PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Sunday announced an increase in financial assistance for the reconstruction of partially damaged houses during the recent operation in Bajaur from Rs160,000 to Rs500,000.
He was speaking at two separate jirgas comprising parliamentarians, tribal elders, and notables from Bajaur and Kurram districts at the Chief Minister’s House, Peshawar.
The jirgas discussed in detail the overall law and order, improvement in Pakistan Afghanistan relations, public issues, sectarian harmony, and development strategy. Participants of the jirgas expressed full confidence in the chief minister and assured complete cooperation with the provincial government.
On the occasion, the participants also presented various proposals for the establishment of lasting peace in the merged districts, including Bajaur and Kurram.Addressing the jirgas, the chief minister said that tribal elders, the public, police, and security forces made unparalleled sacrifices for the establishment of peace in the province, and as a result of these sacrifices, complete peace had been established in the country by 2018.
However, he added that deliberate attempts were now being made to destabilize the situation.
The chief minister made it clear that decisions taken behind closed doors had always worsened circumstances, whereas sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective wisdom by taking tribal elders and the provincial government into confidence.
He categorically said that the provincial government would not become part of any failed policy.Sohail Afridi appreciated the role of the people and tribal elders of Bajaur, stating that their services for the establishment of peace and order are commendable.
Referring to the promises made at the time of the Fata merger, the chief minister stated that an annual allocation of Rs100 billion had been committed, but over the past seven years only Rs168 billion had been released, while Rs532 billion remained outstanding against the federal government.
He issued directives to increase the upper age limit for police recruitment in the merged districts, expedite work on the Bajaur Shuhada package, and provide security to tribal elders who have played a key role in peace and national development. He also stated that under the Roshan Qabail Package, improvements in existing schools and hospitals in the merged districts would be ensured.
Reaffirming his commitment, the chief minister said that the provincial government would continue all possible measures for sustainable peace, development, and public welfare in the merged districts.Sohail Afridi said that he would soon visit Kurram district to address the issues of internally displaced persons.
He directed that the registration of displaced families from Kurram be completed within one week and that compensation payments to registered families be ensured within the same timeframe.
He stated that the compensation being provided to the affected people of Tirah would also be extended to internally displaced persons from other districts. The chief minister added that compensation for shops destroyed in Kurram would also be paid at the earliest.
He announced that Rs6 million would be allocated for the Youth Engagement Programme in the merged districts. Praising the responsible and positive role of tribal elders in improving the situation in Kurram, the chief minister said that sectarian tensions led to destruction and were always exploited by hostile elements.He emphasized that mutual unity, tolerance, and cohesion are the true guarantees of peace and stability, and that differences must be set aside to move forward on a shared development agenda.
He stated that tribal communities have proven through their conduct and decisions that the negative and misleading narrative propagated about them for years is contrary to reality.
The chief minister said that he understood the pain and suffering caused by military operations and reaffirmed his resolve that he would never abandon his people at any stage.
He stated that violence and guns are not the solution to problems, and that the time has come to replace the gun with the pen. Education, awareness, and dialogue are the path to lasting peace, and the pen will be adopted as the true weapon to ensure a safe and prosperous future for coming generations.Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafiullah Jan, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Additional Chief Secretary Home Muhammad Abid Majeed, Secretary Relief Muhammad Sohail, and other relevant officials also attended the jirgas.
