Afridi has not been seen since the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency in KP on Oct 11. His whereabouts remained unknown on the day governor’s rule was imposed, and a federal minister confirmed a day later that he and some of his cabinet members were in preventive custody.

The PTI has also alleged the detention and arrests of several of its other members, including lawmakers and ministers. Their whereabouts have not been disclosed by the government so far.

Multiple pleas have been filed in the PHC in this connection. A division bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Muhammad Faheem Wali took up the petitions on Tuesday.

Apart from Afridi’s detention, the petitions also pertain to the alleged disappearance of KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, MNAs Junaid Akbar and Dr Amjid Ali, provincial minister Amjid Ali Khan, MPAs Ikramullah and Aurangzeb Khan, former chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Mohammad Khalid Khursheed and several other PTI leaders.

Afridi’s brother Mohammad Aamir filed one of the petitions, alleging that Afridi was “abducted” from Chief Minister House on the night that the emergency was imposed in the province. He had approached the PHC on Oct 13.

On Tuesday, the bench referred the pleas to the chief justice after the KP government and senior police officials failed to file their respective replies in accordance with the court’s Oct 20 directives.

“These are not ordinary personalities,” remarked Justice Ali during the hearing.

Meanwhile, KP Advocate General Sanaullah Khan sought three days to submit the replies, adding that his office was awaiting a response from the provincial home department, police and other law enforcement agencies.

Bashir Vazir, who appeared on behalf of the petitioners, alleged that the PTI leaders had been missing for many days. He contended that, under Article 199 of the Constitution, the PHC had authority to order that Afridi and Swati be produced before the court.

He further argued that the KP Assembly had passed an immunity law under which a member of the assembly could not be arrested in such manner, adding that the assembly’s speaker also could not be arrested under the law.

The law stipulated that the speaker would remain in office until a successor is elected, Vazir said.

According to the KP advocate general, in more than 200 instances of detentions under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance (MPO), orders were passed without the cases being heard.

The bench disagreed with the claim, observing that in those cases reports had been sought from the respondents but were never submitted. It further observed that the detentions under consideration were not MPO cases.

“This is an important case; the chief minister of the province is missing,” Justice Ali observed.

The bench said the court had given the respondents 10 days to file replies, but they had not complied with the order.

“We refer this case to the chief justice to constitute a larger bench,” Justice Ali said. The KP advocate general also requested the constitution of a larger bench.

Headquarters Deputy Superintendent of Police Liaquat Ali confirmed these details to Dawn, adding that the attack took place near the Hashim Kor police checkpost in the Dag Tamanzai area of the Pindiali tehsil.

He identified the martyred cops as Constables Zahoor Khan and Arbai Khan and the injured policeman as Sepoy Sabir Khan.

Later in the day, funeral prayers for the two martyred policemen were offered at the Police Lines in Ghalanai. The funeral was attended by the Commandant Mohmand Rifles, the deputy commissioner, the district police officer and other officials, as well as local residents.

Senior officials laid floral wreaths on the bodies of the martyred policemen and offered condolences to their bereaved families. They also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the policemen.

Separately, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi took notice of reports about the abduction of four polio workers in the province’s Tank district and directed relevant authorities to take “immediate and effective measures” for their safe recovery.

Police say the incident took place on Monday.

Governor Kundi termed the incident “extremely regrettable and condemnable”, a statement issued by his office on Tuesday said.

The governor noted that polio workers “perform a national duty to protect children and promote a healthy Pakistan” and said the government was responsible for providing security to polio teams.

He added that targeting polio workers was “against humanity and the national interest”.

The incidents come as a sub-national polio vaccination campaign began across the country on Sunday, targeting nearly 24 million children in 97 high-risk districts.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries where polio is still endemic.

On Sunday, Pakistan reported its eighth polio case of the ongoing year. The affected child was a 13-month-old girl from KP’s Khyber district. Of the eight cases, six have been reported from KP — including four from Bannu division — and two from Sindh.

In July, Pakistan told the global Independent Monitoring Board that the country had entered a decisive phase in its decades-long fight against polio, claiming the virus had been pushed into a shrinking number of high-risk areas and cautioning that persistent insecurity, particularly in southern KP, remained the biggest obstacle to reaching every child.

In September, two policemen were martyred as armed assailants fired at a polio vaccination team in Balochistan’s Noshki. Similarly, a police constable was martyred and four others were injured in an attack on a law enforcement party en route to provide security for polio teams in KP’s Hangu in April.

Chairing a meeting to review progress on ongoing and proposed development projects, he called for timely completion of public welfare schemes and directed the authorities to take practical measures to improve traffic flow, according to a press release issued here.

He said underpasses and overhead bridges should be planned at traffic congestion points according to actual requirements to reduce rush and ensure smooth movement of vehicles.

The PDA director general briefed the adviser on ongoing development projects, traffic conditions and future infrastructure requirements.

Officials presented proposals for the expansion of Hashtnagri Bridge, extension of Faqirabad Bridge up to Government College Chowk and construction of underpasses at Ram Das Bazaar, Jail Chowk and Shoba Bazaar Chowk.

The meeting also discussed a traffic management plan for Town Chowk on Khyber Road to ease congestion.

Mr Rafiq directed the PDA to assess all proposed projects on technical and practical grounds and set priorities to ensure lasting solutions to public problems.

He said improving traffic flow, providing better commuting facilities and aligning development projects with modern urban requirements were among the government’s priorities.

The adviser also directed the PDA to play an active role in improving the city’s appearance, particularly along the motorway and GT Road, through better travel facilities, plantation and cultivation of flowers.

He ordered measures to improve traffic movement on Khyber Road, reduce congestion and minimise travel difficulties for residents, adding that public needs must remain the top priority in planning and executing development projects.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

“Traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan was temporarily suspended due to slippery conditions on Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road,” a police official told reporters.

He said the MNJ Road had been cleared for traffic up to Naran, the commercial hub of Kaghan Valley, while tourists were temporarily barred from travelling beyond the town to Babusar Top until the weather improved.

Snowfall began early in the morning at Babusar Top, Saiful Muluk Lake, Battakundi, Basal, Lolosar Lake, Naran and other parts of Kaghan Valley, and continued intermittently throughout the day.

Hussain Deen, chairman of Kaghan Valley Hotel Association, said tourists were visiting the valley to enjoy the snowfall, as traffic was allowed up to Naran.

“Motorists should remain cautious while travelling from Balakot to Naran in slippery conditions and strictly avoid rash driving,” he said.

Abdul Rasheed Tanoli, sub-divisional officer of wildlife in Kaghan Valley, said the snowfall had made the weather chilly.

“The road connecting Naran with Saiful Muluk Lake is open to four-wheel-drive vehicles, and tourists are still arriving to enjoy the picturesque valley,” he said.

He said that the tourism season was still on and would most probably come to an end in December, when the entire valley receives the heaviest snowfall, suspending the entire communication system.

