Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid said Tuesday that journalists from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were frontline soldiers in the ideological war against terrorism and it was the prime responsibility of the government to fulfil all their requirements in performing their professional obligations.
Addressing as chief guest after administering oath to the newly elected office bearers of Tribal Union of Journalists, WANA and Laddah press clubs, the minister said it was not only a war of Pakistan’s survival and progress but peace of entire world is also linked with the war being fought on the soil of Waziristan.
“Nobody would be allowed to disturb and snatch peace of the dear motherland,” the minister asserted. Pakistan would soon become a cradle of peace where parents would have no worries while sending their children outside, the minister added.
He said this war has ideological dimensions too which cannot be won without winning the hearts and minds of the people, so the support of media persons was indeed crucial in this cause.
“It was our responsibility to fulfil your professional needs as it is imperative for not only Pakistan but the entire world to win this war,” the minister emphasised.”Without empowering the pen of the local media community it may not be possible to win this war,” the minister said.
He said that in the past, tribal people had fought along with the Armed Forces against the external enemy but now the war has entered their own areas and affected the local traditions and norms. The minister they had been forced by the enemy to leave their homes.
He said that rehabilitation of Waziristan and the people was top most priority of the government and a comprehensive plan has been chalked out for this purpose. He said the entire nation, including the government, political, religious parties, armed forces, police and other law enforcement agencies were standing by the citizens of Waziristan.
The minister said it was the wish of the entire nation that the people of Waziristan return to their homes and get all basic necessities of life. He further added that the government would utilize all its resources for reconstruction and rehabilitation of Waziristan.
He said that time has come that tribal people should have representation not only in the Parliament but they should have their own provincial assembly and local government system like four provinces of the country.
Moreover, he said the government wants to reform the centuries-old system of FATA people, and they should also have right to approach high court and the Supreme Court for redressal of their grievances like the people of the four provinces.
