Joining hands: Jirga offers support to security forces

GHALLANAI:

Tribal elders pledged their support to security forces to maintain peace in Mohmand Agency during a jirga convened at Khad Kor, Ambar tehsil on Thursday.

The jirga was addressed by Sector Commander (North) Brigadier Ziaul Islam, who said the army is grateful for the support rendered through sacrifices for peace in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata). “The army would remain in the tribal areas till the last terrorist is dealt with,” he said.

“After peace is restored, the army would start development work so that Fata can come at par with advanced areas of the country.” He, however, assured the elders their customs and traditions would not be violated by security personnel at check posts.

Political Agent of Mohmand, Waqar Ali, also addressed participants of the jirga, vowing to establish the government’s writ in the agency so that all educational and health institutes are made functional.

Restoring peace, he added, is the foremost priority of the administration, after which they will start focusing on development, starting from backward areas of the agency. “Mining of marble and other precious stones is being legalised. The mines will be opened after proper planning.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2015.