posted in dawn
KOHAT, June 29: A combined jirga of Shia and Sunni elders has agreed to ensure the safety of passengers on Kohat-Hangu highway and identify sinister elements among both the sects, who are causing unrest in the region.
Elders of both the sects said that sectarian tension in Dera Ismail Khan, Kurram Agency and Orakzai Agency even in Baghdad directly affected the people in the region emotionally where armed to teeth tribes became infuriated and started settling scores.
“So there is an immediate and dire need to spread awareness among the people that they should not react in this way which fulfils the objectives of the enemies of the country who portray it as a weak and failed state in the international community,” they said during the jirga, held at Kohat Police Club on Monday.
District Coordination Officer Siraj Ahmed, District Police Officer Dilawar Hussain Bangash and other police officials were also present on the occasion. The two sects were represented by Maulana Reham Din, Risaldar Aslam, Saleem Afridi and Mian Shah Raza, who vowed to work for peace with sincerity by keeping aside their personal interests.
They said that there was no serious issue between the Shia and Sunni communities living in the region. They blamed foreign hand for fanning differences and clashes in the region from Kohat up to Parachinar to destabilise the state.
Mr Siraj told the jirga said that law and order situation in Kohat was relatively better as compared to other parts of the province because of the regular meetings between both the communities for removal of misunderstandings.
He said that elders from both the sides should suggest ways and means to find a permanent solution to the sectarian violence.
The elders assured the administration of their complete cooperation in stopping kidnappings and killings on Kohat-Hangu highway and maintaining peace with mutual efforts.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
2 militants killed in Darra operation
posted in dawn
KOHAT: The security forces Monday claimed killing two militants during a search operation in Akhorwal area of Darra Adamkhel on Monday.
Sources said the security forces, backed by gunship helicopter, launched a search operation following an exchange of gunfire with the militants in Akhorwal area and pounded the hideouts of the militants. Two suspected militants were killed and another three were injured.
One of the militants was identified as Roid Khan while the identity of the other could not be ascertained. The injured were taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation. It was learnt that the militants were affiliated to the group of Taliban commander Tariq Afridi belonging to Darra Adamkhel and affiliated to the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. Sources said six suspected persons were arrested during the search operation elsewhere in Darra Adamkhel.
KOHAT: The security forces Monday claimed killing two militants during a search operation in Akhorwal area of Darra Adamkhel on Monday.
Sources said the security forces, backed by gunship helicopter, launched a search operation following an exchange of gunfire with the militants in Akhorwal area and pounded the hideouts of the militants. Two suspected militants were killed and another three were injured.
One of the militants was identified as Roid Khan while the identity of the other could not be ascertained. The injured were taken to an undisclosed location for interrogation. It was learnt that the militants were affiliated to the group of Taliban commander Tariq Afridi belonging to Darra Adamkhel and affiliated to the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. Sources said six suspected persons were arrested during the search operation elsewhere in Darra Adamkhel.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Mortar shells seized, 4 held
posted in dawn
KOHAT, June 28: Police seized a van laden with huge quantity of mortar shells and other ammunition and arrested four alleged terrorists near Ustarzai here on Sunday.
DIG Abdullah Khan informed journalists at a briefing that the terrorists were taking the mortars and ammunition from Orakzai Agency to Hangu district for sabotage activities. They were arrested as soon as they entered the limits of Kohat, he said and added that the four terrorists belonged to Hangu and Orakzai but their names could not be revealed till the completion of operation for the arrest of their accomplices.
He claimed that the rest of the gang members would be arrested by night.
“There is no doubt that all heavy arms and ammunition was coming from tribal areas into the settled areas due to the weakening writ of the government there. If the terrorism has to be uprooted simultaneous clean up operation in all the tribal areas is the only solution,” he said.
He added that for that purpose the powers of the political agent would have to be revived so that administration could take strict action against the tribesmen involved in abetting terrorism and arms smuggling from Afghanistan.
The seizure from the terrorists included 47 mortars with fuses, 66 boxes of explosives, 15 mortar cartridges, one Kalashnikov, one shotgun and one 30 bore pistol. The mortars and ammunition was Chinese and Iranian made.
The accused would be presented in the court of law for remand on Monday.
KOHAT, June 28: Police seized a van laden with huge quantity of mortar shells and other ammunition and arrested four alleged terrorists near Ustarzai here on Sunday.
DIG Abdullah Khan informed journalists at a briefing that the terrorists were taking the mortars and ammunition from Orakzai Agency to Hangu district for sabotage activities. They were arrested as soon as they entered the limits of Kohat, he said and added that the four terrorists belonged to Hangu and Orakzai but their names could not be revealed till the completion of operation for the arrest of their accomplices.
He claimed that the rest of the gang members would be arrested by night.
“There is no doubt that all heavy arms and ammunition was coming from tribal areas into the settled areas due to the weakening writ of the government there. If the terrorism has to be uprooted simultaneous clean up operation in all the tribal areas is the only solution,” he said.
He added that for that purpose the powers of the political agent would have to be revived so that administration could take strict action against the tribesmen involved in abetting terrorism and arms smuggling from Afghanistan.
