HARIPUR: Two persons were killed when an exchange of fire took place during a jirga in Beer village here on Tuesday.

Police said that general councillor Riaz Khan of Beer village had called a jirga to seek advice for hiring some local youth for an NGO-funded community development project.

During the consultations, some people opened fire at each other after exchanging harsh words over who should be hired first. The firing resulted in the instant death of Niaz and Khizar.

Meanwhile, Hazara region police officer Tahir Ayub Khan on Tuesday reviewed security arrangements at the projects wherein foreigners are engaged.

He visited the Tarbela Dam’s 5th Extension Project and met the Chinese nationals and Wapda officials and security officers.

Tarbela general manager Anwar Shah and in-charge security Col retired Mohammad Tahir briefed the RPO about the security of Chinese nationals at the project site and their travel routes.

RPO Ayub reiterated that the security of foreigners engaged in the developmental projects of national importance was the top priority of the government, and that the Hazara police were taking all out efforts to provide foolproof security to them.

The RPO asked Haripur district police officer Suleman Zafar to take further steps for security of Chinese at the project sites and travel routes by establishing close coordination with the Tarbela dam security in-charge and the management so that the concerted efforts could be ensured in case of any emergency in future.

Mr Ayub asked the DPO to keep exchanging operational plans with the relevant stakeholders for effective security of foreigners working in Haripur.

Earlier, during a meeting with the police officers, the RPO was briefed about the law and order situation and actions taken against criminals in the district. He directed the officers to ensure arrest of all the proclaimed offenders and drug peddlers.

Later, RPO Ayub also visited the industrial units in Hattar.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2024