A serious measles outbreak has gripped the remote and mountainous areas of Ghora Banda and Khora Banda in Lower Dir, claiming the lives of five young children and leaving dozens more infected. Local sources confirmed that the five deceased children were aged between two and seven years. Many other children from the same isolated localities have developed classic symptoms of the highly contagious disease, including high fever, widespread rash and severe difficulty in breathing. The affected youngsters have been shifted to different hospitals in the district, where they are receiving medical treatment under the supervision of health staff. As soon as reports of the fatalities and rising cases reached the district administration, Deputy Commissioner Lower Dir Basharat Ahmad and District Health Officer (DHO) Lower Dir immediately proceeded to the affected areas on an emergency footing. The deputy commissioner met the grieving families, offered his condolences over the tragic loss of the innocent children, and assured them that the administration would provide every possible assistance and support during this difficult time.