LOWER DIR: Annual sports` competitions among government and private high and higher secondary schools began here on Wednesday.

District Education Officer (DEO) Inayatullah along with other officials formally inaugurated the event during a colourful function at the government high school Shamshi Khan Talash by cutting a ribbon. Schools` heads, area elders, teachers, students and players attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, the DEO said that sports had equal importance in the growth and development of children.

He said youth had great potential in sports as several players of the region represented the country on the national and international level.

Different sports including cricket, hockey, football, volleyball, badminton and tennis would be held at various locations.

ANTI-NA RCOTICS DRIVE: In a major step in the fight against narcotics, a drug dealer publicly renounced his involvement in drug trafficking.

The individual made the declaration in the presence of DSP Naeem Khan and other senior police officials.

The drug dealer publicly vowed to end his involvement in drug trafficking, swearing on the Holy Quran to stop all illegal activities. The man expressed his desire to lead a life free from criminal activities. The DSP commended the act, emphasising the police`s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks.

Moreover, the district police officer Kulachi visited the site of Koto Hydro Power station and reviewed security arrangements for the Chinese engineers working on the project. He directed the police officials to tighten the security arrangements. He said that police would provide adequate security to the Chinese workforce during their engagement with the project.