LOWER DIR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Directorate General Health Services on Thursday dispatched a rapid response team (RRT) to several mountainous villages in Lower Dir’s Adenzai tehsil following reports about deaths of children allegedly linked to acute febrile illness and respiratory complications.
Deputy Commissioner Basharat Ahmad told Dawn that a 10-member team comprising public health surveillance officers Dr Arman Hakim and Dr Gul Sartaj, assistant director of public health Sabz Ali, Dr Nauman Gohar, entomologists Salahuddin and Ajmal Khan, data analyst Saad Awan, logistic officer Nida, surveillance officer of WHO Dr Nauman and two nominated members would visit the affected localities.
The team has been tasked with conducting a detailed field investigation, verifying reported symptoms and identifying any possible epidemiological, environmental or vector-borne factor. It will submit its findings to director general health services within three days.
Mr Ahmad said that there was no need for panic. He described reports circulating about the situation as “media hype” and clarified that some deaths had occurred in the affected villages, they were not linked to any specific disease.
DC claims deaths not linked to any specific disease
According to a circular issued by the district administration, seven deaths were reported in the affected areas over the past 15 days. Of them, three involved premature infants, two were suffering from chronic illnesses while two individuals reportedly died after experiencing high fever.
The administration said that health and livestock department teams had been engaged in the affected villages since Sept 4. They continued monitoring and assessment activities.
Officials said that district administration, health department and provincial government were closely monitoring the situation and a clearer picture would emerge once the investigation was completed.
The authorities urged people to remain calm and cooperate with health teams during the inquiry.
PODCAST DAY: The department of journalism and mass communication at University of Malakand held an event to mark World Podcast Day here on Thursday.
The event titled ‘the power of the journalist podcast versus algorithm tutor’ brought together faculty members and students to discuss evolving media trends, challenges facing the profession and opportunities created by digital platforms.
The dean of social sciences, Prof Arab Naz, the dean of arts and humanities, Prof Qaiser Khan, spoke about the changing media landscape and the need for journalists to adapt to technological developments.
They stressed the need for equipping aspiring journalists with modern digital skills and making effective use of emerging tools and platforms in an increasingly technology-driven media environment.
The programme was organised by Dr Sajjad Ali of department of journalism and mass communication. Head of the department Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, Dr Jan Mohammad and lecturers Masood Hassan and Fidaullah were also present on the occasion.
Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2026
