Pakistani, Afghan security officials meet at Torkham to improve neighbourly relations

Tribal elders and local officials quickly de-escalated the situation, saying fighting along the border benefits only terrorists.

'My aim is to end terrorism, establish peace, empower women and democratise the tribal population,' said Ali Begum, a retired civil servant from Kurram Agency.

An ongoing awareness campaign is teaching locals in Waziristan how to recognise IEDs, land mines and other explosive devices left behind by militants.

A new firefighting service equipped with motorcycles will be able to reach fires on narrow streets, holding them off until larger fire trucks can arrive.

Authorities also arrested three individuals suspected of involvement in three terrorist attacks in Parachinar.

Doctors began providing free treatment in January to combat the spread of the deadly disease.