PESHAWAR, Sept 15: Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has warned of economic sanctions against the Mahsud tribe if the issue of foreign elements and tribal militants in the South Waziristan Agency is not resolved immediately.

Speaking to a representative jirga of the Mahsud tribesmen here on Tuesday evening, the governor said that if the problem in the Mahsud area was not resolved soon, it would lead to a Wana-like situation, including economic sanctions, which would certainly hinder development work and create difficulties for the people.

He urged the jirga members to realize their responsibilities and play their role to avoid more destruction in the area. The jirga comprised about 300 elders and ulema of the Mahsud tribe.

After lengthy consultations, it was agreed that the jirga process would be continued to explore a political and peaceful settlement to the issue. The governor, while acceding to a unanimous decision by the jirga members, authorized the Political Agent to convene a joint jirga so that a unanimous and result-oriented course of action was devised by tribal elders themselves.

The elders also told the governor that since the issue involved religion as a dominant factor, therefore, they had to consult the ulema before taking any decision in this regard.

The governor also renewed the amnesty offer to foreign elements, saying they could be allowed to stay and even take part in local trade and agriculture related activities subject to proving their identities, laying down arms and furnishing the guarantee of good conduct from elders of the respective tribe.