By Ghulam Haider Shaikh
The recent tragedy in Bajaur, where three innocent children lost their lives and five others were seriously injured after a blast caused by explosive material left behind by militants, serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the lingering dangers posed by extremist elements. According to security sources, the horrific incident occurred in the Laghrai area on September 27, when children, unaware of the danger, were playing with abandoned explosive material. The blast not only robbed families of their young loved ones but also left the entire community traumatized. The injured children are currently receiving treatment under the care of Pakistan Army doctors at CMH Peshawar.
This incident highlights the cruel and inhumane tactics of militant groups like the fitna-e-khawarij, who have turned once-peaceful regions into deadly minefields. Even as military operations have significantly weakened these groups, the remnants of their terror, in the form of hidden explosives and sleeper cells, continue to claim innocent lives. It is a grim testament to the lasting scars of conflict, showing how the consequences of terrorism persist long after the perpetrators have fled or been neutralized.
The question that must now be asked is how such deadly remnants can still exist undetected. Despite the tireless efforts of security forces, there appears to be a lack of systematic and comprehensive clearance operations in vulnerable areas. Local authorities and law enforcement agencies must prioritize identifying and neutralizing these hidden threats to prevent further tragedies. Community awareness campaigns are also essential so that residents, especially children, can recognize and report suspicious materials rather than unknowingly coming into contact with them.
This heartbreaking loss must not be seen as just another statistic in the fight against terrorism. It is a stark reminder that the war against extremism is far from over. The courage and sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces, who have relentlessly fought militants and conducted tireless rescue and relief operations, deserve the highest praise. In this tragic incident as well, the swift response of military medical teams in providing urgent treatment to the injured children reflects their unwavering commitment to protecting innocent lives. The government, security forces, and local communities must work hand in hand to ensure these dangerous remnants of militancy are eradicated. Every effort must be made to secure a future where no parent has to bury a child because of the ruthless legacy of extremist violence.
KP’s Fight for Safe Food
The recent large-scale operations carried out by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Food Authority in Mardan and Swat represent a crucial step toward safeguarding public health and ensuring food safety standards in the province. These actions, which targeted unhygienic factories, substandard food outlets, and illegal storage facilities, highlight the growing threat posed by adulterated and contaminated food in local markets. For far too long, consumers have been at the mercy of unscrupulous businesses that prioritize profit over human lives, selling unsafe products that lead to widespread illness and even death.
Mardan and Swat, two of KP’s most prominent districts, are not only commercial hubs but also popular tourist destinations. The sale of substandard and contaminated food in these areas not only endangers the local population but also tarnishes the province’s image as a whole. The operations carried out by the Food Authority are a necessary wake-up call for traders and manufacturers that negligence and greed will no longer be tolerated. Swift action, including the sealing of businesses and heavy fines, sends a strong message to violators.
However, these efforts must go beyond one-time crackdowns. There needs to be a sustained and systematic approach to monitoring food production and distribution. Routine inspections, strict licensing requirements, and the use of modern technology for tracking supply chains can create a lasting framework for accountability. Moreover, public awareness campaigns are essential to educate consumers about the risks of unhygienic and substandard food, empowering them to demand better practices.
The KP government must also ensure that the Food Authority is adequately funded and staffed to maintain these operations over the long term. Protecting the health of citizens is not just a regulatory responsibility but a moral obligation. If enforced consistently, these measures can save countless lives and restore trust in the food industry. The recent crackdown is a commendable first step, but true success will come only when every meal served in KP is safe, hygienic, and prepared with the well-being of the people in mind.
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