Tribesmen to decide future of FATA: Governor
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has said that the future of FATA would be decided with the ' popular will' of tribesmen. He said that opinions of general tribesmen would be given due value and no decision will be imposed on tribal people.
He expressed these views while talking to separately representative delegation of elders from FR Bannu led by MPA Maulana Lutf- urRehman and another delegation led by Ameer JI, KP, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan and Provincial minister, Inayat Ullah who called on him here at Governor's House, Peshawar on Friday.
He said that war against terrorism in FATA was being fought for the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan. He said comprehensive steps have been taken to facilitate early return of thousands of displaced tribesmen and their rehabilitation. Concrete measures on war footing being taken to improve the education and health sector in FATA. The sacrifices rendered by our security forces and tribal people to eradicate terrorism and extremism would be remembered forever.
They apprised the governor of the problems and difficulties, which the people of the areas have been facing. They also discussed matters pertaining to the repatriation of TDPs to their homes. The governor assured the delegations of taking necessary action to address their grievances and said that steps were been taken to ensure early and dignified repatriation of TDPs to their homes.
The members of the delegations also lauded the endeavors of the government with regard to provision of services to the tribal people and for early repatriation of TDPs and offered their services for the maintenance of lasting peace in the region. The governor paid tribute to the people of the province and FATA who faced immense challenges over the last few years.
He said that the sacrifices and services of the tribal people are highly valuable and well acknowledged and these would always be remembered with high regard. Governor said measures be taken to ensure the provision of best infrastructure, health centers, schools, colleges, hospitals, employment opportunities and other modern facilities after the repatriation of TDPs to their homes in the tribal areas.
He said that the link roads in FATA will be connected to the China Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC) which will pave the way for the development of tribal area adding that the people of the FATA will be the main beneficiaries of this megaproject.
He said tribesmen and our security personnel had rendered great sacrifices in the restoration of peace in Fata and now we are heading into the new phase of peace and stability. The Governor appreciated the contribution and sacrifices of the people of FATA for the creation of Pakistan and now for ensuring lasting peace in the area. He said according to the wishes and traditions of tribal people, the reforms in FATA would usher them into mainstream while respecting local traditions.
Governor said that the incumbent government was fully determined for the early repatriation of TDPs and the socio-economic uplift of the tribal region and urged tribal people and elders to be conscious of their responsibilities and active role for the maintenance of lasting peace.
The Governor Iqbal Jhagra said the security forces personnel along with civilians sacrificed their lives in the war on terror and tribal people had to leave homes for the just cause of purging the region of militants.
The governor said early repatriation of TDPs and maintenance of lasting peace and stability to the FATA was a foremost priority of the government. Responding to the demands put forward by the members of delegations, the governor said we had already taken initiatives to redress their grievances.
He said whole the Nation stood united with our security forces in the war against terrorism adding that we are committed to uproot the wave of militancy and terrorism from the country once and for all.