The long road ahead: Governor promises development projects for Waziristan tribesmen

Awards degrees to Gomal Medical College DI Khan students in 3rd convocation.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN/ PESHAWAR: Dialogue with the Taliban is the government’s priority for the sake of peace, and work on formulating a strategy for talks is underway, said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Shaukatullah Khan on Wednesday.

Addressing a jirga at the residence of former deputy speaker of the National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi, Shaukatullah shared the peace dialogue would begin soon.

Tribal elders apprised Shaukatullah of the problems and issues faced by them in Waziristan.

In response, the governor said, “Peace is a must for the development and progress of tribal people.” He added the government will set up education institutions, health centres and construct roads on a priority basis.  “The development work will be done in joint consultation with MNAs, political agents and tribal elders,” informed the governor.

Kundi, K-P Minister for Revenue Ali Ameen Gandapur, MNA from South Waziristan Ghalib Khan Advocate, former MPA Makhdoom Mureed Kazim Shah, former MNA Umar Farooq Mian Khel and tribal elders from North and South Waziristan agencies were in attendance.

Medical college convocation

The governor also attended the 3rd convocation of Gomal Medical College DI Khan as a chief guest and distributed degrees among students of academic years 2010, 2011 and 2012.

While addressing the graduates, Shaukatullah said all resources will be utilised to solve the problems faced by Gomal University DI Khan and Gomal Medical College DI Khan.

“Medical education being directly related to ailing humanity bears great importance. We have achieved remarkable progress in various disciplines of medical science, and our doctors and surgeons are renowned internationally,” said Shaukatullah.

However, he also reminded the medical practitioners that there is still a long way to go in ensuring the provision of healthcare services in line with international standards in remote and far-flung areas of the province as well as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

“Polio, dengue, leishmaniasis and Congo virus have emerged as tough challenges for the regions, apart from other routine healthcare facilities required,” remarked Shaukatullah.

Shaukatullah while congratulating the graduates said, “This is the beginning of a long journey wherein you would need to be innovative and daring. Knowledge bears the power to bring a positive change for welfare of the society and I am confident education would continue to be an important part of your life.”

The governor also congratulated the students, faculty members and teachers for fulfilling their responsibilities successfully. Students Saba Khan and Farhatullah were honoured with awards for being best graduates of 2012 and 2011 sessions, respectively, while Memoona Azam achieved gold medal for being student of the year 2010.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2013.