General Raheel Sharif, K-P Governor Mahtab Ahmed Khan and Corps Commander Peshawar Lt Gen Hidayatur Rehman wave to the players during the inaugural ceremony of Fata Youth Festival at Qayyum Stadium. PHOTO: INP
PESHAWAR: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif said on Wednesday that overall law and order had significantly improved and the country was heading towards attainment of peace and stability.
Inaugurating the First Governor Fata Youth Festival at Qayyum Stadium, the COAS said the nation had been fighting terrorism for long. “The journey to achieve successes will continue in the form of operation Zarb-e-Azb,” he said.
The successes are being achieved following sacrifices rendered by the tribal people, Pakistan Army, law enforcement agencies and the entire nation, he said.
He said the improving law and order had paved the way to the launch of projects like China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
General Raheel Sharif said the youth from Fata was fully equipped with all the capabilities and efforts were in hand to provide them ample opportunities so that they could play their role in the development of the country in general and their area in particular.
The COAS said to achieve the goal Pakistan Army had opened a chain of educational institutions inclusive of cadet colleges for the students of the area.
He said promotion of technical education and offering youth employment scheme were part of these efforts.
General Raheel Sharif pointed out that Pakistan Army had assisted Fata Secretariat in the promotion of sports in the area. As part of these efforts he announced to set up a sports stadium in Khyber Agency. A modern sports complex would also be established in North Waziristan, he added.
He assured that the Pakistan Army would never let the nation down. Later, he formally announced the opening of the First Fata Youth Festival.
30 sports events
The festival will feature different traditional and cultural events along with food festivals, art and antique exhibitions.
In addition, 30 sports events – including basketball, table tennis, badminton, gymnastics tournaments – will be organised.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan said the event will help promote positive activities among the youth of the tribal belt. At least 1,785 players will participate in the festival. Besides, a mushaira will also be held. Although most of the activities will be held at the stadium, some events would take place in Khyber, Bajaur and Mohmand agencies.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2015.
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