Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor offers support for peace efforts in Fata

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Masood Kauser has said that the lasting peace is imperative in FATA for maintaining calmness in the rest of the country, adding that despite political differences, PML-N extends a helping hand to the government in its peace initiatives in the larger national interest.
He was talking to a 32-member delegation of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) FATA here on Saturday. He offered the delegation every kind of support for peace efforts in FATA. The delegation, which met the Governor at Governor House here, was led by Anwar Kamal Marwat, PML (N) Co-ordinator for FATA, and Rahmat Salam Khattak, Organising Secretary FATA, and comprised party's Agency representatives.
Anwar said that peace was the only major issue at present in FATA which had trickled down effects on other parts of the country as well. He strongly opposed the drone attacks and stressed that the problems should be resolved through dialogue rather than use of force. He proposed measures for confidence building between the government and the tribesmen, which, he added, would further strengthen the peace efforts.
The party's agency representatives demanded implementation of changes carried out in the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) and compensation for the affectees and support to the IDPs. They also demanded enhancement of facilities in education, health and other social sectors.
KP Governor told the delegation that the promulgation of Political Parties Order in FATA was a historic step, and added that it was for the first time in the history of FATA that the Governor had been meeting different delegates from political parties having presence in FATA.
He underlined the need for a code of conduct for political activities in tribal areas to ensure peaceful and cordial atmosphere. He said that the code would be devised in the light of the deliberations with political leaders and with their consent. Masood said that political activism in tribal areas would help in highlighting the issues and problems of FATA people besides providing them the opportunity to support the party of their choice. "It will help reduce sectarian and other polarisation's between different communities", he said and added that "it is a new experience for FATA, and the people should cooperate to make it a success". He resolved that all political parties would be provided equal opportunities for politicking in FATA.
He categorically said that there was no place for terrorism and extremism in FATA, adding that the government and people were united in their resolve to eliminate this curse at every cost. "Tribal people are patriotic and peace loving and are supporting the government in its efforts for elimination of militancy", he remarked. He added that it was their co-operation which had enabled them to restore peace in FATA.
Regarding development initiatives, he informed the delegation that shortage of teaching staff in educational institutions of FATA had since been removed and the healthcare delivery system was also being revamped. He said that people would be involved in the development process and hinted at opening a complaint cell to mitigate the grievances of FATA people.
He added that the political leaders at the Agency level would also be given a say in the development process and their suggestions would be honoured. The Governor assured them that the points raised by the delegation would be given due attention, and the respective departments would be directed to take necessary steps in this regard.