LOWER DIR: The participants of a rally here on Sunday pledged to continue their efforts for maintenance peace in the area.

The rally was organised by Rabat Grand Jirga. The participants of the rally carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans of `We want peace on our soil` marched on the road in Rabat and chanted slogans for maintenance of peace.

The rally was attended by workers of different political parties, local government representatives, traders and social activists. The rally was addressed by Shad Nawaz Khan, Maulana Ghani Rehman, Sahibullah, Badshahi Mulk, president AnjumanTajiran Rabat Haji Syed Ghani and others.

They said that the residents of the area would continue their efforts for maintenance of peace. They said that any kind of unrest and militancy would not be tolerated and full cooperation would be extended to the security forces for the establishment of lasting peace.

The speakers said the residents had very bad experience during the last wave of terrorism and military operation in 2009. They said that peace was essential for progress and development. They condemned the attack on MPA Malik Liaqat Ali Khan and said that such acts would not be tolerated in future.

JUI-F: Scores of political activists announced to quit their parties and joined Jamiat Ulema-i-Isalm-Fazl (JUI-F) during a function in Katan Bala on Saturday.

The function was addressed by JUI-F district chief Sirajud Din, general secretary Javed Iqbal, Timergara tehsil chairman Mufti Irfanud Din, Maulana Noor Salim and others.

The speakers thanked the newcomers and said that the party would not leave them alone.

Mufti Irfan said that he would try his best to resolve public issues related to local government.

DISEASE: Several cattle heeds have been suffering from lumpy skin disease in Rabat, according to a social activist Amanullah.

He told journalists that district administration and livestock department should take notice of the situation. He claimed that hundreds of animals were affected by the disease in the area.