Umer Farooq
Hyderabad
Always Happy Mood
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Articles by Umer Farooq
Nadra officer shot dead in Peshawar
PESHAWAR: An assistant director of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) was shot dead by unidentified gunmen near the authority’s office in Peshawar on Friday morning, police said. The official was identified as Fahad Khan, a nephew of MNA Noor Alam Khan, and a relative of former KP deputy speaker Mehmood Jan. According to a city police spokesperson, he was attacked close to the Nadra office in Hayatabad police precincts.
Nadra assistant director shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Peshawar's Hayatabad: police
PESHAWAR: An assistant director of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) was shot dead by unidentified gunmen near the authority’s office in Peshawar’s Hayatabad area on Friday morning, police said. According to city police spokesperson Alam Khan, the official was shot in an area behind the Nadra office, within the jurisdiction of Hayatabad police station. Police reached the scene after being informed of the incident and recovered eight spent .30-bore pistol casings, Khan said.
Kundi insists emergency imposed under extraordinary circumstances
• KP governor says all parties will be taken into confidence to promote peace • Pays tribute to journalists for sacrifices in war against terrorism PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday said that governor’s rule and a state of emergency had been imposed in the province under “extraordinary circumstances”.
Mansehra AC injured as vehicle comes under attack in Nowshera
PESHAWAR: Mansehra Assistant Commissioner (AC) Adil Waseem was injured on Saturday when unknown gunmen opened fire at his official vehicle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Nowshera district, officials said. Muhammad Asim, the spokesperson of Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), said Waseem was “stable” and was receiving medical treatment. Waseem came under attack in Nowshera’s Panah Kot area while on his way back from his native village Saleh Khana in the district, police officials said.
KP police get tech to monitor counterterrorism operations
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police have integrated anti-drone systems and surveillance drones operating across the province into the Safe City Peshawar’s Command and Control Centre to strengthen security and surveillance capabilities.
KP governor rules out talks with ‘anti-state elements’
Listen to article • Kundi calls for decisive action against terrorists, stronger police capacity • Says Centre ready to provide weapons, financial resources to KP police • Insists peace essential for development, investment in province CHARSADDA / PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday ruled out negotiations or concessions for elements who do not accept the Constitution, stressing that decisive action against terrorism and strengthening the province’s police was...
PM promises ‘better days ahead’ for KP
• Maintains ‘extraordinary circumstances’ compelled him to impose emergency • Lashes out at PTI for its ‘criminal negligence’, undermining fight against terrorism • Sees more ‘tough decisions’ ahead; assures tribal elders of Rs160 billion for uplift projects • Kundi terms federal cooperation essential for lasting peace, stability PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to take tough decisions as he chaired a meeting of the federal apex committee in Peshawar on Thursday, while also...
SplitTheTimeTax campaign under Bangles of Strength platform has earn a Blue Dragon for Best Campaign of Pakistan and Gold in the Small Budget Category
Listen to article RENEWABLE energy systems have advanced at an unbelievable pace in the last three decades. On technological grounds, the progress has been undeniable. On social levels, acceptance has grown across continents. In larger economies like Germany and Denmark, wind and solar installations have multiplied. In developing countries across Asia and Africa, renewable projects have flourished. Pakistan is one of the best examples of solar uptake.
How Have US Leftover Weapons In Afghanistan Enabled Terrorism In Pakistan?
The United States withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, ending two decades of occupation. But the weapons they supplied to Afghanistan are still shaping the security environment of the region. An estimated $7.1 billion worth of military equipment and weapons remained in Afghanistan when the American-backed republic collapsed, and the Taliban took control of Kabul.
How Have US Leftover Weapons In Afghanistan Enabled Terrorism In Pakistan?
The United States withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021, ending two decades of occupation. But the weapons they supplied to Afghanistan are still shaping the security environment of the region. An estimated $7.1 billion worth of military equipment and weapons remained in Afghanistan when the American-backed republic collapsed, and the Taliban took control of Kabul.
