LOWER DIR: Employees of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU) Sheringal on Wednesday staged a protest, demanding immediate acceptance of their long-standing grievances including the payment of arrears and reversal of salary deductions.
The protesting employees, carrying placards and banners, announced that the joint action committee had decided to continue the protest and keep all university offices and academic activities suspended.
Speaking to local journalists, the committee members said the protest would continue until all legitimate demands, particularly promotions for employees from Grade 3 to 15 were fulfilled.
They warned that the university administration and the vice chancellor would be held responsible for any academic or financial losses resulting from the continued shutdown.
SBBU students block Dir-Kumrat Road for three hours
Meanwhile, students of SBBU Sheringal also held a separate protest in front of the university gate the other day, blocking the Dir-Kumrat Road for nearly three hours. The protesting students claimed that their concerns were being ignored and that they were subjected to mental harassment for raising their voices.
Both male and female students participated in the demonstration, bringing traffic to a complete halt. Some protesters reportedly pelted stones at authorities when attempts were made to disperse the crowd.
Addressing the gathering, student leaders alleged that the university charged higher fees compared to other institutions and termed the requirement to clear dues before appearing in examinations as unjustified.
They further complained about prolonged electricity outages, lack of internet access and the absence of basic modern facilities, which they said were severely affecting their academic activities.
Following successful negotiations between the assistant commissioner Sheringal and student representatives, the Dir-Kumrat Road was reopened at around 7:00 pm. The authorities agreed to address the students’ demands and extend the deadline for fee payments.
HEARING AIDS DISTRIBUTED IN PWDs: The Social Welfare Department has distributed tricycles and modern hearing aids among 80 persons with disabilities in Lower Dir.
An event was held at the department’s local office, which was attended by persons with disabilities including children.
During the ceremony, hearing aids were provided to 34 beneficiaries, while 46 others received modern tricycles.
Speaking on the occasion, the tehsil chairman Balambat, Shakir Shoaib, PK-16 coordinator Malik Kashif Kamal, Sardar Alam Khan and district social welfare officer Muhammad Zaib said efforts for the rehabilitation and welfare of persons with disabilities would continue on a permanent basis to enable them to live with dignity as active members of society.
Mr Zaib said the survey and registration of persons with disabilities was underway through an online system, adding that registered individuals could receive hearing aids, tricycles and sewing machines.
Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2025