Provincial ministers, national and provincial assembly members, administrative officials, and ulema were also present at the jirga.
During his address, CM Hoti said that the government cannot function without the support of its people and no decision should be undertaken without their consent. “It is the need of the time that everyone unites against the enemies of peace in the region,” he said.
Hoti added that the security plan for Muharram has been made in consultation with public representatives in all districts of the province. He added that forces will be deployed to areas according to their need.
The CM said that mutual consensus should be developed. “We all want peace in the region, none of us is against it, but some external forces are destroying the environment,” he added.
Provincial Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that the government will continue its struggle for peace. In the battle against anti-state elements, we have sacrificed a lot but never lost our morale, he said.
Section 144 in Hangu
In Hangu district, section 144 was imposed to ban the entry of Afghan citizens in the area ahead of Muharram.
District Coordination Officers (DCO) Hangu has also prohibited pillion riding from Muharram 1.
Talking to journalists, DCO Tahir Zafar Abbasi said they have devised a security plan for Muharram after having several meetings with both Sunni and Shia elders. He added that both the sections have assured him of their support to maintain peace in the area.
DCO Abbasi said that Hangu will be sealed and paramilitary troops along with police personnel and security forces will be deployed in the surrounding mountains of the region. He added that contingents of security forces will also be deployed in the city.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 13th, 2012.
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