that provincial autonomy must be guaranteed for all provinces, and that the federal government could not be allowed to seize the resources of a province’s people and deprive them of their rights.

He echoed Afridi’s concerns on wheat, noting that the issue had persisted since Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure as chief minister of Punjab. He also dismissed earlier justifications about wheat smuggling to Afghanistan, asking what basis remained for such claims now that the border was closed.

On security, the JUI-F chief painted a grim picture, saying the law and order situation in the province was deteriorating, with government writ effectively collapsed in southern districts and ordinary citizens at the mercy of armed groups. He also called on the provincial government to take all parties into confidence on security matters.

The Maulana also called for provincial legislation on the registration of religious seminaries in line with

the federal law already passed, while CM Afridi confirmed that the KP Assembly would take up the matter.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2026

According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations, the army’s media wing, security forces launched the operation after receiving intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the area.

The ISPR said the security forces effectively engaged the terrorists during the operation, killing two of them.

A search and clearance operation was launched to eliminate any remaining terrorists, the statement said.

The military reiterated its commitment to continuing counterterrorism operations against terror groups and eliminating threats to peace and security in the region.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2026

Sources at the centre told Dawn that on average, around 4,000 Afghan nationals were verified at the facility on a daily basis before they are repatriated via the Torkham border crossing.

They said that the administration, in a move to prevent overcrowding and irregularities at the centre, had asked Afghans to show up individually, while the vehicles carrying their belongings were sent across the border separately after necessary customs and security checking.

“We work in close coordination with authorities in Peshawar and other cities and allow vehicles to proceed to Torkham border point only after clearance by traffic wardens on the Peshawar-Torkham Highway and by Nadra staff at the transit centre,” an official said, requesting anonymity

He said that the centre cleared 800-1,000 adult Afghans, both men and women, daily with each of them accompanied by five minors on average.

Landi Kotal transit centre verifies around 4,000 Afghans daily

“The verification and clearance process takes around 15 minutes if the individual’s documents are found to be in order. Children under the age of 12 are exempted from this exercise,” he said.

The sources said the Afghan nationals with dubious or fake documents were thoroughly questioned and that all their credentials were duly checked by the Nadra staff.

They said they approached other family members, particularly parents of those without any document, before determining the fate of their case.

Officials said that an organised racket of human traffickers was involved in the fraudulent transportation of local women to Afghanistan for prostitution.

They added that a number of such women and their handlers had been identified and apprehended as they failed to prove their Afghan nationality during the verification process.

The officials said most of the returning Afghans were born in Pakistan, had never gone to Afghanistan and possessed no legal document.

They said such people were mostly aged below 30 and belonged to poor families, so they are reluctant to go to Afghanistan, mostly due to uncertainty about their future with very limited resources.

The officials claimed that around 200,000 Afghan nationals had been repatriated since the reopening of Torkham border on March 31.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2026

Experts said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should legislate to ensure vaccination of all children. On May 13, National Assembly passed Polio Eradication and Rehabilitation Bill, 2026, to cope with the challenges posed by longstanding hesitancy towards vaccination.

Applicable only in Islamabad Capital Territory, the bill is meant to make polio immunisation mandatory for every eligible child and no parent or guardian can wilfully refuse or obstruct the vaccination except on the basis of a valid medical contraindication certificate.

After the bill is approved and made a law, the people refusing anti-polio drops will be fined from Rs50,000 to Rs100,000 for a subsequent offence.

Experts call for legislation to fine and imprison parents for refusing immunisation of their children

The people, who stop administration of polio drops, can even be imprisoned by court, according to the bill, which also prohibits students from admission to universities and citizens from getting passports without presenting an immunisation certificate.

Health experts say that eradication of polio, a national cause pursued by government in collaboration with UN agencies, must be made mandatory under the law and strict punishment should be awarded to the people showing hesitancy.

Health workers and policemen, guarding vaccinators, face violence from opponents of the vaccine. However, despite the looming threats, they were able to immunise more than 95 per cent children in every campaign.

Even in the May’s drive, two policemen, deployed with polio vaccination teams, were martyred in firing by unidentified assailants in Bajaur tribal district. The number of deaths and injuries suffered by police and health workers was more than 110 since 2012.

