Five political activists hurt in Mansehra clash

MANSEHRA: Five activists of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) sustained injuries in an exchange of fire in Dodial area, police officials said on Saturday.

They said the comments on social media triggered the clash between the activists of the two groups late Friday night.

The injured were identified as Nadeem Khan, his cousin Shakeel and Mohammad Hamad of PML-N and Maavia Hussain and Yasir Khan of PTI.

The injured were taken to the Civil Hospital in Shinkiari wherefrom doctors referred them to the King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, Mansehra.

Nadeem Khan, one of the injured, told reporters that the issue, which was started over the comments on Facebook, was settled when local office-bearers of both parties’ intervened. However, he alleged the rival party’s activists intercepted their car, pulled him and other out of it, and opened fire on them.

A case has been registered in Shinkiari Police Station and the police have started raids to arrest the suspects.

Our correspondent in Mingora adds: Thirteen persons, including 12 schoolteachers, sustained injuries when a Suzuki van plunged into a gorge in Madyan area of Swat district, police said on Saturday. They said that the schoolteachers of four different schools were returning home after performing duty in a Suzuki van.