Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shaukatullah on Sunday said that the time has come for the people of FATA to re-coup their energies; ensure unity and cohesion in their ranks and work for development of their respective areas as well as for security, stability and prosperity of the country.
Sacrifices of the people of FATA are the living history and the recent past has once again proved this fact. He expressed the confidence that they would spare no effort for betterment of the country too and to ensure better future for them as well.
Addressing a grand tribal jirga at Ghalanai, Mohmand Agency headquarters, the governor said that being one of them it would always be his earnest effort to take all the people of FATA along and ensure stability and peace not only in FATA but also in the country.
Shaukatullah said peace and stability would always be the top most priority and while keeping every feasible option for making this possible, security and integrity of the country would be kept at the highest esteem and its enemies would be taken to task at the cost of every sacrifice.
The governor said every political party would be free to participate in electioneering process and therefore it was also in the fitness of the things that the people of FATA should also get them fully up-dated about the reforms introduced in this respect up till now.
“To get yourselves fully educated about your rights as well as the responsibilities, there is also dire need to be fully aware about the new developments.”
Responding to various points raised on the occasion, the governor assured the tribal people to take up their request for opening up direct route via Mohmand Agency to Afghanistan and help them in promotion of trade and business activities. He also assured them of upgrading and strengthening of four grid stations one each at Ghalanai, Lakarrao, Michani and Khawaizai area of Mohmand Agency.
The governor also formally inaugurated a solar energy-run tube well at Bajar; laid foundation stone for construction of a hostel at the College of Management Sciences at Khar; re-construction of Bajaur levy pickets besides inspecting forest nursery at Khar.
Shaukatullah said the ANP’s recently convened All Parties Conference ANP was a positive step towards peace.
He said, “Everybody has the right to express his opinion. Taliban too are free in expressing their own stance yet our policy is to seek solution of problems through dialogues, meetings and jirgas where each party’s viewpoint is heeded to with tolerance and patience.”
He condemned suicide attack on KP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti and said some elements were trying to disrupt the negotiations as they did not want peace in the region.
To another query about high expectations in tribal areas over his appointment as governor, he said, “Tribesmen are my brethren. It is my responsibility to solve their problems, provide them security, set up educational institutions and health services, accelerate developmental projects, create jobs and bring peace in FATA. For this purpose, I will hold meetings with public representatives in FATA and seek their cooperation.”