Prominent leader and MNA, Tariq Khan Khattak on Sunday urged for adopting a multi-pronged strategy to bring peace and development in the troubled areas. In a panel interview with APP, the MNA from Nowshehra said the better law and order across the country was a result of a major policy shift by the PPP-led government vis-a-vis terrorism.
"Time is ripe for durable peace and stability in the troubled areas of Fata and NWFP. A comprehensive dialogue with those militants who are willing to lay down their arms should be adopted," he said. "Since the law and order and economic development are the linchpin for the politico-economic stability, the government should take more bold steps for improving law and order situation in troubled areas of NWFP and Fata," he added.
He said, the government was making all out efforts to ensure peace and stability across country. In this regard, he added a peace agreement has been reached between the federal government and militants through a Jirga in Swat. And under the new accord, a number of foreign militants have been captured from the area.
He maintained that the previous peace agreements reached between the militants and provincial government of NWFP were violated by the militants. He said, the government is pursuing a comprehensive of dialogue and numerous developmental projects would soon be launched in Fata.
Khattak, disclosed that the party Central Executive Committee (CEC) in its recent meeting had decided to separate government offices from the party posts. "This process would be started within 15 days which would be followed up by re-organisation of the party at the grassroots level, and help the party accommodate its seasoned and dedicated workers," he added.
He said, the martyrdom of PPP leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had created a leadership gap for the party. "Mohtarma fought all her life against dictatorship, and even laid down her life for the sacred cause of democracy. But her Shahadat is a bitter truth and we have to live with it. With her demise, the country and the party have lost a great leader and a visionary politician," he remarked.
"The PPP leadership strongly believes in provincial autonomy and abolishment of concurrent list, and steps would soon be taken in right direction so as the provinces could nurture positively and sense of deprivation could be eliminated," said Tariq Khattak while replying a question. Khattak said that the Musharraf regime had given fudged figures regarding the so-called "economic uplift" of the country and the new government inherited a sluggish economy.
He further said that steps are also being taken for creating employment opportunities and poverty alleviation in the country. He specially mentioned the launching of Benazir Income Support Programme for the poorest segment of the society.
"We are pursuing a positive approach to deal with the ailing economy of the country. We are doing away with the subsidies to provide solid grounds to the national economy," he concluded.