June 15, 2007	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 29, 1428

LAKKI MARWAT, June 14: The Marwat Qaumi Jirga has formed a committee to work out a strategy to check rising incidents of kidnapping in Lakki Marwat.

The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held here on Thursday. PML-N provincial general-secretary and MPA Anwar Kamal Khan Marwat, former MNAs Haji Muhammad Kabir Khan Marwat and Naseer Muhammad Khan Maidadkhel, elders of the Marwat tribe and members of political, religious and social organisations attended the meeting.

The Saifullah family did not attend, but their supporters and local leaders of the ruling PML participated in the meeting.

The meeting expressed concern over the rising incidents of kidnapping and held the government responsible for the poor law and order situation in the district. “The people are facing unrest and a wave of fear persists among them,” it said, adding that the kidnappers had support of the Taliban.

The jirga formed a committee comprising elders from each clan of the Marwat tribe. It will hold its meeting on June 23 in the Lakki city to discuss the issue and chalk out a plan to stop kidnappings.

Anwar Kamal asked tribesmen not to allow anyone to use their soil for kidnapping or other terrorist activities.

He criticised the provincial government for its failure to maintain peace and ensure safety of life and property of the people.

He warned the kidnappers to release all people before the meeting of the committee on June 23.