Beyond turmoil: FATA celebrates August 14 with gusto

Governor announces Rs5 million for reconstruction of Ghallanai Sports Stadium

GHALLANAI: Unlike previous years, Independence Day was celebrated with gusto in the war-torn tribal areas.

More often than not, festivities for August 14 have often been swept under the carpet due to the ongoing spate of militancy that has gripped the region. However, this year a large number of people from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas were able to revel in the occasion and commemorate the 69th Independence Day of the Country.

Tale of sacrifice

A sports festival was held in Ghallanai, Mohmand Agency which was attended by Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan. Speaking on the occasion, the governor lauded the sacrifices rendered for the country by the people of Fata.

“We have started work on the development of Fata and want to bring it at par with other parts of the country,” he said.

Mehtab paid tribute to the army and FC personnel who were struggling to restore peace in the region and dedicated the Independence Day to the tribespeople.

The governor also announced funds of Rs5 million for the reconstruction of Ghallanai Sports Stadium.

Amid fanfare

Army officials and peace committee leaders arranged a five-kilometre rally in Khwaizai, Mohmand Agency. Insiders familiar with the matter told The Express Tribune, the rally began from Bahai and concluded at Khapakh.

The day was marked with a flag-hoisting ceremony on the Pak-Afghan border in Baizai subdivision. At the celebrations, tribal elders paid tribute to the army, FC personnel and tribespeople who lost their lives during the war against militancy in Fata. Independence Day was also celebrated in various parts of Bajaur Agency.

Time to return

In Orakzai Agency, August 14 was celebrated after eight years and a gathering was held at a jirga hall in Hangu to mark the occasion. Orakzai Agency Political Agent Zubair Khan told participants militancy has cost Rs3 billion in losses to the agency.

He also spoke about the repatriation of the displaced population and insisted rehabilitation and development work in the agency is under way.

Flag hoisting

A flag-hoisting ceremony was organised in Parachinar, Kurram Agency. Strict security arrangements were made for the occasion. Speakers also paid glowing tributes to the tribespeople who had participated in the movement.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2015.