NWFP Governor Lieutenant General Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah (Retd) has urged the tribesmen to realise need of the hours and bring changes in their thoughts and behaviours so as to facilitate the process of progress and prosperity.
Addressing a representative of the Tribal Jirga of Utman Zai Tribe of North Waziristan Agency soon after his arrival in Miran Shah on a two-day visit of the agency on Friday, the governor noted with concern that mysterious disappearance of Punjab Minister Naeem Ullah Shahani has, in fact, defamed the entire Waziristan, which is being portrayed globally as an area known for illegal businesses and kidnappings.
He advised the tribesmen to think over the situation seriously, and try to wash away this defamation, as it is not only harming their own repute, but also damaging the country's prestige.
The Jirga was largely attended by elders of Daur and Wazir tribes, whereas members of the Parliament, the secretary to Governor, Sahibzada Saeed Ahmed, FATA Security Secretary Brigadier Memood Shah (Retd), Political Agent Sherzada Khan and Commandant Tochi Scouts were also present on the occasion.
The governor reiterated that Pakistan would continue to co-operate with the coalition against terrorism, and not allow any one to use Pakistan soil against any other country, saying Pakistan's security and solidarity also demand us to help the international community in this regard.
He stressed that we cannot sacrifice our own interests for the benefits of others and would protect it at every cost, saying that internally certain elements are also trying to harm the interests of the country, but we would fight against such elements, and would succeed into upholding the honour and dignity of our country.
Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah was pleased that the tribesmen of South Waziristan Agency had raised their own Qaumi Lashkar to purge their area of the unwanted foreign elements, saying: "We respect their decision because they have not only upheld the tribal traditions, but have also expressed their love for Pakistan, and concern for its security.
The governor said the same is expected from the patriotic Pakistanis in the prevailing circumstances. He was confident that the tribesmen of other tribal areas would also follow them in the pursuit to keep their area clean of such harmful elements.
He wished that the tribesmen should raise such Lashkars against other social evils as well, saying the tribesmen are peaceful, patriotic and conscious citizens of Pakistan, and would never take the offence of others on their own shoulders.
He called upon the tribesmen to strive collectively against the enemies of the country, and save Pakistan from disrepute any more.
Referring to the policies and efforts of the President General Pervez Musharraf to raise the honour and prestige of the country in the comity of nations, the governor said these policies have benefited the country.
In the current circumstances, the country needs such a visionary and committed leadership, which steer the country out of the crises and threats, he added.
The governor hoped that with the help and co-operation of the people we would certainly achieve our national objectives. Referring to the development of North Waziristan, he said, in fact, we want all the tribal areas to move alike toward the socio-economic development.
He, in this connection, also referred to four times increase in the Fata ADP which has been brought to Rs 4 million from Rs 1 million, saying it would be further increased.
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