KOHAT, Feb 3: Militants have been wiped out from different parts of Kohat division while operations in Kurram and Orakzai tribal agencies are in progress for restoring the government’s writ, said Kohat commissioner Sahibzada Mohammad Anees on Friday.

He was speaking at a function at his residence held in connection with Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) under the auspices of Kohat Arts Council. He urged ulema from different sects to play their role in stopping targeted killings, especially on Kohat-Hangu highway and in Hangu district.

Mr Anees said that the security forces had rendered great sacrifices for establishing peace in Kohat division and soon the government’s writ would be restored in the two tribal agencies.

About Kohat prison, he said that security forces would hand over three barracks to the civil administration within next few days. He said that with improvement in security situation in the region the whole jail would be vacated by the army.

The commissioner said that work on installation of exhaust fans and lighting system of Kohat tunnel would be completed within three months and funds for this purpose had been released. He said that the government was aware of problems being faced by the people due to total blackout and suffocation in the nearly two-kilometre tunnel.

He said that a premix asphalt plant would soon reach Kohat from Abbottabad to increase the pace of work on 35km Kohat-Hangu dual highway. He said that the dilapidated roads, including Bannu bypass, would be repaired soon.

He said that repair work on three bridges destroyed by militants in Darra Adamkhel and construction of a new bridge over Indus River at Khushalgarh was in progress. The bridges in Darra would be opened to traffic next month, he said.

He said that removal of encroachments and strict implementation of laws would solve traffic problems in the city. Besides, the bazaars would also be widened by removing encroachments.

The Milad function was attended by DCOs of Kohat and Karak, Kohat Bar Association president Mr Shahid, former MNA Javed Ibrahim Paracha and people from different walks of life.

On this occasion, children recited Naats and verses from the Holy Quran.

ARMS SEIZED: The city police seized illegal weapons during raids on arms dealers’ shops here on Friday. The weapons include 10 pistols, five shotguns, two rifles and 16 chargers.

The police registered cases against the dealers and have launched investigation. The police arrested 10 arms dealers, who were released on bail within next few hours, the Muharrar of city police told this correspondent.

It was learnt that the arms dealers were in possession of arms and ammunition in excess of their quota.

TWO KILLED: Two people were killed over a petty issue in Sherkot area on Hangu road here on Friday. Police said that Jannat Shah and Sabit Shah backed by their supporters exchanged fire in which both of them were killed.

The Ustarzai police registered a case against other people involved in the clash and have launched investigation.