Imran being forced into Benazir, Nawaz-style deal, claims Achakzai
• Demands authorities disclose whereabouts of Sohail Afridi • Mengal says those claiming to be framers of Constitution are ‘trampling it’ • TTAP alliance challenges governor’s rule, emergency before Peshawar High Court PESHAWAR: PTI founder Imran Khan is being forced into an agreement, similar to those given to former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai claimed on Friday.
Peshawar mourns after roof collapse snuffs out 31 lives
• Teacher, 30 students among the dead; around 30 injured treated at Lady Reading Hospital • Chief secy forms fact-finding committee to probe incident, suggest preventive measures • Governor tells PM school owner in custody; safety audit of schools across province ordered • President, PM call for best treatment for the injured; Unicef pledges psycho-social support PESHAWAR: At least 30 children and a schoolteacher lost their lives and dozens of others were injured after the roof of a...
Teacher, 30 students killed in Pakistan school roof collapse
October 16, 2026 PESHAWAR – At least 31 people, including 30 students and a female teacher, were killed when a school roof collapsed in the provincial capital’s Afridi Abad area on Thursday. Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) spokesperson Muhammad Asim initially told Dawn that the death toll had risen to 33, including a female teachers and students aged between seven and 14 and a female teacher. Later, he said that 30 students students and a female teacher had been killed.
India’s Afghanistan Gambit The RAW-GDI Alliance and the TTP-BLA Nexus
1. INTRODUCTION Within two days of the Taliban takeover of Kabul, the Indian government closed its embassy in Afghanistan on August 17, 2021. All staff, including the Ambassador, were withdrawn to New Delhi. But India never abandoned the effort to re-enter Afghanistan as a strategic space. On June 23, 2022, the Indian government sent a technical team to reopen its embassy in the city with the stated aim of overseeing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s Unresolved Question of Political Authority
Taliban control the Afghan state. United States has withdrawn its military forces from Afghan society. The large-scale war has ended. Apparently, it is stable on the surface. But the underlying question about the distribution of political authority in Afghan society, which has historically caused instability in Afghanistan, is still there. The Taliban’s return to power has ended one phase of conflict, but the question that caused instability in Afghanistan political arrangement is still unresolved.
Governor vows new era of counterterror efforts
• Kundi says policies will now come from Islamabad instead of Kabul; reiterates no talks with Taliban • Chairs maiden apex committee meeting, rules out ‘full-scale military offensives’ • Naqvi terms emergency ‘difficult constitutional course’ PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD: A day after the federal government handed him control of the province after imposing the governor’s rule, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday promised a new era of counterterrorism coordination between the...
Afridi, other KP ministers ‘in preventive custody’: govt
• Minister says those facing cases, charges will be tried; others will be released • Opposition leaders flay federal govt move, urge people to launch another democratic struggle • Achakzai says he’s still willing to meet PM ‘anywhere’ • Gohar terms Oct 11 ‘black day in country’s history’ • Says PTI will move high court against emergency proclamation today ISLAMABAD / PESHAWAR: Sohail Afridi — who was removed as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister with the imposition of governor’s rule — and...
What’s the situation across KP on Day 1 of governor’s rule?
All entry and exit points to Peshawar Cantt remain closed, with police deployed in the surrounding area. Entry is not allowed on Khyber Road, with traffic diverted towards Khyber Bazar, Ramdas and Bhana Marhi Chungi. Roads leading to Saddar from Warsak and Shami Road are also blocked with containers. University Road is blocked near Tehkal, close to the Cantt limits. The GT Road entrance at Pir Zakori is closed. The blockage at Firdous Chowk also remains in place.
Now-suspended KP CM Sohail Afridi, assembly speaker in preventative custody: police
Now-suspended Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Sohail Afridi and some of his cabinet members were in preventative custody after the Centre imposed emergency and governor’s rule in the province, officials confirmed on Monday. The federal government took the measures under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution on Sunday, citing the PTI-led KP government’s “deliberate” inaction on countering terrorism. Opposition parties have condemned the move, alleging it is politically motivated.
