KOHAT: Tourists have complained that the dilapidated road leading to the scenic Samana valley located at a height of 6,300 feet makes their journey long and arduous.

They said they had to negotiate the narrow and steep road constructed in 1880, putting their lives at risk.

They demanded immediate attention of the authorities, especially the Pakistan Army, to expand and carpet the road.

Inayat Orakzai, a local, said only male tourists were allowed to visit the area. However, he said families could be taken if one got permission from the Hangu deputy commissioner. He said families could stay in government rest houses, adding the army had built a playground for children.

Samana is a three-hour journey from Kohat in the west. The ridge lies between the Khanki valley in the north and the Miranzai valley in the south and extends to the west from Hangu to the Samana Suk.

The valley boasts beautiful rest houses and trees of apple and walnut. The rest houses include the Orakzai House, also known as Governor’s Cottage, and that of the communication and works department, while the army has also constructed some rooms there.

DRUG SMUGGLER HELD: The police foiled an attempt to smuggle hashish from tribal area by arresting the carrier at the Muslimabad checkpost on Indus Highway the other day.

Acting on a tip-off, a team led by SHO Jarma Javed Khan checked a suspected person travelling in a passenger coach and found six kilogrammes hashish hidden in a bag he was carrying, according to a statement.

The smuggler was identified as Sajid from Orakzai district.

In a similar development, the Hangu police arrested a smuggler taking weapons in a vehicle from Parachinar to Peshawar through Thall tehsil. He was identified as Amjid Ali of Peshawar.

Meanwhile, people held a walk against the use and sale of ice drug in Hangu the other day. Youth parliament organised it.

The rally taken out from Kalma Chowk turned into a public meeting at the Railway Square.

MEETING: Addressing the members of the Kohat dispute resolution council (DRC) the other day, district police officer Mohammad Suleman said the body had helped bring down crime rate and provide justice to the aggrieved parties.

He said the DRC had also helped reduce burden on police stations and courts. He said due to their timely intervention several blood feuds had been resolved.

Published in Dawn,June 12th, 2022