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                        <title>K-P - FATA News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>Khyber pakhtunkhwa</description>
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			<title>‘Absolutely not’: CM Afridi rejects ‘closed-room’ decisions on military operations in K-P</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632928/pti-begins-first-phase-of-long-march-amid-mounting-political-tensions</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632928/pti-begins-first-phase-of-long-march-amid-mounting-political-tensions#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 26 08:52:45 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632928</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Vows to reject policies against people’s interests as PTI long march convoy reaches Karak]]>
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				<![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Sunday rejected military operations and drone attacks in the province, saying the decisions affecting the people of K-P should be made in the province rather than in &ldquo;closed rooms&rdquo;.

The march, which started earlier on Sunday, reached Karak late at night, with the convoy led by the CM Afridi entering the district and staying there overnight before proceeding further on Monday.

Addressing participants of the march at Khatam-e-Nabuwwat Chowk on the Bannu-Karak border, Afridi said the struggle was not only for the Pashtuns but for the entire country.

&ldquo;I salute your morale for waiting 10 to 12 hours in this heat,&rdquo; he said, describing the march as a Test match that would be turned into a T20 match in two days.

He said PTI founder Imran Khan had said &ldquo;absolutely not&rdquo; to America, while he had said the same to &ldquo;decision-makers in closed rooms&rdquo;.

&ldquo;Yesterday evening, Imran Khan&rsquo;s chief minister, the chief minister of the Pashtuns, has said absolutely not to military operations and drone attacks,&rdquo; Afridi said adding that the decisions of the people of K-P will be made right here in the province.

He said that &ldquo;decision-makers in closed rooms have always sold our blood, but now decisions will be made in the fields in line with the people&rsquo;s aspirations.&rdquo;

He said the southern region of the province, where &ldquo;terrorism and operations are constantly imposed&rdquo;, also suffered collateral damage from drone attacks.

&ldquo;We keep saying that the policy you&rsquo;ve enforced for 22 years is fueling terrorism,&rdquo; he said, adding that peace had been witnessed &ldquo;only and only&rdquo; during Khan&rsquo;s three-and-a-half-year tenure.

Afridi said that after the regime change, when terrorism was &ldquo;being imposed again twofold&rdquo;, his party had repeatedly raised its voice but was told that it was lying.

&ldquo;We will say absolutely not to every policy that is not in the people&rsquo;s interest,&rdquo; he said.

The chief minister said he had no guns and possessed only &ldquo;the power of the people&rdquo;. He claimed that people in the southern region had rejected every policy that was not in their favour.

He said the entire nation wanted Khan to come out of prison and lead the country.

&ldquo;Imran Khan is not breaking; his wife and sisters have been thrown in jail, yet he has not bowed,&rdquo; Afridi said.

He urged participants to come out and deliver the message that they wanted only one leader, Imran Khan.

&ldquo;Imran Khan is the guarantee of national unity and the youth&rsquo;s future,&rdquo; he said, adding that Khan was the only leader who could restore the country&rsquo;s honour and dignity.

Afridi rejects governor&rsquo;s rule, emergency

Earlier, addressing participants of the long march at Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat, the chief minister thanked the participants for their enthusiasm and said the party&rsquo;s negotiating committee had gone to Islamabad to help reduce the political temperature.

He said a &ldquo;mindset that makes decisions behind closed doors&rdquo; had been trying to impose another decision on the people of the province. &ldquo;Here, there is Imran Khan&rsquo;s government and Imran Khan&rsquo;s vision and policy will prevail,&rdquo; Afridi said.

He told the participants that the people had voted for a leader and &ldquo;his player&rdquo; was standing firm in the field. &ldquo;We do not accept any policy that causes harm to the Pashtuns,&rdquo; he said, adding that only Khan would rule in K-P. &ldquo;We neither accept governor&rsquo;s rule nor an emergency,&rdquo; he added.

Afridi also rejected the possibility of another military operation in the province, saying a mindset imposed for 79 years was trying to impose another policy of operations on the people.

He said the provincial government had given the federal government an &ldquo;open policy&rdquo; that could bring peace to the province within 100 days if implemented. &ldquo;For this, there must be an intention, but their intention is not peace. They intend to eliminate PTI,&rdquo; he said.

Afridi said the province had been made a &ldquo;laboratory&rdquo; by the federal government for 22 years and that operations had been imposed on it.

The chief minister said there had been peace during Khan&rsquo;s tenure because, in his view, his policy was correct. &ldquo;After the regime change, terrorism was once again imposed on us,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;They have started this fire and we will put it out.&rdquo;



کام ہے میرا تغیر، نام ہے میرا شباب
میرا نعرہ: انقلاب و انقلاب و انقلاب!

لانگ مارچ بالقسط کا لکی مروت سے آغاز ، لانگ مارچ کل کرک پہنچے گا قافلے ملتے جائیں گے عوام بڑھتی جائے گی ان شاء اللہ اسلام آباد تک لاکھوں کا سمندر ہوگا ۔#عوامی_سمندر_سڑکوں_پر #سر_بکف_میدان_میں pic.twitter.com/wqcMlKAjMB
&mdash; PTI (@PTIofficial) October 4, 2026


The chief minister rejected the imposition of governor&rsquo;s rule or an emergency in the province, saying only the &ldquo;vision and policy&rdquo; of PTI&nbsp;founder would be followed in the province.

fridi urged people to come out, saying Pakistan&rsquo;s future decisions would be made by its youth.

The chief minister urged supporters to stand by Khan, saying the PTI founder and his wife were in jail for their sake. &ldquo;You have to come out and prove that nations with honour stand with a leader who has honour,&rdquo; he said.

Afridi said the party had been and remained a political force and rejected the message that it could not achieve anything. &ldquo;We want to tell the mindset sitting there that we will do what our heart tells us to do,&rdquo; he said.

The chief minister also announced the next stages of the march, saying the caravan would travel to Karak the following day and to Kohat the day after.

He reiterated that millions would take to the streets and said that by the time the march reached Swabi, the movement would spread across Pakistan.

Later, the long march caravan reached Khatm-e-Nabuwwat Chowk on the Bannu-Karak border.

