UPPER DIR: Two volunteers of a local Peace Committee were martyred following an exchange of fire with militants in the Sangar Top area of Tehsil Dir, according to police and local sources.
The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday evening in Sangar Top Dobando, located in Union Council Qualandi. Sources said militants also opened fire on the houses of Peace Committee volunteers in Hatan Dara Bagh Kalay.
According to Dir Police and local residents, Wali Rehman, son of Abdur Rahman and a resident of Shahi Bagh, was killed at the scene.
Another volunteer, Khan Lali, son of Asif Khan and also a resident of Shahi Bagh, was injured in the firing. He was initially shifted to DHQ Hospital Dir and later referred to Timergara in critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Reports that militants allegedly took two Peace Committee volunteers with them could not be independently confirmed. Claims that several militants had been surrounded by Peace Committee members also remained unverified.
Intermittent firing between the two sides was reportedly continuing on Wednesday, amid heightened tensions in the area.
Schools Remain Closed Amid Tensions
The security situation has also affected education in Union Council Qualandi.
Around two dozen government boys’ and girls’ schools in the area have reportedly remained closed since August 14, creating difficulties for students and disrupting educational activities.
Local residents have expressed concern over the prolonged disruption and the impact of the tense security situation on communities and students.