BAJAUR: The residents of several areas of Khar tehsil here on Thursday staged a protest demonstration against growing illegal business of drugs in the region.

People from different walks of life mainly youth participated in the protest held in Haji Lawang area. Holding placards inscribed with anti-drugs slogans, the protesters said that drug abuse and illegal trade of narcotics witnessed a significant increase in the region.

They said that they were expecting that the illegal trade of drugs would completely come to an end after the introduction of proper policing system in the region. However, they alleged that trade of drugs increased in the district since the police system was introduced.

The protesters asked police to take serious notice of the illegal trade ad deal with an iron hand with the people involved in anti-human activities.

The main Khar-Munda road remained blocked for an hour owing to the protest. The protesters dispersed when police officials assured them of taking action against the drug dealers.

KHULI KUTCHERY: Officials of security force and district administration here on Thursday assured the residents of hilly and backward areas of Mamund tehsil to address their longstanding issues.

The assurance was given by Bajaur Scouts Commandant Brig Rao Imran Siraj, Deputy Commissioner Fahad Wazir, District Police Officer Abdul Samad Khan and Additional Deputy Commissioner Zohaib Hayat at a Khuli Kutchery.

MNA Gul Zafar Khan and members of the local government also attended the daylong meeting.

The locals told the officials that most parts of the region were short of basic facilities like education, health, roads and electricity. They said the existing road, health and education facilities were also in bad condition owing to lack of maintenance.

The officials assured the participants of the event that tangible steps would be taken soon to provide facilities to them. They said that some of the issues of the locals would be raised with the relevant quarters instantly.

The deputy commissioner on the occasion directed the heads of relevant departments to resolve the issues immediately.

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2022