The seizure from the terrorists included 47 mortars with fuses, 66 boxes of explosives, 15 mortar cartridges, one Kalashnikov, one shotgun and one 30 bore pistol. The mortars and ammunition was Chinese and Iranian made.
The accused would be presented in the court of law for remand on Monday.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Militant commander killed in FR Kohat
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KOHAT: A militant commander was killed and two others sustained injuries as security forces during a search operation in Sheendand area of the Frontier Region (FR) Kohat on Friday.
Sources said the security forces launched a search operation in Turk Ismailkhel area of Sheendand and Jawakai, Frontier Region Kohat, and killed Abid Ramzi, commander of the banned outfit Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Darra Adamkhel and injured two others — one of them was identified as Jawwad.
About 42 suspects were also arrested in the operation. They were shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation.It may be added here that Abid Ramzai along with two accomplices had escaped Kohat jail last year.
KOHAT: A militant commander was killed and two others sustained injuries as security forces during a search operation in Sheendand area of the Frontier Region (FR) Kohat on Friday.
Sources said the security forces launched a search operation in Turk Ismailkhel area of Sheendand and Jawakai, Frontier Region Kohat, and killed Abid Ramzi, commander of the banned outfit Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Darra Adamkhel and injured two others — one of them was identified as Jawwad.
About 42 suspects were also arrested in the operation. They were shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation.It may be added here that Abid Ramzai along with two accomplices had escaped Kohat jail last year.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Man’s heart stops at court verdict
posted in dawn
KOHAT, June 21: A litigant died of heart failure inside the courtroom after hearing a judgment against him in a case of shop ownership, sources said on Sunday.
Officials said that Taj Khan had occupied the shop of a perfume seller, Mohammad Atique in Charsi bazaar and had been running it for over a decade.
Atique had moved a local court against Taj Khan. The senior civil judge on Saturday announced the verdict asking Taj Khan to vacate the shop and hand it over to Mohammad Atique.
After hearing the verdict, Taj suffered a heart attack and died inside the courtroom. According to sources the defendant was not ready to see the case disposed of so soon. Keeping in mind the lengthy procedure of civil cases he thought that it would take long time to be decided, sources added.
They said that earlier such cases lingered on for several decades and ended up in payment to the occupant as compensation by the real owner. But following the orders of speedy trial of such cases by the Supreme Court the case was disposed of in a short span of time and the defendant was not ready for the decision against him, they added.
KOHAT, June 21: A litigant died of heart failure inside the courtroom after hearing a judgment against him in a case of shop ownership, sources said on Sunday.
Officials said that Taj Khan had occupied the shop of a perfume seller, Mohammad Atique in Charsi bazaar and had been running it for over a decade.
Atique had moved a local court against Taj Khan. The senior civil judge on Saturday announced the verdict asking Taj Khan to vacate the shop and hand it over to Mohammad Atique.
After hearing the verdict, Taj suffered a heart attack and died inside the courtroom. According to sources the defendant was not ready to see the case disposed of so soon. Keeping in mind the lengthy procedure of civil cases he thought that it would take long time to be decided, sources added.
They said that earlier such cases lingered on for several decades and ended up in payment to the occupant as compensation by the real owner. But following the orders of speedy trial of such cases by the Supreme Court the case was disposed of in a short span of time and the defendant was not ready for the decision against him, they added.
Man’s heart stops at court verdict
posted in dawn
KOHAT, June 21: A litigant died of heart failure inside the courtroom after hearing a judgment against him in a case of shop ownership, sources said on Sunday.
Officials said that Taj Khan had occupied the shop of a perfume seller, Mohammad Atique in Charsi bazaar and had been running it for over a decade.
Atique had moved a local court against Taj Khan. The senior civil judge on Saturday announced the verdict asking Taj Khan to vacate the shop and hand it over to Mohammad Atique.
After hearing the verdict, Taj suffered a heart attack and died inside the courtroom. According to sources the defendant was not ready to see the case disposed of so soon. Keeping in mind the lengthy procedure of civil cases he thought that it would take long time to be decided, sources added.
They said that earlier such cases lingered on for several decades and ended up in payment to the occupant as compensation by the real owner. But following the orders of speedy trial of such cases by the Supreme Court the case was disposed of in a short span of time and the defendant was not ready for the decision against him, they added.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Two pylons blown up in Kohat
posted in dawn
KOHAT, June 20: Militants blew up two pylons in the Togh Bala area here early Saturday morning, suspending power supply to the Kohat Cement Company and villages along the Rawalpindi highway.
The Saddar police said some militants had planted explosives at the four pillars of the two pylons, which exploded at around 2am. Both the pylons were destroyed.
The technical staff of Wapda is working to restore power supply to the affected areas through an alternative line.
This is the second incident in a fortnight that power pylons have been blown up.
KOHAT, June 20: Militants blew up two pylons in the Togh Bala area here early Saturday morning, suspending power supply to the Kohat Cement Company and villages along the Rawalpindi highway.
The Saddar police said some militants had planted explosives at the four pillars of the two pylons, which exploded at around 2am. Both the pylons were destroyed.
The technical staff of Wapda is working to restore power supply to the affected areas through an alternative line.
This is the second incident in a fortnight that power pylons have been blown up.
Injured SHO of Thall Police Station died
posted in dawn
Kohat: The SHO of the Thall police station, who was injured in an attack on a police mobile on June 12, died in the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar on Saturday.
