PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced Rs160 billion for development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while tribal elders have pledged their full support to the government in restoring peace.
Addressing the elders of the Development Council, comprising representatives from the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Prime Minister said the federal government would provide all necessary resources to combat terrorism and ensure the speedy completion of development projects.
Shehbaz Sharif said tribal elders had always stood by Pakistan and that all necessary requirements to fight terrorism would be met. He acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by tribal communities in the war against terrorism.
The Prime Minister said the government held tribal elders in high regard, adding that the situation might not have reached the point where emergency measures were required if peace had prevailed in the tribal districts. According to him, tribal elders had complained that development activities had remained virtually nonexistent, while terrorism and corruption had reached alarming levels.
He also referred to the Kohistan scandal, alleging that Rs37 billion had been embezzled. He vowed that the government would work tirelessly to ensure that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received their due rights.
The Prime Minister said the pace of development projects would be accelerated. He added that he had directed the Governor and Chief Secretary to ensure the provision of as much wheat as required.
He said the meeting also discussed wheat supplies to the tribal districts and police training. Instructions had been issued to complete the Safe City project at the earliest, he added.
Earlier, addressing the Apex Committee meeting, the Prime Minister questioned whether the government could remain silent when a political party allegedly acted against the country’s interests.
He said the situation could not be allowed to continue indefinitely and questioned how long the country could endure bloodshed. He maintained that the imposition of emergency measures and Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been necessitated by the circumstances.
The Prime Minister expressed his resolve to restore an era of peace, prosperity and development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the support of the Field Marshal.
