Minister urges provision of basic rights to tribesmen

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: Interim Provincial Minister for Commerce and Industry, Tribal Affairs and Technical Education for Special NMDs Amir Abdullah has said that efforts will be made to complete unfinished development to ensure provision of all facilities being enjoyed by the citizens in other parts of the country.

He expressed the views while addressing to a gathering held here in jirga hall, Landi Kotal on Friday. Beside the Minister as chief guest, Deputy Commissioner, Khyber Sanaullah, District Police Officer, Saleem Abbas Kulachvi, Tehsil Chairman Haji Khalid, Assistant Commissioner, Landi Kotal Irshad Mohmand, representatives of line departments, tribal elders from Bara, Jamrud and Landi Kotal were among the participants.

Minister Amir Abdullah said that although the merged tribal belt had been ignored for a long period, but the government was competent enough to remove a sense of deprivation among the tribesmen. He maintained that launching new development projects was not a mandate of the interim government, however initiatives would be adopted to complete the ongoing progress schemes.

Keeping in view security and international scenarios, border management was necessary to curtain illegal penetration, he added. The Minister urged the tribal elites to join hands with the government to prevent use, smuggling and business of narcotic commodities in the area.

He announced that a scheme of interest free loans for merged districts youths had been launched to encourage them to utilize their energies in fruitful activities.

On the complaint of the tribesmen, he also directed relevant officials to deal with issues on the spot. Prior to it, the locals apprised the visiting guests of the problems being faced by them. DC, Khyber welcomed the Minister while one of the elders presented him with a turban on the occasion.