SHO Yaqoob Khan was injured in the attack in the Mamokhwar area of the Hangu district. Four other policemen had died in the incident and seven injured.
Mr Yaqoob’s funeral prayer was offered at Police Lines in Kohat and then the body was sent to his hometown of Sabirabad in the Karak district for burial.
Kohat region DIG Mohammad Idrees Khan, DPO Dilwar Khan Bangash and other officers attended the funeral.
Kohat: The SHO of the Thall police station, who was injured in an attack on a police mobile on June 12, died in the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar on Saturday.
SHO Yaqoob Khan was injured in the attack in the Mamokhwar area of the Hangu district. Four other policemen had died in the incident and seven injured.
Mr Yaqoob’s funeral prayer was offered at Police Lines in Kohat and then the body was sent to his hometown of Sabirabad in the Karak district for burial.
Kohat region DIG Mohammad Idrees Khan, DPO Dilwar Khan Bangash and other officers attended the funeral.
Smuggling bid foiled by Kohat Police
posted in dawn
Kohat: The Kohat police foiled an attempt of smuggling a huge quantity of hashish from the tribal area to Karachi and arrested the carriers on the Indus Highway on Saturday.
Acting on a tip-off, police stopped a car at the new toll plaza on the highway and on search recovered 15 kilograms of fine quality hashish from its secret cavities. Police arrested the alleged smugglers, Sameenullah and Jibran Ali, residents of the Nowshera district.
Kohat: The Kohat police foiled an attempt of smuggling a huge quantity of hashish from the tribal area to Karachi and arrested the carriers on the Indus Highway on Saturday.
Acting on a tip-off, police stopped a car at the new toll plaza on the highway and on search recovered 15 kilograms of fine quality hashish from its secret cavities. Police arrested the alleged smugglers, Sameenullah and Jibran Ali, residents of the Nowshera district.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Councillor found hanging from ceiling fan
posted in dawn
KOHAT, June 16: Dhyan Chand, a minority councillor, committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling fan in his house here on Tuesday, family sources said.
However, police said that marks of torture were found on the body of the councillor during autopsy. Police said that they had widened the scope investigations after the autopsy. Mr Chand was elected councillor on minority seat from Urban II union council of Kohat.
The family members told police that the councillor committed suicide after a fight in his home. Police said that some evidences at the scene of crime and postmortem report contradicted the stance taken by the family members of the councillor and caused suspicious.
The city police registered a case and started investigations to dig out the real cause of the councillor’s death.
KOHAT, June 16: Dhyan Chand, a minority councillor, committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling fan in his house here on Tuesday, family sources said.
However, police said that marks of torture were found on the body of the councillor during autopsy. Police said that they had widened the scope investigations after the autopsy. Mr Chand was elected councillor on minority seat from Urban II union council of Kohat.
The family members told police that the councillor committed suicide after a fight in his home. Police said that some evidences at the scene of crime and postmortem report contradicted the stance taken by the family members of the councillor and caused suspicious.
The city police registered a case and started investigations to dig out the real cause of the councillor’s death.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Banda Daud Shah UCs seek share in oil & gas profits
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KARAK: Gurguri Union Council Nazim Haji Aqal Baba has demanded share in the Oil & Gas bonus profit for the producing union councils of tehsil Banda Daud Shah. Addressing a press conference here Sunday, he said a committee had been formed to take up the matter with the quarters concerned.
He added that provincial minister Mian Nisar Gul, member NWFP assembly Malik Qasim Khan Khattak, District Nazim Malik Rahman and Banda Daud Shah Tehsil Nazim Hameedullah Khattak had been named members of the committee.
Aqal Baba said the gas company had concluded an agreement with the government under Article 3 of the Constitution that the bonus profit on the oil & gas would be utilised for the uplift of the concerned areas, but the gas company did not fulfill its promise. He demanded of the provincial government to include nazims of Terri and Gurguri areas in the relevant gas committee and award due shares to the union councils.
KARAK: Gurguri Union Council Nazim Haji Aqal Baba has demanded share in the Oil & Gas bonus profit for the producing union councils of tehsil Banda Daud Shah. Addressing a press conference here Sunday, he said a committee had been formed to take up the matter with the quarters concerned.
He added that provincial minister Mian Nisar Gul, member NWFP assembly Malik Qasim Khan Khattak, District Nazim Malik Rahman and Banda Daud Shah Tehsil Nazim Hameedullah Khattak had been named members of the committee.
Aqal Baba said the gas company had concluded an agreement with the government under Article 3 of the Constitution that the bonus profit on the oil & gas would be utilised for the uplift of the concerned areas, but the gas company did not fulfill its promise. He demanded of the provincial government to include nazims of Terri and Gurguri areas in the relevant gas committee and award due shares to the union councils.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
IED targets Kohat police bus, 2 killed
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KOHAT: Two persons, including a cop, were killed and 20 others injured when a police bus was targeted with an improvised explosives device (IED) at Zero Point Chowk on the Indus Highway here Saturday.
Sources said the bus, carrying 17 cops, was on its way to Kohat District Jail for taking prisoners to the courts when a roadside IED went off, killing a policeman and a passer-by on the spot.
