PESHAWAR, Aug 1: A ban has been imposed on Friday on the carrying of arms in the main bazaars of Miranshah, Mir Ali and Razmak while the political authorities have been directed to ensure immediate implementation in this regard.

The orders for the ban were issued by NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah while speaking at a tribal jirga in the border own of Shawol in the agency.

Stressing the need to enforce the ban, he said that it was vital to ensure maintenance of peace and law and order in the tribal area.

The governor called for the people’s cooperation in this regard, saying that the administration needed their support for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in the agency, adding that it was vital to bring development to the area.

In his first-ever visit to the area, which had remained inaccessible till last year, he said that the government had taken a most difficult decision in the history of the country, adding that it had proven to be highly beneficial.

Referring to the prevailing international and regional situation, the governor said that there was a need to protect national interests.

Stressing the need to stop elements, who were out to destabilize the country, the governor said that no one would be allowed to use the country’s lands to fulfil their nefarious designs.

Referring to the development taking place in the area, he said that the government had prepared a development package amounting to Rs200 million for the Shawol area that would be utilized for implementing projects in the education, health, communication and water supply sectors.

He said that three of the local roads would be improved while eight primary schools would be set up in the area.

The governor also approved the digging of 25 wells as well as installation of 100 hand-pumps.

He also directed the authorities concerned to start a survey for the installation of tube wells.

The governor also laid the foundation stone of a Rs30 million multi-purpose sports complex in Miranshah.