TIMERGARA: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elementary and secondary education department has introduced new uniform for students of state-run schools in Lower Dir.

However, the decision has attracted criticism from the Jamaati-Islami and religious clerics.

The new uniform comprising pants and shirt was introduced in the government high school, Mian Banda, at a function at the school on Wednesday, where district education officer Dr Hafiz Ibrahim was the chief guest.

It was informed on the occasion that the management and parentteacher council (PTC) of the school had decided to let the students choose between the old uniform, which is traditional black militia shalwar-gameez, or the new school dress, and they opted for the latter, sources told Dawn.

On the occasion, school head Gul Rehman and the DEO appreciated the choice of the students and said other schools in the district would also follow the suit.

It is to mention here that theKhyber Pakhtunkhwa elementary and secondary education department has authorised the school managements and their respective PTCs to decide on the new uniform.

After the decision many schools in Lower Dir have opted for the new uniform for their pupils.

But, the decision has earned the ire of local Jamaat-i-Islami lawmak-ers who rejected the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government`s move.

JI Lower Dir emir and former MNA Maulana Asadullah, MPA Izazul Mulk Afkari and others in a statement rejected the paints shirt schooluniform,insistingthatimproving education standard was the real change. They said introduction of pants and shirt reflected westernmindset of the rulers. `We will strongly resist the move,` vowed Mr Afkari, promising he would raise the issue on the provincial assembly floor.

A cleric told Dawn that people of Dir would not accept the new uniform in schools.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Regional Police Officer, Malakand Division, Akhtar Hayat Gandapur on Wednesday said dispute resolution councils (DRCs) were earning trust of people as they were amicably addressing disputes and maintaining peace in the region. He was addressing a function after inaugurating the office for Lower Dir DRC at Timergara police lines.

The DRC members informed the meeting that so far 600 cases had been settled in Lower Dir. They said DRC members worked voluntarily andimpartially.

The RPO said legal cover had been provided to the decisions of DRCs, adding the forum acted like Pakhtun jirga and its decisions were accepted by both the parties. Correspondent