Afridi reached Lakki Marwat by helicopter to lead the long march, and in a video shared by PTI on its X account, he was seen disembarking from a helicopter as party workers gathered around to welcome him.



پاکستان تحریک انصاف کا لانگ مارچ، وزیر اعلیٰ خیبرپختونخوا سہیل آفریدی لکی مروت پہنچ گئے،

عوام کا شاندار استقبال#سر_بکف_میدان_میں pic.twitter.com/Tc4TDy2UeP
&mdash; PTI (@PTIofficial) October 4, 2026


In another update on X, PTI stated that CM Afridi had arrived at the container, adding that the long march had begun in instalments. &quot;Insha&#39;Allah, this struggle against fascism and lawlessness will continue until the rule of the constitution and law is established in this country, and until the release of all political prisoners, including Chairman Imran Khan&quot;.



وزیراعلی سہیل آفریدی کنٹینر پر پہنچ گئے، لانگ مارچ بالقسط کا آغاز ،ان شاء اللہ فسطائیت و لاقانونیت کے خلاف یہ جدوجہد تب تک جاری رہے گی جب تک اس ملک میں آئین و قانون کی حکمرانی نہیں ہوتی، چیئرمین عمران خان سمیت تمام سیاسی قیدیوں کی رہائی نہیں ہوتی۔#سر_بکف_میدان_میں pic.twitter.com/SCEgCu8b8R
&mdash; PTI (@PTIofficial) October 4, 2026


According to an earlier statement issued by Afridi, the first phase of the long march would begin today, October 4, at 1pm from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat, where caravans arriving from different districts would join.

&quot;Caravans from Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Bannu and Lakki Marwat will join the long march at Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat. The participants will stay overnight near Karak,&quot; he said.

CM Afridi added that on Monday, October 5, people from Karak would join the long march at noon and then the caravan would depart at 12:30pm and stay overnight near Kohat.

He said that on Tuesday, October 6, caravans from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram and Orakzai would join at noon. The caravan would depart from Kohat towards Peshawar and stay overnight near Matni in Peshawar.

&quot;On Wednesday, October 7, the caravan will depart from Budh Bair in Peshawar at 12:30pm, where people from Khyber district will also join the long march. Caravans from other constituencies of Peshawar will join the march at the Kohat Road bridge and motorway toll plaza, while participants will stay overnight near the Charsadda interchange,&quot; he added.

CM Afridi said that on Thursday, October 8, the caravan would depart from the Charsadda interchange at 12:30pm, where caravans from Charsadda and Mohmand would join.

&quot;People from across K-P would gather at Khairabad on October 8 and stay there overnight. The next phase of the long march will also be announced at Khairabad,&quot; he added.




انشأللہ آج گنڈی چوک لکی مروت سے ہم لانگ مارچ کا پہلا مرحلہ شروع کریں گے-

آج بروز اتوار، 4 اکتوبر، دوپہر ایک بجے گنڈی چوک لکی مروت سے ٹانک، ڈیرہ اسماعیل خان، ساؤتھ وزیرستان، نارتھ وزیرستان، بنوں اور لکی مروت کے اضلاع سے تعلق رکھنے والے غیور پاکستانی لانگ مارچ کا حصہ بنیں گے۔ رات&hellip;
&mdash; Sohail Afridi (@SohailAfridiISF) October 3, 2026



Earlier on Sunday, the party launched the first phase of its long march from Lakki Marwat to Swabi amid a government-opposition deadlock and mounting political tensions, with no plan for a march towards Islamabad announced so far.

The long march, initially scheduled for September 27, was postponed to October 4, but the standoff between the federal and provincial governments remains unresolved.

On Saturday, talks between the government and opposition failed to break the deadlock over the PTI&rsquo;s long march, with both sides maintaining their positions and pressing competing demands.

The talks, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, followed an initial round on Friday in which the two sides exchanged their positions but failed to reach an agreement.

The government wanted the PTI to take the initiative by cancelling the march, while the opposition wanted the government to first facilitate a meeting with its jailed founder, according to sources familiar with the talks.]]>
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			<title>Kundi, Naqvi slam K-P govt over counterterrorism role during talks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632929/k-p-governor-warns-emergency-may-be-imposed-if-needed-to-save-province</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632929/k-p-governor-warns-emergency-may-be-imposed-if-needed-to-save-province#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 26 09:04:46 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Shahid Hamid]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632929</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Say provincial govt’s stance on counterterrorism was against interests of province and people]]>
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				<![CDATA[Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi criticised the provincial government&rsquo;s attitude and role regarding counterterrorism operations during negotiations between the government and opposition, saying it had been tantamount to acting against the interests of the people and the province.

Naqvi travelled to Peshawar and met Governor Kundi at the Governor House, where the two leaders discussed several important provincial matters.

The meeting came as negotiations between the government and opposition failed to yield any result, with the possibility of the imposition of governor&rsquo;s rule or an emergency looming over the province amid the deteriorating security situation.

Read:&nbsp;Naqvi blames K-P CM for talks &lsquo;collapse&rsquo;, warns Afridi will &lsquo;be responsible&rsquo; if anyone dies during march

According to a statement issued after the meeting, the two leaders discussed various aspects of the worsening law and order situation in the province, the political situation and developments arising from the long march.

The two leaders also expressed concern over the possibility of terrorists being facilitated to safely pass through security checkpoints during the long march.

&ldquo;The provincial government&rsquo;s attitude and role regarding counterterrorism operations during the negotiations has been tantamount to acting against the interests of the people and the province,&rdquo; it added.

The meeting noted that after an agreement had been reached on resolving the issues, the provincial government had once again demonstrated what it described as obstinacy and irresponsibility by reversing its position.

The meeting also described the use of helicopters and other government resources by the K-P chief minister and provincial ministers during the long march as an open violation of Islamabad High Court verdicts.

The two sides also discussed other matters of mutual interest and held consultations on several issues.

Later, in a post on X, Governor Kundi confirmed the meeting, which was also attended by K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah.



Met with Federal Interior Minister @MohsinnaqviC42 , IG @KP_Police1 Zulfiqar Hameed, @CSKPOfficial Shahab Ali Shah at Governor House, Peshawar. We discussed the prevailing security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The security of our people remains our foremost priority. Khyber&hellip; pic.twitter.com/KJc8dY3isO
&mdash; Faisal Karim Kundi (@fkkundi) October 4, 2026



He said they had discussed the prevailing security situation in the province.

