Shoot-out: Proclaimed offender killed

Khasadar personnel voice concern over withheld salaries.

BANNU: A proclaimed offender was killed on Friday, while his accomplice was arrested after an exchange of fire with police and security forces. A subsequent operation resulted in the arrest of another three suspects.

An official of Huwaid police in Bannu said they raided the hideout of proclaimed offenders Taslim Khan and Irfan in Zandi Falak Sher based on a tip off. The suspects were wanted in multiple cases.

The official added policemen and security forces surrounded the house from all sides and that is when the suspects opened fire at them.

Police added Taslim was injured during the shoot-out while Irfan was arrested as he was trying to flee. Arms were also recovered from their possession. The police report stated Taslim later succumbed to his injuries at Bannu DHQ hospital. The security forces launched a search operation in the area after the shoot-out and arrested another three suspects.

No salaries for khasadars

Salaries of North Waziristan Agency’s khasadar officials have been withheld for two months, causing immense difficulties for the soldiers and their families.

NWA khasadar force Hawaldar Abdul Qadir, Subedar Naik Bakht Ali, Subedar Dawar Khan, Subedar Nawab Khan and Subedar Shera Jan Khan spoke to the media on Friday in Bannu and highlighted the issue. The officials said the force has always played an important role in maintaining the country’s integrity, yet their salaries are withheld.

They said employees of other departments in the agency were receiving their salaries on time.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2015.