LAKKI MARWAT: The authorities have decided to conduct drug test of students at educational institutions in Bannu as part of government’s initiative to make campuses drug-free.

The decision was made in a meeting held in Bannu on Thursday with Commissioner Parweiz Sabatkhel in the chair. The meeting reviewed a joint action plan and called for coordinated efforts by all stakeholders to eradicate the menace of drugs from society.

The deputy commissioner of Bannu, Shah Saud, and officials of police, excise and taxation and other relevant departments attended the meeting.

The commissioner said that all students would take drug tests as government was committed to eliminating drug abuse in educational institutions. He said that abuse of ice and other drugs was the main reason of surge in crime rate in the region.

Official says initiative is part of govt’s plan to make campuses drug-free

He directed officials to find a piece of land for establishment of a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts in Bannu.

He also directed the officials of Lakki Marwat, Bannu and North Waziristan districts to share details of foreigners with his office and expedite anti-narcotics action in their respective areas.

LEAVES: The water and sanitation services company (WSSC) Bannu and Rescue 1122 Lakki Marwat have cancelled Eid vacations of their employees and directed them to ensure attendance at their duty stations.

WSSC manager Jawadullah Kundi told journalists that the company divided the district into seven zones and made special arrangements for cleanliness and provision of civic amenities to people. He said that Deputy Commissioner Shah Saud would monitor the performance of WSSC workers during Eid days.

In Lakki Marwat, Rescue 1122 district emergency officer Atif Sardar chaired a meeting at his office to review arrangements for Eid.

He asked officials to ensure provision of standard services to people during Eidul Azha. He also directed rescuers to be alert round the clock along with emergency vehicles and equipment.

Also, the deputy commissioner of Bannu, Shah Saud, has banned one wheeling, overspending, display of weapons for a period of 10 days in the district.

An official said on Thursday that the restrictions were imposed in the light of reports that anti-social elements could create law and order situation to accomplish their nefarious designs during Eidul Azha.

“It is also imperative to ban pillion riding, use of tinted glasses in vehicles and firing in the air to avert any untoward incident during Eid days,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2024