LAKKI MARWAT: Four people were arrested on Saturday for digging bed of the Tochi River in Bannu illegally and supplying sand and gravel from there to construction sites.

An official said that the action was taken on the directives of deputy commissioner Aun Haidar Gondal following complaints about illegal digging along the Tochi River.

He said that a team of officials of the mines and minerals development department led by additional assistant commissioner Shakil Khan raided the place and arrested four people engaged in the illegal mining activity. He said the arrested men included Mohammad Khalid, Mir Dil Khan, Rehmatullah and Noor Syed who were shifted to Bakkakhel police station.

The officials also seized heavy machinery from the site while the police registered a case against the accused.

AVAILABILITY OF FOOD ITEMS: Deputy commissioner Fazal Akbar has asked the officials of his administration and food department to ensure availability of food items in bazaars and markets of Lakki Marwat.

He issued these directions during a meeting of the district price review committee at his office on Saturday. Lakki Marwat and Betani tribal subdivision ACs, district food controller Aman Khan, tehsil municipal officers and representatives of traders and consumers bodies were in attendance.

Mr Aman told the meeting that there was no shortage of food commodities in any part of the district as essential items were available in the bazaars.

The deputy commissioner heard the problems being faced by the business community in Lakki Marwat and Naurang towns and issued instructions for their early resolution. He said that his administration would ensure implementation of the official price list by the shopkeepers.

He directed the price magistrates to take stern legal action against the traders involved in creating artificial price hike, profiteering and hoarding.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2022