Indigenous communities also migrate to lower parts of Mansehra district during winter months.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

The injured official was shifted to the hospital for medical treatment, while the attackers escaped after the shooting.

Police launched a search operation in the area to trace and arrest the suspects.

In a separate incident in Bannu district, an explosion near a police vehicle close to Miryan City Gate damaged the vehicle, while the personnel remained unharmed.

According to sources, the police vehicle was on routine patrol when an improvised explosive device planted in the area exploded.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

In a letter, the mill’s Senior Director, Iskander Khan, said the company received field reports that the fertiliser industry had imposed curbs under an SRO issued by the Ministry of Interior, restricting fertiliser companies from despatching supplies to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

He said the timing of the restriction was particularly critical, as autumn/Rabi sowing was underway and fertiliser was an essential input for the healthy growth and productivity of major crops.

Any delay or disruption in its availability during this crucial season would adversely affect crop yields, increase the financial burden on farmers and aggravate food insecurity in the province, he added.

Mr Khan stressed that the situation would also adversely impact the supply of sugarcane to sugar mills. The restrictions have been imposed as certain categories of fertiliser are used in making explosives, with authorities fearing that terrorists could obtain such material from vendors.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026

According to police sources, the mobile van was on routine patrol on Sunday night when an explosive device planted in a motorcycle parked on the roadside went off with a bang, damaging the police vehicle.

All police personnel remained unharmed, while a student was reportedly injured in the explosion. Further details about the student’s condition were not immediately available.

Following the explosion, a heavy contingent of police rushed to the scene, cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to collect evidence.

The latest attack occurred in the same locality, where a head constable, Raqeeb Khan of the District Security Branch, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen near Circular Road in the Muslimabad area on Oct 15.

According to police, the attackers opened fire on him, killing him on the spot.

Meanwhile, three policemen were injured when a quadcopter reportedly dropped explosives on Tower No. 3 of the temporary displaced persons’ camp in the Bakakhel area on Sunday, police sources said.

The sources said that the injured were identified as Ayaz, Ibrahim and Rahimullah, who were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, Bannu.

Following the incident, security was tightened in the area, while police launched an investigation into the attack.

Bannu and its adjoining areas have witnessed a series of security-related incidents in recent months, including quadcopter attacks, improvised explosive device blasts and other attacks targeting police and security personnel.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026

A bench consisting of Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Inamullah Khan accepted an appeal filed by the victim and declared that the trial court had erred in acquitting the suspect.

The bench convicted the man under Section 376 of Pakistan Penal Code and Section 53 of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Act. The convict was sentenced to life imprisonment with a fine of Rs500,000 under Section 376-B of PPC.

Similarly, he was sentenced under Section 53 of CPWA to seven years rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs100,000. The bench ordered that both the sentences should run concurrently.

PHC accepts appeal of victim, sets aside acquittal order of trial court

An additional sessions judge/child protection court had acquitted the suspect on Nov 11, 2025 in the case. He was charged in an FIR registered at Hayatabad police station on Feb 14, 2023, over a complaint lodged by the victim, who had visited the station along with her father.

The complainant and her father are also US nationals and had gone there after the occurrence. The wife of the suspect (sister of the victim) had also taken divorce from him afterward. The victim and her father had recorded their statements during trial from the US through video link.

According to the prosecution, the occurrence took place on Feb 6, 2023. The victim claimed in the FIR that her parents and sister had gone outside for some work, while her brother was asleep in the guest room of the house. She claimed that she was present in the lounge, when the suspect approached her and sexually assaulted her.

Barrister Amir Khan Chamkani appeared for the appellant and contended that despite presence of sufficient evidence connecting the suspect with the commission of the offence, the trial court had acquitted him.

The counsel for the respondent attributed the prosecution case to a conspiracy, contending that the alleged victim’s sister, who was married to the respondent, desired dissolution of the marriage and that, to facilitate such separation, the victim’s family fabricated the present allegation and falsely implicated his client.

The bench overruled his arguments, observing that the mere fact that a matrimonial dispute subsequently arose between the respondent and his wife didn’t establish that the present criminal allegation was conceived or engineered for the purpose of facilitating dissolution of that marriage.

In its 39-page detailed judgement, the bench discussed multiple aspects of the case including delay of eight days in lodging the complaint and forensic evidence available on the record.

“The victim’s father was admittedly abroad at the relevant time; the victim remained within the family environment; the accused was closely related to her in different capacities; and, upon his return to the country, the father furnished his passport and boarding pass to the investigating officer, thereby providing contemporaneous material supporting his absence and subsequent arrival,” the bench ruled.

“The record, therefore, does not present a case of unexplained or suspicious silence. Rather, it reflects a short interval arising in the context of an allegation of an exceptionally grave and sensitive nature, involving a closely connected family member, in circumstances where the victim and her family were confronted with the immediate consequences of the occurrence and were required to decide how and when to set the criminal law in motion,” the bench observed.

It added that the mere lapse of eight days couldn’t, in such circumstances, be treated as conclusive proof of consultation, deliberation or fabrication on part of the complainant.

“The approach adopted by the learned trial court is also inconsistent with the settled judicial understanding of human behaviour in cases involving sexual offences.

Delay in reporting such an occurrence cannot be assessed through an inflexible or stereotypical standard of conduct, divorced from the social, familial and psychological circumstances in which the allegation arises,” the bench ruled.

Referring to different judgements of superior courts, the bench pointed out: “The Supreme Court of Pakistan has repeatedly recognised that the victim and her family may require time to recover from the shock of the occurrence and to overcome the stigma, shame and apprehension associated with reporting a sexual offence.”

The bench referred to one of the judgements wherein it was observed that prevailing social taboos might result in cases of rape remaining unreported and that a victim could not be disbelieved merely on account of an ostensible delay in reporting the occurrence. The bench also discussed the forensic evidence in the case.

“In the present case, the DNA profiling was conducted by the duly constituted forensic laboratory; the samples and their examination have been established through the prosecution evidence; and no substantive circumstance has been brought on record to impeach the integrity, authenticity or scientific methodology of the laboratory examination,” the bench pointed out.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026

The traditional practice, which marked the formal commencement of the wheat cultivation season, served as a cornerstone of social cohesion, unity, and mutual respect among the mountainous communities of northern Pakistan.

For generations, bi-nisik topped the list of cultural celebrations in Chitral. Elders and cultural activists now regret that the younger generation has almost entirely given up on the custom. This shift, they argue, has weakened the communal bonds that historically brought villagers together during the laborious sowing season in the early autumn.

Under the traditional practice, the entire village would assemble in designated irrigated fields to kick-start the wheat cultivation with great fanfare. The ritual began with the village elders formally throwing the first seeds into the soil, followed by the synchronous ploughing of the land using pairs of bulls.

The event was as much a culinary and musical festival as it was an agricultural necessity. Households owning the fields would cook special traditional foods for collective daytime feasts, ensuring that every participant was well-fed. As night fell, the celebrations shifted into high gear with lively musical concerts, where traditional Khowar music and folk dances kept the community entertained for weeks.

