PESHAWAR: Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have stepped up public welfare and administrative measures following the imposition of governor’s rule and an emergency in the province, accelerating a cleanliness drive in Dera Ismail Khan and launching an anti-encroachment operation in Bara, Khyber district.
Under the Clean and Green Khyber Pakhtunkhwa* campaign, relevant departments have deployed additional staff and machinery in Dera Ismail Khan to speed up garbage collection and drain cleaning.
The campaign covers commercial centres, major roads and residential neighbourhoods, with residents welcoming the ongoing sanitation efforts.
Meanwhile, on the instructions of the deputy commissioner, the Khyber district administration carried out an anti-encroachment operation in Bara, targeting areas from Khyber Chowk to Red Minar and along the Alam Godar Bypass Road.
During the operation, temporary and permanent encroachments were demolished to facilitate the public and widen roads, the administration said.
Officials said relevant regulations would be strictly enforced to prevent encroachments, maintain cleanliness and ensure smooth traffic flow.
Separately, efforts to establish lasting peace and promote development in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan, have highlighted the need to curb drugs, illegal weapons and money laundering.
The region faces multiple law and order challenges due to its geographical location, proximity to the border and the presence of former tribal areas.
The use of illegal weapons contributes to fear and insecurity, drug abuse threatens the future of young people, and money laundering undermines the economy, according to the report.
Authorities have stressed the importance of coordinated efforts by law enforcement agencies and local communities to improve security and support sustainable development.
Residents have also been urged to report suspicious activities, including the trafficking of drugs and illegal weapons, to the police to help strengthen law and order and protect young people from substance abuse.
