CHARSADDA: The residents of Rajar area blocked the main road here to protest the excessive gas outages and low pressure amid thick fog and severe cold.

Led by Shah Saud and Tariq Bacha, the protesters shouted slogans against the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited.

Holding placards, they reached Rajar Chowk and blocked the main Peshawar Road.

The speakers said the suspension of gas supply had badly hit people’s lives.

Protesters also complain about hike in gas rate

They complained that the SNGPL issued inflated bills to consumers but didn’t ensure smooth gas supply.

The speakers resented the recent “700 per cent” hike in gas rate and said the move added to the misery of inflation-hit people.

They demanded an immediate end to gas outages, supply of gas with good pressure, and reduction in gas tariff.

The protesters cleared the road at the request of the district administration during talks.

SCHOOLS CLOSED: The administration closed 16 private schools in Shabqadar tehsil here for violating orders of the provincial government regarding campus closures in the summer zone.

It also arrested owners of four private schools over the violation of those orders.

The action was taken by a team led by additional assistant commissioner Shayan Ali on the orders of deputy commissioner Adnan Farid.

The team sealed 16 private schools and arrested four owners.

However, they were released after being given notices.

Like other parts of the province, the government has extended winter vacation for one week (until Jan 7) here due to severe cold and thick fog.

Mr Ali said forcing children into going to schools despite inclement weather could harm the health of children.

“Strict legal action will be taken against schools violating government orders,” he said.

The Private Education Network resented the action.

“We condemn the detention of schoolteachers. It is an insult to teachers. If such actions are taken in future, we will strong react,” PEN provincial general secretary Tahir Amin told reporters outside the Shabqadar police station.

KILLED: A man was killed and another injured near Aslam Khan Korona area in Shabqadar area over rivalry.

The gunmen fled in a car after the firing, according to injured Zar Khan.

He told police at the tehsil headquarters hospital that a motorcycle ridden by him and his nephew, Sahib Khan, were fired at by Mohammad Niaz and other men.

Mr Zar Khan added that the gunshots killed his nephew on the spot and injured him.

Both the deceased and the injured were shifted by locals to the THQ Hospital, Shabqadar.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2024