SWABI: Residents and political activists here have demanded of the government to reconstruct the Maini-Shakri causeway and Qadra causeway. Flash floods washed away portions of the two structures three days ago.

The residents told this correspondent that the Maini-Shakri causeway linked the Maini union council with Topi tehsil through Gadoon Amazai Industrial Estate road and it was a short route.

Farmers of the area said that the causeway was unfit for use, creating problems in transportation of commodities.

Ashraf Khan, a local leader of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, said that they had urged National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, MPA Rangaiz Khan and Topi tehsil office-bearers to play due role in its reconstruction.

Mohammad Khitab, PTI tehsil deputy general secretary said that they had discussed the issue with Rangaiz Khan, hoping he would take steps for rebuilding it.

He said that Mr Qaiser had also issued directives for repair of the causeway.

Similarly, the Qadra causeway also needs immediate reconstruction.

The residents said that they would approach the area’s MNA and MPA for the purpose.

SHOP LOOTED: Unknown robbers looted a medicine shop at gunpoint in congested Kalu Khan area on Thursday evening. The incident occurred near Kalu Khan civil hospital. An FIR has been registered on Friday, said Iftikhar Khan, the shop owner.

He told this correspondent that his colleague Ahmad Sher was in the shop when three motorcyclists entered the shop, pointed pistols at him and collected the entire cash of Rs 55,000 and a cell phone. They soon escaped on their motorcycles.

BEGGARS WARNED: The district administration conducted an operation on Friday to discourage begging on the streets of Swabi.

Swabi assistant commissioner Uzma Ikram told mediapersons that they wanted to eradicate the menace of begging from the district. She said that they politely asked the beggars to pick up their luggage and work for earning their livelihood.

However, she warned that they would face legal action if again seen begging in Swabi city.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2020