Govt sets up first passport office in Miranshah

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid says special funds have been allocated to uplift the erstwhile FATA

PESHAWAR:

Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Saturday inaugurated the first passport office in Miranshah, the district headquarters of North Waziristan, to facilitate local people who had to travel to other areas to obtain the necessary travel document.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the minister said the incumbent government was paying special attention for the uplift of the merged districts and special funds had been allocated for the purpose.

The ceremony was attended by tribal elders and notables of the area.

Sheikh Rashid acknowledged unmatched sacrifices tribal people had made to safeguard motherland from enemies, saying, “They always stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s army against terrorists”.

The minister also lauded the support of tribal people to armed forces for restoration of durable peace in the region.

“You people fight the war for survival of the country and the entire nation is proud of your bravery and sacrifices,” he said.

Rashid said he was in favour of the Jirga system as it provided a good alternative justice system due to the involvement of local elders, who understand issues of the community better and added that he would talk to the prime minister in this regard.

He said social fabric of Waziristan was unique and the government would work to strengthen local customs, traditions and laws.

Also read: Targeted killings on the rise in N Waziristan

The minister said that he would also hold talks with the law minister to frame laws in line with local customs and traditions.

He said that locals would be recruited in National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and passport office on merit.

The interior minister also announced establishing two Nadra mobile vans in remote areas of North Waziristan on the occasion.

Immigration process, he promised, would be made easy at Pak-Afghan border to facilitate movements, adding that a passport office would be also setup at Angor Adda.

The minister said internet services had been restored in South Waziristan and this facility would be extended to North Wazirisitan by the year-end.