PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif heaped praise on both military personnel and the tribesmen of North Waziristan for the sacrifices they have rendered in Operation Zarb-e-Azb. “For the better future of our country,” he said, “soldiers and tribesmen are making a symbolic Contribution.”
“The government stands by the armed forces and patriotic tribal people who are rendering sacrifices for the prosperity of the country,” said Nawaz while attending an informal briefing on Zarb-e-Azb at Governor House Peshawar on Friday.
Nawaz was on his way to visit and review the progress of Lowari Tunnel project, however, due to bad weather his flight was diverted to Peshawar where Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan welcomed the premier.
The governor briefed him on the arrangements done for the internally displaced people of North Waziristan. Expressing his satisfaction over the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan, Nawaz vowed that the government will utilise all available resources to facilitate the displaced people of North Waziristan.
He praised the tribesmen who have abandoned homes, enabling the armed forces and government to initiate steps against the miscreants. Nawaz also expressed concern over the loss of precious lives during the torrential rains in Peshawar and extended his sympathies for the members of the affected families.
Lowari Tunnel Project
Later in a formal meeting regarding Lowari Tunnel Project, Nawaz showed resentment over the delay in completion of the long awaited project and directed the National Highway Authority (NHA) to complete the project in the next three years.
Nawaz said that it is an important project as people from Chitral remain disconnected from the rest of the country for around six months every year. He assured provision of funds for early completion of the project, however, he said non-completion of the project in nine years is highly deplorable.
“The undue delay has also escalated the cost of project.”
The Lowari Tunnel, connecting Chitral with rest of the country is counted amongst the long standing projects. Former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government initiated the project in late 70’s, but it came on halt when military ruler Ziaul Haq came into power.
However, construction work on the project was resumed under the rule of General (retd) Pervez Musharaf. But it was going at such a slow pace that Nawaz was compelled to visit and issue directives for its early completion.
The prime minister was accompanied by federal ministers Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Pervaiz Rashid and Minister of State Abdul Hakim Baloch.
US envoy meets governor
Earlier in the day, the US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson called on K-P Governor Sardar Mehtab as both the dignitaries discussed issues of bilateral importance, officials at the governor house told The Express Tribune.
Sardar Mehtab briefed the US envoy about steps being taken for return of peace and stability
in the tribal region.
“Most of the North Waziristan regions have been cleared whereas efforts are under way for ensuring a durable peace,” he said. The governor lauded the efforts of international community including United States for extending maximum cooperation in copping the issue of IDP’s.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 23rd, 2014.
COMMENTS (1)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
What sacrifices have you given, Mr. PM, that is the question????