Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) has declared six 11 kV feeders as loadshedding free, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the day to several urban and peri urban areas of Peshawar. The move is being viewed as a significant step towards improving the reliability of basic civic infrastructure and power distribution services in the region. According to PESCO, the feeders placed on continuous supply include Hashtnagri, Saeedabad, Islam Abad, Aladand, Express Kotigram and City Khwaza Khela. These feeders serve densely populated residential neighbourhoods as well as commercial and mixed use areas, where consistent electricity supply is considered essential for daily life and economic activity. PESCO Chief Executive Akhtar Hamid Khan said the development was made possible through improved consumer cooperation, particularly in preventing electricity theft and ensuring timely payment of bills. He stated that these measures led to a noticeable reduction in technical and commercial losses on the selected feeders. He added that sustained enforcement actions against power theft played a key role in stabilising the system, allowing the utility to fully eliminate loadshedding on these feeders and maintain uninterrupted power distribution. Urban planning experts note that reliable electricity supply contributes to improved land productivity, supports property values and enables smoother business operations, especially in built up urban areas where power shortages often disrupt trade and residential living. PESCO officials acknowledged the support of the district administration, police and the Federal Investigation Agency in enforcement efforts. They further indicated that similar measures may be extended to additional feeders in the future as part of a broader strategy to strengthen long term urban service delivery and infrastructure stability. [[IMG:Images/mid-re-national-30-1-2026.jpeg]] CEO PESCO, Mr. Akhtar Hamid Khan

Peshawar | ReNews Pakistan The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has formally divided Swat District into two separate administrative districts, issuing an official notification to implement the change immediately. This decision follows approval at the provincial cabinet meeting held on 19 December 2025. Under the reorganisation, the existing Swat District has been split into District Bar Swat and a redefined District Swat. Bar Swat District will include the tehsils of Matta, Bahrain, and Khwazakhela, with its district headquarters established in Matta. Meanwhile, the newly defined Swat District will comprise the tehsils of Babozai, Kabal, Charbagh, and Barikot, with Gulkada in Babuzai Tehsil designated as its headquarters. Officials state that the division is intended to bring administrative services closer to residents, enhance the delivery of public services, and allow for more efficient planning and implementation of development projects. With this administrative change, the total number of districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has increased to 40. Authorities have distributed copies of the notification to relevant provincial and federal departments to ensure the smooth implementation of the new district structures by all government offices, including revenue, police, judicial, and election bodies.

District Khyber formerly Khyber Agency | ReNews Pakistan Thousands of families displaced from high risk areas of the Tirah Valley remain in limbo as delays continue in land exchange and relocation to designated residential sites. Several areas have yet to be formally cleared or vacated, forcing families to rely on temporary shelter while awaiting transport arrangements. Displaced residents say the Tehsildar of Bara, Daud Afridi, is responsible for issuing transport tokens intended to facilitate movement out of the area. However, poor record management and administrative shortcomings have slowed the process, leaving many families without authorised transport. According to affected families, transport tokens may be issued either collectively or in stages, but procedural obstacles and administrative bottlenecks have turned relocation into a prolonged and uncertain ordeal. The provincial government has emphasised the need for transparent procedures, accurate documentation, and effective oversight to ensure the relocation process is conducted fairly and efficiently. Despite ongoing official efforts, delays in land clearance and population movement persist, while pressure continues to mount on authorities to accelerate logistical and relief operations. [[IMG:Images/mid-img-re-news.jpeg]] The unfolding situation in Tirah reflects a structured but deeply painful forced displacement driven by security considerations. Increased activity by proscribed militant groups, particularly the TTP, in the Tirah Valley of District Khyber prompted security forces to launch a large scale military operation. In late December 2025, a written jirga agreement between tribal elders and the local administration required residents to vacate the area between 10 January and 25 January 2026. Officials argue that militants exploit densely populated areas and civilian homes as cover, making it necessary to clear the region of civilians to enable decisive action. Within this framework, land exchange and residential relocation were introduced to provide affected tribes with temporary or permanent housing in safer areas, while allowing security forces to establish control over strategically sensitive locations. The administration is also registering land and homes to ensure compensation of up to three million rupees or alternative accommodation for properties damaged during the operation. Yet the human cost has become increasingly visible. Thousands of families, including women and children, have been left exposed to severe cold and snowfall. The transport token system has been marred by mismanagement, and despite government pledges of cash assistance and monthly stipends, delays in registration have prevented relief from reaching many of those displaced. While the displacement may be designed to meet security objectives, administrative failures have left ordinary citizens facing prolonged hardship and loss of dignity.