The deceased were identified as Shah Muhammad and Muhammad Alam.
Sixteen cops and four civilians were injured in the blast, which badly damaged the bus.The injured included ASIs Daud and Samiullah, head constables Maidur Rahman, Dilsoz, Sada Khan, Mazhar Hussain and constables Mubashir Hussain, Nazim, Faqir Hussain, Wasal Khan, Amir Najeeb, Mansoor, Amir Nawaz, Asad Khan, Fahim Haider and Wasim Haider.
The bystanders, who sustained injuries, were Gulistan, Muhammad Yaqoob, Shah Jehan and Muhammad Rahim.
Soon after the blast the ambulances rushed to the spot and shifted the wounded to the District Headquarters Hospital, Kohat.
Police cordoned off the area and collected the pieces of evidence from the spot. The bomb disposal squad officials said a 10-kilogram heavy explosive was used in the bomb.
The NWFP governor, chief minister and the inspector general of police condemned the incident and announced compensation for the victims of the blasts.
KOHAT: Two persons, including a cop, were killed and 20 others injured when a police bus was targeted with an improvised explosives device (IED) at Zero Point Chowk on the Indus Highway here Saturday.
Sources said the bus, carrying 17 cops, was on its way to Kohat District Jail for taking prisoners to the courts when a roadside IED went off, killing a policeman and a passer-by on the spot.
The deceased were identified as Shah Muhammad and Muhammad Alam.
Sixteen cops and four civilians were injured in the blast, which badly damaged the bus.The injured included ASIs Daud and Samiullah, head constables Maidur Rahman, Dilsoz, Sada Khan, Mazhar Hussain and constables Mubashir Hussain, Nazim, Faqir Hussain, Wasal Khan, Amir Najeeb, Mansoor, Amir Nawaz, Asad Khan, Fahim Haider and Wasim Haider.
The bystanders, who sustained injuries, were Gulistan, Muhammad Yaqoob, Shah Jehan and Muhammad Rahim.
Soon after the blast the ambulances rushed to the spot and shifted the wounded to the District Headquarters Hospital, Kohat.
Police cordoned off the area and collected the pieces of evidence from the spot. The bomb disposal squad officials said a 10-kilogram heavy explosive was used in the bomb.
The NWFP governor, chief minister and the inspector general of police condemned the incident and announced compensation for the victims of the blasts.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Three policemen, soldier killed in Hungu blast
posted in dawn
KOHAT: Three policemen and a soldier were killed and 10 injured by explosives devices planted by militants in Mamokhwar and Doaba areas of Hangu on Friday.
The explosion in Mamokhwar hit police mobiles on a routine patrol. Constables Shah Nawaz and Saleem Khan, driver Haroon Shah and FC Lance Naik Dilawar Khan were killed and four policemen, including SHO of Thall police Yaqoob Khan, were injured.
In the other incident, six policemen were injured when their van hit a mine in Doaba. The injured were taken to the Combined Military Hospital in Thall and the bodies were handed over to relatives.
The SHO was later taken to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar. He was in coma and his condition was said o be serious.
Police vehicles were completely destroyed in the attacks.
Meanwhile, security forces destroyed two militant hideouts and two arms factories during an operation in different areas of Darra Adamkhel on Friday. Twelve militants were arrested.
The factories were set up in houses in Akhorwal area where NWFP Minister for Jails Mian Nisar Gul Kakakhel was attacked on Thursday.
KOHAT: Three policemen and a soldier were killed and 10 injured by explosives devices planted by militants in Mamokhwar and Doaba areas of Hangu on Friday.
The explosion in Mamokhwar hit police mobiles on a routine patrol. Constables Shah Nawaz and Saleem Khan, driver Haroon Shah and FC Lance Naik Dilawar Khan were killed and four policemen, including SHO of Thall police Yaqoob Khan, were injured.
In the other incident, six policemen were injured when their van hit a mine in Doaba. The injured were taken to the Combined Military Hospital in Thall and the bodies were handed over to relatives.
The SHO was later taken to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar. He was in coma and his condition was said o be serious.
Police vehicles were completely destroyed in the attacks.
Meanwhile, security forces destroyed two militant hideouts and two arms factories during an operation in different areas of Darra Adamkhel on Friday. Twelve militants were arrested.
The factories were set up in houses in Akhorwal area where NWFP Minister for Jails Mian Nisar Gul Kakakhel was attacked on Thursday.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Gang Busted in Kohat
posted in dawn
Kohat: Police also claimed to have busted an inter-provincial gang involved in making and parcelling fake registrations of non-custom paid vehicles through post office in Darra Adamkhel on Thursday.
Police said that the gang leader, a postman serving in the Darra Adamkhel post office, identified as Mohammad Khalil, a resident of Jungle Khel area of Kohat was also arrested.
Police said that Kohat DIG got information that a gang was involved in making fake registration papers, chassis number and registration number plates of non-custom paid vehicles.
The SHO of Cantt police was asked to investigate and arrest the persons involved in the illegal business.
The SHO raided the General Post Office, Kohat division, and during checking of parcels recovered 20 fake registration papers, 30 fake computerised number plates and one chassis number plate.
