Corps Commander 11 Corps, Peshawar, Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed said that all the tribes of South Waziristan are patriots who have made tremendous sacrifices along with Pakistan Army for regional peace.
Corps Commander said that Pakistan Army values their sacrifices. The development of South Waziristan depends on a better law and order situation because lasting peace plays a key role in the development of any society. For the development and prosperity of the tribes of South Waziristan, we must all work together.
He said that the relationship between the Tribal people and Armed Forces is very old, adding that concrete steps were being taken to promote trade in the area so as to raise the living standards of the tribal people.
He expressed these views while addressing a Grand Jirga of Ahmed Zai, Wazir, Dotanni and Mehsud Tribes, during his visit to Wana. Inspector General Frontier Corps (South) Major General Muhammad Munir Afsar and Regional Police Officer Dera Ismail Khan Shaukat were also present on the occasion.
Corps Commander said that the main purpose of our gathering today is lasting peace. "We all want peace. The society cannot develop without peace. Pakistan Army has done a lot to solve the basic problems of education, health and other issues of tribal people in South Waziristan. Resultantly, there is a big difference between Waziristan before 2004 and today," he said.
He said that he was well acquainted with issues of people of Waziristan as he had served in South Waziristan during 2004. In order to promote educational activities in South Waziristan, the best educational institutions and cadet colleges are working in collaboration with the Armed Forces, where native children are being imparted quality educated, he said. Even some students, after completing their education, have become officers in the Armed Forces of Pakistan and are serving the country and the nation, Corps Commander added.
He said that the development and prosperity of South Waziristan is linked with peace and we all have a shared responsibility to maintain peace on permanent basis. It is the duty of the tribes to support the Armed Forces of Pakistan for a better and brighter future of youth of the area.
Corps Commander said that tribal elders should play their important role in equipping their young generation with education, so that, the youth of this region become useful citizens of the society. He further said that the main objective of the Dialogues is peace. If peace is established, then trade opportunities will increase, he added.
When trade increases then economy will be strengthened resulting in prosperity in the whole region, he said, adding that the path of dialogue will be taken with those who want to give up the fighting and want to return to peaceful lifestyle.
He said that efforts are in hand to solve the problems of Pakistani Suleman Khel Tribe living across Angoor Adda. Army has worked alot to build a road network in South Waziristan and more projects are being worked out.
The Corps Commander said that more trade corridors would be opened to boost trade so as to strengthen economy, adding that he has already informed Prime Minister about the issues of tribal people and PM has assured him that their solution is his first priority.
While presenting Welcome Note on the behalf of the Mehsud Tribe, Malik Mehsood Ahmed said that the Mehsuds honor the sacrifices of Pak Army and have always stood by the Armed Force.
He demanded that the CLCP should be expedited so that the sufferers could get timely compensation for the loss of their homes, while special attention should be given to education and health.
While presenting Welcome Note on behalf of Wazir Tribe, Malik Allauddin said that the Wazirs have always kept the national interest at the forefront, a prime example of which was the implementation of the 2007 agreement.
He said that Prime Minister of Pakistan during his visit to South Waziristan had announced the Bifurcation of South Waziristan, which should be implemented at the earliest.
Moreover, 3G and 4G Services should be restored to facilitate network in the area, power output of Gomal Zam Dam should be given to Wana sub-division and Angoor Adda terminal should be opened.
Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed listened carefully to the addresses by the elders of Mehsud and Wazir tribes and assured a solution to the problems for which the tribal elders thanked the Corps Commander and welcomed his visit to Wana.