“We have to immunise every child till five years and ensure that the province stay clear of polio case for three years in a row. It will serve the purpose to declare the province polio-free. Otherwise, the vicious cycle would continue even if we reach 95 per cent children,” said paediatrics.

In May’s four-day campaign, launched in 23 high-risk districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, health workers reached 97 per cent of the 4.6 million target children. However, 94,459 children remained unvaccinated as 74,864 were not present when vaccinators visited their houses while parents of 19,805 children refused to administer the vaccine to them.

A senior paediatrician says that the government has many options to ensure vaccination of all children, especially against polio, which has brought Pakistan into notoriety as elderly people are asked to present polio certificates for international travel and even for proceeding to perform Haj. He says that senior doctors have been targeted during polio campaigns.

This year, Pakistan has recorded three polio infected children, one from Sindh and two from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, one case each from North Waziristan and Bannu districts. These children were not immunised and lacked immunity.

Last year, of the countrywide 31 cases, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounted for 20, mostly from southern districts including five in North Waziristan, four each in Tank and Lakki Marwat, three in Bannu, and two in Torghar and one in Dera Ismail Khan, because of non-vaccination.

Emergency Operation Centre, which is spearheading the polio drive, is making elaborate preparations with special emphasis on security but vaccination of 100 per cent children is yet to be made possible because people deny vaccine at their sweet will, according to health experts.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2026

Reports of rifts within the PTI emerged soon after the induction of new ministers, advisers and special assistants – who took oath on May 22. It is understood that some of the MPAs in question are unhappy after not being included in the provincial cabinet.

The last sitting of the KP Assembly was held on May 18, which was adjourned by the chair till June 1. However, the house did not meet on the scheduled date, as the speaker first postponed it to June 8.

The latest notification issued by the assembly secretariat on Sunday said that the sitting would now be held on Monday, June 15 at 2pm.

One of the dissidents told Dawn that there were initially 25 of them, but the number had now risen to 30 over the past couple of days.

The lawmaker was unwilling to name them, as that would expose them to pressure from the party and the chief minister to withdraw from their stance. “The four to five dissident lawmakers who can tolerate the pressure are known to everyone,” he said.

MPA Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani, who is also among the dissidents, told Dawn that they have their own grievances and political stance, which would be presented on the floor of the house.

He said that during a recent meeting, he had informed Speaker Swati that they were not a dissident group; they wanted a clear-cut announcement by the chief minister on plans for Imran Khan’s release.

“We don’t need any incentives; our one-point agenda is the decisive movement for the release of Imran Khan,” Ghani told Dawn.

He said that their other demands included arranging a meeting of party leaders and relatives with Imran Khan, providing him medical treatment through doctors of his choice at Shifa International Hospital, and expediting the court proceedings of his cases.

Ghani noted that sporadic protesters outside Adiala jail had proven to be ineffective, adding that they wanted to move towards “a permanent sit-in that continues until a logical conclusion”.

When asked whether former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur was leading the dissidents, he said that there was no one person leading the group; the lawmakers had come together on a single-point agenda, i.e., securing the release of the party’s founder.

Another dissident legislator told Dawn on condition of anonymity that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was perturbed by the rise of the dissident group.

“The chief minister is trying to make the dissidents happy by including their development schemes in the Annual Development Program,” he claimed.

When contacted, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati told Dawn that the assembly session would be convened after presentation of the federal budget in the National Assembly.

However, it is worth noting that the KP Assembly has been in session for the last couple of months.

On June 1, when the chief minister convened a parliamentary party meeting, only 57 out of the 92 lawmakers attended the meeting.

This was where many MPAs complained to CM Afridi about corruption in government departments, poor law and order in the province and indifference to police, district administration and bureaucracy to their legitimate demands related to people’s issues.

The next day, a group of dissidents wrote to interim party chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, expressing concern over the “lack of efforts” by the leadership to secure Imran Khan’s release.

Efforts to win dissidents over

In the interim, the KP speaker and other party leaders are engaged in hectic politicking in a bid to win over the dissident lawmakers.

Speaker Swati recently met with Ghani to defuse tensions, the latter told journalists in Mansehra.

“Swati was here to defuse tensions with our group. We made it clear to him that we do not have any personal vendetta against the chief minister or any other in the government and firmly stand with PTI founding chairman Imran Khan,” Ghani said.

