SWAT: An anti-terrorism court here on Monday adjourned proceeding against former provincial minister of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Shaukat Yousafzai and other workers of the party in a case related to violence in Shangla on Feb 9 after the general elections.

Mr Yousafzai along with Haji Syed Farin, Waqar Ahmad Khan and other PTI workers appeared in the court. After brief arguments of lawyers, the ATC judge adjourned the hearing indefinitely.

On Feb 9, gunshots were fired during a protest held in Shangla against alleged rigging in elections. Two PTI workers were killed on the occasion. Several others were injured. Police registered cases under sections 302 and 7ATA against PTI leaders.

During the court proceedings, the public prosecutor stated that Shangla police did not complete investigation. The court directed police to complete the challan as only then the proceeding would be resumed.

Court adjourns case against PTI leaders indefinitely

Mr Yousafzai along with other PTI leaders also met with newly-elected president of District Bar Association Faheem Naeem and other lawyers, congratulating them on their victory in the bar polls.

He praised lawyers for their dedication to upholding Constitution and law despite limited resources and numerous challenges. He asserted that PTI workers, including himself, were falsely implicated in cases. He expressed sorrow over the Feb 9 tragedy in Alpuri.

CEREMONY: Speakers at a ceremony said here on Monday that women had great potential in every field including sports.

The annual prize distribution ceremony was held at Government Postgraduate Girls College Saidu Sharif. The ceremony was organised by Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Swat.

BISE Swat secretary Umar Hussain, chairman Mohammad Ishaq, sports director Mohammad Afzaal Khan, principal Prof Bakht Tasleem, sports teacher Ms Zamarud, BS English student Sadaf Saeed along with other teachers and sportspersons from various colleges in the district attended the ceremony.

Speakers highlighted the importance of sports activities for both men and women. However, they lamented that female students often didn’t participate in sports, leading to missed opportunities at national and international levels.

They urged parents to encourage their children, especially girls, to participate in sports. “There are numerous opportunities for girls to compete internationally, but we have yet to see significant representation of our province. By encouraging girls to participate in sports, their talents can be nurtured,” they added.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2024