MANSEHRA, April 11: A war of words is on its peak in NA-21 constituency as Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Mohammad Safdar, also the son-in-law of former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl contender Laiq Mohammad Khan are levelling serious allegation against each other.

Both the candidates have been utilising all their energies in their election campaigns since the central leaders of their parties, Mian Nawaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, visited the area last month.

Addressing a public meeting in Shinkiari, Laiq Khan alleged that the candidate of PML-N was responsible for launching a military operation in Torghar in 2011. He said that he would defeat Mr Safdar with the minimum margin of 30,000 votes.

“I challenge Safdar that I would defeat him with the margin of at least 30,000 votes as he spoke against Syed and Swatis in his speech,” Mr Khan, also a former MNA, said.He said that time was not far when Safdar would sent back to Raiwand empty handed.

Similar allegations were made by Mr Safar during his speeches to public meetings in Tanawal and other areas of the district.

“Laiq Khan is contesting the election on the timber money and people would teach him a lesson in the upcoming general elections,” he said.

He alleged that Laiq Khan and his brother Azam Khan Swati were responsible for the military operation in Torghar in 2011.

The PML-N candidate said that he would defeat Mr Khan here and PML-N candidate for NA-20 would defeat his brother Azam Swati with a big margin on May 11.

LAPTOP DISTRIBUTION: Hazara Commissioner Khalid Khan Umerzai has said that research-oriented education is the need of the hour to steer the country out of the current challenges.

“You are the prospect of our country. Focus on your studies and research to enable the country to face the current challenges,” he said while speaking at the laptops distribution ceremony held at Hazara University under Nawah-i-Sar programme on Thursday.

About 1,600 laptops are being distributed among the students under the programme, inaugurated by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor last week.

Besides others, Hazara University Vice-chancellor Dr Sakhawat Shah also spoke on the occasion.

Mr Umerzai advised the students to first complete their education and then indulge into social activities. “It is a precious time for you and if you complete your education with distinction, you can prove your abilities in practical life,” he added.

The commissioner said that the laptops would be beneficial for students in the research-oriented studies.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sakhawat lauded the faculty members and management staff of Hazara University for their hard work. He said that more than 9,000 students were enrolled in the university. He said that laptops were distributed among the students on merit.