MINGORA, Oct 2: People on Monday staged rallies in various parts of Swat valley against Benazir Income Support Programme officials over denial of financial assistance to them.

In Matta, protesters alleged that BISP and post office officials were delaying payment of money to them despite production of all relevant papers.

They also accused the said officials of favouritism.

Some women alleged that the post office staff mistreated them.

Protesters appealed to the chief justice to step in to ease their misery.

However, in charge of Matta post office Sheharyar Khan denied that payment of BISP money to deserving families was being delayed or denied.

He said the charge was absurd as distribution of BISP funds to the registered people was underway.

He, however, said there were some areas, where distribution of money was slow due to understaffing at the post offices. In Manglore, some women blocked Kalam-Mingora Road against non-payment of BISP financial assistance.

They accused in charge of BISP in their area Akhtar Hussain of favouritism in money disbursement.

However, Mr Hussain denied the accusation and said the protest was staged at the behest of some local politicians.

SPORTS: Provincial finance minister Hamayun Khan on Monday said Swat Sports Gala was a great gift of Pakistan Army for the residents of the valley and that it would give a message of peace to the world.

He said this while addressing the concluding ceremony of the football and volleyball final matches held under the Swat Sports Gala in Kabal.