&ldquo;The security of our people remains our foremost priority,&rdquo; he said, adding that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had sacrificed enough and every institution must work together to protect the people and defeat terrorism.

Naqvi, Kundi question Afridi&rsquo;s &lsquo;heli ride&rsquo;

Later, both leaders also highlighted the use of the provincial government&rsquo;s helicopter during the long march, calling it a serious violation of an Islamabad High Court order.

It is pertinent to mention that in its 37-page detailed judgment issued on Sept 18, the Islamabad High Court had warned against the use of state machinery during the protest.

The court held that government funds, vehicles, machinery or officials could not be used for any political march towards Islamabad.



اسلام آباد ہائی کورٹ کے واضح احکامات کے باوجود وزیراعلیٰ سہیل آفریدی کا سرکاری ہیلی کاپٹر پر لانگ مارچ کی قیادت کے لیے گنڈی چوک، لکی مروت پہنچنا توہینِ عدالت اور عدالتی احکامات کی کھلی خلاف ورزی ہے
جب وزیرِاعلیٰ خود عدالت کے احکامات کی پاسداری نہیں کریں گے، سرکاری وسائل کو سیاسی&hellip; pic.twitter.com/jGDKYf58jk
&mdash; Faisal Karim Kundi (@fkkundi) October 4, 2026



In a post on X, Kundi said that despite the clear orders of the Islamabad High Court, CM Afridi&rsquo;s arrival at Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat by official helicopter to lead the long march constituted contempt of court and a blatant violation of judicial directives.

&ldquo;When the chief minister himself does not uphold the court&rsquo;s orders and uses state resources for political activities, what expectation can there be for his workers to abide by the law?&rdquo; he said.

Naqvi expressed similar sentiments in a post on X, while commenting on the chief minister&rsquo;s use of the official helicopter, sarcastically suggesting that the journey may have been undertaken for official duties.



Sohail Afridi Sahib&rsquo;s Heli ride today from Peshawar to Lakki Marwat must have been for official work, possibly related to the security situation and counterterrorism efforts. pic.twitter.com/Lkfnox0otg
&mdash; Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) October 4, 2026



&ldquo;Sohail Afridi Sahib&rsquo;s heli ride today from Peshawar to Lakki Marwat must have been for official work, possibly related to the security situation and counterterrorism efforts,&rdquo; he wrote.

Kundi warns emergency may be imposed if needed to &#39;save province&#39;

Earlier, Kundi warned that an emergency could be imposed if necessary to &ldquo;save the province&rdquo;, as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) began its planned long march after talks with the federal government ended in deadlock.

The PTI had earlier postponed its planned long march to Islamabad from September 27 to October 4, with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announcing the revised date on September 25. CM Afridi had said the decision to defer the march was part of the party&rsquo;s &ldquo;political strategy&rdquo; and that negotiations with the federal government would continue even after the mobilisation.

&ldquo;If imposing emergency becomes necessary to save the province, then we will certainly impose it,&rdquo; Kundi said while speaking to the media today.

He said the president, prime minister and other institutions could consider imposing an emergency if they believed the situation in the province had deteriorated.

Kundi also issued a warning to those taking part in the march, saying, &ldquo;If an emergency is imposed, I alone will be enough for them.&rdquo; He claimed PTI workers were currently &ldquo;hiding and getting themselves arrested&rdquo;.

&ldquo;I do not make threats like them. When the field is set, I will deal with them,&rdquo; Kundi said.

Read: CM Afridi lays out K-P long march schedule amid govt-PTI deadlock in talks

Questioning the scale of the PTI protest, he asked, &ldquo;What long march? Is anything happening in Peshawar? Have you seen any banners?&rdquo;

The governor said he had so far seen only &ldquo;self-staged arrests and people going into hiding&rdquo; during the long march.

&ldquo;Let them cross Swabi first. It may take a month, but it will not happen,&rdquo; Kundi said.

His remarks came after two rounds of government-opposition talks failed to resolve differences over PTI&rsquo;s planned march to Islamabad. The talks, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, ended in the early hours of Sunday without an agreement.

The opposition had insisted on meeting PTI founder Imran Khan before calling off the march, while disagreements also remained over his access to personal doctors and the federal government&rsquo;s proposed approach to counter-terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

PTI leaders subsequently said the march would proceed as planned. CM Afridi announced that its first phase would begin from Gandi Chowk in Lakki Marwat on Sunday, with caravans from several southern districts joining the procession.]]>
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			<title>Three commanders among eight terrorists killed in DI Khan operation: security sources</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632911/three-commanders-among-eight-terrorists-killed-in-di-khan-operation-security-sources</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632911/three-commanders-among-eight-terrorists-killed-in-di-khan-operation-security-sources#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 26 07:00:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632911</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[According to sources large quantity of weapons, ammunition, foreign currency, recovered from the terrorists]]>
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				<![CDATA[Eight terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, including three key commanders, were killed in an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail Khan, security sources said on Sunday.

The operation was conducted after security forces received intelligence about the presence of terrorists there, the sources said.

Fitna al-Khawarij is the term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

A large quantity of weapons and ammunition, as well as foreign currency, was recovered from the terrorists killed in the operation, according to the sources.

Security forces had continued effective operations against Fitna al-Khawarij in K-P under the Azm-e-Istehkam vision, the sources said.

They said security forces remained committed to completely eliminating terrorism and establishing lasting peace in the country.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their timely and effective action against the terrorists, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister&#39;s Office.

The prime minister paid tribute to the security forces for killing eight Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in the IBO. He also paid tribute to the bravery and resolve of the security forces personnel involved in the operation.

PM Shehbaz said the entire nation stood alongside the security forces in the war against terrorism.

Read: Security forces kill 11 terrorists in separate Balochistan, K-P operations

The prime minister reiterated his resolve to continue operations against Fitna al-Khawarij until the complete elimination of terrorism.

He said the complete elimination of terrorism was essential for peace and stability in the country.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist activity over the past three months, with a series of attacks across the country resulting in the martyrdom of security personnel and civilians.