Haji Hussain Shah, a farmer from Upper Chitral in his 70s, recalled the profound impact the custom had on local life before the advent of modern technology.

“It was not merely a tradition or custom,” Shah explained. “It affected collective farming in the days when agriculture was not mechanised, and the use of tractors was not in vogue. Ploughing large tracts of land by individuals was a tedious job. The villagers fully sided with each other throughout the sowing season, and as such, the villages wore a festive look.”

He noted that in the past, farming was the primary source of sustenance for the vast majority of households, with very few individuals opting for government service or private business. Without machinery, the cultivation process was a lengthy affair, often continuing for four to six weeks across the valley.

“Now, it takes minutes to plough a field for a wheat crop, which took days previously when bulls were used instead of tractors,” Shah remarked. He identified rapid mechanisation and a modern lifestyle with limited free time as the primary reasons behind the cessation of the tradition.

The historical and cultural significance of bi-nisik is well-documented. Prof Israruddin, the former chairman of the geography department at the University of Peshawar, highlighted that the custom caught the attention of colonial observers over a century ago.

According to him, John Biddulph, a British military officer and administrator, specifically detailed the tradition and its associated rituals in his seminal book, Tribes of the Hindoo Koosh, published in 1880.

As per the book, the tradition of bi-nisik was practised in the Yasin Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan as well, apart from Chitral.

Prof Israruddin emphasised how deeply embedded the practice was in the local psyche, noting that an entire month in the traditional Khowar (Chitrali) calendar was named ‘Bi-nisik’ to honour the sowing season.

Currently, the custom is in its dying stages, surviving only in a few of the remotest, high-altitude villages of Upper Chitral and the Lot Koh Valley.

Cultural experts and local elders have urged the culture department to take immediate measures to preserve this unique heritage before it vanishes entirely from the collective memory of the region.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026

The sources told Dawn that inspections conducted in all four tehsils of the district found cracks in the walls and rooms of several school buildings, making them unfit for educational activities and posing a threat to students’ lives.

The inspection teams sealed the institutions found to be dangerous, despite objections and excuses by some school administrations.

Officials made it clear that no compromise would be made on safety of students and took decisions on the spot after assessing the condition of the buildings, the sources said.

The inspection campaign, covering both public and private schools, was launched following the collapse of a private school building in Peshawar, which claimed the lives of 31 children and a female teacher.

Assistant commissioners of the four tehsils are leading the inspection teams and have been directed to complete the exercise without discrimination, giving priority to safety of students to prevent any untoward incident. When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Nasarullah Khan told Dawn that inspection would continue without interruption to check all schools in the district.

He said that out of approximately 2,000 public and private schools in Swabi, 1,224 had so far been inspected and around 120 sealed. The remaining institutions would be inspected soon, he added.

“We will not stop until we complete the task in accordance with the provincial government’s directives,” he said.

The deputy commissioner said the district had a total of 289,180 students, adding that the administration did not have separate figures for children enrolled in private schools. He said students of sealed public-sector schools would be accommodated in nearby educational institutions to ensure that their studies were not disrupted. Heads of the schools concerned had been directed to make immediate arrangements in this regard.

Similarly, private school administrations had been instructed to rent suitable alternative buildings and continue classes there while arranging repairs for their sealed premises.

They would be allowed to resume classes in their original buildings only after these had been renovated and cleared by the district administration, he added.

“We understand the importance of children’s education. We are taking urgent action to ensure that their education continues smoothly,” the deputy commissioner said.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026

“We will never accept amendments to the PMDC Act 2022, laws governing registered medical practitioners, the Drugs Rules and Minimum Service Delivery Standards (MSDS) of the Punjab and the federal territory, or any infringement on the professional domains of provincial healthcare commissions and patients’ legal rights,” Dr Mohammad Rizwan Rajpot, vice-chairman of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Professional Doctors Association, told reporters here on Sunday.

He said a delegation of senior doctors from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Dr Zulfiqar Ali, Dr Hakeem Khan Marwat and Dr Khawaj Abid, met members of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in Islamabad last week and conveyed their reservations about the proposed amendments to independent prescribing rules.

“The proposed amendment seeking to abolish Section 31 (4) of the Pharmacy Act 1967 is unacceptable to doctors, as it empowers registered medical practitioners to independently prescribe, dispense and supply medicines to patients at their clinics and hospitals. The PMDC upholds this authority in its rules and licensing framework,” Dr Rizwan said.

He said that the delegation led by him also raised concerns over the alleged appointment and frequent promotions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Deputy Secretary Drugs Mohammad Ibrahim.

“We want the NA’s high-level standing committee to investigate and hold accountable anyone responsible for discrepancies and misuse of authority and recommend punitive action if tampering with public documents is established,” Dr Rizwan said.

He added that the delegation had also asked the prime minister to order an inquiry into Category-B health education institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to identify alleged irregularities in the awarding of degrees.

Dr Rizwan said Dr Shaista and other members of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Health Services assured the delegation that its concerns would be taken up in their meeting for remedial measures accordingly.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026

Addressing the annual conference of Pakistan Association of Urological Surgeons here on Sunday, he said that ignoring KP must be brought to an end without further delay. He said that practical steps were required to improve the province’s health sector on the pattern of Punjab and Sindh.

He said that medical conferences provided an important platform for promotion of knowledge, research, exchange of experiences and awareness about modern treatment methods, according to a statement.

The governor stressed the need for ensuring quality and specialised healthcare services in merged districts, southern districts and far-flung areas of the province. He said that modern treatment facilities should not remain limited to big cities and every citizen must have equal access to healthcare.

Says collective efforts needed to restore province’s positive image

He stated that improvement of health infrastructure, provision of modern medical equipment, doctors’ training and promotion of medical research were essential for strengthening healthcare system.

The governor said that professional organisations like Pakistan Association of Urological Surgeons could play a vital role in enhancing doctors’ capacity, training young medical experts and developing collaboration with public sector hospitals.

He said the Rs70,000 monthly salary of house officers was insufficient and it would be reviewed.

Meanwhile, during his address at Darbar-i-Aalia Murshadabad Sharif in the provincial capital, the governor said that lasting peace was essential for the province’s progress and prosperity.

He stressed the need for collective contribution of all segments of the society for promoting positive image of the province.

Mr Kundi said that religious scholars had a vital role to play in promoting peace, unity and harmony across the province. He added that ulema should use their influence to spread the message of tolerance, discourage extremism and support collective efforts for lasting peace in the province.

In a statement issued from his office, the governor emphasised the need for unity, lasting peace, development, promotion of sports, effective utilisation of the province’s natural resources and collective efforts to ensure welfare and prosperity of the people.

The ceremony was attended by former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, governor’s adviser Tayab Qureshi and others, read an official statement.

Mr Kundi said that the province had endured decades of terrorism and rendered immense sacrifices, with religious scholars, security personnel, politicians and innocent students, including the martyrs of Army Public School, laying down their lives for peace.

