MANSEHRA: An angry mob on Tuesday blocked the Karakoram Highway and torched a truck after a motorcyclist was run over and killed in Chitti Gattai area.

Mohammad Tauqir died of critical injuries after being knocked down by a speeding truck bound for Gilgit-Baltistan.

The local residents later blocked the Karakoram Highway for more than two hours and set fire to the truck suspending traffic. A heavy contingent of police showed up along with a fire tender and put out the fire.

The protesters dispersed after the arrival of the police but later gathered at the College Doraha on the KKH and blocked it. Besides seeking action against truck driver, they also demanded demanding the installation of speed breakers on the highway near populous areas to check rash driving.

Police arrest driver, promise crackdown on speeding vehicles

The commuters and motorists remained stuck in long queues amid scorching heat.

The protesters dispersed after senior police officials informed them about the arrest of truck driver and promised an effective crackdown on speeding vehicles.

DRUGS SEIZED: The Mansehra police on Tuesday claimed that they had seized a large quantity of narcotics and arrested many drug peddlers in different areas.

In a news release, the police said its team led by Shinkiari SHO Naseer Ahmad seized three kilogrammes of charas on a tip-off and arrested Abdul Wahid of Peshawar for smuggling contraband to parts of Hazara.

They also said Jamaluddin of Peshawar was arrested after seizure of four kilogrammes of charas.

The police said they had begun investigation after booking both under the Narcotics Act.

RAMAZAN BAZAAR: The Oghi tehsil administration has set up the Ramazan Bazaar here on Toheed Road in collaboration with traders. The bazaar will sell kitchen items at prices 10 to 20 per cent less than the market’s.

Assistant commissioner Shabbir Ahmad Aqash inaugurated the bazaar and asked traders and businessmen to reduce prices in Ramazan for the relief of people.

He said venders at the Ramazan Bazaar would sell goods on subsidised prices.

Trader leader Sarblund Khan said members of his community won’t be involved in profiteering in Ramazan and would strictly follow the prices fixed by the price control and review committee.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2018