LOWER DIR: Women teachers working in second shift at government schools staged a protest on Saturday in front of the Timergara Press Club, demanding regularisation of their services. They also rejected the education department`s decision to replace them with newly-recruited staff.

The teachers, joined by students, blocked the main Balambat Road for several hours, bringing traffic between Balambat, Jandol and Bajaur to a standstill. Commuters faced severe inconvenience due to the prolonged road closure.Carrying placards inscribed with their demands, the protesting teachers said they had been teaching in second shifts for the past two years and had played a significant role in promoting women education in the district.

`We contributed to the rise in literacy rates by serving in difficult conditions,` said a teacher, adding instead of recognising their efforts, the government planned to terminate their services.

They urged the provincial government to regularise their jobs instead of recruiting fresh candidates, arguing that their experience and dedication deserved acknowledgement and job security.

The protest concluded after additional assistant commissioner Abdul Aziz Khan assured the demonstrators that their concerns would be forwarded to higher authorities forconsideration.

CHEQUES DISTRIBUTED: District police officer Abdul Salam Khalid and DSP headquarters Amir Zeb Khan distributed welfare fund cheques among 63 policemen at a ceremony held on Saturday.

A total of Rs4.475 million was distributed among the officials. The cheques covered medical expenses and dowry assistance, aiming to support the welfare of police officials and acknowledge their dedicated services.

PPP LEADER BOOKED: The Dir Levies on Saturday registered a case against a local leader of Pakistan Peoples Party, Alam Zeb Advocate, for allegedly obstructing official duties and using inappropriate language during a protest staged by women teachers.

According to the FIR, the incident occurred near the Timergara-Balambat Bypass. The FIR was filed by Zar Kamin Khan, Naib Subedar of Dir Levies, under sections 506, 500, 353, and 341 of Pakistan Penal Code.

The complaint said officials from the assistant commissioner`s office had persuaded protesting teachers to call off their demonstration when Mr Zeb and several others allegedly intervened and attempted to resume the protest.

The FIR further alleged that the PPP leader used objectionable language, incited the protesters, and threatened officials on duty.

Responding to allegations, Alam Zeb said he did not care about the FIR and said he was present at the scene in support of the teachers` demands. `As a political activist, it is my duty to stand by those seeking justice,` he said, adding he was ready to face any legal proceedings.