He said that peace was the basic requirement for development. He said that the province was known for its resilience in the face of terrorism and was now determined to move towards lasting stability and progress.

He said that KP had produced outstanding sportspersons from Mardan, Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu who had won international recognition. He said that youth should be provided with opportunities to excel in sports and other fields.

He stated that the province was blessed with abundant natural resources including oil, gas, water resources, tourism potential and the Tarbela Dam, which could transform its economy if properly utilised.

Recalling Peshawar’s past reputation as the ‘city of flowers’, the governor said that collective efforts were required to restore the province’s positive image.

“Safety of our people comes first, followed by the development of the province and the progress of the country,” he said, adding that the province would witness significant positive change in the near future.

He congratulated the newly-graduated Huffaz, distributed certificates among them, visited the institution’s library and appreciated its services in the field of education.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026

KHYBER/LOWER SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Pakistani and Afghan border forces exchanged fire at several points along their border on Sunday, as the military warned that the Afghan Taliban would not be able to withstand the “punishment” Islamabad could inflict if Kabul failed to rein in terrorists.

The fresh clashes temporarily shut down the busy Torkham border crossing over a disputed check post and killed one civilian in mortar shelling near the Angoor Adda crossing.

The situation unfolded as Washington validated Pakistan’s concerns regarding cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan and signalled openness to playing a productive role in easing tensions.

The situation at the Torkham cro­ssing stabilised after a nearly five-hour closure caused by an hou­rlong exchange of light-arms fire.

It reopened only after border officials from both countries agreed through intermediaries to halt all construction near the border. However, tensions remained high in the Angoor Adda area of Lower South Waziristan.

According to the deputy commissioner of Lower South Wazir­istan, Taliban fighters continued to target Pakistani border checkpoints with unprovoked firing.

Pakistani security forces responded immediately and effectively, targeting “multiple Afghan border posts, mortar positions, and defensive checkpoints”, the official wrote on X, adding that no reports of any casualties have emerged from the border areas on the Pakistani side.

Border clashes

According to locals, gunfire erupted at Torkham on Sunday when Afghan authorities once again started construction on a disputed check post.

Authorities at Torkham said the Afghan side began work on the controversial Zangali check post, situated within a 100-metre radius of the Afghan side of the border, despite Pakistan’s strong objections.

The firing continued for nearly an hour with no casualties on the Pakistani side. The two nations had previously agreed to refrain from building security structures within a 100-metre radius of the border.

The intense firing caused the immediate closure of the border and panic among returning Afghans and local residents.

During the standoff, resident Siraj Khan told Dawn that he saw about 20 vehicles carrying unregistered Afghan families hastily returning from the border at Zero Point amid the crossfire.

The repatriation of unregistered Afghans was suspended, and government offices were closed.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated in the Angoor Adda area after two mortar shells were reportedly fired from the Afghan side.

Military’s warning

The flare-ups underscored a stark warning delivered by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.

In an interview with a news agency earlier this week, portions of which were broadcast by state media on Sunday, the military’s spokesperson said Pakistan has the operational readiness and a clear strategy to impose a heavy cost on the interim Afghan leadership if terrorism continues originating from Afghan soil.

“Whatever they want to send, they can, they may try. We have the capability to take them out,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said. “They don’t have, I think, the capability to then absorb the punishment that we can [inflict].”

He noted that Pakistan has no desire to interfere in Afghanistan’s internal governance. “We only ask that you don’t support terrorism inside Pakistan. Stop harbouring the terrorist leaders,” he added.

The ISPR chief asserted that while foreign military forces have physically withdrawn from Afghanistan, the Afghan Taliban front continues to operate as a proxy for multiple external parties, singling out India as the primary sponsor of anti-Pakistan terrorism.

“In the case of Pakistan, the prime contractor is India, and the proxies are TTP and the BLA,” he said, describing New Delhi as “the biggest terror sponsor here” and stating that “as far as terrorism in Pakistan is concerned, they [the Afghan Taliban] are a proxy of the Indians”.

Addressing whether Pakistan fears a cross-border drone dynamic similar to Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, Lt Gen Chaudhry noted Afghanistan has no domestic drone industry and relies entirely on external sponsors.

“The capability of Afghans, whatever they have, firstly it’s not their own. There’s no drone industry, there is no technology of that sort in Afghanistan. So it’s been provided by the sponsors, the terror sponsors, because the biggest terror sponsor here is India,” he said.

The ISPR chief emphasised that the Pakistan Army is systematically adapting to the changing character of modern warfare across contact and non-contact domains, cyber operations, drones and long-range munitions.

US shares Pakistan’s concerns

The security concerns were echoed in Washington’s diplomatic messaging, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the US shares Pakistan’s concerns regarding cross-border terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan and signalled openness to playing a productive role in easing tensions.

“We don’t want Pakistan to be targeted for terrorism,” he told reporters at the G20 foreign ministers meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Pakistan is concerned about terrorist attacks that are being sponsored from the territory of Afghanistan. They think that the Taliban has not done enough to constrain those attacks,” Mr Rubio said, noting that Pakistan had taken action in response to the threat.

He added that Washington did not have close relations with the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan and the US opposed terrorism regardless of where it originated or whom it targeted.

“We’ve heard the concerns that Pakistan has raised, and we’ve seen some of those attacks that they point to,” Rubio said. “We’re against terrorism no matter where it emanates from and who it targets.”

With input from APP

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2026

The latest case was from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khyber district, where the affected child is a 13-month-old girl from Union Council Janbaz-B in the Bara tehsil, according to the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme (PPEP).

Polio is a highly contagious disease that has no cure and can cause lifelong paralysis. It can, however, be prevented through safe and effective polio vaccines, which have been used safely in 195 countries, including all Muslim-majority countries.

“The case is a reminder of the importance of vaccinating every child,” read a statement from PPEP. It urged parents to ensure that all children under five receive the oral polio vaccine in the upcoming subnational polio campaign from Nov 2 to 8 and in subsequent campaigns.

“This is the second case reported from Khyber District this year — and the sixth from KP province — underscoring that no child will be safe from polio until all children are consistently vaccinated and protected across the country,” the statement read.

While overall wild poliovirus transmission has declined this year, the Peshawar Block, comprising the districts of Khyber and Peshawar, has reported positive environmental detections, indicating virus circulation and a continued risk to children’s health.

The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) has launched a case investigation and is analysing the best science-based response to tackle and prevent further transmission, including targeted vaccination activities and support to strengthen routine immunisation.

In 2026 so far, Pakistan has already implemented four large-scale polio campaigns, protecting more than 45 million children multiple times, alongside smaller targeted campaigns to administer oral and injectable vaccines in high-risk areas, including the Peshawar Block.

The recent sub-national vaccination campaign in September protected over 29.3m children across the country, while the next vaccination round is scheduled from Nov 2-8 to protect nearly 24m in 97 districts, including Khyber. It will be conducted simultaneously in Pakistan and Afghanistan with strong cross-border coordination.