Last week, 12 people were killed and 35 others injured when a blast struck a joint checkpoint near Aman Mela in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan, with the TTP claiming responsibility for the attack.

On September 19, 23 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred in a blast at a mosque in Kohat&rsquo;s Police Lines during Friday prayers. Eight terrorists were also killed during a subsequent search and clearance operation. Later, the Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing and rampage involving multiple attackers.

In a separate incident, a captain and a lieutenant were among six security personnel martyred in an exchange of fire in Hangu district, while eight terrorists were killed.

On September 1, six personnel, including two officers, and a customs department official were martyred as security forces thwarted an attempt to breach the Customs House in Balochistan.

Read more: Nine policemen martyred, 28 injured in terror attack on police checkpost in K-P&#39;s Hangu

In July, at least 30 people, including 27 police personnel, were martyred when terrorists identified by the state as the Indian proxy Fitna al-Hindustan ambushed police personnel deployed in the Kach Mangi Phase III area of Ziarat, triggering hours-long gun battles. The attackers also abducted several civilians and police personnel after the assault.

In the aftermath of the attack, the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Balochistan Police launched a joint operation, which remains underway, with forces intensifying action against terrorists across the province.]]>
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			<title>K-P CM unveils five-day march plan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632854/k-p-cm-unveils-five-day-march-plan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632854/k-p-cm-unveils-five-day-march-plan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 26 00:02:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondents]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632854</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI workers in Mardan continued preparations for the march]]>
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				<![CDATA[K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced in the wee hours of Sunday a five-day plan for the party&#39;s march as the senior PTI leaders continued to insist on their demands.

Afridi posted on &#39;X&#39; that the march would reach Peshawar by October 8 and subsequently announced a five-day programme for the protest.

Meanwhile, PTI workers in Mardan continued preparations for the march.

Speaking at a consultation meeting at his residence, PTI MPA Zahir Shah Toru said party workers would participate fully in the Oct 4 march on the call of the leadership, while urging them to remain peaceful, organised and responsible and continue their political activities within the bounds of law.

The meeting, attended by workers from PK-57 Mardan, also raised Rs1.4 million in donations for the long march within an hour.

The participants expressed their resolve that the long march would be held peacefully and through constitutional means, while ensuring the protection of law and order, citizens&#39; routine activities and public and government property.

The meeting discussed preparations for the march, workers&#39; participation, travel arrangements, coordination and other logistical matters.

A finance committee was also formed to oversee financial affairs and ensure transparent management of funds.

Zahir Shah Toru said workers would go to every extent on the leadership&#39;s call for the release of the PTI founder.]]>
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			<title>Peshawar traffic police debunk video of wardens' killing over traffic fine row</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632778/peshawar-traffic-police-debunk-video-of-wardens-killing-over-traffic-fine-row</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632778/peshawar-traffic-police-debunk-video-of-wardens-killing-over-traffic-fine-row#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 26 11:37:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632778</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Say it shows an older incident of violence perpetrated in Tank on September 27]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Peshawar City Traffic Police on Saturday clarified that a video circulating on social media alleging that traffic police officials were killed in a row over a traffic fine was an old video of another crime perpetrated outside of the city.

In an official statement issued by the department, traffic police said, &ldquo;No such incident, as depicted in the footage, took place in Peshawar.&rdquo;

It further clarified that the personnel seen in the viral video had been killed in an attack by unidentified armed men in Tank district on September 27.

Read: M-1, GT Road reopen between Islamabad, Peshawar after PTI postpones march

According to the statement, footage of the incident was being shared on various social media platforms with a misleading context and incorrect information, giving the impression that the incident had taken place in Peshawar.

The City Traffic Police urged citizens to verify the authenticity of news, videos and other information before sharing them on social media.

On Monday, September 28, The Express Tribune reported that three traffic wardens were martyred, and at least one other was seriously injured when unidentified armed men opened fire on a traffic police vehicle in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa&#39;s (K-P) Wazirabad area of Tank district.

District Police Officer Abdul Samad said the incident took place near Shehzada Market in Wazirabad, where the attackers opened fire on the vehicle carrying traffic police personnel.

According to police, the three slain officers were identified as Constable Saleem Shah, Constable Gul Ameen, and driver Pir Fayyaz.]]>
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			<title>K-P's Bannu reports fifth poliovirus case of the year</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632065/k-ps-bannu-reports-fifth-poliovirus-case-of-the-year</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2632065/k-ps-bannu-reports-fifth-poliovirus-case-of-the-year#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 26 10:54:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Razya Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2632065</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Four of the country’s five cases were detected in Division Bannu this year]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A fifth polio case of the year has been confirmed in Bannu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) said on Tuesday.

Four of the five polio cases reported in Pakistan this year have been detected in Bannu division, including three in Bannu district. The latest case involves a 17-month-old girl from Union Council Khandar Khankhel in Domel tehsil of Bannu district.

Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8% through vaccination, from an estimated 20,000 cases annually in the early 1990s to 31 cases in 2025 and five so far this year. While poliovirus transmission across the country has declined since 2025, the virus continues to circulate persistently in southern K-P, posing an ongoing threat to children in the region.

Health authorities said the latest case underscored the need to maintain robust surveillance and vaccination efforts across the country, stressing that children would remain at risk as long as the virus continued to circulate.

Also Read: Fourth case reported in Bannu

Polio is a highly contagious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis and, in some cases, death. However, it can be prevented through safe and effective vaccines, which have been used in 195 countries, including Muslim-majority countries.

Pakistan has conducted four large-scale polio vaccination campaigns in 2026, reaching more than 45 million children on multiple occasions. These efforts have been supplemented by smaller, targeted oral and injectable vaccination drives in high-risk areas.

Last week, a subnational vaccination campaign reached more than 28 million children across the country. However, continued detection of the virus indicates that the risk to children persists, particularly in areas where transmission remains entrenched.

