KHAR: Bajaur Agency political agent Abdul Amir Khattak has said the Levies force could be made a model force in the entire tribal areas if proper system of checks and balances was introduced for them.

He was addressing a function to award badges to the promoted officials of Bajaur Levies force personnel here on Thursday. Local elders, officials of the administration and Levies force, Pakistan Army sector commander (north) and family members of the promoted personnel were also present on the occasion.

The political agent, who is also the commandant of Levies force, said that the Bajaur Levies had showed exceptional performance during the fight against terrorism, but of late lack of professionalism and mismanagement had been observed among its personnel.

He expressed concern over absence of a number of personnel from duties without proper permeation. He also showed displeasure over the personnel of Levies force for their misbehaviour with shopkeepers and people in bazaars.

Mr Khattak asked the relevant officials to introduce a proper monitoring system in Levies force to improve the efficiency of personnel.

Latter, the political agent and Pak Army sector commander gave badges to the 65 promoted officials.

KILLED: One man was killed and another wounded when unknown armed men opened fire on them in Thangi locality of Salarzai tehsil late on Wednesday night. Officials of Levies force said that one Kabul Jan died on the spot while his companion Dawai Khan was wounded in the firing.

Following the incident, a team of security officials launched a search for the attackers.

Meanwhile, the administration claimed to have foiled a sabotage attempt and defused two missiles in Mamond tehsil the other day. An official said that the missiles were planted on a roadside in Billot area.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2017