Wari Circle Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Fakhr-i-Alam confirmed the arrests to Dawn.

The incident took place on Oct 25, according to a first information report (FIR), dated Oct 30 and seen by Dawn, filed by Wari police on the boy’s complaint.

The case invoked Sections 364-A (kidnapping or abducting an underage person), 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement), 506 (criminal intimidation), 147 (rioting) and 149 (unlawful assembly) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

In the FIR, the boy alleged that on the day of the incident, a friend of his called him to a place where two men, including an unidentified tehsildar, forcibly made him board a car and took him to an under-construction house in Shinkarai.

There, he was allegedly assaulted and threatened by the two men who demanded an “unnatural” act.

The FIR nominated a total of six people, including his friend. Those arrested excluded one of the two men who made the boy board the car.

The boy alleged that the two men who forced him into the car and three others present at the house kept him confined in a room for around three hours.

The complainant further alleged that the two men who brought him there and another person recorded the incident on their mobile phones, while two others delivered blows to him with kicks, punches, and sticks.

“Due to their blows, I sustained severe pain in my right shin, right and left arms, and across the rest of my body,” the boy said in the FIR.

The complainant further claimed that the incident stemmed from WhatsApp conversations among friends.

According to the complainant, the delay in reporting the incident was due to death threats from the suspects, who had also threatened to share the video. The video, reportedly recorded by some of the suspects, surfaced on social media days after the alleged incident, prompting police to take action.

The allegations levelled in the FIR have yet to be independently verified by Dawn. Police said they had initiated an investigation into the case.

Child protection NGO Sahil estimates that at least 558 cases of child abductions were reported across the country in the first six months of 2026.

Earlier this month, police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Charsadda arrested a man for allegedly assaulting a five-year-old boy. In late August, Mansehra police held two men after a mother alleged they assaulted her nine-year-old son.

“No one should think that foreigners will come and loot this province. Till I am here, the people of the province will have the first right to its resources,” he said while addressing a ceremony in Peshawar.

Kundi added that a third party from outside KP, whether a foreigner or from Pakistan, may enter into a joint venture with the people of the province if willing.

The governor, who has assumed the administrative control of KP following the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency in the province, assured that his priority was the protection of the people of KP, then of the province itself and then Pakistan.

His assertions follow allegations by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman that the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency in KP was linked to the government’s motive to take control of its resources.

He had also questioned the government’s position on mineral resources during a National Assembly session earlier this week, when he had criticised the Centre over emergency and governor’s rule in KP.

Meanwhile, claims have been circulating on social media that KP’s minerals would be given or sold to the US. This followed a statement made by Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker during an interview with The Centrum Media on Sept 30, expressing US interest in Pakistan’s mineral resources.

Kundi, without making any specific mention, said in his address that several reports may be circulating in the media and on social media, but his priority remained the protection of the people of KP.

He said this after outlining the diversity of KP’s resources: “Compared to other provinces, KP has the most natural resources and, as they say: Jahan wasail hotay hen wahan par masail bhi hotay hen (wherever there are resources, there will always be issues). KP is the largest oil and second-largest gas producer in Pakistan, and [..] we produce electricity. We have tourism, mineral resources, and tobacco.”

Kundi also spoke of the Rs160 billion pledged by the federal government for development projects in KP. He said 70 per cent of the funds will be allocated to the 12 districts under the Area Representative and Development Council (ARDC) and 30pc to other districts.

Kundi assured, “My brothers and sisters in the merged districts will not be deprived of their rightful share.”

On alleged corruption charges against non-functional KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the governor said if the charges were proven, due legal process would be adopted.

On Friday, adviser to the KP governor on information and public relations Samar Haroon Bilour said that available evidence regarding financial corruption by Afridi was being compiled.

Afridi remains in preventative custody and has not been seen since the imposition of governor’s rule in the province.

The Centre imposed governor’s rule and emergency in KP on October 11, citing the provincial government’s “deliberate disengagement” from the fight against terrorism. Less than a week after emergency and governor’s rule were imposed in the province, a joint sitting of parliament approved the federal government’s move amid a strong protest from the opposition.

The events of Oct 11 followed weeks of political tensions between the Centre and the PTI — as well as negotiations to bridge their differences — after the latter announced a long march to Islamabad to demand the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan.

Federal ministers alleged that the PTI-led government in KP had a “nexus” with terrorist groups and asserted that the province’s security situation necessitated the imposition of emergency there.

The ban has been imposed under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The order for the restriction was issued by Deputy Commissioner Bannu Zia ur Rehman Khattak on Saturday, with the ban coming into effect on Sunday. It will remain in force till Nov 7.

The order, seen by Dawn, stated that Bannu’s district police officer (DPO) had informed the administration through an official letter that an anti-polio campaign would be conducted in the district from November 2 to 5.

In view of previous terrorist attacks targeting polio teams and police personnel deployed for their security, as well as the prevailing security situation, precautionary measures were deemed necessary in Bannu, the DC’s order stated.

Under the restriction, the display and exhibition of weapons, pillion riding on motorcycles and the use of tinted glasses in vehicles have been prohibited throughout the district.

However, patwaris (land record keepers) and union council secretaries performing official polio campaign duties have been exempted from the restriction on display of weapons.

The order warned that violators would face legal action under Section 188 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Polio vaccination drive launched

DC Khattak and DPO Shafiullah Gandapur inaugurated the anti-polio campaign in Bannu on Sunday, administering polio drops to children.

The health authorities have set a target of vaccinating 228,000 children under the age of five across 57 union councils of the district, according to a statement issued by the district administration.

Pakistan has reported seven polio cases this year so far, four of which are from Bannu Division.

Bannu Division continues to pose impediments to the government’s efforts to eradicate the virus in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, say officials.

A recent report by the World Health Organisation said it continued to present significant operational and security challenges that impeded implementation of high-quality vaccination activities.

“The federal government has signed an agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development to finance a substantial portion of the Rs19 billion gravity-flow water supply scheme. Work on the project is expected to commence shortly,” Project Director Abid Shah told reporters on Saturday.

He said it was one of the biggest potable water supply schemes ever launched by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government with financial assistance from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Health Engineering Department is making rapid progress on the Rs19 billion gravity-flow water supply scheme, which is being undertaken with financial assistance from the Saudi Fund for Development,” Mr Shah said.

He said the mega water supply project aimed to provide a reliable, safe and sustainable supply of drinking water to residents.

“We will lay a 65-kilometre-long pipeline from its water source at Neeli Nadi in the environmentally sensitive Sharan area, situated between Kaghan and Manoor valleys,” Mr Shah said.

He said Deputy Commissioner Yasir Ali Khan was also extending full support to ensure the timely execution of the mega project and the provision of potable water to the residents of the city and its suburbs.

