Fata mainstreaming as per people’s will a must: COAS

SOUTH WAZIRISTAN AGENCY: General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), inaugurated two mega projects in South Waziristan Agency (SWA) on Thursday. The projects include agriculture park at Wana and a market in Makeen. Both these facilities are part of socio-economic uplift programme for Fata, said the ISPR.

The projects have been executed by the Pakistan Army Engineers in collaboration with the government. The agriculture park Wana comprises multiple components including Pine Nut Processing Plant, 1,000 ton capacity cold storage facility, warehouses, godowns and 128 shops. The ‘Makeen Market Complex’ has 728 shops, allied facilities and a children park.

Speaking to the local tribal elders, the COAS said that having lived through very difficult times during terrorism/kinetic operations against terrorists, “we now are in the phase of stability and development.” He urged them not to allow anyone to jeopardise the peace attained at very heavy cost in blood and national exchequer.

The COAS said that mainstreaming of Fata as per popular aspirations of the local tribes is essential for development and enduring stability. He acknowledged tribal brethren for their full support to the army and their resolve to maintain and strengthen the gains.

The tribal elders thanked the Pakistan Army for restoring peace/development works and said that tribes stand firmly with the Pakistan Army in journey towards enduring peace.

At Makeen, the COAS also met the father of Naqeebullah Mehsud, and offered Fateha for the late soul. He said that the army shall support all efforts for justice in this case.

Commander Peshawar Corps and IGFC KP, South, were present during the visit.