LAKKI MARWAT: A suspected drug traf ficker was killed in exchange of fire with police in Ghoriwala area of Bannu on Friday.

An of ficial said the police had set up a check point to foil a possible drug smuggling attempt. He said police noticed three suspects riding a motorcycle and signalled them to stop.

However, the suspects stopped the two-wheeler at a distance from the check point and opened fire on personnel. The of ficial said the law enforcers returned the fire and a gun battle continued for some time.

He said a suspect, identified as Dil Mohammad, was killed, while hisaccomplices escaped. The deceased belonged to Ghoriwala area but had been living in Dera Ismail Khan for last seven years, he added.

He said the cops seized a pistol and ice drug from him, and later registered a case against his fleeing suspects.

RAINWATER HARVEST: Outgoing Lakki Marwat deputy commissioner Iqbal Hussain Bacha has asked farmers to harvest rainwater for watering their crops.

Speaking at a function in Tajazai on Friday, he said storing rain and floodwater was inevitable to boost local economy.

Mr Hussain, who has been posted asDirector General of Provincial Education Monitoring Authority, said earth embankments along water courses were built in Lakki, which not only prevented destruction to public property in case of flooding, but also helped store floodwater for future uses.

He said strengthening local economy and raising living standard of people remained one of his priorities during his stint as Lakki deputy commissioner.

The flood control strategy will flourish agriculture and also boost livestock and other allied sectors, he maintained. Correspondent