Keeping in view existing law and order situation with particular reference to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, provincial Senior Minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour Wednesday said foreigners must ensure NOC from the Foreign Ministry for movement in the country.
“Foreigners must inform both the Foreign Office and the provincial government,” was reply by Bilour to a question while addressing at the Khyber Union of Journalists’ programme ‘Mulaqaat’.
He said the decision was aimed at ensuring safety of all the foreigners visiting Peshawar or other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Bilour made it clear that the provincial government welcomed foreigners to the province and was making al-out efforts to ensure their safety and protection. But because of the persisting threats of terrorism and violence, the provincial government had decided to regulate the procedure after taking the federal government into confidence.
It may be mentioned that during the last several days, a number of US national citizens were not allowed to enter Peshawar after their arrival from Islamabad. Upon their arrival, they are stopped at the Peshawar-Islam Motorway Toll Plaza are stopped and asked for production of NOC. Those lacking the necessary documents NOC are being asked to return to Islamabad.
In his over one-hour-long chat with media, the senior provincial minister highlighted various development schemes initiated by the ANP government for Peshawar and the surrounding areas. He said present government had allocated more than eight billion rupees on development projects in the city. In particular, maximum emphasis was being given on expansion of existing roads and completion of over three decades old project of Ring Road.
Bilour claimed that soon after February 2008 general elections, terrorism and militancy were on the rise alarmingly throughout the province but there was peace in almost all areas of the province. He said the present government had increased the strength of police and taking measures for its capacity building. Similarly, the present government become successful in establishing coordination and understanding amongst various law enforcing agencies, he added.
