KHAR: The administration of Bajaur Agency decided on Monday to stop construction work on ‘controversial’ shops at the medicines market owing to protest by local traders and political workers.

The decision was made after officials of administration held successful talks with the leaders of traders and political activists. Assistant political agents Arif Khan and Anwarul Haq and representatives of various traders associations and leaders of different political parties including former MNA Syed Akhunzada Chattan took part in the dialogue.

The leaders of trade union associations and political parties informed the officials about their concerns over construction of new shops at the market. They said that they would not allow construction of shops in front of the market as it would affect business of the existing shops.

The officials were told that construction of shops at the market by some influential people with the alleged support of local administration was unlawful as they didn’t own the land.

20-member committee formed to find permanent solution to issue

After a long discussion, the officials agreed to stop work on construction of shops at the market. However, it was decided that a 12-member committee comprising leaders of different political parties, representatives of traders and tribal elders would be set up to find a permanent solution to the issue within 20 days.

REFERENCE: The political administration on Monday directed tribal elders to help in maintaining peace in the region.

Addressing a condolence reference to pay tribute to slain political tehsildar Fawad Ali Khan and five Levies personnel, who were killed in a roadside blast last week, APA Anwarul Haq asked the elders to step up their activities against militants.

Tribal elders, leaders of various political and religious parties and officials attended the reference.

Mr Haq said that tribal elders should keep an eye on the activities of anti-state elements in their areas. He said that peace was necessary for development of the area.

Addressing the ceremony, the elders of Mamond tribe said that they would not only continue supporting the local administration in maintenance of peace in their areas, but would also step up their activities to foil the nefarious designs of militants.

JI local leader Sirajuddin Khan on the occasion handed over Rs60,000 to the family members of each martyred personnel of Levies Force.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2017