Peshawar Cantt remains cut off from city
PESHAWAR: It was a routine Sunday but only outside the provincial capital as all the entry and exit points of the Peshawar Cantonment remained blocked, guarded by cops armed with batons. From eastern entry to the provincial capital at Qilla Bala Hisar to the western entry on University road, the cantonment wore a deserted look, like what people saw during the lockdowns in Covid-19.
11 advisers take charge under governor’s rule
• Kundi chairs technocratic advisory council’s first meeting • Kifayat Ullah gets home & tribal affairs portfolio; Amir Javed handed law & parliamentary affairs • Ex-FBR chairmen Tariq Pasha, Dr Irshad to steer finance, industry portfolios • Ex-army surgeon general Nigar Johar to oversee health; Dr Syed Amir Abdullah given charge of education ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: Following the federal imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the government has formed an 11-member...
Containers placed in Peshawar after federal govt imposes emergency in KP
PESHAWAR: Shipping containers were placed around the city of Peshawar to block roads after the federal government imposed an emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday. The measures, imposed earlier, have been approved under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution, according to a statement by the President House. They were imposed following the president’s approval of the recommendations by the federal cabinet.
KP police put on alert as emergency ‘looms’
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed on Saturday put district police on alert for possible violent protests and sabotage in the event of the federal government imposing an emergency in the province, emphasising caution in the use of force. A notification issued by the IGP’s office outlined guidelines for handling protests and warned that miscreants and anti-state elements could exploit demonstrations to incite violence and carry out sabotage activities.
Kundi, Muqam discuss KP security, political situation
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam on Saturday discussed the province’s security and political situation, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace and promoting development. In a joint statement issued after a meeting at Governor House, the two leaders said KP residents had grown frustrated with terrorism and confrontation.
Afridi seeks law to impeach governor, rejects operations
Listen to article • KP CM tells chief secretary, police chief not to follow ‘unconstitutional’ orders • Insists Centre’s counterterrorism approach failed; claims KP can restore peace within 100 days • Joins march supporters in Bara; says future strategy to be announced in Swabi • Kundi says governor’s rule, emergency will be imposed ‘to save KP’ PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday took strong exception to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi’s meeting with the chief...
7 cops injured as police checkpost comes under attack in KP's Kohat
PESHAWAR: Seven policemen were injured when terrorists attacked a police checkpost in Kohat early on Wednesday. “The attack was successfully repulsed. The injured cops are safe,” a senior police official, who requested to remain anonymous, told Dawn. According to police sources, the policemen were injured after terrorists hurled a hand grenade at the checkpost located in the jurisdiction of the Gombat police station.
New law to turn police into govt’s ‘political force’, officials fear
PESHAWAR: With severe ongoing political confrontation between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal governments, senior police officials fear that by passing the proposed Police Act 2026 from the cabinet, the law which will replace Police Act 2017, the government wants a force that can be used for its safety and political protection against the Centre.
PTI set to begin its protest march from KP's Lakki Marwat today
The PTI is set to begin its march today after talks between the federal government and the opposition failed to yield any encouraging results to defuse the current political crisis in the country. The party’s march itself, being carried out to demand the release of its jailed founder and ex-prime minister Imran Khan, is the latest bone of contention between the two sides.
KP govt defiant as Centre warns of governor’s rule
Listen to article • Afridi refuses to back down on Oct 4 protest, reiterates call for new counterterrorism policy • Federal ministers say it can ‘definitely happen if required’, consultations underway • Governor advises PTI govt not to force Islamabad to impose emergency • Muqam says govt will not negotiate on Imran’s release, meets Kundi • Tallal blames KP govt for terrorism in the province PESHAWAR: The rift between the Centre and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government continued to widen on Monday,...
