LAKKI MARWAT: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Sami (JUI-S) provincial chief Maulana Yousaf Shah has said that there is no deadlock in the ongoing talks between the government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

Addressing a ceremony, held here on Tuesday in connection with election of the district office-bearers of JUI-S, he said that nation would hear good news soon.

Mr Shah, who is also coordinator of Taliban committee for negotiations, said that both government and Taliban showed seriousness in the talks. Both the sides were moving in the right direction and the entire nation should pray for success of the peace talks, he added.

The JUI-S leader said that use of force was not a solution to any problem. The dialogue between the government and Taliban was the only option for restoration of peace, he said.

Earlier, JUI-S workers elected new district office-bearers for the next three-year term. The elections were held under the supervision of Maulana Mohammad Idrees.

Maulana Habibullah Haqqani and Nazir Ahmad were elected district emir and general secretary of JUI-S in the elections. The newly elected emir and general secretary will nominate other district office-bearers of the party.

Mr Shah congratulated the newly elected office-bearers and urged them to utilise their energies for strengthening JUI-S in the district. “The JUI-S workers and leaders should promote Islam as a religion of peace and play their role to restore peace in the country,” he said.

SPORTS: The army organised Lieutenant Adnan Shaheed Sports Gala here on Tuesday to provide youth and local players with an opporty of taking part in games and healthy activities.

The military and civil officials, sports lovers and office-bearers of sports organisations attended the ceremony. The local sports clubs from across the district participated in volleyball, basketball and cricket matches.

Kot Kashmir club beat Sultan club in volleyball while Jabukhel club outclassed Fareed club and qualified for the quarter final round. Similarly, Subedar club and Gandi club also made their way to the quarter final by defeating Javed club Landiwah and Zeb club respectively.