WANA: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday reiterated that development of tribal areas is incumbent government’s top priority with special emphasis on the education sector and provision of livelihoods to the people of the areas.

While addressing a ceremony of Kamyab Jawan Program, the premier said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has prioritised to develop tribal areas and Balochistan.

He vowed that maximum efforts will be made for tribesmen by providing all education facilities including colleges, schools, universities and scholarships. He announced to establish a technical college in tribal areas in order to groom technical skills of youth.

The premier said that employment is the biggest challenge after education. During the last 15 years, Wana witnessed destruction on large scale due to terrorism. He said Kamyab Jawan Program is just a beginning as the government will continue its efforts to develop all tribal areas and Balochistan.

He said that the people of Waziristan rendered most sacrifices in the liberation war against the British Empire and many of the tribesmen belong to Waziristan went to fight freedom war alongside Kashmiris. PM Khan said that he is fully aware of the spirit of Waziristan people. We knew the traditions of the tribal people and the government will give respect to their elders, he added.

He said that it was a difficult task to merge the tribal areas with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province and some elements tried to create anarchy over the move. He paid tribute to the tribesmen for playing their role during the merger of tribal districts with KP province.

“KP governor and chief minister have been invited here to listen to your demands. CM Mahmood Khan has assured the federal government to hold consultations with you.”

He announced that 3G/4G services will be activated in Waziristan from today and said that he has discussed the matter with the army chief and ISI chief. Youth has raised a genuine demand for getting internet services which will promote education.

He also announced to start a plantation drive of olive trees from next month and the responsibility to protect the trees will be given to locals.

He directed his aide on youth affairs Usman Dar to double the number of scholarships to the tribal youth. He asked the KP government to resolve water issues by constructing dam besides providing health insurance to all families of Waziristan. NNI