LOWER DIR: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) local leader Ikramuddin Khan along with around 150 supporters joined the Awami National Party (ANP) during a ceremony held in the Makhai area of Munda tehsil on Sunday.

The event was attended by ANP provincial general secretary Hussain Shah Yousafzai, district president Haji Bahadar Khan and other party leaders. Addressing the gathering, Mr Yousafzai criticised the provincial government, alleging that it had failed to deliver meaningful development despite being in power for over 13 years.

He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was rich in natural resources including granite, lithium, gas and oil, but many residents continued to lack access to quality education, healthcare and employment opportunities.

He also alleged that local communities were not benefiting adequately from the province’s mineral wealth and claimed that most of the mining leases had been awarded to outsiders.

Mr Yousafzai also alleged that valuable gemstones and minerals were being transported from Bajaur to other parts of the country on a daily basis, generating substantial revenue, while local communities were not benefiting from the proceeds.

YOUTH FOUND MURDERED:A youth was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Badwan area within the jurisdiction of Chakdara police station here the other day, police and local sources said.

The deceased was identified as Malik Owais, son of the late Asfandiyar and a resident of Badwan.

According to local residents, the victim was attacked and killed by unknown gunmen near the bank of the Swat River. The assailants managed to flee the scene after the incident.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026