APPBy Our Correspondent

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A jirga on Tuesday opposed the proposed relocation of the Tank bus terminal from the city and formed a committee to take up the issue with the relevant authorities.

The jirga was held at the District Press Club Tank, with office-bearers of the transporters’ union, local elders and other residents in attendance.

Speaking at the jirga, Malik Pato Bittani, Saddam Hussain Bittani, Iftikhar Bittani, Pir Saleem Shah, Sheikh Naseer, Naik Badshah and others said they would not allow the bus terminal to be shifted outside the city.

They argued that relocating the terminal outside the city amid the prevailing precarious law and order situation could put people’s lives at risk.

The speakers also cautioned that decisions such as relocation of the terminal could fuel resentment among residents towards the state and urged the government to take ground realities and public difficulties into consideration.

They said they did not want to resort to confrontation or protests and wanted to resolve the issue through dialogue.

The participants also expressed concern over the absence of development council members from the jirga and called upon all relevant representatives to play their role in resolving the issue.

BLAST DAMAGES BRIDGE: A powerful explosion damaged a bridge and the adjoining road in the Pathankot area of Tank district, triggering panic among residents, police sources said on Tuesday.

According to them, the explosion occurred beneath a bridge on the main Peshawar Road on the outskirts of Tank city on Monday night. No casualties were reported.

The intensity of the blast damaged the bridge and sections of the adjoining road, while solar panels installed on the roofs of nearby houses were also damaged.

Residents said pieces of what appeared to be human remains were found at the site, raising speculation that a person involved in planting the explosive material may have been caught in the blast.

However, there was no official confirmation about the identity or origin of the remains, or whether any person was involved in planting the explosives.

Authorities have begun collecting information about the nature of the explosion, the material used and the possible involvement of any individuals or groups.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2026