PESHAWAR, March 12: The Khyber Agency chapter of Jamaat-i-Islami on Monday criticised the construction of a boundary wall around the posh locality Hayatabad. The JI said the boundary wall would cause hatred among tribesmen and people of the settled areas, and demanded of the NWFP government to stop a provincial minister from creating problems for tribesmen.

“The boundary wall around Hayatabad would increase the gulf between tribesmen and the settled area people. Therefore, we urge the government to stop the construction... (I)f construction of the wall is inevitable then there should be gates to facilitate the tribesmen.”

This was stated by the Khyber Agency amir of JI, Amir Hassan Shinwari, while addressing protesters here in front of the Peshawar Press Club. He said a provincial minister had been the main hurdle in resolving the issue amicably. Therefore, the NWFP government should stop him from meddling in the issue.

Other leaders who spoke on the occasion said the boundary wall alone could not provide protection to the people of Hayatabad. That is why the government, instead of focusing on the wall, should improve the law and order situation.

They said neither the chief minister nor the minister in question could resolve the issue. That is the reason why the problem should be left to the people.—PPI