LOWER DIR: University of Malakand (UoM) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for its inclusion in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Consortium of Universities.
According to a statement issued by the UoM here on Tuesday, the MoU was signed in Islamabad during a meeting between UoM Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Idrees and HEC Chairman Prof Niaz Ahmad Akhtar and Executive Director Prof Ziaul Haq.
The inclusion is expected to provide the university with opportunities for joint research projects, faculty and student exchange programmes, scholarships, specialised training and capacity-building initiatives in collaboration with higher education institutions in Pakistan and China.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Muhammad Idrees thanked the HEC leadership for its support and cooperation, saying the development would enable the university’s faculty members and students to benefit from international academic partnerships, research collaboration and professional development opportunities.
THIEVES GANG BUSTED: Asbanr police have arrested three suspected members of a motorcycle thieves gang and recovered five stolen motorcycles, DSP Juma Rehman said on Tuesday.
He told a press conference that police had received complaints about motorcycle thefts at various locations within the jurisdiction of Asbanr police station.
He said District Police Officer Syed Talal Ahmad Shah had directed the station house officer to trace and arrest those involved in the thefts.
OPEN KUTCHERI: District Police Officer Syed Talal Ahmad Shah has announced a crackdown on Afghan nationals and drug peddlers, pledging to rid the district of drug dealers and criminal elements.
“Lower Dir has no room for criminals and drug peddlers. We have restored public confidence in police and the force has taken charge of the district’s security arrangements since May,” he said.
He was speaking at an open kutcheri held at the Balambat police station on Tuesday, which was attended by DSP Circle Mazoom Khan, DSP Traffic Khan Nazar Khan and SHO Balambat Nasir Khan.
The local elders highlighted issues related to law and order, drug trafficking, traffic management and alleged immoral activities by young men outside schools and colleges.
Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2026