Polio eradication authorities stressed that eliminating the disease required a collective effort. Frontline workers continue to deliver vaccines to children at their doorsteps, while parents and caregivers have been urged to ensure that children receive all recommended doses, including those provided through routine immunisation.]]>
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			<title>K-P Cabinet approves landmark Police Act 2026</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631023/k-p-cabinet-approves-landmark-police-act-2026</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2631023/k-p-cabinet-approves-landmark-police-act-2026#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 26 16:42:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Ahtesham Bashir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2631023</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[New law gives the province power to recall underperforming federal officers, separates policy from operations]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Cabinet on Wednesday approved the K-P Police Act 2026, introducing sweeping reforms aimed at making the provincial police force more accountable, professional and efficient.

The new legislation empowers the provincial government to return the services of federal police officers, including the Inspector General, in cases of unsatisfactory performance. It also establishes a clear separation between police policy and operational matters, creates new oversight boards, and overhauls the investigation and dispute-resolution systems.

Provincial Minister for Information, Science, Technology and Information Technology Shafi Jan briefed the media after the cabinet meeting, describing the proposed law as an important step towards introducing key reforms in the police system. He said the legislation would make the police more accountable to the public, strengthen the investigation system, improve officers&rsquo; professional development, and distinctly separate policy from operational affairs.

Under the new Act, the chief minister will chair the Police Policy Board, while the Inspector General of Police will lead the Police Operations Board. Furthermore, the provincial police chief will be required to prepare an annual policing plan outlining priorities, performance targets and future actions, and present it to the Policy Board for approval. The law also provides for the appointment of Regional Investigation Officers across the province after its passage by the provincial assembly.

Read: K-P police bill sparks autonomy concerns

Minister Jan said the measure is designed to enhance the police&rsquo;s investigative capacity and professional competence. He further stated that appointments and transfers of Regional Police Officers and District Police Officers will be regulated under the K-P Rules of Business 1985 to ensure greater accountability.

To address long-standing barriers to career progression, the Act rebalances promotion, fast-track promotion and direct recruitment quotas. The minister said this would expand opportunities for officers and establish a more structured system of career advancement.

In a significant move towards transparency and uniformity, all existing Dispute Resolution Councils will be dissolved and reconstituted under the new law. Jan noted that the current legal framework lacks a clear procedure for these councils; the new Act introduces a standardised mechanism applicable across the province.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, was attended by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, the Inspector General of Police, departmental secretaries and cabinet members.

In addition to the Police Act, the cabinet approved the K-P Stamp (Amendment) Bill 2026. It also gave the green light to the revised cost estimates for the intake structure and tunnel (up to daylight) under the Peshawar Water Supply Scheme, and approved the release of remaining funds and a supplementary grant for land acquisition under an Annual Development Programme scheme for the construction of sports complexes in District Chitral.

The reforms mark one of the most comprehensive overhauls of the provincial police framework in recent years, with the government positioning the new law as a foundation for improved public service delivery and institutional accountability.]]>
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			<title>Tarar visits families of Kohat attack victims, vows to eliminate terrorism</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630575/tarar-visits-families-of-kohat-attack-victims-vows-to-eliminate-terrorism</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630575/tarar-visits-families-of-kohat-attack-victims-vows-to-eliminate-terrorism#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 26 11:52:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Web Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2630575</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Criticises PTI's government over shortcomings in policing, governance and development]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Monday visited the families of police personnel martyred in last week&rsquo;s deadly attack in Kohat, offering condolences to the bereaved and vowing that the government would not rest until terrorism was eliminated.

At least 21 people, including 15 police personnel and six civilians, were killed when an explosion struck a mosque at Kohat&rsquo;s Police Lines during Friday prayers, followed by an attack involving several armed terrorists, according to an initial incident report issued by the DHQ Hospital Kohat medical superintendent and district health officer. More than 100 people were injured in the attack.

Tarar visited the residence of policeman Faheemullah, the only brother of three sisters, who was among those killed. He met his father, Ikramullah, and offered Fateha for the departed soul, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.



Minister for Information and Broadcasting @TararAttaullah visited the residence of policeman Faheemullah, the only brother of three sisters, who was martyred in Kohat incident. He met with Faheemullah Shaheed&rsquo;s father, Ikramullah, and offered Fateha for the departed soul #News&hellip; pic.twitter.com/0kie4EPKVX
&mdash; Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) September 21, 2026


Speaking at a press conference later, Tarar said the victims had sacrificed their lives for the safety of the country and that their families would not be left alone. &ldquo;They sacrificed their lives so that this province and this country could remain safe,&rdquo; Tarar said. &ldquo;They orphaned their children but saved hundreds of children from being martyred.&rdquo;

The minister also visited the injured at CMH Kohat, where he said he was impressed by the morale of the injured personnel. &ldquo;I cannot describe how high their morale was,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The young men of our army and police who took part in this operation fought the terrorists bravely. Even personnel who were on leave put on their uniforms and joined the operation,&rdquo; he added.

Read: 15 police personnel among 21 martyred in Kohat Police Lines terrorist attack; over 100 injured

Tarar said the attack would not weaken the resolve of the security forces or the public. &ldquo;These terrorists are cowards. They strike from behind,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;He stated that the government would continue the fight until terrorism was eliminated &ldquo;from its roots&rdquo;.

&ldquo;On behalf of the prime minister, I say that until and unless we defeat terrorism from its root, we will not rest,&rdquo; he said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had said the time was not far when the terrorists would be defeated.

Tarar then criticised Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi over his response to the attack, asking where he had been when the incident occurred.

&ldquo;You have time for the politics of chaos, but not for the people of your province,&rdquo; he said, adding,&nbsp;&ldquo;What have you done for education, health and public welfare?&rdquo;



Minister for Information and Broadcasting @TararAttaullah is talking to media in Kohathttps://t.co/2q2bQIL9hf
&mdash; Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) September 21, 2026


Tarar also criticised the PTI-led provincial government over shortcomings in policing, governance and development, saying that the province did not even have a forensic laboratory to facilitate police investigations.

The minister said that contracts were being awarded to favoured individuals in return for payments and that new records of corruption were being set in the province. He also questioned who had been awarded gold-mining contracts and where the province&rsquo;s development funds were being spent.

Turning to PTI&rsquo;s planned September 27 protest in Islamabad, Tarar said, &ldquo;No one will be allowed to shut down Islamabad. Armed groups will not be allowed to come towards Islamabad.&rdquo;

Read More: Captain, lieutenant among six martyred as eight terrorists killed in Hangu fire exchange: ISPR

Tarar rejected PTI&rsquo;s claims that its protests were peaceful, saying, &ldquo;Peaceful people do not leave their homes carrying sticks fitted with nails.&rdquo; He also said PTI members would be held accountable and would not be allowed to &ldquo;hide behind excuses&rdquo; involving funds.