Kohat: Police also claimed to have busted an inter-provincial gang involved in making and parcelling fake registrations of non-custom paid vehicles through post office in Darra Adamkhel on Thursday.
Police said that the gang leader, a postman serving in the Darra Adamkhel post office, identified as Mohammad Khalil, a resident of Jungle Khel area of Kohat was also arrested.
Police said that Kohat DIG got information that a gang was involved in making fake registration papers, chassis number and registration number plates of non-custom paid vehicles.
The SHO of Cantt police was asked to investigate and arrest the persons involved in the illegal business.
The SHO raided the General Post Office, Kohat division, and during checking of parcels recovered 20 fake registration papers, 30 fake computerised number plates and one chassis number plate.
Cleric among 47 killed in Hangu and Orakzai
posted in dawn
KOHAT, June 11: At least 47 people, women, children as well as militants among them, were killed in shelling by helicopter gunships and planes on seminaries and militants’ camps in Hangu district and Orakzai Agency on Thursday.
A religious leader was among 14 people killed in three areas of Hangu. District Nazim Khan Afzal said Maulana Mohammad Amin, deputy chairman of the Sunni Supreme Council, and his 12-year-old nephew were killed by shelling on the Jamia Yousufia seminary in Wam area.
Three women were killed when their house was hit during an attack on another seminary in Shahukhel. The body of a six-year-old girl was found in the debris of the seminary.
Five women and two children of the family of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam’s district chief Maulana Din Asghar were killed when a house was shelled in Zargari.
In the same area, a student was killed and two others injured in an attack on a school.
Maulana Amin was buried in his ancestral graveyard.
The killing of the religious leader and women and children has enraged local people and the nazim told Dawn that policemen remained confined in police stations and even withdrew from the local hospital. Police also left all checkpoints and stopped patrolling fearing a violent reaction to the killings.
Markets in the district were closed in protest against the killing of Maulana Amin and relatives of the JUI leader. It may be mentioned that leaders of the Sunni Supreme Council had issued a statement last week urging the government not to launch an operation in the area.
Planes pounded suspected militant positions in Dabori and attacked the camp of militant ‘commander’ Gul Zaman.
Taliban hideouts in Mullahkhel, Sheikhan, Mishti bazaar, Sultanzai and Ghiljo also came under attack.
At least 33 tribesmen and militants were killed in the air strikes.
KOHAT, June 11: At least 47 people, women, children as well as militants among them, were killed in shelling by helicopter gunships and planes on seminaries and militants’ camps in Hangu district and Orakzai Agency on Thursday.
A religious leader was among 14 people killed in three areas of Hangu. District Nazim Khan Afzal said Maulana Mohammad Amin, deputy chairman of the Sunni Supreme Council, and his 12-year-old nephew were killed by shelling on the Jamia Yousufia seminary in Wam area.
Three women were killed when their house was hit during an attack on another seminary in Shahukhel. The body of a six-year-old girl was found in the debris of the seminary.
Five women and two children of the family of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam’s district chief Maulana Din Asghar were killed when a house was shelled in Zargari.
In the same area, a student was killed and two others injured in an attack on a school.
Maulana Amin was buried in his ancestral graveyard.
The killing of the religious leader and women and children has enraged local people and the nazim told Dawn that policemen remained confined in police stations and even withdrew from the local hospital. Police also left all checkpoints and stopped patrolling fearing a violent reaction to the killings.
Markets in the district were closed in protest against the killing of Maulana Amin and relatives of the JUI leader. It may be mentioned that leaders of the Sunni Supreme Council had issued a statement last week urging the government not to launch an operation in the area.
Planes pounded suspected militant positions in Dabori and attacked the camp of militant ‘commander’ Gul Zaman.
Taliban hideouts in Mullahkhel, Sheikhan, Mishti bazaar, Sultanzai and Ghiljo also came under attack.
At least 33 tribesmen and militants were killed in the air strikes.
Kohat judges decide 4,610 cases
posted in news
KOHAT: The local judiciary is struggling to dispose of cases despite the additional burden of thousands of displaced persons, who have reached here from Darra Adamkhel and Orakzai Agency and registered cases in the district.
Talking to ‘The News’, Judicial Magistrate Mudassir Shah Tirmizi and Family Court Judge Wajiha Mushtaq Malik said since May 2 the district judiciary had disposed of 4,610 out of 9,274 cases, adding, the judiciary had won the public trust with the speedy disposal.
They added that indepen-dent judiciary and prompt dispensation of justice could help pull the country out of chaos, as the district judiciary was giving short dates for hearing the cases.
The civil judges, judicial magistrates and sessions judges have been directed to dispose of 2008 cases by December 30, 2009, they added. The judicial magistrate complained there were two official residences for the judges in Kohat, which were not meeting their requirements. He suggested establishment of a separate colony for the judges.
KOHAT: The local judiciary is struggling to dispose of cases despite the additional burden of thousands of displaced persons, who have reached here from Darra Adamkhel and Orakzai Agency and registered cases in the district.
Talking to ‘The News’, Judicial Magistrate Mudassir Shah Tirmizi and Family Court Judge Wajiha Mushtaq Malik said since May 2 the district judiciary had disposed of 4,610 out of 9,274 cases, adding, the judiciary had won the public trust with the speedy disposal.
