The Pakistan Army organised a Sports Day in Tank to celebrate Independence Day and the Fight for Rights.
On this occasion, javelin throwing and tent pegging competitions were held, coordinated by the Pak Army and the District Administration of Tank. The local commander attended the event as the chief guest.
A total of 19 teams from Tank, Dera Ismail Khan, Bhakkar, and Layyah participated, including 76 horse riders. Numerous children and youths took part in the activities.
At the end of the event, the chief guest awarded prizes to the winning teams. The successful organisation of the Sports Day demonstrated the community’s love and appreciation for cultural sports.
The attendees expressed special gratitude to the Pakistan Army for peacefully hosting the event.
Read also: Wana-Dera Ismail Khan road in bad shape, causing problems to commuters
The Wana-Dera Ismail Khan main highway, Gomal Zam Road, is in poor condition due to landslides and road degradation in several areas. Both small and large vehicles, along with passengers, are facing significant difficulties as a result. This disrepair has extended what should be a two-hour journey to five hours, creating challenges for emergency patients trying to reach the hospital quickly.
The situation is further exacerbated by the inadequate cleanliness of the Wana-Gomal Road and the risk of sliding during light rain. The C&W department appears unable to fulfil its responsibilities effectively. Currently, the state of the road is so severe that large vehicles occasionally overturn and get into accidents.
Locals have reported that the Communication and Works (C&W) department allocates crores of rupees every year for road cleaning and maintenance, but little visible work has been done. The community is demanding that the provincial government take immediate action to repair the Wana Gomal Zam Road to facilitate easier travel for everyone.
It’s important to note that Wana Gomal Zam is a key highway for Pak-Afghan trade, with hundreds of small and large vehicles using this route daily. Additionally, people from Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rely on this road for trade, with trucks carrying heavy goods frequently passing through.