SHANGLA: A court has sentenced a man to seven years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs1 million for assaulting a minor girl in 2024.

According to a statement issued by the Shangla police, Azhar Ali, a resident of Damani Lelawnai, Alpuri, was convicted in a case registered at Alpuri police station on April 19, 2024.

The court awarded the sentence under different sections of the Child Protection Act and the Pakistan Penal Code, the statement said.

The police said the conviction resulted from an effective investigation and legal proceedings.

District Police Officer (DPO) Ikramullah and SP Investigations Saleem Amanullah Khan were overseeing efforts to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of criminal cases, the statement added.

Meanwhile, police have intensified night patrolling, mobile patrols and snap checking across the district to maintain law and order and protect the lives and property of citizens.

According to a statement, the measures were taken on the directives of Malakand Regional Police Officer Zahid Nawaz and DPO Ikramullah.

Under the supervision of sub-divisional police officers and station house officers, police personnel conducted mobile patrols, snap checks, and foot patrols along key roads, in markets, and at sensitive locations across the district.

During the operations, police checked various locations and kept a close watch on suspicious movements.

The intensified security measures aim to prevent the movement of criminal elements, respond promptly to any untoward incident and enhance public confidence in the security arrangements.

HOUSE GUTTED: A house was damaged when a fire broke out in the Shang Yadgar Banda area on Wednesday.

According to police, Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the site after the incident. The Bisham assistant commissioner supervised the firefighting operation.

The fire was brought under control. However, a room on the upper floor of the building was damaged in the incident.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026