The NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani said on Wednesday that the enemy's evil plots against Pakistan would never succeed. "Pakistan, the first nuclear and military power in the Muslim world will not only survive and progress but will also gain more honour and dignity in the comity of nations," he added.
Talking to a 30-member representative tribal jirga, comprising prominent elders from all the tribes of Khyber Agency, which called on him at Governor House here on Wednesday, the Governor said that although Pakistan was confronting numerous challenges and threats but it will sail through safely with the grace of God and support of the people.
He said that the entire nation was now united and committed against terrorism and extremism. Governor pointed out that situation had improved considerably as compared to previous year and we will see more improvement towards restoration of peace in the months to come.
Governor Ghani said that enforcement of Nizam-e-Adal in Malakand division in fact exposed these extremists and unveiled their ugly face and evil designs. "Even those people, who had a soft corner for these elements admitted that the militants had no interest in Islam and they were working on anti-state agenda," the Governor said.
As regard the development process in Fata, the Governor said that it suffered a great set back due to instability in tribal areas but added that now when the situation had been improving, the development process would also gain momentum. He said that a mechanism would be worked out to involve the tribal elders along with the elected representative in the identification of development projects.
Talking on the demands made by the jirga members, the Governor said that a comprehensive development programme was ready for implementation once the situation became normal.
Regarding development projects in Khyber Agency, he said that a number of schemes in education, health, communication and water supply besides mega projects like Bara Dam, Cadet College and Jamrud Grid Station were to be taken in hand.
Earlier, members of the jirga while speaking on the occasion said that the purpose of their meeting was to assure the government that the tribal elders of Khyber Agency, who represent all the tribes, were supporting and backing the government's efforts for peace and stability in the Agency.
They expressed satisfaction over the government's actions in this regard and assured their full support. They also highlighted problems and development needs of their respective areas and tribes. The Agency Political Agent Tariq Hayat Khan was also present in the Jirga.