He said projects such as the Kohat Tunnel and motorway had been built during the government of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, while alleging that forests were being cut down and factories producing counterfeit cigarettes had been found in the province.

Attack on Kohat Police Lines

At least 21 people, including 15 police personnel and six civilians, were killed in the blast at a mosque in Kohat&rsquo;s Police Lines during Friday prayers, according to an initial incident report issued by DHQ Hospital Kohat medical superintendent and the district health officer.

The report said the blast occurred at approximately 1:20pm during Friday prayers at a mosque located at Police Lines on Hangu Road in Kohat, followed by a terrorist attack involving around five to seven terrorists.

Of the 21 people killed, 15 were police personnel and six were civilians. The report identified one of the deceased civilians as Dr Israel Khan Aurakzai, Chief District Specialist (Paediatrics) at Liaqat Memorial Hospital, Kohat.

It further said 103 injured people had been received at the two hospitals, including 13 at Liaqat Memorial Hospital and 90 at DHQ Hospital Kohat. The injured comprised 73 police personnel and 30 civilians.

Also read: Pakistan carries out &#39;calibrated&#39; air strikes against terrorist hideouts near Afghan border after K-P attacks

Of the total injured, 34 were admitted for treatment, while five patients underwent laparotomy, a surgical procedure involving an incision into the abdomen. The report said four of the patients who underwent laparotomy had been referred to tertiary care facilities in Peshawar for further treatment.

It added that the situation was being closely monitored and all possible medical assistance was being provided to the injured at the relevant health facilities.

According to the police, seven armed terrorists infiltrated the police lines following the explosion at the mosque. The police said six terrorists, including the suicide bomber, had been killed so far. Initially, a suicide attacker blew himself up near the Special Branch building after the explosion, it added.

Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, has claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing and rampage involving multiple attackers. Islamabad has repeatedly asked the Taliban regime to deny the use of Afghan soil for terrorist attacks inside Pakistan. However, the de facto rulers in Kabul have been reluctant to take action against terrorist groups operating from their territory.]]>
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			<title>Rs50,000 fine and compensation for charging Rs30 for shopping bag</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630072/peshawar-court-orders-clothing-brand-to-refund-bag-charge</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2630072/peshawar-court-orders-clothing-brand-to-refund-bag-charge#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 26 15:12:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2630072</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Peshawar consumer court penalises popular clothing brand on shopper’s complaint]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A consumer protection court has accepted a complaint against a leading clothing brand, directing the company to refund Rs30 charged to a customer for a shopping bag, pay her Rs25,000 in compensation, and deposit a fine of Rs25,000 to the government.

Consumer Case No 84/CC of 2026 was decided by Judge Nasrullah Khan Gandapur of the Consumer Protection Court, who heard arguments from the complainant&#39;s counsel, Ahsan Sardar, and the brand&#39;s counsel, Muhammad Omea.

The complainant, Shafaq Aamir, had filed the case on February 14 under Section 13 of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Consumer Protection Act, 1997, alleging that on December 20, 2025, she purchased clothing worth Rs7,000 from the outlet of the clothing brand on Peshawar&rsquo;s University Road and was additionally charged Rs30 for a carrying bag printed with the brand&rsquo;s promotional logo.

Read: Judiciary proposes Commercial Court

The respondent did not deny the allegation, but contended that it was not obligated to provide bags free of cost and offered them only on specific customer demand.

In his judgment, Judge Gandapur observed that the receipt annexed with the complaint clearly showed the extra Rs30 charge, and that customers were under the belief that purchased items would be delivered in a carrying bag without charges.

The court observed that the bag, bearing the brand&#39;s logo, was &quot;obviously provided for promotion of the brand and that too at the cost of the consumers,&quot; noting that the company would otherwise have to provide ordinary bags to customers.

&quot;The respondent not only charged the complainant an extra amount but also used the bag for promotion of its brand,&quot; the judgment read, holding the practice to be an unfair trade practice under Section 2(O) (Unfair trade practice (xii) advertising for the sale or supply (xiii) creating the impression that something is being given or offered free of charge) of the act.

The decision was announced on September 16 after the court perused the record and heard both sides under Section 14(2)(b) of the Act. The file has been consigned to the record room after completion.]]>
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			<title>PM vows support for K-P uplift</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629566/pm-vows-support-for-k-p-uplift</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2629566/pm-vows-support-for-k-p-uplift#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 26 02:16:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[NEWS DESK.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2629566</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[They discussed matters relating to law and order and the overall political situation in the country]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated the federal government&#39;s resolve to continue working for the development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the welfare of its people.

He was talking to Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, who called on him at the Prime Minister House.

During the meeting, they discussed matters relating to law and order and the overall political situation in the country.

The meeting also stressed the need to further promoting harmony between the provincial and federal governments and address public issues in the province.]]>
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			<title>DC, DPO escape unhurt in ambush</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2621784/dc-dpo-escape-unhurt-in-ambush</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2621784/dc-dpo-escape-unhurt-in-ambush#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 26 02:59:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Nasruminallah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2621784</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Officials then set out for the government chromite factory in Muhammad Khel, also in tehsil Boya]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Unidentified armed men opened fire on the convoy of North Waziristan&#39;s Deputy Commissioner Taimur Khan Afridi and District Police Officer (DPO) Sajjad Hussain on Sunday, but both senior officers and their accompanying personnel escaped unhurt with no loss of life or property.

According to police, the two officials were touring tehsil Boya during the district-wide curfew to assess the overall situation, inspect security arrangements and review developmental and administrative matters. They also visited the proposed site for a new police station in Boya and directed relevant authorities to complete preliminary arrangements to strengthen the police presence in the area.

The officials then set out for the government chromite factory in Muhammad Khel, also in tehsil Boya.

On the way, gunmen lying in wait suddenly opened fire on their convoy. Security personnel immediately took protective measures, foiling the attackers&#39; designs. No one was injured and no damage was reported.