One of the group’s leaders, privy to the meeting between Swati and Ghani, claimed that the former had offered the latter the position of senior provincial minister in the cabinet, which Ghani had declined.

Ghani said that more than 30 MPAs were active members of their group. “We, all like-minded MPAs, whose number exceeds 30, have made it clear to the chief minister that if he stages a sit-in outside the National Assembly on June 10, we all will not return until the desired results are achieved,” he said.

He said that if the government presented the budget in the assembly without a prior meeting between CM Afridi and Imran Khan, the group would boycott proceedings and would not help in its passage.

Police told local media that the attackers used heavy weapons during the assault that took place on Sunday night.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, Gujjar sustained injuries and was shifted to a hospital for treatment. His son, Behram Khan, was among the three people who lost their lives in the incident.

Swat District Police Officer Umar Khan told Dawn that heavy police contingents surrounded the area and started a search operation after the attack.

“Three persons were arrested while the search operation is underway,” he said, assuring that police would reach the culprits soon.

Officials said an investigation was underway to determine the motive behind the attack and establish the exact circumstances of the incident.

A spokesperson for Swat Police also confirmed that law enforcement agencies were actively pursuing the assailants and collecting evidence from the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.

On Monday morning, family members and local residents blocked the Matta-Mingora road by placing the bodies of the victims on the tarmac.

They demanded that police and local authorities arrest the culprits, threatening to maintain the blockade until justice was served.

Gujjar, who was injured in one leg, alleged that police and law enforcement agencies failed to act, saying that about 40 gunmen equipped with heavy weapons, including rocket launchers, attacked him and his family.

“When I was in the hospital, police officials were with me in Matta Hospital, and I was constantly receiving phone calls that the attackers continued firing until late night,” he said.

Gujjar said the attackers torched his vehicles before fleeing in the early morning and claimed that despite continuously informing police officials, they did not stop the attackers.

A bench consisting of Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Farah Jamshed rejected multiple petitions against the government’s move to outsource 24 of its hospitals in the province to private companies.

“The superior courts of this country are consistent on the point that the superior courts shall not interfere in policy matters of the government,” the bench ruled. It observed that superior courts had recognised that policymaking involved complex factors, technical expertise and resource management.

Referring to multiple judgements of Supreme Court, the bench ruled: “The core principle derived from the aforementioned judgements is that policy matter of the government cannot be interfered with by constitutional courts in writ jurisdiction as long as the policy remains within legal and constitutional bounds.”

Rejects pleas against outsourcing of hospitals

“The judiciary cannot ‘assume the functions of policy making or determining the priorities of various development projects’ as this is the ‘exclusive domain’ of the government. The judiciary serves as a guardian of legality, not as a superior policymaker,” the bench ruled in its 24-page detailed judgement.

“The Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan has explicitly stated that ‘it cannot act as an appellate authority to scrutinise the rightness or aptness of a policy,” the bench observed. It added that it (apex court) had repeatedly emphasised that legislature, executive and judiciary must work within their respective mandates.

“Encroaching upon the executive’s policymaking role is viewed as a violation of this constitutional structure,” the court observed.

The bench maintained: “Whatever would be the outcome of outsourcing these health facilities and whether it will lead to betterment of the masses or would further deteriorate the performance of health facilities, is mainly the domain of the provincial government and relates to governance in the province.”

“In this respect, superior courts lack technical expertise, because these are complex health policy matters and when health professionals have recommended, interference by courts would not be advisable,” the bench observed.

“It is not the role of courts to determine policies and especially those, in which the court lacks technical expertise. It is the mandate of the Constitution and is also trite that courts must confine themselves to legal interpretation,” the bench quoted from an earlier judgement of the apex court.

It further quoted: “The learned high court must satisfy itself that there is a breach of fundamental rights, vested constitutional/legal rights before any direction is issued. Such directions must not be based on an understanding of the law which is contrary to the Constitution. Doing so goes against the principle of trichotomy of powers and is against the mandate of the Constitution.”

The bench pronounced: “In view of the above, we have not found any violation of fundamental rights or patent arbitrariness or discrimination, besides the issue relates to the policy decision of the provincial government, as such, this court cannot interfere in such like matters.”

