Maintenance of regional peace, elimination of militancy is our highest priority: Iftikhar

PESHAWAR: Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that restoration of peace in the region and elimination of extremism and militancy is our highest priority.

He said this while talking to Acting Consul General US Consulate Peshawar Ms. Constance Ervis here on on Saturday. Secretary Information Azmat Hanif Aurakzai was present on the occasion.

The Information Minister and US Envoy exchanged views on matters of mutual interests.

Referring to FATA, Information Minister said that tribal people were very patriotic people and had strong cultural and religious ties with their fellow brothers.

He said that the provincial government favours political reforms in the tribal areas but these reforms should be made as per the wishes of the tribesmen and not thrust upon them.

Mian Iftikhar maintained that result oriented measures should be taken on war footing basis in FATA as due to illiteracy and poverty that region had become safe haven for terrorists.

With regard to Hazara province, he said that demand for Hazara province was the right of its people but they should opt for legal course.

He said that Hazara was a peaceful place with majority of its population literate and the government would not allow any turmoil in the area.

For better administration, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was pondering to further divide Hazara and Malakand Divisions, he said, adding that decision in this regard was in the pipeline in view of the aspirations of its people.

He said that 18th amendment was a silent revolution as it would allow more provincial autonomy with no intrusion from the center that would lead to strengthening of institutions.

Information Minister said that media could play effective role in countering militancy and the provincial government has launched KPK Radio besides allocating initial grant of Rs.50 million for launching of KPK TV and 10 FM radio channels.