August 14, 2003	Thursday	Jumadi-us-Sani 15, 1424

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MOHMAND AGENCY, Aug 13: A jirga of Khogakhel tribesmen, a sub clan of Mohmand tribe announced their allegiance to Pakistan here on Tuesday.

The jirga held at Khogakhel near the Pakistan-Afghan border was also addressed by secretary security Fata Brig Mehmood Shah, political agent Sahibzada Mohammad Anis and former provincial minister Iftekhar Mohmand.

The tribal elders pledged full support to Pakistan and hoped that the government would start developmental schemes in remote areas of Mohmand Agency to remove poverty and backwardness.

They asked the government to announce uplift package for inaccessible areas of the agency.

Speaking at the jirga Brig Mehmood Shah assured that the government would resolve all outstanding issues with Khogakhail tribe in accordance with tribal customs and traditions.

He said that a representative jirga of Khogakhel would hold talks with tribesmen on the other side of the Durand Line.

He said that the tribesmen had no concern with the Durand Line issue and stressed the local people to fulfil their territorial responsibilities.

The tribesmen should foil nefarious designs of anti-Pakistan elements, he said,

The secretary said that the government would provide all incentives to Khogakhel tribes, being extended to other clans of Mohmand tribes. He said that Khogakhel had announced their loyalty soon after the creation of Pakistan.

The tribesmen, in the end, hoped that the government would look into the issues that have been causing problems for their region for quite some time and said that it would be of great help to the region if the goverment began development projects as soon as possible.

They also said that it is the need of the hour their greivances be addressed in an honest and sincere manner.