–Premier inaugurates health card scheme for tribal districts formerly known as FATA
–Imran blames former govts for corruption, backwardness in country
–Reiterates peace talks offer to India, says peace is in Pakistan’s own interest
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said his government would bring in a new era of prosperity in the tribal districts as he inaugurated the Sehat Insaf Card Scheme for the people living in the tribal districts.
Addressing tribal elders at Ghalanai, the headquarters of Mohmand district, the prime minister said that people of the tribal districts will benefit from the Sehat Insaf Card like rest of the countrymen.
He said the holder of the card will be entitled to get treatment in any hospital up to Rs770,000 annually.
The prime minister said tribal districts will be developed, adding that education and job opportunities will be created for tribal youth. He said the government would construct Mohmand Dam which will generate electricity and also provide water for the barren lands.
Imran Khan said tourism will also be promoted in tribal districts. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has great potential for tourism and this has helped in reduction of poverty during the last five years.
Earlier, speaking at a briefing at Ghalanai, the Prime Minister directed to ensure equitable distribution of funds for the development projects meant for tribal districts merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said these projects should be ensured corruption free.
The meeting reviewed the steps taken regarding administrative reforms, people’s representatives, local bodies’ system, public welfare and development projects. It was also briefed about Federal Government’s roadmap regarding these measures.
In a separate public gathering in Khar, Bajaur, the prime minister said the government would provide Rs2 billion interest-free loan to Bajaur youth, adding that at least “eight thousand tribal people will be provided jobs” in addition to sports facilities.
The prime minister said the PTI government would convert grid stations in Bajaur and will also convert three-hundred mosques on solar energy.
In order to promote tourism in the region, the PM said Bajaur will be linked with Swat Motorway. In addition, the government would also bring the internet to the region.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has great potential for tourism and that the industry has helped reduce poverty in the province during the last five years.
The government would also develop an industrial estate in Bajaur and vocational centres will be established to provide technical training to youth, he said.
The PM said Levies and Khasadar, the two forces responsible for policing in the region, will be merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and their salaries will be increased.
‘CORRUPTION RUINED COUNTRY’:
The prime minister once again took a hit at his political opponents. In his oft-repeated mantra, he said corruption committed by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) during the past 10 years.
He, however, touted his government’s economic policies, saying after coming to power the PTI, with the help of friendly countries, has taken steps to improve the economy.
He said the federal government won’t let opposition leaders –involved in corrupt practices— off the hook by offering them an NRO [national reconciliation ordinance].
‘PAKISTAN WANTS PEACE, NOT WAR’:
The PM also spoke about recent tensions with India during the gathering. He said instead of war Pakistan was interested in investment, prosperity and creating job opportunities for its people. H
owever, the desire for peace should not be misunderstood as a weakness, he said.
Imran Khan said we have repeatedly asked India for talks to resolve the Kashmir dispute but a political party in India is promoting hatred due to [imminent] elections there.
He paid rich tribute to the people of occupied Kashmir, who are rendering sacrifices to achieve their right to self-determination.
Addressing the gathering, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan announced a number of development schemes for the area, including FATA University in Bajaur, construction of a sports complex, a social welfare complex and vocational training centre.
Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister for Communication Murad Saeed said the PTI government would fulfill all promises made with people of Bajaur and bring prosperity and development in the region.
He said people of Bajaur have shown great confidence in the leadership of PM Imran Khan and would continue to the same for progress and prosperity of the country.