In view of the security situation, the Deputy Commissioner and DPO cancelled their visit.]]>
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			<title>Three minor girls drown</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2621786/three-minor-girls-drown</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2621786/three-minor-girls-drown#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 26 02:59:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2621786</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Divers and rescue personnel conducted an extensive search]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Three minor girls drowned after being swept away by the strong currents of the Indus River while bathing in the Jhatkol area of Shangla.

According to Rescue 1122, the victims, aged between 10 and 15 years and residents of Jhatkol village, entered the river to bath when they were caught in the fast-flowing current. Local residents immediately alerted emergency services, prompting Rescue 1122 Shangla and Rescue 1122 Torghar to launch a joint search and rescue operation.

Divers and rescue personnel conducted an extensive search, but the operation was temporarily suspended late Saturday night due to poor visibility and the dangers posed by darkness. The search resumed early Sunday morning with additional teams deployed. Officials said recent monsoon rains had significantly raised the Indus River&#39;s water level.]]>
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			<title>K-P Assembly passes resolution on Pakistanis’ plight in Gulf</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608839/k-p-assembly-passes-resolution-on-pakistanis-plight-in-gulf</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2608839/k-p-assembly-passes-resolution-on-pakistanis-plight-in-gulf#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 26 18:36:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Ahtesham Bashir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2608839</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Demands local hiring in South Waziristan, inquiry report on Kohat gold auction awaited]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution expressing concern over the problems faced by Pakistani expatriates in Gulf countries, particularly issues related to residency permits (iqama) and visa cancellations.

The resolution, moved by government MPA Obaidur Rehman, highlighted the difficulties confronting Pakistani citizens in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. It noted that visas of many Pakistanis were being cancelled in the United Arab Emirates&nbsp;and urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant departments to take immediate steps for their resolution.

The house also called for facilitating the prompt repatriation of deceased Pakistanis so that their bodies could be brought home without delay.

In the same session, the assembly witnessed sharp criticism over recruitment irregularities in the health department, particularly in South Waziristan. Government MPA Asif Khan launched a strong attack on the provincial government, accusing it of violating local domicile rules in Grade 11 appointments being conducted through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA).

Asif warned that candidates from other districts were being favoured for posts in Upper and South Waziristan, while local residents were being sidelined. &ldquo;We contest elections on the name of Imran Khan and carry the hopes of the people. If this practice continues, I will resign,&rdquo; he said, adding that such decisions taken in &ldquo;closed rooms&rdquo; were unacceptable.

He lamented that the provincial health minister had not visited Waziristan even once in seven months despite poor conditions in hospitals and basic health units (BHUs), where doctors were reportedly absent from duty.

Speaker Babar Salim Swati supported the concerns raised by Asif and issued a ruling to halt the recruitment process until the concerned standing committee examined&nbsp;the matter and gave its recommendations.

Law Minister Aftab Alam also endorsed the principle that district-level posts should preferably go to local candidates and suggested necessary amendments in the rules.

The health recruitment controversy dominated much of the proceedings, with members stressing that terrorism-affected areas like Waziristan deserved special attention and that new appointees must give written assurances to serve in the region.

Separately, the house was informed about the completion of an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the auction of gold mineral blocks in Kohat.

PPP MPA Shazia Tahmase raised the issue through a question. In response,&nbsp;Alam and Minister Riaz Khan stated that the provincial cabinet had constituted an inquiry committee as soon as complaints surfaced. The committee had&nbsp;finalised its report, which would&nbsp;be presented before the next cabinet meeting. The report would&nbsp;subsequently be laid before the assembly. The National Accountability Bureau was&nbsp;also continuing its own investigation into the matter.

The day&rsquo;s proceedings reflected growing concern within the ruling alliance over expatriate welfare, fair recruitment practices in backward districts&nbsp;and transparency in the award of mineral contracts. Observers see the speaker&rsquo;s ruling on recruitments and the impending cabinet discussion on the Kohat gold inquiry as significant steps towards addressing public grievances and ensuring accountability in provincial governance.]]>
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			<title>17 nursing students faint after gas leak in Abbottabad</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2589936/17-nursing-students-faint-after-gas-leak-in-abbottabad</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2589936/17-nursing-students-faint-after-gas-leak-in-abbottabad#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 26 17:11:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ZUBAIR AYUB]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2589936</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Five are said to be in critical condition while 12 stay under observation]]>
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				<![CDATA[At least 17 students of the Government Nursing School in&nbsp;Abbottabad&nbsp;fainted during a class after inhaling a suspected discharge of chemical from the Sui gas supply. Five of the affected students are reported to be in critical condition, while the remaining are said to be out of danger.

According to initial reports, the incident occurred during class hours when a strong, noxious odour spread in the classroom. The affected students immediately experienced severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty in breathing, before collapsing.

The incident was promptly reported to Ayub Medical Complex, which dispatched ambulances and medical personnel to the school. All 17 students were transferred to the hospital for emergency treatment.

Hospital authorities confirmed that after receiving initial medical attention, one student was shifted to the Medical ICU, two were admitted to the CCU, one was moved to Medical Ward C, and thirteen were kept under emergency observation.

Medical Director Professor Dr Saqib Malik and Hospital Director Dr Dawood Iqbal, together with Dr Goharur Rehman, stated that the students lost consciousness following exposure to a chemical mixed in the gas supply.

Dr Rehman added that upon contacting Sui Gas authorities, they were informed that only a &#39;routine chemical&#39; had been injected in the gas supply. However, hospital officials maintained that the severity of the students&rsquo; symptoms was inconsistent with exposure to a standard precautionary odourant.

Responding to the incident, Sui Gas Department spokesperson Sajjad Ahmed said that a special odourant is injected into the gas solely as a safety measure to alert users in the event of leakage.

He clarified that the leakage was internal, confined to the classroom, and no similar complaints had been received from other areas of the city. He added that responsibility for internal leaks lies with the user.

Ahmed further confirmed that the senior management of Sui Gas Abbottabad, including General Manager Rehmatullah and the operations head, visited the site with a technical team to conduct a thorough inspection.

During the inspection, officials observed that a large waste drain from nearby small-scale industries runs adjacent to the hostel building. Authorities are examining the possibility of external pipeline leakage, particularly in areas affected by contaminated water.

