DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Employees of the Medical Teaching Institution (MTI) in Dera Ismail Khan on Thursday staged a protest sit-in at the administration block, demanding approval of their service structure, an increase in salaries and payment of outstanding allowances.
The protesters complained that they had been approaching relevant offices and authorities since 2020 for approval of their service structure, but no tangible progress had been made despite repeated assurances.
They said they had repeatedly been promised the resolution of the issue within two or three years.
The protesters said they were given another assurance in December 2025 that the service structure would be approved within five to six months.
They added that the deadline had also passed, but they had yet to receive written confirmation of approval or any clear indication of progress.
The protesters said that the case concerning the service structure and the required procedural work had already been completed. They, however, said they had not been shown any formal written progress and were repeatedly asked to wait for further action.
The employees also said they had received no salary increase since 2023 and were not being paid certain allowances. They said the situation had created financial difficulties over the past three years, particularly amid rising living costs.
The protesters demanded immediate approval of the service structure, resolution of the issue of salary increases pending from 2023, and practical measures for payment or restoration of their outstanding allowances. The employees said their protest was peaceful and that the sit-in at the administration block was intended to draw the authorities’ attention to their long standing grievances. They indicated that the protest would continue until their demands were addressed.
RELIEF, REHAB WORK: Relief and rehabilitation work is under way in areas of Paharpur tehsil affected by a breach in the Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC) with efforts focused on reducing water pressure and restoring road links, say officials.
Under the supervision of the Paharpur assistant commissioner, emergency measures have been taken to drain accumulated water and prevent further damage to nearby settlements. Officials said a cut was made on the main Paharpur Bypass to ease water pressure and accelerate drainage, helping protect nearby population from further damage.
They said the work had also begun on the emergency restoration of Paniala road to make it functional as an alternative route for commuters and residents.
Officials said heavy machinery was being used near Pir Asahab to clear and restore the Dhakki MorrMardan Bridge Road, with work progressing rapidly.
The district administration and relevant departments remain engaged in relief and restoration efforts to minimise the impact of the canal breach and restore normal life at the earliest.