Two brothers shot dead

MARDAN, April 15: Two brothers were killed and a third was injured in a clash over open sale of heroin in Mukhail locality of Mayar union council on Monday.

The Hoti police quoted the injured Mohammad Hayat Khan as saying he exchanged harsh words with the accused Bakht Taj over selling of heroin openly in the area.He said later Bakht Taj opened fire on them, killing his two brothers Akbar Ali and Sabaz Ali on the spot and injuring him. The accused escaped the area after the incident. The police registered FIR against Bakht Taj and started investigation.—Correspondent

IDP food distribution points

PESHAWAR, April 15: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Ghulam Dastagir Akhtar has directed to make better arrangements for the security of food distribution points throughout the province.

He also directed the concerned departments to ensure prompt and effective distribution of food items among the IDPs. This he said while presiding over a high level meeting regarding security arrangements of food distribution points here on Monday.

Beside others, country director of WFP, CCPO Peshawar, secretary home, DG PDMA and DG FDMA were also present on the occasion. The chief secretary said security arrangements of food distribution points must be increased immediately. Various proposals for improving distribution of food items among the IDPs on different points were discussed.—Bureau Report

Security of polling stations

BATKHELA, April 15: Pak Army Malakand Fort operation commander Colonel Masoom Baloch has Levies personnel have been deployed at most sensitive polling stations in Malakand protected area to hold general elections in peaceful atmosphere.

Addressing a jirga of political leaders and elders of different union council from Malakand protected area at Malakand Fort, he urged the participants to introduce chowkidari nizam (watchdog system) on ward-level to improve security. He also urged the elders to inform the control room or contact helpline of Pak army if they saw anything or any person doubtful in their areas. He expressed concern over the killing of a QWP leader in Swat in a roadside blast. He said the security forces and police personnel could not reach every site, adding if the local people cooperated in providing information then such incidents could be averted.—Correspondent

Transporters hold demo

PESHAWAR, April 15: Transporters on Monday held a demonstration against the provincial transport department for failing to start issuing driving licences.

The protesters were led by Muttahida Transport Workers Federation, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, president Haji Noor Mohammad. The protesters also blocked the Sher Shah Suri Road. Holding banners and placards inscribed with their demands the protesters were also shouting against the government for failing to solve their problems.

Talking to reporters, Noor Mohammad and other transporters said the transport department was unable to run the affairs pertaining to issuance of driving licences. They demanded that the task of issuance of licences be handed over back to the traffic police. They also criticised the police for forcing the transporters to pay ‘bribes’.—Bureau Report

Enrolment drive launched

LAKKI MARWAT, April 15: The local government and rural development department’s assistant director Syed Khalid Israr Shah on Monday launched the enrolment drive of children aged five years in schools. A function to this effect was held at government primary school No 2, Meenakhel (Mandar).

He put his signatures on the admission forms of several newly admitted children in the presence of education department and NCHD officials. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Khalid said enrolment of every child should be ensured in schools. He said teachers and headmasters should be assigned tasks to hold meetings with parents and members of the community to achieve the target successfully. He directed the officials of education department to award commendation certificates to the teachers who showed interest and best performance in enrolment campaign. Later, the participants held a walk to create awareness about the importance of children’s enrolment in schools.—Correspondent

Peace, cultural festival

TIMERGARA, April 15: The Dir peace and cultural festival organised by the Pak Army at Dir scouts’ ground continued for the second consecutive day on Monday.

A large number of schoolchildren, youth and elders from different parts of the district visited the venue. Different stalls have been set up in the festival. However, visitors mostly teenagers were seen taking keen interest in musical concerts and swings. The Commandant Dir Scouts Colonel Mohammad Kamran Aslam while talking to reporters said tourists from all parts of the country should visit the festival to enjoy weather and greenery of the area. —Correspondent