Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday announced lifting of economic blockade on various tribes of South Waziristan Agency so that they could continue their economic activities freely. He announced the decision to this effect while addressing a grand tribal Jirga drawn from all seven agencies and frontier regions at the Governor's House here.
Shaukat Aziz said the issue created in South Waziristan Agency would be resolved through negotiation and mutual understanding.
The lifting of economic blockade would give impetus to business of the people of the agency.
"Your prosperity is our pleasure because tribesmen are as loyal to Pakistan as anybody else. You are part of Pakistan which nobody can ignore," he maintained.
He said dedication, hard work and honesty were the prerequisite for success and asked tribesmen to crush elements of terror belonging to foreign countries as they were bent upon damaging the country and its image.
He told the Jirga that glorious traditions of the tribal people would not be altered and expressed the confidence that they would continue to support the endeavours of the government in the elimination of terrorism.
The present government, he added, was serious in its efforts to resolve all matters through negotiations and appealed to the tribal people to come forward and assist the government in making Pakistan more strong.
"If we are united, no foreign force could harm our country," he remarked.
The Prime Minister told the Jirga that the role of army could not be ignored in the protection of frontiers and progress of the country along with the tribesmen who rendered supreme sacrifices.
He said: "The progress of Pakistan and that of the Muslim world are synonymous," adding, "you always served in the front-line for the cause of Pakistan which is unforgettable."
He made it clear that whosoever make hindrance in the achievement of goals set by the present government would dealt with an iron hand and would be removed.
OUR CORRESPONDENT ADDS: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that Pakistan is facing the problem of lawlessness and anarchy due to foreign elements in some parts of South Waziristan Agency.
He, however, was confident that the matter would be resolved with the co-operation of Ahmadzai Wazir and Mehsood tribes shortly.
Addressing a joint Jirga of parliamentarians and elders from the Federally-Administered Tribal Area (Fata) here at the Governor's House on Saturday, he said Pakistan would be purged of terrorist activities of the foreign elements.
Those who were present on the occasion were NWFP Governor Lieutenant General Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah (Retd), Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani, federal ministers Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind, Malik Ajmal Khan, Dr Ghazi Gulab Jamal, and members of the parliament from Fata.
The prime minister said Pakistan is faced with different kinds of challenges as after the events of 9/11, Pakistan has to play once again a front-line state role in the international efforts against terrorism, adding the situation has deteriorated on western borders and particularly situation in Afghanistan has also affected the tribal areas of Pakistan.
He, however, said the government is proud of the sincerity and patriotism of tribesmen in this period, adding the whole nation salute the co-operation extended to the government during this critical juncture by the tribesmen.
"We should not think that Pakistan has been came out of the critical situation and should have to remain awakened and aware that no foreign national, terrorist or anti-state elements use Pakistan's land for achieving their nefarious designs," he said, adding: "We are peaceful nation and development, progress and stability are our top priorities."
"The national interest is dearest to us and would not compromise on the interest of Pakistan in any condition. We should have to think of Pakistan first and not in position to endanger our own independence and integrity for others, and it should be our spirit," said Shaukat Aziz.
He said: "He is happy to see that tribesmen have promoted this spirit, and also expects the same in future."
Regarding the development of tribal areas, the Prime Minister said the government is paying full attention, adding, during the last five years, tribal areas have registered an unprecedented development.
He said his government would not only maintain it in the same pace, but would make efforts to accelerate it further, adding, due to their special status, the tribesmen's interest is most dear to us.
He said: "We want to bring them into the mainstream of the national development as we want to remove their backwardness in real sense."
The Prime Minister assured the tribal Jirga of taking all possible measures for the development of tribal areas, saying that Fata has remained worst and backward area in past.
He said: "I have faith that all human beings are equal in the eye of Allah Almighty. Similarly, the residents of these areas have also equal share in our national resources, then why these areas should remain backward," he observed.
Shaukat Aziz said: "We do not believe in hallow slogans, and have proved it practically that we are sincere in the welfare and development of the people of tribal areas.
He pledged to develop tribal areas on immediate basis to bring them at par with the settled areas of the country, adding: "It would be only possible when we will provide all facilities of life and provision of opportunities of development on equal basis."
The Prime Minister said the people of tribal areas should be provided facilities of education, health, communications and industries, employment opportunities, and schemes having long-term results, would be launched in tribal areas.
He said it is the endeavour of the government to provide maximum development funds so that the financial constraints never create hurdles in the development of tribal areas.
In this connection, he said the tribal people in general and elders in particular should also have some responsibilities to maintain law and order, adding that kidnapping for ransom, car-theft, cultivation of poppy, narco-business and smuggling are menaces whose elimination is must.
He said: "With the grace of Allah Almighty, we all are Muslims and believe that involvement in such deeds is against our religion, customs, traditions and laws of the country, adding no patriotic citizen could neither think of participation in such activities nor allowed continuing it.
He urged the tribal elders to maintain vigilance in their areas as the betterment of the next generation is lying in the hands of the elders, saying: "New generation is a blessing, and keep in mind that we are accountable to Allah Almighty for our deeds."
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