PESHAWAR  - The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has said that only the tribesmen have the right to decide their future. He added that the future of FATA will be decided with the wishes of tribal people and in consultation with the elected representatives from Federal Administered Tribal Areas.
He said that tribal people had left their homes and native places for the great national cause and their sacrifices would never go in vain.
He said that repatriation of all TDPs is the top most priority of the government and assured the reforms process in FATA would be completed with the consent and wishes of tribal people. He said, “No efforts would be spared to put an end to corruption and we will meet the expectations of tribesmen at any cost.”
He was talking to the FATA parliamentarians who called on him here at Governor’s House on Saturday. Besides, Senators from FATA, Hidayat ullah Khan, Ilhaj Taj Muhammad Khan, Sajjad Hussain, members national assembly from FATA, Ilhaj Shahji Gul Afridi, Shahab uddin Khan, Sajid Hussain Turi, Muhammad Nazeer Khan, Ghalib Khan, Qaiser Jamal Afridi, Principal Secretary to Governor, Sikandar Qayuum, Secretary AI&C FATA, Zaheer ul Islam, Secretary Social Sector FATA, Waqar ul Hasan and others were also present on the occasion. The governor also hosted a dinner in the honour of parliamentarians from FATA.
They felicitated the governor on his appointment and also appreciated the services of Iqbal Zafar Jhagra for strengthening of democracy and hoped that he would further continue his efforts for the welfare and prosperity of the people of the FATA.
Speaking at the occasion, the Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said that maintenance of lasting peace was the top most priority of the incumbent government and reiterated his commitment to uproot the wave of militancy and terrorism from the country once and for all. He said, “We have to promote fairness and justice in the administrative and other departments and social justice throughout the society.”
He said that every possible step would be taken to ensure all the basic possible facilities to the tribal people.
The governor said that peace has been restored in FATA due to the great sacrifices of patriotic tribesmen, civil administration and Pak Army. He said efforts are being made to ensure the successful and dignified return of the TDPs to their homes on priority basis. He said an effective administration in FATA would be ensured to lead in a new era of development. The governor said, “Due to the sacrifices rendered by tribesmen and security forces we are entering into the new phase of peace, stability and prosperity,” adding that repatriation of TDPs has started and it will be successfully ensured and completed by the end of this year.
He said concrete measures would be taken on priority basis for the development of health sector, provision of modern health and education facilities to the tribesmen to improve the public health facilities and standards of education in FATA.
He said that government was fully committed to take the steps for the welfare of tribesmen adding that dignified repatriation and rehabilitation of tribal people would be ensured.
He said that no stone would be left unturned for the development of this marginalized region and to bring the people of FATA into mainstream.
He said, “Our government is sincere to restore peace in tribal areas and assured that certain solid steps would be taken to bring FATA into the mainstream, saying immediate steps would be taken for the development and progress in tribal belt.”