Six petitions were filed last year by several citizens and lawyers including Jamal Nasir, Nauman Yousaf and others, challenging an advertisement of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Foundation (KPHF) for outsourcing of 24 hospitals to private sector.

Last October, the court had granted status quo in the matter and directed KPHF that it could continue the process on the relevant advertisement, but no final order regarding outsourcing of the hospitals should be issued.

The petitioners had sought directives of the court for respondents including provincial government and KPHF to withdraw the said advertisement/expression of interest and also cancel the outsourcing process undertaken by the foundation under the garb of public-private partnership and to continue to manage those hospitals under the public healthcare system as mandated by law.

They had also sought directives of the court for respondents to ensure uninterrupted and free provision of medical facilities and health services at all the said hospitals to people in accordance with their constitutional obligations under different provisions of the Constitution.

The petitioners’ lawyers stated that on Sep 18, 2025, the KPHF managing director published the advertisement for provision of services at 24 health facilities across the province through public-private partnership.

They contended that the impugned expression of interest, if acted upon, would result in privatisation of all the 24 hospitals that were government-managed health facilities providing services to poor and marginalised population, thereby depriving the petitioners and general public of their constitutional right of access to affordable healthcare.

Advocates Habib Anwar and Subaktageen Khan Chamkani appeared for the respondents including KPHD and stated that the government had decided to outsource the management of underperforming hospitals to private companies to improve service delivery, while patients would still receive free treatment at government rates.

They dispelled the impression that it was any sort of privatisation, stating that it was outsourcing of management and the government would retain ownership and oversight through its health department.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026

They said traders suffered losses worth millions of rupees and that the fire was controlled early in the morning.

President of the market, Ghazi Rehman, said it was the third time a fire had ripped through the market, adding that losses this time were higher than in past incidents.

He said that they had long been demanding a fire tender, but to no avail. “Who should we seek assistance from?” he said, adding that the traders who had lost their goods in the past incidents were yet to be compensated.

Mr Rehman demanded an inquiry into the fire, saying the blaze erupted from all sides of the market simultaneously.

He added that there was no light when the fire broke out.

“We don’t understand how the fire began from all four sides at the same time, and that too, in the absence of power supply,” he said, adding that over 300 shops were gutted. He said traders suffered a cumulative loss of Rs8 million.

He stated that road blockades caused the delay in putting out the fire.

A shopkeeper, Rehman Hussain, said that he suffered a loss of Rs2.5 million. He said the market contractors collected rent in advance, but failed to arrange for the fire tenders. He urged the provincial government to provide for fire tenders.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026

Maulana Ahmad Ali, a member of the committee, announced the decision while speaking to the protesters assembled on the KKH.

Deputy Commissioner Zuhaib Hayat and District Police Officer Zafar Ahmad Khan were also present on the occasion.

Earlier in the day, members of the committee and the deputy commissioner reviewed the construction work on the grid station in Pattan, the district headquarters of Lower Kohistan.

Wapda to link upgraded grid station to Dubair-Khawar powerhouse

“We want the early completion and functioning of the project so that the people of Lower Kohistan and Kolai-Palas districts can be supplied with electricity from the Dubair-Khawar powerhouse,” Mr Hayat told engineers and labourers working on the installation of equipment at the grid station.

“I expect that Wapda will swiftly complete energising the grid station and ensure electricity supply to people of both the districts until June 12,” Mr Hayat said.

The five-day-long blockade of the KKH caused immense inconvenience to the passengers travelling within the Lower Kohistan district and between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.

DESILTING: The district administration has begun removing silt and rocks from underneath the Mahandri Bridge on the Kunhar River. The bridge connects KP with GB via Kaghan Valley.

“The accumulation of silt and rocks posed a serious threat to the bridge. The desilting process will cost Rs40 million,” MPA Munir Hussain Lughmani told reporters on Sunday.

The tourism industry of Kaghan and Manoor valleys suffered a financial blow last year when flash floods swept away the central bridge on the MNJ Road in Mahandri during the monsoon rains.

“Fearing that the newly-built bridge could be washed away due to silt and rocks accumulated beneath it during the monsoon floods, we have not only started the desilting process but will also build protection walls along the riverbanks to protect the adjacent bazaar from flooding,” Mr Lughmani said.

