PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Engr. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has said that peace has been restored in the region due to the sacrifices of the patriotic tribesmen and our security forces and we are heading towards new phase of peace and stability.

He was addressing a representative tribal jirga of Bajaur Agency at its Headquarter, Khar during his visit to the agency on Monday.

He lauded the sacrifices of tribesmen saying that their valuable services and sacrifices for the country and nation would always be remembered with admiration adding that now the time has come to take concrete steps for their rehabilitation and to bring them into main stream.

He said that major decisions related to future status of FATA would be taken according to the aspirations and popular will of tribesmen with the consultation of the elders and tribesmen in the larger interests of tribal people. No decision would be imposed on tribal people in this regard, he added.

Besides, members of parliament from Bajaur, haji Bismillah Khan, Shahab ud Din, senator Hidayat ullah, additional chief secretary FATA, Mohammad aslam Kamboh, senior civil and military officials, political administration of the agency and others were also present on this occasion.

Addressing the Jirga, the Governor said with the successful military operation we have combated the wave of militancy and terrorism. He said whole the nation stood united with our security forces to uproot the terrorism from the country.

Shahabuddin Khan, MNA, highlighted the problems which the people of the agency have been facing. The tribes, he said, are satisfied with the conduct of the present government who are engaged in taking steps for development of the area. The governor assured the elders of taking necessary action to address their demands. He said that more development schemes would be started for the uplift of FATA.

The elders lauded the efforts of the Governor and the incumbent Government for provision of various welfare schemes and developmental projects in the region. Governor directed the political administration to serve the people to the best of their abilities; resolve their grievances and ensure provision of basic amenities of life to them.

Responding to the demands presented, the Governor said that construction and rehabilitation work on the Khar to Tehsil Barang and Bajaur to Mohamed roads will soon be started. While giving extra preference to the needs of the people, he added, education, health and communication sectors are getting priority as well. On this occasion, the Governor directed the relevant officials to make the feasibility report regarding the construction of tunnel at Takht on Khar Barang road.

The Governor said that the tribesmen had rendered great sacrifices for the peace of entire region adding that steps has been taken to redress their grievances. He said the dignified return and rehabilitation of displaced persons was the top priority of the government and steps had been taken to ensure the better education and health facilities and reconstruction and development of the tribal region.

He said all the displaced persons from FATA would be sent back to their native homes till the end of this year. He said as per the directives and vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif efforts are being made to overcome the energy crises adding that electricity crises will be resolved till 2018.

The governor paid tributes to the tribesmen and security forces for their great sacrifices, adding that now the time has come to take concrete measures for the wellbeing of tribesmen. He said tribal elders should realize responsibilities and come forward to play a due role for the sustainable peace in Fata.

The elders from Bajaur Agency apprised the Governor about the problems and difficulties which the people of the area are faced with. The Governor assured them to redress their grievances on priority adding that further steps would be taken bring the tribesmen into mainstream.

Addressing the elders, Governor said that CPEC was the game changer not only for pakistan but for the whole region. He said that the link roads in FATA will be connected to the China Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC) which will pave the way for the development of the area adding that the people of the FATA will be the main beneficiaries of this mega-project. He directed the officials of FATA secretariat that proposal in this regard should be made without delay.