SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Residents of Kari Kot area of Wana, the district headquarters of Lower South Waziristan, held a protest against the mobile internet outage on Monday.

The protesters, including political and social activists, demanded the immediate restoration of the internet services in the area. They criticised the federal government for depriving the region of mobile internet services, calling it an unjust and unconstitutional move.

The protesters also demanded installation of new mobile phone towers in Ghowa Khowa and Sheen Warsak areas. They also called for provision of DSL connections in Kari Kot and its surrounding areas.

The Wana-Kari Kot Road remained closed during the protest, with the protesters carrying placards with demands for restoring the internet services.

The youth warned that if their demands were not met, they would stage a sit-in in front of the Scouts camp.

A mobile tower in Shahid Mor area was set on fire by unknown individuals last month, suspending internet services in the area.

MNA Zubair Wazir wrote to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, highlighting the issue, and the company assured the restoration of services, but to no effect.

The protesters also demanded improving the drainage system in Kari Kot Bazaar.

STUDENTS SPEND TIME WITH ARMY: Frontier Corps Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (South) on Monday organised a special event – Day Out with Army – for students from various public and private educational institutions in Wana.

The initiative aimed to familiarise the youth with the military environment, instill a sense of patriotism, and promote national unity.

Security officials told Dawn that hundreds of students participated in the event, where they observed the discipline and operational set-up of the Pakistan Army up close. The interaction with military officers provided students with valuable insights into national defence and the armed forces’ role in safeguarding the country.

One of the key highlights of the day was the exhibition of modern and automated combat equipment. A wide range of weaponry, defence apparatus, and advanced military technology was displayed, capturing the interest of the young attendees.

Students were given the opportunity to interact directly with military officers.

They posed questions about defence training, security operations, and army life. The officers provided detailed and thoughtful responses, which contributed significantly to the students’ understanding of military service.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2025