“We will construct a modern water treatment plant, storage reservoirs and an improved distribution network relying on gravity rather than conventional pumping systems. This will reduce energy costs and ensure long-term operational sustainability,” Mr Shah said.

He said the project management unit was actively coordinating with the Saudi Fund for Development, the federal Economic Affairs Division and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Planning and Development Department to expedite the necessary processes and ensure smooth and timely implementation.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2026

A PHC bench comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Inamullah Khan granted interim relief in around 35 petitions filed by Akbar Shah and dozens of other detainees, mostly held at Mardan Central Prison. It fixed Nov 12 for the next hearing and directed the petitioners to furnish the bonds to the satisfaction of the respective deputy commissioners.

The petitions challenge detention orders, mostly issued by the provincial home department under Section 3 of the West Pakistan MPO Ordinance, 1960, as illegal.

PHC declares relief must not be construed as court’s opinion on legality of detention orders

The bench clarified that the relief was purely interlocutory and should not be construed as an expression of opinion on the legality of the detention orders or the petitioners’ entitlement to final relief. It said all questions, including maintainability, would remain open for determination at the appropriate stage.

The court also directed the deputy commissioners concerned to submit reports, as previously ordered, explaining the reasons and circumstances leading to the petitioners’ detention.

It observed that the reports had not been received despite earlier directions. In their absence, the bench said, it had examined the material available on record to determine whether the petitioners qualified for interim relief, without making any final determination on their claims.

The petitioners’ lawyers, including Muhammad Yasir Khattak, Azhar Rahim, Zahir Muhammad, Nasir Khan Safi, Nadeem Shah and Ashfaq Daudzai, argued that the detention orders were identical and contained no specific grounds, reference to particular incidents or details of any individual acts to substantiate the allegations and apprehensions cited by the authorities.

The bench also referred to three earlier petitions in which other detainees had been granted similar interim relief against furnishing surety bonds of Rs100,000 each.

It observed that those orders constituted relevant judicial consideration in deciding the present petitions.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2026

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Dr Mohammad Fakhre Alam Irfan had taken notice of the dilapidated condition of the school building after reports and photographs highlighting the plight of students went viral on social media.

DEO Fazal Wahid visited the school accompanied by deputy DEO Zubair Khalil, DEO planning and development Shiraz Hussain and other officials.

The school principal, Mohammad Ayaz Khan, briefed the officials on the deteriorating condition of the building, difficulties faced by students and the impact on academic activities.

Talking to journalists, Mr Wahid said the inspection had been conducted on the directives of the chief secretary and that the safety of students was the department’s top priority.

He directed the school administration to ensure that academic activities continued without interruption and that all available facilities were utilised to provide students with a safe learning environment.

“The lives of children are our foremost priority, and no compromise will be made on their safety,” he said, adding that steps would be taken soon for the reconstruction of the dilapidated building.

MAN GETS LIFE: A court in Tangi has sentenced a man to life imprisonment after convicting him of the murder of a medic, Dr Faisal Sardar, who was killed on June 6, 2018.

Additional Sessions Judge Islamuddin Khan also awarded the convict, Khan Badshah, 10 years’ imprisonment under Section 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code (attempted murder) and three years’ imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs500,000, in the case involving the recovery of a Kalashnikov.

Advocate Malik Fida Hussain Khalil represented the complainant’s side, while Yousaf Shah Mohmand appeared on behalf of the convict.

The verdict marks a significant development in the eight-year-old murder case, while the investigation conducted by Sub-Inspector Muzaffar Khan played an important role in bringing the case to its conclusion.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2026

“It is not me saying this; the Quaid had stated this in his first speech while speaking about the rights of minorities in the country,” the governor said.

He assured members of the Sikh community that their concerns would be addressed on a priority basis.

The governor was addressing a gathering at Governor House to mark the 557th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

On the occasion, he also read out an official statement issued by his office.

Mr Kundi said issues concerning the province would be taken up with the relevant authorities, while matters falling under the federal government’s jurisdiction would be discussed with it.

He urged stakeholders to bring legislative matters to his attention, assuring them that the proposed legislation would be pursued.

“Work on all pending bills, including the Sikh Marriage Bill, should be expedited,” he said, adding that constructive suggestions would be welcomed.

He said the provincial government stood shoulder to shoulder with religious minorities and had continued to support them despite limited resources.

He also expressed the commitment to completing long-pending legislation concerning minority rights at the earliest.

Mr Kundi said the Sikh community, like security personnel, police officials and politicians, had suffered because of terrorism. He stressed the need to work towards lasting peace, saying there was no room for further mistakes, as development was only possible in a peaceful environment.

“We have to fight for our rights with arguments and evidence,” he said, adding that a journey towards addressing these concerns had begun and required the support of minority communities.

The governor also highlighted the importance of promoting sports and providing children with opportunities for healthy activities, saying they should be encouraged to choose pens and playgrounds instead of guns.

On the occasion, Mr Kundi cut a cake to celebrate the 557th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

Sardar Parwinder Singh, Sunni Singh, Qari Roohullah Madni, Rizwanullah of the Human Rights Department and other participants were also present.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2026

In a complaint submitted to the city police station, the administration said that the drawers and cupboards of the branch were found unlocked when the office reopened last Monday.

According to an internal report by a senior assistant of the TOR branch, Rahatullah Shah said, the missing records included the Mazari Mandi records, D&C register, goods warehouse (Mal Mandi) records, entry fee records, and all challan books and files related to Fazal Qadir Shaheed Park.

The report further disclosed that the office keys remained in the possession of an employee last Saturday and Sunday.

TMA Bannu Tehsil Municipal Officer Fakhrul Islam requested the police to register a first information report and launch an investigation to recover the missing official records.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2026

They said that the incident had occurred in the hilly Wara Kharkai area in the limits of War Mamond police station.

They said the woman, whose identity could not be ascertained, first allegedly strangled her minor daughter to death and then hanged herself inside her home for unknown reasons.

A police official told Dawn that a team rushed to the spot after receiving information about the incident and the bodies were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar for postmortem.

The bodies were handed over to relatives for burial after the postmortem.

Mansoor Khan, a spokesperson for the district police, told reporters that an investigation had been launched to ascertain the causes behind the incident.

Meanwhile, an person was killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on him in Mina Bazaar of Lowi Mamond tehsil on Friday night.

Police and residents said Malik Tamreez Khan, 57, was on his way to home when the assailants targeted him, leaving him wounded.

He was taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar where he succumbed to injuries.

Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the motive behind the killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2026

Muhammad Asim, the spokesperson of Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital, said Waseem was “stable” and was receiving medical treatment.

Waseem came under attack in Nowshera’s Panah Kot area while on his way back from his native village Saleh Khana in the district, police officials in Nowshera said.

He sustained injuries and was immediately taken to the hospital.

According to Nowshera District Police Officer (DPO) Sonia Shamroz, the area was immediately cordoned off and a search operation was launched. She added that a team has been constituted to arrest those behind the attack.

