International Mine Day observed

F.P. Report

BARA: To create awareness among tribesmen regarding to mines, the Pakistan Red Crescent FATA Chapter conducted events at various parts of tribal regions in connection with “International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action 2018”.

Under auspices of Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) FATA the day was observed in Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand and Khyber Agency aimed at sensitize tribesmen to adopt safety behavior. It is important to state that the Mine Awareness Day is observed worldwide on 4th April, with the aim to reduce social, economic and environmental impact of landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) on community.

Beside, other tribal areas, an event was also conducted at Takia Markaz of Bar Qamber Bara tehsil of Khyber Agency wherein people from all walks of life including political tehsildar Ghuncha Gul Muhammad, Captain of Frontier Corps (FC) Adnan, Lieutenant Irshad Ali, Imran Afridi of Awami National Party, media men, civil society members, students and headquarter and agency staff of PRC FATA were the attendants.

Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Director Youth and volunteer Muhammad Riaz Khan, shed lights over various welfare activities of PRC FATA during natural and man-made disasters, saying the purpose of this day is mobilize and sensitize tribesmen with regard to damages of mines and explosives. He asked people to extend their support to PRC FATA for demining the areas to further minimize the risks of damages.

“Because of the worsening law and order condition in FATA, mines and explosives have either disabled or killed hundreds of men who were unaware of its damages, Mr Riaz stated. A great number of people have benefited the Community Based Risk Education and Victim Assistance (CBRE/VA) Program underway in FATA by PRC FATA in which awareness sessions in schools, community and other areas are delivered on daily basis throughout the year, he added.

Imran Afridi of ANP, Captain Adnan of Mehsud Scouts, elder Muhammad Amin, journalist Saleem Afridi and others in their addresses eulogized the endeavors of PRC FATA and extended their full patronage pertaining to conducting awareness sessions in Bara tehsil. They appealed participants to convey the informative message to their family members and women so that they could adopt safety behavior. At the end awards and prizes were also distributed among disabled persons of the community.