Supply of edibles, cash cards among SWA affectees

DI KHAN/TANK: The supply of food items and cash cards among displaced persons of South Waziristan is underway in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank.

Important link roads have been reopened for traffic for access to safe places from the conflict-affected areas.

Lt. Col. of Special Support Group Imdad Hussain told Geo News that over 2,700 cash cards were prepared. Of these, 500 were distributed among SWA affectees in Dera Ismail Khan. The rest of the cards are also being distributed.

The affectees will receive Rs5,000 per month through smart cards.

Op. Rah-e-Nijat: Security forces take control of Kotkai

WANA: Security forces have taken control of Kotkai – the native village of Taliban Chief Hakeemullah Mehsud, whereas 13 extremists were also killed in the clashed Saturday.

According to reports, security forces were advancing toward Kotkai – the village of banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Chief Hakeemullah Mehsud and Qari Husain, who is allegedly known as a recruiter of suicide bombers.

The security forces took control of the region previous night.

During the operation security forces had to face stiff resistance on part of the extremists and 13 militants were killed in the clashes.

3 killed, 2 injured in Bajaur helicopter crash

Updated at: 2048 PST, Saturday, October 24, 2009

BAJAUR AGENCY: Three persons are killed and 2 others injured when an MI-17 helicopter crashed in Bajaur Agency.The army helicopter MI-17 crashed in Tehsil Nawagai. Three persons on board were killed and 2 others injured, sources said.

NWFP schools to remain closed for another week

Updated at: 1827 PST, Saturday, October 24, 2009
PESHAWAR: NWFP Government has decided to keep the schools closed for another week in the backdrop of deteriorating law and order situation.

In a statement issued by NWFP’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, it has been notified that the schools will remain closed till November 1.

Initially the schools in NWFP including Peshwar were closed down from October 21 to 25. This period has now been extended till November 1.

Punjab will decide about reopening of schools in the province by tonight.