DPO Shamroz further said a case has been registered and investigation into the incident was under way.

KP has been witnessing increased terrorist attacks and security challenges in recent years, including attacks on law enforcement personnel and officials.

According to a recent report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan recor­ded a sharp 83 per cent increase in violence-linked fatalities during the third quarter of 2026, re­­versing a declining trend reported in the first and second quarters.

KP and Balochistan remained the epicentres of violence, jointly accounting for 98pc of all fatalities during the period. Balochistan recorded 829 deaths, nearly 59pc of the national total, while KP reported 556 fatalities, accounting for more than 39pc.

On Thursday night, a cop was martyred after terrorists attacked a police post in Bajaur district’s Barang tehsil.

Last week, four policemen, including a Counter-Terrorism Department official and a station house officer, were martyred while two terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire in the Karak district.

In December 2025, Miranshah AC Shah Wali was among four martyred after the official’s vehicle came under attack in Bannu. In July that year, Nawagai subdivision AC Faisal Ismail and four others lost their lives in an explosion targeting a government vehicle in Bajaur.

The report revealed that the commission inspected 6,673 medical facilities across the province during the period. Notices seeking explanations were also issued to 2,668 centres over various violations.

According to the commission’s spokesperson, Azam Rehman, measures were also taken to improve the registration and licensing of healthcare facilities and address public complaints.

The report stated that 610 new medical centres were registered during the last three months, bringing the total number of registered healthcare facilities in the province to 22,910.

Meanwhile, 52 medical centres were granted full licences during the same period, taking the total number of fully licensed facilities since 2023 to 326.

The commission also received 267 public complaints regarding healthcare services, of which 203 were resolved.

The commission’s director of operations, Arsalan Ahmed Khan, said that the registration and licensing process aims to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services to the public.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026

“Sohail Afridi is still in protective custody. Evidence of embezzlement involving billions of rupees is being collected against Mr Afridi, while a charge sheet will surface,” Ms Bilour told a news conference here.

The adviser said the recent remarks by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl emir Maulana Fazlur Rahman, a senior and respected political leader, against the state reflected his “political dissatisfaction and frustration”.

“Dissatisfaction over the absence of a desired political role in the existing technocratic setup can be a factor behind the JUI-F chief’s recent political stance,” she said.

Samar Bilour says former CM still in ‘protective custody’

The adviser added that corruption allegations dating from the PDM government, including matters involving individuals close to the JUI-F leadership, also required proper investigation and clarification.

She said the current provincial administration welcomed constructive suggestions and guidance from the JUI-F chief and remained open to acknowledging and rectifying any shortcomings. However, she warned that the administration’s patience should not be misconstrued as weakness.

In a statement issued by her office, the adviser said comprehensive measures were under way to introduce institutional reforms, improve governance, ensure transparency and strengthen public service delivery under the vision of a “changing, progressive and stronger Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”.

Ms Bilour said eight modern armoured vehicles had been handed over to the police to enhance their operational capabilities and that a comprehensive plan to strengthen police infrastructure and improve operational capacity would be developed over the next five to six weeks.

Paying tribute to police personnel for their courage, commitment and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, she said providing them with modern equipment, adequate resources and improved facilities was a government priority.

The adviser said the investigation into the Dir Colony school collapse incident, in which 30 children and a teacher lost their lives, had been completed and that a detailed report would be shared with the media shortly.

She added that a subcommittee was also examining the responsibilities of the relevant departments and tehsil municipal administrations to identify any negligence in the inspection, approval and monitoring of buildings.

Clarifying the government’s position on the Sehat Card programme, Ms Bilour said internal irregularities within the programme were being reviewed but there was no intention to discontinue or abolish it.

Ms Bilour said the performance and administrative structures of medical teaching institutions, along with the professional qualifications and merit of their board members, were also being evaluated.

She added that any proposed reforms would be guided by institutional performance and professional standards, not political victimisation.

Regarding the ongoing anti-encroachment campaign, the adviser said traffic congestion and drainage problems in Peshawar could not be effectively addressed without removing illegal encroachments from government land, green belts and drainage infrastructure.

She said that the operation was being carried out indiscriminately, without favour or discrimination on the basis of political affiliation, personal connections or recommendations.

Ms Bilour said that the government also planned to rehabilitate and beautify the cleared areas to make them more accessible and beneficial to the public.

About urban sanitation, she said the performance of urban sanitation services and the Water and Sanitation Services Company was improving, with sanitation teams continuing their work until late at night.

She said the removal of accumulated waste in Peshawar was underway, while a comprehensive waste collection plan was also being developed.

On digital governance, she said adviser on legal affairs Amir Javed had brought various institutions together on a common digital portal in accordance with their respective mandates and statutory responsibilities.

She said the portal had become operational and was designed to facilitate public access to institutional services and complaint redressal mechanisms through a single platform.

The participating institutions included the Auqaf and religious affairs department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission, Human Rights Commission, provincial ombudsman, Right to Public Services Commission, Right to Information Commission, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade, KP Assembly Secretariat, Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and labour and human resource department.

Ms Bilour said that the provincial administration’s priority was to act responsibly, safeguard the interests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and address issues through appropriate institutional mechanisms.

She said the vision of the “Changing, Progressive and Stronger Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” was not merely a slogan but a firm commitment to improved governance, institutional reforms, transparency, accountability and effective public service delivery.

The adviser said that efforts would continue across all major sectors to translate that vision into tangible improvements in the people’s lives.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026

He directed authorities to take practical measures for the restoration and promotion of historical sites.

The governor said this while chairing a meeting on the preservation, restoration and development of Peshawar’s historical heritage and tourist attractions, according to an official statement issued by the governor’s office.

Adviser for planning and development Usman Saifullah Khan, tourism secretary Sadat Hassan and other relevant officials attended the meeting.

Officials briefed the meeting on Peshawar’s historical and cultural significance, the conservation of heritage sites, night tourism, heritage tourism, and ongoing and proposed development projects.

The governor said Peshawar was a living symbol of centuries-old history, civilisation and culture, so there was a need to project its historical identity to attract both domestic and foreign tourists.

He directed authorities to relocate the vintage ambulance and old fire brigade vehicles at Gor Khatri to a prominent place where visitors could easily view them.

Mr Kundi also called for the operation of special tourist buses to facilitate visits to the city’s historical landmarks.

He instructed officials to install large information boards near the motorway toll plaza highlighting Peshawar’s historical sites and cultural heritage so that visitors entering the city could learn about its rich past.

The governor said cultural events should be organised regularly to preserve and promote Peshawar’s traditions, arts and literary heritage. He added that restoration work on the ancestral houses of legendary film icons Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor should also begin at the earliest.

Mr Kundi welcomed the practical steps being taken to conserve the city’s historical heritage and said the restoration of heritage sites, along with improved tourism facilities, would further strengthen Peshawar’s cultural identity.

Meanwhile, Governor Kundi chaired a meeting and said that all languages spoken in the province should be included in the Khyber Star Talent Hunt Programme to ensure equal representation and promote the province’s rich cultural diversity.

