LOWER DIR: A jirga of local elders, district administration, police and security forces on Thursday asked terrorists to surrender to government or leave the region immediately, warning them of decisive action if they failed to comply with the decree.

The jirga was attended by local elders, government officials and security personnel including Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Arif Khan, Commandant Dir Scouts Brig Sanaullah, DPO Saleem Abbas Kalachi, PPP leader Advocate Alamzeb, PML-N leader Farooq Iqbal, JUI-F district general secretary Maulana Mohammad Huzaifa, former provincial minister Mehmood Zaib, ANP district president Haji Bahadur Khan and other senior community leaders.

The jirga in a declaration reaffirmed unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the district at any cost. It jirga declared that anyone attempting to disrupt the region’s peace would face strong resistance from both locals and security forces.

The participants also condemned propaganda against the country, particularly targeting army and state institutions.

Officials praised the unity and resolve of the community, emphasising that past victories against terrorism in Malakand division were achieved due to strong collaboration between people and security forces.

POISONOUS FOOD: At least 15 people fell ill after consuming poisonous food during an Iftar at Jamia Muhammadiya, a religious seminary in Maidan Kotkay area of Lower Dir on Wednesday evening.

Ten of the affected people were rushed to district headquarters hospital Timergara for treatment. Doctors provided immediate medical assistance to them. They were identified as Wali Khan, Abbas Khan, Anas Khan, Qasim Shams, Abdul Rehman, Abu Bakar, Sanaullah, Abbas, Bilal and Mubashir.

Hospital officials confirmed that one patient Hilal Ahmad died due to his critical condition. The rest were stable and out of danger. Authorities are investigating the source of the food contamination.

PRICES: Officials of district administration, agriculture department and food department on Thursday visited Timergara fruit and vegetable market during the morning auction.

Wholesale rates were determined and a revised price list for fruits and vegetables was issued for the day. According to the revised price lists, the rate of per kilogram is Rs280, banana per dozen Rs150, grapes per kilogram Rs400, strawberry Rs200, guava Rs280, orange per dozen Rs550, and pomegranates Rs600.

Similarly, the price of per kilogram potato is Rs 60, onion Rs70, tomato Rs90, cauliflower Rs180, cabbage Rs250, eggplant Rs150, lady finger Rs200, green chilies Rs 90, green peas Rs60, ginger Rs250 and garlic Rs150.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2025