Displaced persons to be sent back soon: governor

Lauds tribal people for steadfastness in face of challenges; meets soldiers at frontlines in Rajgal

TIRAH MAIDAN: Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra on Wednesday reiterated the government’s pledge to send the displaced persons back to their native areas within a few months.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of a sports festival in Maidan area in the remote Tirah valley in Khyber Agency, he said the tribal people had rendered sacrifices for the restoration of peace.

“The dignified return of the displaced persons to their native areas is the top priority of the government. We will spare no effort to put the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) on the path to development,” he pledged.

He said the tribal people and security forces made unprecedented sacrifices for the establishment of peace.  The Governor said the difficulties faced by the tribal people in recent years were manifold. “The nation is united to face challenges,” he added.

Earlier, the governor met the security forces personnel at the frontline security posts at Sara Waila along the Pak-Afghan border in Rajgal area in Tirah valley.Briefing the governor on the security situation in the area, Brigadier Rahat Naseem said that Rajgal had been cleared of militants and the security forces had established posts along the Pak-Afghan border.

“The militants used to cross the border via eight points as there was no presence of the Afghan forces in 130 kilometers area up to Kurram Agency,” he recalled.He added the Pakistan Army had sealed the crossing points and established posts to stop the infiltration of the militants.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor said the tribal people had extended full support to the security forces in their effort to establish peace.Iqbal Zafar Jhagra appreciated the skills and spirit of the tribal sportsmen and announced Rs20,000 cash prize for the winners and Rs.10,000 for the runner-ups.

He also gave Rs50,000 to a group of local students for presenting the national anthem on the occasion. He said a sports stadium would be established in the area to promote healthy recreational activities.

Referring to the development needs of the area, the governor said construction of roads and small dams would be carried out as the government wanted to develop the underdeveloped and impoverished tribal region.

He directed the additional chief secretary Fata to complete the feasibility of the schemes, including small dams, bridges, schools and healthcare units.The governor said the shortage of the health and education staff would be met to facilitate the tribal people living in the remote areas.

He said survey of the damaged houses had been completed and the federal government had been approached to release money to compensate the people for their losses.Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said various uplift projects costing Rs3.6 billion were being executed and would be completed by June next year.

He said the military operation Zarb-e-Azb was launched to flush out militants from the tribal areas. He maintained that the militants had been defeated as a result of the successful military offensive.He said now the local people would have to play a key role in maintaining peace and working for the development of their areas by keeping a close eye on the anti-social elements.