In second letter to KP police chief, assembly speaker Swati seeks details of 'detained' lawmakers, ministers
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati has sought details from police of provincial cabinet members and lawmakers who have been “detained or arrested”, it emerged on Sunday. The developments comes after reports of the detention of several PTI members and supporters, including party founder’s sisters and provincial ministers, ahead of a protest that has now been postponed to Oct 4.
Interior minister, PA speaker spar over lawmakers’ arrest
PESHAWAR: Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi’s response to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati’s demand for prior approval to arrest any of the province’s lawmakers has sparked a debate, with the minister wondering whether police will need the speaker’s consent even if an MPA commits murder.
PTI postpones Islamabad long march to Oct 4
ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said on Friday that the PTI’s long march towards Islamabad, which was originally scheduled for Sept 27, would now commence from Peshawar on Oct 4. The announcement by the KP CM came during a press conference in Peshawar, where he said the PTI’s political committee had held a meeting and “unanimously agreed” to now commence the march on Oct 4 from Peshawar.
Peshawar’s civil secretariat vacated over security concerns
PESHAWAR: The Civil Secretariat in Peshawar was evacuated on Friday and all employees were told to leave their offices due to security concerns following a threat alert for the mosque inside the secretariat, according to sources. “We were told to leave immediately,” sources told Dawn. A senior secretariat official said security had been beefed up for almost three days, soon after the Kohat explosion.
Cop martyred, 2 injured as terrorists open fire on raiding party in Peshawar
PESHAWAR: A cop was martyred and two others were injured on Thursday during an exchange of fire between terrorists and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on the outskirts of the provincial capital, a senior CTD official said. According to the senior official, CTD had received information about the presence of terrorists in the Garhi Sherdad area near Warsak Road, following which the authorities planned an operation against them.
KP approves proposed law to clip its top cop’s powers
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Wednesday approved a proposed law to replace the KP Police Act, 2017, in a move to rein in the inspector general of police. The KP Police Act, 2026, will link the police chief’s operational, administrative and financial decisions to the approval of the provincial government or the chief minister for implementation, according to the draft okayed by the provincial cabinet during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi here.
PA speaker asks chief secy, IGP not to follow ‘illegal’ orders
PESHAWAR: KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati said on Monday it was a question mark on the performance of the ‘institutions’ that masked men were firing at and abducting people. During a provincial assembly discussion on alleged attempt to abduct Minister for Communication Shakeel Khan and alleged harassment of KP lawmakers, he said it was the parliament which approved chief of army staff as Chairman of Defence Forces (CDF). Mr Swati added that lawmakers empowered police and trained them.
Jamaat warns of ‘backlash’ if its protest is impeded
• Despite prior assurances they won’t disrupt routine life, JI chief says protest could turn into movement to ‘oust govt’ • Hafiz Naeem claims govt has nothing to offer the people; petroleum levy not linked to international oil prices • PTI cries foul over alleged detention of leaders, MNAs ahead of Sept 27 protest; KP Assembly to meet today • Massive police contingents being deployed to secure Islamabad PESHAWAR / HYDERABAD: A week ahead of the PTI’s planned protest on Sept 27, residents of...
Kohat operation ends; all eight terrorists dead
Listen to article • Police lines cleared after 21-hour gun battle • Death toll rises to 23, including 17 cops, six civilians • Police probe possible Afghan link; KP CM meets families of martyrs PESHAWAR: After 21 hours of intense exchanges of fire, including the use of heavy weapons, an overnight clearance operation following the deadly two-pronged assault near a mosque in Kohat district’s old police lines concluded on Saturday, with all eight terrorists killed.
21 lives lost as terrorists target mosque in Kohat police lines
Listen to article • 15 police personnel martyred, over 100 wounded • Attackers ram explosive-laden vehicle into mosque • Six of seven assailants neutralised in subsequent operation; Gul Bahadur-led outfit claims responsibility • President, premier, KP chief minister & governor condemn attack, seek report on the blast PESHAWAR: In a deadly two-pronged assault, at least 21 people, including 15 police officials, were martyred and over 100 were wounded when an explosives-laden vehicle detonated...
