DERA ISMAIL KHAN  – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Minister for Information, Mian Iftikhar Hussain said on Saturday that trust deficit among Pakistan, Afghanistan and the US undermined the war against terrorism, which caused huge loss to innocent human lives and the country’s economy.
Taking to media persons after addressing the inauguration ceremony of a two-day Horse and Cattle Show here, the minister said all the three countries should remove the trust deficit to win the war on terror.
Replying to a question regarding Karachi situation, the minister said an indiscriminate deweaponisation campaign should be launched in all areas of Sindh to restore peace in Karachi that had seen bloodbath and disgusting acts of violence.
He said the ANP believed in policy of non-violence and brotherhood, adding that it would support a move to disarm people irrespective of political affiliation and culprits be taken to task no matter which party they belonged to.
Regarding the creation of Seraiki province, the minister said the ANP would not hinder efforts, which were in line with the Constitution and the Seraiki province should be established in a peaceful way after fulfilling all constitutional requirements in this regard.
Similarly, he added, the name of the NWFP was changed into the KPK after meeting all constitutional obligations, as the ANP did not favour unconstitutional and illegal measures. Highlighting the government’s performance, he added it succeeded in war on terror and terrorists were now desperately targeting settled areas including Peshawar.
He was of the opinion that terrorists were not happy with success in war on terrorism especially in belt from Orakazi to Khyber agency and two groups-Tariq and Mangal Bagh had joined hands and were targeting population in settled areas to mount pressure on the government.
But he reiterated his government’s resolve to win war on terror, saying three years ago, the government was given just five days ultimatum to surrender but by the grace of Allah Almighty, those who gave ultimatum were no more. “We are still present,” he added.
He said the government had launched several masses welfare-oriented projects including Bacha Khan Employment scheme and skillful men’s project, which were yielding concrete results. Answering another question, the minister said issues with regard to media colony for the journalists of the DI Khan would be resolved soon after finalisation of the land acquisition process.
Earlier addressing the inauguration ceremony, the information minister said he felt pleasure to be opening a festival in the district, which had experienced a severe spate of terrorism.
He said such cultural festival would also be held in other divisions of the province and funds had been set aside in this regard to give a message to the world that peace had been restored and harmony prevailed.
He said the provincial government would allocate funds for Chashma Lift Canal project in the upcoming budget.
He said the government had successfully faced challenges despite different rumours and would complete its five-year tenure at all costs. Deputy Speaker National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi, in his welcome address, thanked the provincial government for extending generous support for the festival.
He also appreciated the district administration and the law enforcement agencies for making comprehensive arrangements for the visitors. The information minister also witnessed different events in the cultural gala and appreciated them.
Several officials and political leaders participate in the cultural show, which attracted from different parts of the province.
Meanwhile, a Peshawar based private airline being departed for Sharjah made emergency landing when its tire was busted after taking on from the runway here on Saturday.
Sources said that Shahine airline PK-792 takes on to depart for Sharjah from Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar when its tire was busted in the air. The pilot takes off the airlines successfully and after changing its tire the plane was made ready for its flight to Sharjah. The airplane had 130 passengers on board.
It is pertinent to mention that few days back two planes escaped collision on Bacha Khan Airport.
The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Home & Tribal Affairs Department, has clarified that transportation of Gur to Fata and other areas has not been officially banned by any authority.
In order to thwart the wrong notion of ban on transportation of Gur from Peshawar to other areas, the formal order of the competent authority has been communicated for implementation by all concerned, so that problems faced by relevant segments of the society i.e. farmers, exporters and traders could be addressed through this communication.
In a letter addressed to the Additional Chief Secretary (FATA), Provincial Police Officer and all Commissioners in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, they have been directed to ensure implementation of this order in letter and spirit to help the general public in addressing their problems in this connection.