LAKKI MARWAT: Local residents have expressed concern over the delay in reconstruction of the Tajazai-Darra Tang Road, asking the provincial government to arrange funds for the artery, which connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab and Islamabad via the CPEC Route.

Talking to Dawn here on Sunday, they said that many portions of the road were in dilapidated condition, causing inconvenience to the transporters.

They said that the road was used by local transporters and those from Bannu, Tank and North Waziristan districts to travel to and from Punjab and Islamabad.

Zubair, a resident, said the potholed portions of the road troubled goods and public transporters.

Declaring Tajazai-Darra Tang Road a busy trade route, he said that poor road infrastructure had also increased sufferings of traders from southern districts.

Other residents said that MPA Johar Mohammad Khan had claimed to have got approved the dualisation and reconstruction of the road from the provincial government, but to no avail.

They said that the potholed portions of the road were filled with sand last month in order to ease heavy traffic movement for the Tableeghi Jamaat congregation.

They asked Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to direct quarters concerned to launch work on the road.

SPORTS GALA: Assistant commissioner, Bannu, Syed Abrar Ali Shah, inaugurated a sports gala during a colourful ceremony on Sunday.

The inaugural ceremony held at Miryakhel sports ground was attended among others by district sports officer Adil Shah, game lovers and office-bearers of sports bodies.

With the opening of the festival, cricket, futsal and basketball matches were played among local teams.

On the occasion, Mr Ali said that the sports gala had been organised on the special directives of deputy commissioner Abdul Hameed Khan to provide the players with opportunities to exhibit their sporting skills and talent.

He said that the Bannu district was rich in sports talent and it had produced prominent players, who earned repute for the country at international level.

The assistant commissioner asked the youth to take part in sports and healthy activities and become the pioneers of bringing a positive change in the society.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2024