KOHAT: The law-enforcement agencies here have received credible reports about planning by a terrorist organisation of targeting public gatherings, political figures and Friday prayers by women and teenagers trained by militants.

Deputy commissioner Furqan Ashraf confirmed theterror threat on Friday andimposed a ban under section 144 CrPC on gatherings of more than five people. He ordered the police and other law-enforcement agencies to remain extra vigilant to avert any unpleasant mishap and enhance security at all entry and exit points.

He directed that political and public gatherings and corner meetings of political parties had been strictly disallowed to ensure tranquility and peace in the district. He said that circumstances existed to take such a step in the public interest.

An official statement said that the order of section 144 should come into force with immediate effect for 30 days.

PRISONERS’ CASES: The newly-formed human rights committee at its maiden meeting on Friday decided to investigate cases of prisoners in jails, child labour, underage marriages, social injustices and treatment meted out to minorities.

It also resolved to send its documented report about shelter homes, hospitals and human rights cases investigated in the police stations to the national task force formed under the National Action Plan on a regular basis.

Chaired by deputy commissioner Furqan Ashraf the meeting was attended by its members SP investigation Mir Faraz Khan, superintendent jail Abdul Bari, district education officers, district health officer and others.

SOLIDARITY: The students and teachers of the Government Higher School, Bilitang, expressed solidarity with the heirs of the martyred students of the Army Public School, Peshawar, with debates and national songs here on Friday.

School principal Lais Khan, Kahlid Mehmood and others offered prayers for the souls of the martyrs in the morning assembly.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2022