KHYBER AGENCY: Under the Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) control programme, an awareness session was held in Jirga Hall of Jamrud on Monday, aimed to impart knowledge about the disease. Jamrud Assistant Political Agent (APA) Muhammad Riaz Khan was the chief guest at the occasion. Agency surgeon Dr Muhammad Rafiq, official of FATA Health Directorate, tribal elders and members of civil society joined the gathering. Speaking at the occasion, Muhammad Riaz Khan said it was imperative to create awareness among tribesmen regarding the fatal disease, AIDS. He said, “The more information the masses will have, the more they will follow precautionary measures against the disease.” He urged health officials to roll up their sleeves to inform the tribes of the menace of AIDS. Dr Muhammad Rafiq, while shedding light on symptoms and precautions, said that although the disease was cureless, timely diagnosis and necessary measures could control its impact. He said abrupt loss of weight, constant cough & temperature, pneumonia, developing of red spots on the patient’s body were a few symptoms of AIDS. It was reported that FATA had 485 HIV positive cases; while 78 were affected with AIDS in Khyber Agency. Bacha Khan Talent test: With the objective to encourage tribal youth to seek general knowledge besides regular curriculum, Bacha Khan Talent test was held at Government Degree College. The activity was organised by Awami National Party (ANP) Khyber Agency chapter and conducted by Pakhtun Student Federation (PSF) Landi Kotal. While sharing details of the test, PSF President Subhan Ali Shinwari said that more than 650 candidates from Landi Kotal participated in an hour long written exam. Thirty invigilators from government and private educational institutes were requested to take the test to ensure transparency. The test results would be announced on December 17, he said. First top ten performers in the test will be awarded a laptop, the PSF President maintained, adding that the purpose of the quiz was to motivate the youth to gain more knowledge. Published in Daily Times, November 5th 2017.