Protest staged in Pak’s Swat against cleric’s killing

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Workers and supporters of a religious party took to the streets in Swat district of Pakistan on Saturday to protest delay in arrest of the killers of a cleric, Sheikh Abdul Hamid.

The protest was organised by the youth force of Central Jamiat Ahle Hadith, Swat chapter, with the protesters holding banners and placards and demanding immediate arrest of the killers.

The protest leaders said the killing reflected on the poor law and order situation prevailing in the province.

They vowed to continue agitating till the culprits were arrested and brought to justice.

They demanded of Chief Minister Mahmood Khan to ensure immediate arrest of the culprits.

Sheikh Hamid and his brother, Sheikh Mohammad were critically injured when two motorcyclists opened fire on them in Qazi Kallay area in the limits of Faqirabad police station of Peshawar on the night of last Sunday. They were taken to hospital, where Sheikh Hamid succumbed to injuries.

FUNDS SANCTIONED: The government has sanctioned Rs125 million for various projects in the University of Swat.

According to a press release issued on Saturday, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan had released Rs100 million for completion of construction work on the

Varsity’s main campus in Charbagh, while the federal government had approved Rs20 million for its Shangla campus.

Additional Rs5 million have been approved for co-curricular activities.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Hassan Sher thanked the chief minister and secretary higher education for approving the funds.

He said with the completion of construction work on the main campus, the university would be able to provide quality education to students of Swat and other districts. (Dawn)