July 23, 2008	Wednesday	Rajab 19, 1429

PESHAWAR, July 22: NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has asked all the provincial assembly members to utilise their influence for creating awareness among the people of their respective constituencies against militancy.

Talking to MPAs during his weekly meetings with the latter at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat here on Tuesday, Mr Hoti said despite numerous hurdles, his government had launched sincere efforts to resolve the issue of law and order and bring under control the situation through the involvement of traditional jirgas and political forces.

He informed the legislators that peace committees would be established at district level, adding the federal government was providing assistance to strengthen the police force. He added people from cross section of society would be given representation in the proposed peace bodies and all the political parties including the opposition would be taken on board in this regard.

The CM said his government wanted to resolve the issue of insecurity through consensus and political approach in order to pave way for developmental activities in the troubled areas.

However, he said if someone was not ready to negotiate with the government or not willing to lay down arms, the provincial government would use the force as last option to ensure protection to the life and property of the people and establish writ of the government.

In the past, he said, elected governments were ousted by dictators but now some other people were demanding the government to quit.

In such a situation, the chief minister said, they had two options to exercise – to respect the people’s mandate and complete the tenure or become silent spectators. However, he said becoming silent spectators will be an insult to the people’s mandate.

The chief minister stressed the need for motivation of the masses with regard to the government policy, saying coordination among public representatives, law-enforcement agencies, administration and civil society was highly required in this connection.

He likened the success of the government efforts and the role of law-enforcement agencies to the people’s support.

The members of provincial assembly also informed the CM about the problems being faced by the people of their respective constituencies.

Meanwhile, independent MPA from PF-59 Taj Mohammad Khan Tarend has announced his full support to the Awami National Party inside and outside of the provincial assembly. However, the MPA will remain as independent. He announced this decision during a meeting with the CM at the latter’s office.