They added that indepen-dent judiciary and prompt dispensation of justice could help pull the country out of chaos, as the district judiciary was giving short dates for hearing the cases.
The civil judges, judicial magistrates and sessions judges have been directed to dispose of 2008 cases by December 30, 2009, they added. The judicial magistrate complained there were two official residences for the judges in Kohat, which were not meeting their requirements. He suggested establishment of a separate colony for the judges.
Alleged bomber held in Kohat
posted in news
KOHAT: The security forces Thursday arrested a would-be suicide bomber and recovered an explosives-laden jacket and arms from his possession. Sources said the forces raided the house of Abdul Karim, from Orakzai, in Dherai Banda area and held him on the spot.
KOHAT: The security forces Thursday arrested a would-be suicide bomber and recovered an explosives-laden jacket and arms from his possession. Sources said the forces raided the house of Abdul Karim, from Orakzai, in Dherai Banda area and held him on the spot.
Monday, June 8, 2009
11 blasts destroy school building Darra Adamkhel
posted in dawn
KOHAT, June 7: Militants destroyed a school building in Darra Adamkhel on Sunday, rendering it useless for security personnel, sources said.
Militants had attacked the building housing the Sheraki government high school last year as well, before fleeing from the area.
Later,security personnel had occupied it briefly for carrying out operations in the militant stronghold.Security forces then abandoned the building.
On Sunday, militants set off 11 explosions and razed the building to the ground, according to the sources.
Militants have also destroyed many Khasadar posts and bridges on the Indus Highway.
KOHAT, June 7: Militants destroyed a school building in Darra Adamkhel on Sunday, rendering it useless for security personnel, sources said.
Militants had attacked the building housing the Sheraki government high school last year as well, before fleeing from the area.
Later,security personnel had occupied it briefly for carrying out operations in the militant stronghold.Security forces then abandoned the building.
On Sunday, militants set off 11 explosions and razed the building to the ground, according to the sources.
Militants have also destroyed many Khasadar posts and bridges on the Indus Highway.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Jirga summoned to stop kidnappings
posted in dawn
KOHAT, June 6: The Kohat commissioner has summoned peace jirga to discuss ways for making Hangu-Parachinar highway safe and devising strategy to stop kidnappings in the area.
The jirga would be held in Kohat on Tuesday next after a long break of a month because the government and elders were busy in talks for the release of four school students and five passengers kidnapped from the Kohat-Parachinar highway by the armed rival sects.
Officials said the jirga would take up the issue of safety of people on the highway and stop kidnappings and burning of houses and shops by some elements within the rival sects.
The members of Hangu peace jirga belonging to Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat had warned the parliamentarians of holding them responsible in case military operation was launched in the region.
They criticised the federal government and some parliamentarians suggesting military operation as the only solution to the problem.
A meeting of the members of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat held the other day brushed aside the allegations that anti-state elements and Taliban were active in the area.
They said that the rumours about the operation had badly affected business activities in the area and hundred of families were migrating to other parts of the country.
They regretted that those tribesmen who had been displaced from Orakzai Agency and Kurram agencies between 2007 and 2009 due to sectarian clashes and settled in Hangu had no option but to stay back in case of operation.
They said that they would announce their final strategy for peace on Tuesday next and made it clear that if operation was imposed on them they would hold the MPs and district nazim responsible for the property and human losses.
KOHAT, June 6: The Kohat commissioner has summoned peace jirga to discuss ways for making Hangu-Parachinar highway safe and devising strategy to stop kidnappings in the area.
The jirga would be held in Kohat on Tuesday next after a long break of a month because the government and elders were busy in talks for the release of four school students and five passengers kidnapped from the Kohat-Parachinar highway by the armed rival sects.
Officials said the jirga would take up the issue of safety of people on the highway and stop kidnappings and burning of houses and shops by some elements within the rival sects.
The members of Hangu peace jirga belonging to Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat had warned the parliamentarians of holding them responsible in case military operation was launched in the region.
They criticised the federal government and some parliamentarians suggesting military operation as the only solution to the problem.
A meeting of the members of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat held the other day brushed aside the allegations that anti-state elements and Taliban were active in the area.
They said that the rumours about the operation had badly affected business activities in the area and hundred of families were migrating to other parts of the country.
They regretted that those tribesmen who had been displaced from Orakzai Agency and Kurram agencies between 2007 and 2009 due to sectarian clashes and settled in Hangu had no option but to stay back in case of operation.
They said that they would announce their final strategy for peace on Tuesday next and made it clear that if operation was imposed on them they would hold the MPs and district nazim responsible for the property and human losses.
National Chemistry Conference
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The 19th National Chemistry Conference will be held at Baragali on June 9 under the auspices of Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST).
The aim of the conference is to share knowledge and provide a platform to the scientists of country to explore ways to support industry and improve professional skills.
Eminent scientists will deliver lectures on different topics.
The 19th National Chemistry Conference will be held at Baragali on June 9 under the auspices of Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST).
The aim of the conference is to share knowledge and provide a platform to the scientists of country to explore ways to support industry and improve professional skills.
Eminent scientists will deliver lectures on different topics.
2 doctors, 25 staffs suspended for absenteeism at DH Hospital Karak
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KARAK: District Coordination Officer (DCO) here Saturday suspended two doctors and 25 other employees of the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ).
