International Day of Forest: Use of land for Regi Model Town protested

Imran Khan holds event in housing society

PESHAWAR/ JAMRUD: As Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairperson Imran Khan spoke of cricket and trees in Regi Model Town, elders of the Kokikhel tribe protested the township’s construction. They accused the provincial government of build on the tribe’s land without their consent.

A large number of tribespeople assembled at Ghundai Chota Nehar Jamrud, where they chanted slogans, criticising the provincial government for starting the construction project on the controversial Regi Lalma land. The rally was addressed by several members of the National Assembly, including Aljhaj Shah Jee and Baz Gul Afridi.

The speakers asked the government to halt all construction work and threatened to close down the Pak-Afghan highway for traffic. The tribal elders said the government has insulted the court by ignoring injunctions issued by the high court to halt construction in Regi.

Cricket and trees

International Day of Forest was commemorated on Monday in Regi Model Town where Imran lauded students for showing interest in planting saplings in the area. “After the Pakistan cricket team lost against India, I was very upset but the warm welcome from the people of Peshawar and the interest the youth took in tree plantation boosted my morale.”

Imran added they planned to hold discussions with tribespeople and make the town a place for all.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 22^nd, 2016.