He said that machinery had been moved in for the purpose.

He said that the government had also approved Rs100 million for the construction of a concrete bridge to replace the wooden ramp installed in the Bela Manoor area of Manoor Valley.

“This bridge will connect Manoor Valley with the MNJ Road, providing safe travel to the locals and tourists,” Mr Lughmani said. The provincial lawmaker said that the government had also approved Rs40 million for the Danna-Jarad Road to connect Jarad village with the rest of the district through the MNJ Road.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026

Although the jirga was largely attended by elders and charged youngsters who strongly raised their voices to continue their peaceful struggle against deprivations that led to some heart-wrenching incidents.

They recalled how four men were swept away one after another by the raging stream in front of their eyes while awaiting rescue on a rock surrounded by gushing floodwater in Sangai village of Dubair Valley in August 2022.

That floodwater, coupled with the opening of the spillways of the Dubair hydropower dam, not only swallowed four local youngsters in that widely condemned and horrible tragedy but also washed away the riverside road, connecting Dubair and Ranowalia with Karakoram Highway.

“Who would come to rescue us as we staged a sit-in for two long months for our rights to seek reconstruction of the 22-kilometre Dubair-Ranowali road? We were booked under anti-terrorism laws,” Malik Salaudden Khan, a local elder, said.

He said the people of Dubair and rest of Lower Kohistan continued to suffer human and financial losses during every monsoon season.

He said that three people were killed and scores of others received injuries during the season’s first spell of rains earlier this month. He added that passengers, including women and children, truckers and motorists, remained stranded on Karakoram Highway for three consecutive days.

The elder said that passengers travelling through Karakoram Highway to Gilgit-Baltistan and rest of the country should be provided with a safer journey by widening and reconstructing the strategically important artery, as it accommodated all traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road passes through Kaghan Valley and remains blocked in the winter season.

“We wrapped up, or rather suspended, our sit-in after local MNA and chairman of Wapda parliamentary committee in National Assembly Mohammad Idrees approached the jirga and assured us that tenders for Dubair-Ranowali road would be completed within 45 days, but nothing has happened so far,” he said.

Another jirga member said that as water swelled in the local stream or spillways of the Dubair Khawar power dam in summer, students couldn’t go to school and people couldn’t even transport essential goods and food items for weeks.

The chairman of Dubair village council, Juma Shah Jallali, who is among the 49 protesters booked under Section 7 of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, told the jirga that they were not only facing legal action but were also confronted with a damages lawsuit worth Rs360 million.

“The protesters are also being blamed falsely for diverting the stream watercourse and suspending power generation from the dam during the entire sit-in period, inflicting financial losses to the national exchequer,” he said.

Mr Jallali said that although Wapda had released Rs500 million and acquired around 700 kanals of land for blacktopping Dubair-Ranowali road, the project was yet to materialise, forcing locals to continue travelling only in four-wheel-drive vehicles along the dangerous, washed-away track.

“This jirga should also approach relevant departments for reconstruction of schools and health facilities, which were also swept away during the same floods in 2022, depriving locals of education and healthcare facilities,” said Mr Jallali.

The jirga concluded with a final decree to resume sit-in, divert the stream water and halt electricity generation after Eid if the district administration failed to initiate execution of Dubair-Ranowali road for which land was already acquired with Rs500 million released by Wapda.

The deputy commissioner of Lower Kohistan, Tariq Mehmood, also held a meeting with elders of Dubair jirga and assured it that district administration was making efforts to complete the tendering process and begin execution of the road project swiftly.

“The conditions laid down in the 2022 agreement signed by the chairman of Wapda in the presence of Federal Minister Amir Muqam in 2022 are binding on us. That is why Hazara commissioner has directed relevant departments to complete process for execution of the road project, for which land has already been acquired,” he told jirga members.

Mr Mehmood also informed the jirga that district administration was working to address issues related to schools, healthcare and roads faced not only by the people of Dubair and Ranowali but also by the rest of the district.

“A team led by the additional deputy commissioner has also visited Dubair Valley and reviewed the reopening of the artery washed away in the 2022 floods. The district administration will keep the track operational until the 22-km Dubair-Ranowali road is fully blacktopped,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026