Taking a serious notice of the public complaints, DCO Ajmal Khan, along with the Executive District Officer (Finance and Planning), visited Women and Children at DHQ Hospitals and expressed his resentment over the unhygienic conditions. He inspected the washrooms and wards of the hospitals and held the administration of the hospitals responsible for the unhygienic conditions.
The attendants of the patients on the occasion told the DCO that the patients were facing severe problems due to long duration of loadshedding as the generator of the hospital had been lying out of order since long. He also proceeded to the DHQ hospital and inspected different wards and was astonished to find out that there was no doctor or worker in the emergency ward.
DCO directed the Executive District Officer (Health) Dr Islam Jan to suspend the 27 health staff, including Dr Jamil Anwar and Dr Nasir Jamal, in addition to other 25 nursing staff for their alleged absence from the duty.
The suspended paramedics included Shaukat Alam, Muhammad Ayaz, Fahimullah, Abdul Ghafoor, Sher Afzal, Rafiqur Rahman, Wazir Nawab, Amir Shahbaz, Hidayatullah, Farid Nawaz, Muqarrab Khan, Muhammad Ishaq and Inamullah and female nurses including charge nurse Tasneen Akhtar, Hameeda Begum, Hijran, Ruqaya, Kausar, Najma, Salma, Falak Naz, Shahida, Fazeelat, Ayesha and Nadia.
KARAK: District Coordination Officer (DCO) here Saturday suspended two doctors and 25 other employees of the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ).
Taking a serious notice of the public complaints, DCO Ajmal Khan, along with the Executive District Officer (Finance and Planning), visited Women and Children at DHQ Hospitals and expressed his resentment over the unhygienic conditions. He inspected the washrooms and wards of the hospitals and held the administration of the hospitals responsible for the unhygienic conditions.
The attendants of the patients on the occasion told the DCO that the patients were facing severe problems due to long duration of loadshedding as the generator of the hospital had been lying out of order since long. He also proceeded to the DHQ hospital and inspected different wards and was astonished to find out that there was no doctor or worker in the emergency ward.
DCO directed the Executive District Officer (Health) Dr Islam Jan to suspend the 27 health staff, including Dr Jamil Anwar and Dr Nasir Jamal, in addition to other 25 nursing staff for their alleged absence from the duty.
The suspended paramedics included Shaukat Alam, Muhammad Ayaz, Fahimullah, Abdul Ghafoor, Sher Afzal, Rafiqur Rahman, Wazir Nawab, Amir Shahbaz, Hidayatullah, Farid Nawaz, Muqarrab Khan, Muhammad Ishaq and Inamullah and female nurses including charge nurse Tasneen Akhtar, Hameeda Begum, Hijran, Ruqaya, Kausar, Najma, Salma, Falak Naz, Shahida, Fazeelat, Ayesha and Nadia.
4 rockets fired at Sheraki post
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KOHAT: Suspected militants fired four rockets at security forces post in Sheraki area of Darra Adamkhel on Saturday. Sources said the rockets missed the target and landed near the security forces post. In retaliation, the security forces in Kohat targeted the hideouts of the militants in Bostikhel area in Darra Adamkhel. There was no word on the casualties suffered by the militants till filing of this report.
KOHAT: Suspected militants fired four rockets at security forces post in Sheraki area of Darra Adamkhel on Saturday. Sources said the rockets missed the target and landed near the security forces post. In retaliation, the security forces in Kohat targeted the hideouts of the militants in Bostikhel area in Darra Adamkhel. There was no word on the casualties suffered by the militants till filing of this report.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Taliban commander killed in Kohat
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KOHAT, June 4: A commander of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan was killed in an encounter with police during an operation launched in the village of Kot on Thursday to rescue four kidnapped people, including a university professor.
Commander Abdul Wadood, who belonged to the Baitullah Mehsud group, and his men had kidnapped Prof Dr Fida Younis, Manager of the Kohat branch of Khyber Bank, Maqbool Khan Khattak, medical representative Hayatullah and their driver Omer Farooq from Indus Highway when they were going to Kohat from Karak in a car. The driver suffered a minor bullet injury when militants opened fire on the car.
Kohat’s deputy inspector-general of police Muhammad Idrees Khan told journalists that a police party chased the kidnappers and intercepted them in Kot village along the Rawalpindi road.
A special anti-terrorist squad was also sent to the place, accompanied by DPO Dilawar Bangash and two DSPs.
Seeing the police party, the militants released the four kidnapped people and started firing. They hurled several hand grenades. During the ensuing exchange of fire, Abdul Wadood, who belongs to Orakzai Agency, was killed and local commander Waris Khan, considered to be an expert in organising suicide bombings, was arrested.
Waris Khan carried a suicide jacket which was defused by a bomb disposal squad. Two hand grenades, a Kalashnikov, a pistol, a mobile phone, some documents and hundreds of bullets were seized.
The encounter continued for more than four hours during which the militants attacked police from two sides while trying to escape.
KOHAT, June 4: A commander of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan was killed in an encounter with police during an operation launched in the village of Kot on Thursday to rescue four kidnapped people, including a university professor.
