Lakki residents protest delay in completion of road project.

LAKKI MARWAT -- Residents of rural localities on Tuesday demonstrated in Tajori area here against the stoppage of work on a road project and non-release of water in the Marwat canal.

Led by Ahmadzai Jirga chairman Inamullah Khan, the villagers took out a rally from Bakhmal Ahmadzai and reached Tajori Bazaar. Elders, traders and students also participated.

On the occasion, Inamullah said construction work on the 22km road from Malang Adda to Tajori had been stopped for last three months. He said the communication and works department was citing lack of funds as the reason behind stoppage of work. However, he claimed the department had sufficient funds, but was delaying completion of road deliberately.

Other elders said travelling on the under-construction road had become a nightmare for transporters and commuters as it had been dug up some three years ago.

They asked the authorities concerned to resume work on the road and ensure its completion without delay. They also blasted the authorities for not releasing water in the Marwat canal despite the fact that its rehabilitation had completed.

The Ahmadzai Jirga chairman said the canal was a matter of life and death for local residents, particularly growers, who were dependent on it to irrigate their lands.

BODY FOUND: Bullet-riddled body of a man was found in the fields near Kausar Fatehkhel village in Bannu district, the police said on Tuesday.

Mandan police station officials said the deceased was identified as Samiullah, 36, a...