LOWER DIR: A new fruit and vegetable market established under the Tehsil Municipal Administration Timergara, was formally inaugurated on Sunday at Qila Khoongi, one kilometre from Timergara city along the GT Road.

While briefing the media, president of the market committee Daud Shah, vice president Haji Abdul Qayyum, and others stated that all the basic facilities had been provided for wholesalers and traders to ensure a smooth start to the market operations. They said the market spans over 40 kanals and includes designated areas for loading and unloading, spacious parking, mosque, and modern restrooms to facilitate vendors and customers.

They urged the fruit and vegetable vendors to confirm their stall and shop bookings in time to help streamline the launch of the market activities.

FUNCTION: The speakers at a function were of the view that timely dental care is not only essential for oral hygiene but also plays a crucial role in preventing heart diseases, diabetes, digestive disorders, and other health complications. The function was organised by local health professionals at Nasafa Talash bazaar here on Sunday Dental surgeon Dr. Saifullah, tehsil chairman Timergara, Mufti Irfanuddin, former provincial finance minister Muzaffar Syed Advocate, former tehsil nazim Riaz Muhammad Advocate, former district councilors Muhammad Ibrahim Khan and Malik Barkat Khan and others addressed the event. They emphasised that dental issues, if go untreated, could contribute to serious health conditions such as heart disease and stomach disorders.

CRACKDOWN CONDEMNED: All Public Universities BPS Teachers Association (APUBTA) on Sunday condemned the KP government’s crackdown on peaceful protesters in front of the provincial assembly.

The employees were demanding a raise in Disparity Reduction Allowances (DRA) and other benefits, consistent with the federal government notifications.

Talking to local journalists at Chakdara, the APUBTA general secretary Prof Imtiaz Ahmad said that despite surplus budget, the KP government denied them their rightful benefits, including the university employees. “We urge the government to resolve issues through negotiations with representatives of the AGEGA and the university associations,” he added.

He said the KP government should investigate why the DRA hasn’t been paid to employees and why violence was used against peaceful protesters. It’s unjust that some departments have received significant salary increases, while university teachers and employees in certain departments were forced to protest for minimal increase.

“We request the federal government to intervene and facilitate a settlement through negotiations, without discrimination among employees. If the situation remains unresolved, it may lead to more protests, having severe consequences,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2025