KOHAT: The Lachi police arrested a notorious prisoner, who had escaped from jail after dodging the staff a few days ago, from the mountains of Sumari Payan on Monday.

The notorious gang leader, Mohammad Abid, who had killed four policemen, including an SHO and additional SHO, last year, had managed to escape as soon he embarked from the bus which brought the prisoners back from court to the jail on August 17. His accomplices had taken him to a safe haven.

SHO Lachi Azamat Khan got information about the hiding den of Mohammad Abid, which was surrounded by large number of police. He gave himself up to the police without resistance.

The police also started departmental inquiry against 18 cops who were booked and suspended for showing criminal negligence in bringing Abid to the prison, who broke two cordons and fled from the jail premises.

Meanwhile, police arrested 10 proclaimed offenders and seized weapons from them during raids on Monday.

A statement issued from the district police office said police contingents conducted operations in different parts of the district and held 10 POs wanted in murder, attempted murder and kidnapping for ransom cases.

Also, over 135 suspects were arrested who were being interrogated at various police stations.

The arms recovered included five Kalashnikovs, two rifles, eight shotguns, 30 pistols, 25 magazines, 10 kilogrammes of hashish and hundreds of cartridges.

PENSIONERS PAID AFTER PROTEST: The Pakistan Post’s local office made payment of pension to over 175 pensioners, including 29 women, before Eidul Azha following protest and blockade of Rawalpindi highway by them on Monday.

The administration intervened in the protest held by aged people belonging to far flung areas of Gumbat tehsil and processed their cases through post office.

The people had been protesting due to non-payment of pension before Eidul Azha by the local post office.

Additional deputy commissioner, Shanawaz and additional assistant commissioner, Sahibzada Samiullah were rushed to the area by deputy commissioner Khalid Ilyas to allay concerns of the pensioners.

The protesters dispersed peacefully after receiving pension.

COLLECTION OF HIDES: The caretaker of Wafaqul Madaris Maulvi Mujahideen has termed the notification of getting NOC for collection of hides of sacrificial animals by seminaries only two days ahead of Eidul Azha unjust and economic murder of students studying there.

In a statement issued on Monday, he said the police informed them to get the NOC from the deputy commissioner for collecting skins which showed the grudge of the government against seminaries.

He said Sunday was holiday and Tuesday would also be off day, so how they could get NOC in one day.

He said the people themselves gave skins to the seminaries without any kind of pressure and the government could not stop the practice.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2018