LANDI KOTAL, March 31: NWFP Governor Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai has underlined the need for concerted efforts to improve the law and order situation in some pockets of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

He was speaking at the passing-out parade of the first batch of levy recruits belonging to the Khyber and North Waziristan agencies. Law and order secretary for Fata, political agents of Khyber and North Waziristan agencies, project director of the Law-Enforcing Agencies Project, officials of the civil secretariat of Fata and tribal elders attended the ceremony.

“We must strive to improve the law and order situation in order to further the process of development,” said Mr Aurakzai, adding: “The time has come to put the tribal areas on the road to progress.”

The governor appreciated the smart turnout of the recruits and advised them to discharge their responsibilities without favour or fear. “You should serve the tribesmen irrespective of any affiliation with a tribe or clan,” he remarked.

“You are going to be entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining peace which demands devotion, dedication and fairness.”