LANDIKOTAL: The Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Iqbal Zafar Jhagra today said that most of the areas in Fata have been cleared from militants and peace has been restored at the cost of sacrifices rendered by tribal people and Pakistan army.
The Governor was speaking to a tribal Jirga of Shinwari, Zakhakhel, Shalmani, Kokikhel and other elders from Khyber Agency after the groundbreaking ceremony of 220 million worth Landi Khana water supply in Landikotal. He said that those who rendered human and material losses for the sake of Pakistan would be written in the history with the golden words. The governor said the government was compelled to conduct military operations after several rounds of peace talks failed with the Taliban groups. He praised tribal people who extended their moral support to the Pakistan Army in war against terrorism.
Iqbal Zafar Jhagra offered special prayers for the soul of martyred Pakistan Army major Jawad Khan Changezi who lost his life while defending Pakistan border line at Torkham. He said Jawad was national hero as all Pakistanis salute his bravery and courage he showed in the Pak-Afghan border Torkham clash last month. The governor announced rupees 0.5 million for the widow of martyr Major Jawad Khan Changezi.
The governor termed Abdu Sattar Edhi as the legend of 21st century who without discrimination served humanity.
Later, talking to reporters Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said that all the Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan would be sent back to Afghanistan. He said they were in contact with the Afghan government to voluntarily send Afghan refugees to Afghanistan.
Regarding Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the governor said that repatriation of displaced people had been already started and would be completed till the end of this year.
To a question, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said that the fate of Fata would be decided with the consent of all tribal people.
Political Agent of Khyber Agency, Khalid Mehmood, Assistant political agent of Landikotal, Rahimullah Mehsud,
APA Jamrud Muhammad Arif,senator Momeen Khan,Christian and Sikh communities were also present on the occasion.
