PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Army is all set to start agriculture farming on 1,000 acres of land in the Zarmalam area of South Waziristan. Over the next few years, the farming area will be expanded and 41,000 acres of land will be made suitable for farming. This project is expected to enhance the agricultural productivity of the region and promote food self-sufficiency.
This correspondent had a chance to chat with the Corps Commander, Peshawar, Lieutenant General Sardar Hasan Azhar Hayat, at his office who said the Pak Army was determined to increase agricultural farming in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The general said the Pak Army has prepared a farming plan on 41,000 acres of land in the Zarmalan area of South Waziristan, which was barren for years. He believed that there are vast opportunities for investment in minerals, hydropower, agriculture, and tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which can be utilized to increase the province’s resources.
He said the Army has worked together with the civil government to bring investment in minerals, agriculture, hydropower, and tourism to the province, which is yielding positive results. Employment opportunities can be created by providing more facilities for investors.
General Sardar Hasan Azhar Hayat believes in reaching out to different communities to bridge the gap between the masses and armed forces. He is meeting students, teachers, scholars and other sections of society, especially the people of merged districts.
“The armed forces and provincial government relations are extremely cordial,” a KP government official said. “The provincial government with the help of armed forces has cracked down on illegal mobile Sims, explosives, extortion, Hundi, illegal arms, smuggling, fake documents, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities.”
The official added: “For effective prevention of illegal activities, relevant federal and provincial departments and intelligence agencies are working together.”
