NWA traders end protest after meeting political administration

DG ISPR says the state, including security forces, is committed to rehabilitate affected FATA tribes

Traders of North Waziristan Agency announced ending their protest after DG ISPR Major-General Asif Ghafoor assured them of addressing their genuine demands on Friday.

The breakthrough was made in a four-hour-long meeting, in which the head of the military’s media wing listened to the grievances of the traders’ delegation from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

Political administration of the area had previously held dialogue to end the protest but to no avail.

During today’s meeting, Maj-Gen Ghafoor accepted all genuine demands of the protesters, after which the latter announced ending their protest.

The ISPR chief later took to Twitter to say that the state, including security forces, was committed to rehabilitate the affected Fata tribes. He said the armed forces of the country had successfully cleared the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan after military offensives against terrorists, adding that ‘hold and build’ was underway now.

Brave tribes of FATA have achieved peace & stability after lot of hardships & sacrifices. Restoration of normal life after kinetic operation is part of ‘clear-hold-build-transfer’ strategy. State including security forces is committed to rehabilitate the affected population. pic.twitter.com/digAWkPVH8

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) April 20, 2018

The DG ISPR warned against hostile forces trying to create uncertainty, which he added will never succeed.

We are through with challenges of ‘clear’ phase after kinetic operations, ‘hold & build’ in progress. Its our home,by working together we shall gradually bring back complete normalcy. Its time to be aware of inimical forces trying to create uncertainty but shall never succeed,IA.

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) April 20, 2018

He also proposed the affected traders to hold a meeting with local civil-military leadership on April 22 to further discuss their ‘genuine issues and way forward’.

“Mainstreaming of Fata remains key to their empowerment & prosperity.”

Affected NWA traders shall have a meeting with local civil - military and FATA secretariat representatives on 22 April to discuss genuine issues and way forward. Economic rehabilitation of tribes takes priority. Mainstreaming of FATA remains key to their empowerment & prosperity.

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) April 20, 2018