Blast reported in KP's Kohat: Rescue 1122
A blast has been reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kohat, Rescue 1122 said on Friday. According to a statement by Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi, initial reports indicate the explosion occurred near Old Police Lines. “Upon receiving the information, Rescue 1122 Kohat relief teams immediately arrived at the scene and commenced relief and rescue operations,” Faizi said, adding that ambulances were transporting the injured individuals to a nearby hospital.
PA speaker hints at legislation for public execution of child rapists, killers
PESHAWAR: Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Babar Saleem Swati on Monday hinted at legislating to publicly execute convicted child rapists and killers in the province. Chairing a session of the assembly here, the speaker said the KP Child Protection Act would be named after five-year-old Ayat Noor who was kidnapped, sexually assaulted and killed in Haripur last month.
Officers in 26 ‘terror-hit’ KP districts get special allowance
• PAS, PSP officers to receive 250pc of running basic pay • Allowance effective retrospectively from July 1; Centre to bear cost PESHAWAR: The federal government has designated 26 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as “terror-affected”, making Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) and Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) officers posted there eligible for an “extraordinary law and order and security risk allowance” with effect from July 1 this year, it emerged on Saturday.
Govt approves ‘extraordinary security allowance’ for police, civil service officers in 26 KP districts
PESHAWAR: The federal government has designated 26 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as “terror-affected”, declaring that all Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) and Police Service of Pakistan (PSP) officers posted therein are eligible for an ‘extraordinary law and order and security risk allowance’, effective from July 1 this year, it emerged on Saturday.
KP Assembly seeks Article 6 action against Punjab CM
• Passes resolution against Maryam Nawaz; terms her remarks about ‘security threats from neighbouring provinces’ harmful to national unity • PML-N claims her statement is being misread, misrepresented PESHAWAR: After suspending the day’s agenda, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Friday passed a majority resolution seeking action against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz under Article 6 of the Constitution over her remarks that Punjab faced greater security threats from “neighbouring...
Situationer: From jammers to drones - KP’s fight against terrorists ‘takes flight’
Listen to article FROM handheld jammers to anti-drone systems, and now a specialised human division trained for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) combat, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police department is waging a high-tech war against terrorists as their threat evolves from quadcopter surveillance and ammunition drops to swarm attacks.
A comparative study of ultrasound-guided versus fluoroscopy-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection in lumbar radiculopathy: Efficacy, safety, and radiation exposure.
Abstract Objective: Transforaminal epidural steroid injection is the most used intervention as minimally invasive non-surgical management of lumbar radiculopathy. While fluoroscopy guidance remains the traditional gold standard, ultrasound guidance has also gained popularity. This study compares the efficacy, safety, and radiation exposure of ultrasound-guided versus fluoroscopy-guided TFESI. Study Design: Prospective, Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.
PA urges SC to initiate contempt proceedings against federal govt
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution, urging the federal government to implement the Supreme Court’s orders to shift incarcerated PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan to the Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board as well as facilitate regular family meetings.
PTI’s long march aimed at Imran’s release, says CM Afridi
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi on Sunday said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) not only demanded hospitalisation of the incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan for treatment, but also his release from prison. Addressing a gathering, mostly attended by youth in Buner district, he said that shifting Imran Khan to hospital was not their sole demand as they wanted his release from jail.
KP treasury berates federal govt for ‘violating’ SC orders
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Friday briefly discussed and condemned the federal government for “violating” the Supreme Court’s orders by refusing to shift incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to the private Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
JI announces shutter-down, wheel-jam strike against petroleum levy
PESHAWAR: Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Wednesday announced that if the federal government refused to stop collecting levy on petroleum products, a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike would be held after 12th of Rabiul Awwal. “We will shake the current system. We will go for a complete shutter-down and wheel-jam strike a week after 12th of Rabiul Awwal,” the JI chief told party workers during a protest sit-in here.
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