BAJAUR: Representatives of Christian community here on Wednesday reiterated their call for provision of land for a cemetery and allocation of quota in government jobs.

They made the demands during a Khuli Kutcheri arranged by the district administration, according to a statement issued from the deputy commissioner’s office.

Deputy Commissioner Shahid Ali Khan and other officials of the district administration attended the session.

The Christian community members also demanded the issuance of domicile certificates to them.

The representatives also highlighted the lack of proper accommodation facilities, the absence of security measures and the delay in renovation of the lone church in the district.

They said they had been living in the district for over five decades, but their issues were not taken seriously.

The Christian community members asked the deputy commissioner to ensure resolution of their issues without delay.

The deputy commissioner said minority communities were also the equal citizens of Pakistan and ensuring them their rights was the responsibility of the government.

Mr Khan said the district administration was committed to resolving all their issues, and that’s why the open forum was called to know about their problems.

The deputy commissioner directed the officials of the relevant departments to ensure early resolution of the issues highlighted by the Christian community members.

PROMOTION OF PEACE: Senior officials of the district administration and the police have urged the youth to play their critical role in promotion of peace and good governance in the district.

Bajaur deputy commissioner Shahid Ali Khan and district police officer Waqas Rafique made the call during a meeting with youth the other day, according to a statement.

Over 180 youth leaders from across the district attended the meeting meant to discuss major issues facing the district and find out solutions to them.

The youth leaders said the district was plagued by the poor law and order situation, drug smuggling, shortage of teachers in government schools, unavailability of medicines, equipment and specialist doctors in the District Headquarters Hospital and bad roads.

They said there was only one degree collage for girls in the entire district, which failed to accommodate the growing number of students, forcing them to discontinue pursing their academic careers.

DC Shahid Ali assured them that serious efforts would be made to resolve the issues at the earliest.

The deputy commissioner urged the youth to play their role in socioeconomic development of the district.

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2024