Commander Abdul Wadood, who belonged to the Baitullah Mehsud group, and his men had kidnapped Prof Dr Fida Younis, Manager of the Kohat branch of Khyber Bank, Maqbool Khan Khattak, medical representative Hayatullah and their driver Omer Farooq from Indus Highway when they were going to Kohat from Karak in a car. The driver suffered a minor bullet injury when militants opened fire on the car.
Kohat’s deputy inspector-general of police Muhammad Idrees Khan told journalists that a police party chased the kidnappers and intercepted them in Kot village along the Rawalpindi road.
A special anti-terrorist squad was also sent to the place, accompanied by DPO Dilawar Bangash and two DSPs.
Seeing the police party, the militants released the four kidnapped people and started firing. They hurled several hand grenades. During the ensuing exchange of fire, Abdul Wadood, who belongs to Orakzai Agency, was killed and local commander Waris Khan, considered to be an expert in organising suicide bombings, was arrested.
Waris Khan carried a suicide jacket which was defused by a bomb disposal squad. Two hand grenades, a Kalashnikov, a pistol, a mobile phone, some documents and hundreds of bullets were seized.
The encounter continued for more than four hours during which the militants attacked police from two sides while trying to escape.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Driver kidnapped in Kohat
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KOHAT: Unidentified gunmen kidnapped a driver here Wednesday. Sources said Anees Ali, a pickup driver, was taking passengers from the city to Kacha Pakha area when unidentified gunmen intercepted and kidnapped him leaving behind his vehicle.
KOHAT: Unidentified gunmen kidnapped a driver here Wednesday. Sources said Anees Ali, a pickup driver, was taking passengers from the city to Kacha Pakha area when unidentified gunmen intercepted and kidnapped him leaving behind his vehicle.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Rocket lands near KDA entrance
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KOHAT: A rocket fired from Darra Adamkhel Hills landed near the main entrance to the Kohat Development Authority (KDA) building on Monday, without causing any human or material loss.
Sources said the projectile landed near the KDA entrance No 3 at 11:30a.m. The explosion was heard far and wide, causing panic and scare among area residents.
Meanwhile, security forces launched a search operation in Bostikhel area of Darra Adamkhel, but there were no reports about arrest of militants.
The authorities closed the Kotal Pass for an hour for all kinds of heavy traffic during the operation. Kohat Tunnel was also closed for heavy traffic, including trucks and passenger buses, following a tip-off that the militants could use a heavy vehicle for terror bid inside the tunnel.
On the other hand, the security forces had also banned the passage of light vehicles in front of the Spina Thana while an alternative route, comparatively longer and leading through a populated area, was not secure, as around 15 vehicles have so far been snatched on this route.
KOHAT: A rocket fired from Darra Adamkhel Hills landed near the main entrance to the Kohat Development Authority (KDA) building on Monday, without causing any human or material loss.
Sources said the projectile landed near the KDA entrance No 3 at 11:30a.m. The explosion was heard far and wide, causing panic and scare among area residents.
Meanwhile, security forces launched a search operation in Bostikhel area of Darra Adamkhel, but there were no reports about arrest of militants.
The authorities closed the Kotal Pass for an hour for all kinds of heavy traffic during the operation. Kohat Tunnel was also closed for heavy traffic, including trucks and passenger buses, following a tip-off that the militants could use a heavy vehicle for terror bid inside the tunnel.
On the other hand, the security forces had also banned the passage of light vehicles in front of the Spina Thana while an alternative route, comparatively longer and leading through a populated area, was not secure, as around 15 vehicles have so far been snatched on this route.
Two killed in Kohat blast
KOHAT, June 1: At least two people were killed and 23 others injured when a bomb exploded in the busy Teerah bazaar in Kohat on Monday.
Those killed and injured were mostly from Orakzai Agency. Two women were among the injured.
A bomb disposal squad official said a bag containing the bomb had been placed near the ticket office of Orakzai bus-stand. The device was exploded by remote control.
Kohat district police chief Dilawar Khan Bangash said some witnesses had claimed having seen a suspicious boy at the place. The boy aged between 12 and 14 years left the bag near the bus-stand and it exploded about five minutes later.
Hospital sources said Shah Zaman of Mallazai died on the spot and Nek Nam of Ara Khel died in the divisional headquarters hospital. Two critically injured people were sent to Peshawar.
There has been a rush of tribal people at the Orakzai bus-stand in recent days because of people leaving insurgency-effected areas.
NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti announced that the injured would get free treatment and compensation would be paid to heir of those who had lost their lives.
Those killed and injured were mostly from Orakzai Agency. Two women were among the injured.
A bomb disposal squad official said a bag containing the bomb had been placed near the ticket office of Orakzai bus-stand. The device was exploded by remote control.
Kohat district police chief Dilawar Khan Bangash said some witnesses had claimed having seen a suspicious boy at the place. The boy aged between 12 and 14 years left the bag near the bus-stand and it exploded about five minutes later.
Hospital sources said Shah Zaman of Mallazai died on the spot and Nek Nam of Ara Khel died in the divisional headquarters hospital. Two critically injured people were sent to Peshawar.
There has been a rush of tribal people at the Orakzai bus-stand in recent days because of people leaving insurgency-effected areas.
NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti announced that the injured would get free treatment and compensation would be paid to heir of those who had lost their lives.
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