DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Former chief minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur has said that taking care of special persons is a collective social responsibility, emphasising that they deserve dignity, respect and support.

He said that looking after vulnerable segments of society reflected the true spirit of a welfare state.

He said while speaking as chief guest at a ceremony in Dera Ismail Khan, organised by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Dera in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, where more than 300 special transport cards for persons with disabilities were issued.

On the occasion, 59 tricycles were distributed and hearing aids were provided to 50 persons with special needs.

Stresses country needs inclusivity, compassion to become great

Gandapur appreciated the RTA Dera for launching the special transport card for persons with disabilities, calling it a commendable initiative. He said the card would enable special persons to avail a 50 percent concession on public transport, significantly easing their mobility and daily travel.

Highlighting development efforts in the district, he said work on mega projects in Dera Ismail Khan was progressing at a fast pace. He urged the citizens to consider these development schemes as their own, acknowledging that while such projects may cause temporary inconvenience, they would bring long-term benefits.

The ceremony was attended by commissioner Dera Daud Khan, deputy commissioner Dera Abdul Nasir Khan, assistant commissioner Dera Syed Muhammad Arsalan, secretary RTA Shoukat Iqbal, president Sahara Center Aamir Suhail Sadozai, social welfare officer Mumtaz Khan, chairman BOG WASA Nematullah Khan, assistant director Zamung Kor Dera Campus Rafiullah Khan and a large number of persons with disabilities.

On Gandapur’s directives, the Social Welfare Department has also provided two tricycles at each transport terminal, while special ramps have been constructed to facilitate persons with disabilities in boarding buses. With these measures, special persons will now be able to travel paying half fare only.

Gandapur said that no nation could become truly great unless it changed its mindset towards inclusivity and compassion. He stated that Dera Ismail Khan was emerging as a major city and encroachments would be removed to ensure smooth execution of mega projects, as such obstructions cause inconvenience to the public.

DRUG DEALER ARRESTED: Dera police have arrested a drug dealer and recovered 1.31 kilograms of hashish along with illegal weapons during a snap checking operation here in the limits of the Cant police station.

According to a police spokesman, following the directives of DPO Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada, the district police have continued their crackdown against criminal elements.

A police team intercepted the suspect during routine snap checking and took him into custody.

The accused was identified as Syed Raib Abbas, son of Syed Mujeebur Rehman, a resident of Mohaniyanwala Mohalla. The police also recovered 1,310 grams of hashish and two unlicensed 30-bore pistols along with seven cartridges from his possession.

A case has been registered against the suspect and further investigation is in progress.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2026