SWABI: The transfer of SHO Abdul Ali alias Gabbar has sparked a protest here on Tuesday.

The SHO was transferred from the Swabi city police station and asked to report to police lines after his remarks during a gathering in the police station, drawing censure even from KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

It may be mentioned that in his remarks the SHO had told the gathering that traders should not instal curtains in their shops and women should only visit markets with their husbands, brothers or fathers. He added that women must not be allowed to roam around ‘like animals’ in the markets.

He had also warned the youngsters not to waste their time in making TikTok videos or other immoral acts.

However, Gabbar’s statement was widely criticised as leaders of various political parties and other people said that the SHO overstepped his mandate.

He has been replaced by Abdul Ali, who assumed charge as SHO of Swabi city police station on January 26. He had earlier worked in Kalu Khan police station, tehsil Razaar.

Meanwhile, a protest led by JUI-F tehsil president Maulana Abdul Samad was held in favour of the SHO, who demanded reversal of his transfer. The protesters alleged that an ‘honest and dutiful’ officer was transferred under political pressure.

Due to the protest, traffic on the main roads linking Karnal Sher Khan Chowk remained suspended.

VARSITIES SIGN MOU: The Department of Public Health, Women University Swabi (WUS), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aga Khan University (AKU) to strengthen academic collaboration in the field of public health here on Tuesday.

Under this partnership, senior faculty members from Aga Khan University will supervise students of the Department of Public Health, WUS, Swabi, thereby enhancing academic quality, research mentorship and practical exposure.

The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Ghazala Yasmeen, Vice Chancellor, Women University, Swabi, on behalf of the Department of Public Health, while, Dr. Nadeemullah Khan, Professor and Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University, signed the agreement on behalf of AKU.

Speaking on the occasion, the VC stated: “This collaboration is a significant step towards strengthening public health education and research at Women University, Swabi. By providing our students access to experienced senior faculty and high-quality academic supervision, we aim to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding required addressing emerging public health challenges.”

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2026