KOHAT: Police claimed to have arrested a gang leader of an inter-district militant group for his involvement in attacks on security forces and other heinous crimes in a joint intelligence-based operation in Suleman Talab area of Tappi here on Thursday.

SP operations Mohammad Bilal told a press conference that the accused, Sher Mohammad, was on the most wanted list of the provincial police and had connections with TTP.

He said the militant was in hiding for several years.

He said the accused was committing extortions, killings and kidnappings with his accomplices in Hangu, Karak, Kohat and other districts.

He was arrested in a raid on a house by a team of elite force, including DSPs Saifur Rahman and Azmat Bangash, SHOs Qismat Khan, Islamuddin and Mohammad Iqbal and officials of the district security branch.

The SP said the seizure from the accused included a rocket launcher, two rockets, three hand-grenades, two Kalashnikovs, chargers and hundreds of cartridges. He said the accused would be presented in the court on Friday (today) for getting his remand.

OPEN COURT: The district administrationhere on Thursday ordered immediate checking of fuel dispensers at filling stations after people complained about cheating by their owners in the far-flung Chor Lakki area.

The issue was raised at an open court, which was chaired by deputy commissioner, Kohat, Furqan Ashrafand attended by people from the surrounding areas.

The people also complained about prolonged power outages and overbilling and shortage of drinking and irrigation water.

They raised the issue of staff deficiency at the rural health centre and schools and demanded upgradation of local schools and construction of roads.

Mr Ashraf assured the people that the administration would keep a close liaison with them through such sessions and asked the relevant officials to pay serious attention to resolving their problems.

Published in Dawn, November 18th, 2022