The meeting discussed the proposed Khyber Star Talent and Cultural Promotion Programme. It was attended by adviser to the governor on information and public relations Samar Haroon Bilour, information secretary Bakhtiar Khan, sports secretary Mohammad Asif and other relevant officials.

The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the objectives, implementation mechanism, selection process and other aspects of the programme, according to an official statement issued by Mr Kundi’s office.

Officials said the initiative was aimed at identifying and promoting the talent of young people while highlighting the culture, traditions and diverse languages of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

They said audition camps would be established in different districts of the province, while a committee comprising representatives of relevant departments would be formed to ensure transparency and maintain high standards in the selection process.

The governor directed that all regional languages, including Urdu and Saraiki, be represented in the auditions.

He added that Saraiki was widely spoken in Sindh, Dera Ismail Khan and Punjab and deserved to be included in the programme.

Mr Kundi said the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possessed immense talent and potential that should be showcased before the world.

“Providing young people with positive and constructive opportunities and an effective platform to express their abilities was the need of the hour,” he said.

The governor also said the Khyber Star Talent Hunt Programme would encourage young talent and help promote the province’s rich cultural heritage.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026

With the integration of Safe City cameras and anti-drone systems, live video and surveillance feeds from police drones operating anywhere in the province, including during field operations and offensives carried out against terrorists by the police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), can now be monitored at the Command and Control Centre.

Under the new system, hostile quadcopters and drones will not only be detected promptly but also neutralised, KP Safe Cities Project Director Deputy Inspector General Ijaz Ahmad said.

Addressing a news conference at the Command and Control Centre, DIG Ahmad said anti-drone systems installed in Peshawar and other cities had been linked to the centre.

Drones, anti-drone systems integrated into Peshawar’s Safe City network

He said live monitoring of police operations, including those conducted by the CTD across the province, had also become possible, facilitating the timely sharing of information.

The DIG said modern anti-drone systems had already been deployed in Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Bannu districts to meet evolving security requirements and counter emerging warfare threats. Anti-drone guns had also been provided to police personnel in remote and sensitive areas of the province, he added.

He said the objective was to enhance the police’s ability to promptly detect and neutralise potential threats posed by hostile quadcopters and drones.

The DIG said monitoring and control of police surveillance drones across the province had also been incorporated into the central system.

“Now, during a police operation in any area, live video footage captured by drones will be transmitted to the central Command and Control Centre. This will keep senior police officers directly informed about the ground situation and help them support field operations effectively,” he said.

However, he said the lack of internet connectivity in some areas remained a challenge. Steps were being taken in collaboration with the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) to address the issue, he added.

He said the integrated use of modern technology, drone surveillance, anti-drone systems and centralised monitoring would further strengthen the police’s operational capabilities, security surveillance and response to militant threats.

Making the policing system more effective, coordinated and modern through technology was the need of the hour, he said, adding that the Safe Cities project was providing technical support to the KP police in this regard.

Meanwhile, the KP police have established a specialised human resource division trained in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) combat to wage high-tech warfare against terrorists, whose use of drones is evolving from surveillance and ammunition drops to swarm attacks.

The UAV division, initially conceived as an idea, was established in response to advances in terrorists’ capabilities and their growing shift from conventional street fighting to aerial warfare.

The personnel have been trained in modern drone operation, aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, counterterrorism, protection of sensitive installations and the use of UAV technology in high-risk operations.

The division is the first of its kind established by a police department in the country.

An official said the KP police had realised that technology alone was insufficient and had taken the crucial step of establishing a specialised division of personnel trained in UAV operations.

“These personnel are not only trained to operate drones for surveillance but are also capable of conducting electronic warfare against hostile UAVs,” he added.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026

According to state-run Radio Pakistan, the army “gave a befitting reply to unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban along the Pak-Afghan border in the Angoor Adda area” on Tuesday.

“Using heavy weaponry, the Pakistan Army forced Afghan Taliban personnel to abandon their posts and flee,” the report said.

Citing reports, it added that several Afghan Taliban regime personnel were also killed during the operation.

“Security forces remain committed to the defence of the country and the protection of its people and there will be no compromise on national security,” the report said.

On Tuesday, Afghan security forces opened unprovoked fire on Pakistan Army border posts and residential areas in the Angoor Adda border area, which claimed the life of one local and injured a family of five.

According to officials, the firing originated from posts located inside Afghan territory and targeted Pakistani border posts with sniper, small and heavy weapons.

Sources said that Pakistani forces launched an immediate and effective retaliatory action, engaging multiple Afghan Taliban border posts, mortar positions and defensive bunkers with small and heavy arms, including artillery.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi had condemned the firing, asserting that Pakistan would “never tolerate” attacks on its people or violations of its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Pakistan had also dismissed a statement by Afghanistan’s defence ministry regarding the incident that claimed that Pakistan was the aggressor, terming it a “fabrication of lies”.

The border at Angoor Adda is one of the most important and sensitive crossings along the Pak-Afghan border, serving as a key trade route and one of the main points of public movement between the two countries.

Pak-Afghan tensions

Islamabad has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration in Kabul to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil, particularly those linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, that are used for attacks in Pakistan. Officials say those appeals have gone unheeded.

September witnessed another bout of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

On Sept 21, in response to recent major terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan conducted “calibrated” airstrikes in the border region with Afghanistan against terrorist hideouts, with the government saying more than 28 terrorists were killed.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the action as part of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, which was launched on the night of Feb 26 in response to unprovoked cross-border firing by the Afghan Taliban.

Days later, Pakistan shot down eight drones launched from across the border that had entered Pakistani airspace near the Torkham border and Kohat. It was also reported that the Afghan Taliban engaged in unprovoked firing the night before near Kurram as security forces foiled an attempt by terrorists to cross into Pakistan.

In retaliation for the drone incursion, Pakistan conducted “precision aerial and drone strikes” in 10 locations across Afghanistan.

A demarche was also delivered to the Afghan side on Sept 26 on account of the Sept 23 airspace violation by drones, the Foreign Office said.

On Oct 1, Pakistan again carried out “well-planned and calibrated” airstrikes against terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan, the information ministry said, adding that the strikes resulted in the deaths of “multiple terrorists”.

Around mid-October, the state media reported that security forces had again responded to unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in KP’s Upper Kurram.

It quoted security sources as saying that several personnel of the Afghan Taliban were “reportedly killed during the Pakistan Army’s retaliatory action along the Ghuzgarhi border”. The sources further said that in the Upper Kurram sector, the army targeted the Afghan Taliban’s Topsar post and Shipola base camp with artillery fire, reportedly completely destroying the latter.

The border skirmishes came a day after the Foreign Office said that talks with Afghanistan could not be unconditional, but also rejected suggestions that Islamabad was unwilling to engage with its neighbour and said it would welcome sincere efforts by friendly countries to help resolve the dispute.