Ahmed also confirmed that all affected students are out of danger and recovering fast. He said that and that the entire building had been checked to ensure there is no further leakage. Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause of the incident.]]>
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			<title>Teacher breaks student's arms over homework</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603670/teacher-breaks-students-arms-over-homework</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2603670/teacher-breaks-students-arms-over-homework#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 26 21:17:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2603670</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Accused teacher beat 5th grader at Government Primary School Osherai Dara Sadiqa Banda Bela]]>
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				<![CDATA[In yet another incident of corporal punishment, a government primary school teacher in the remote area of Osherai Dara, Dir Upper district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, allegedly broke both arms of a fifth-grade student for not completing his homework.

The disturbing images and video of the violence quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.

According to police, the accused teacher, Sultan Nabi, severely beat 5th grader Adnan Khan at Government Primary School Osherai Dara Sadiqa Banda Bela. The brutal assault left the young student with injuries to both his arms.]]>
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			<title>PTI leaders acquitted in May 9 case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2594032/pti-leaders-acquitted-in-may-9-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2594032/pti-leaders-acquitted-in-may-9-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 26 20:24:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[MUHAMMAD SHOAIB]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2594032</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Charges were later amended, with the anti-terrorism provisions removed]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a significant development related to the May 9, 2023 protests, an Additional Sessions Judge in Chauta Lahore (Swabi circuit) has acquitted former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, several provincial ministers, and more than 250 leaders and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from Swabi district.

The cases stemmed from alleged vandalism and other offenses at the Swabi Interchange during PTI&#39;s nationwide demonstrations on May 9. Police at Lahore police station registered an FIR against over 252 named individuals under various sections, initially including anti-terrorism charges. Of those implicated, 62 workers were arrested and spent about a month in custody, while 117 had already been released earlier.

The charges were later amended, with the anti-terrorism provisions removed. The police submitted the challan (charge sheet) to the Additional Sessions Judge, and court proceedings were underway with dates fixed for appearances.

According to sources, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provincial government, led by PTI, directed the public prosecutor to withdraw the prosecution&#39;s case against the accused. Following the formal request for withdrawal, the court accepted it and acquitted all the named individuals.]]>
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			<title>Constable killed in siblings' scuffle</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2593882/constable-killed-in-siblings-scuffle</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2593882/constable-killed-in-siblings-scuffle#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 26 20:46:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2593882</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Fahim Marwat of Masti Khel tribe, sustained severe injuries in clash]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[In a heartbreaking turn of events in the rural village of Wanda Mudat, Panyala area on the outskirts of Dera Ismail Khan, a fierce altercation between two brothers escalated tragically, resulting in the deaths of Frontier Constabulary solider and a police constable who attempted to intervene.

According to local sources, during the heated dispute between the siblings, Ijaz Marwat stepped in to mediate and restore peace. Unfortunately, he was fatally injured at the scene and succumbed to his wounds on the spot. One of the brothers, Fahim Marwat son of Muhammad Ahmad Jan of the Masti Khel tribe, sustained severe injuries in the clash.]]>
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				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/kp-police1674145542-0/kp-police1674145542-0.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
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			<title>K-P reopens major roads after PHC order</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2593329/k-p-reopens-major-roads-after-phc-order</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2593329/k-p-reopens-major-roads-after-phc-order#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 26 20:49:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yasir Ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2593329</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI protesters dispersed; traffic restored on motorways, highways following directive]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government informed the Peshawar High Court (PHC) that all motorways and major highways blocked due to protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers have now been cleared and reopened for traffic.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel submitted a report to the court, stating that traffic is flowing smoothly across the province. Protesters have been removed from roads, and all routes are open to vehicular movement.

The hearing took place before a two-member bench comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Farah Jamshed on petitions challenging the road blockages caused by PTI sit-ins. Appearing before the court were Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel, Additional Attorney General Sanaullah, Additional Advocate General Muhammad Inam Yusufzai, and counsels for the petitioners including Tariq Afghan, Barrister Hudaifa Ahmed, Intikhab Chamkani, Shahid Ali Yaftai, Barrister Yasin Reza, along with petitioners Subia Shahid, Yusuf Khan, Shaur Wardag, and Muhammad Bilal.

The Advocate General informed the bench that reports from all regions had been received and placed on record. He added that the Inspector General of Police had issued instructions the previous day to all officers to clear the roads, resulting in all routes being reopened.

Justice Ijaz Anwar remarked that the roads had not been fully cleared until late the previous night. Petitioners&#39; counsel Tariq Afghan stated that the Swabi motorway had also been reopened, confirming that all routes were now accessible. However, he highlighted that during the closures, patients had tragically passed away en-route, yet no FIRs had been registered against those responsible.

In response, Justice Ijaz Anwar noted that no such case had come before the court yet, but any matter brought forward would be examined in accordance with the law.

Petitioners&#39; counsel urged the court to issue directions preventing future road blockages during protests, so citizens would not have to approach the courts repeatedly. Justice Ijaz Anwar observed that K-P suffers from the worst traffic situation in Pakistan, where any protest leads to the complete shutdown of cities.]]>
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			<title>Kundi calls dialogue key to peace</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2593331/kundi-calls-dialogue-key-to-peace</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2593331/kundi-calls-dialogue-key-to-peace#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 26 20:49:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2593331</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to fostering excellent relations, promoting trade with all neighboring countries.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi emphasized the need for political dialogue with Afghanistan, stating that sustainable peace in the region depends on leaders from neighboring countries coming together to resolve both internal and external issues.

Speaking as the chief guest at a dialogue session organized by the Department of International Relations at the University of Peshawar on &quot;Pakistan-Afghanistan Security, Trade, and Regional Economic Affairs,&quot; Governor Kundi highlighted that a peaceful Afghanistan is not only vital for Pakistan but for the entire region. He reaffirmed Pakistan&#39;s commitment to fostering excellent relations and promoting trade with Afghanistan and all neighboring countries.

&quot;Sustainable peace across the region is essential for economic and business progress,&quot; he said. &quot;We stand for the best possible relations and the expansion of commercial activities with Afghanistan and other neighbors.&quot;]]>
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