KHAR: Speakers at a seminar here the other day complained about non-payment of compensation to the local tribesmen, whose businesses were destroyed during a military operation against militants.

They demanded that the government take corrective measures without delay for the revival and promotion of business activities in Bajaur Agency. The seminar was organised by the All Bajaur Traders Association in collaboration with the local administration here.

Tribal elders, leaders of political parties, representatives of trade unions and officials of local administration attended the event in large numbers.

The speakers, including additional political agent Mohammad Irfanuddin, JUI-F leader Maulana Mohammad Sadiq, JI leader Maulana Abdur Rasheed, All Bajaur Traders Association president Saleem Khan, Haji Akbar Jan and Mohammad Sufi, said revival and promotion of businesses in the agency was essential for the socio-economic development and prosperity of local population.

They said promotion of trade and commerce meant better employment opportunities to the people, who were adversely affected by militants and military operation against them.

The speakers said militancy and operations to counter them had ruined business and trade sectors in Bajaur Agency.

They said around 3,000 commercial units in different parts of the agency, including shops and small industries, were in ruins.

The speakers said the government and local administration had promised payment of compensation to local traders but the promise had yet to be fulfilled. “Though survey and registration of destroyed and damaged shops and industrial units were completed long ago, tribesmen have yet to receive proper compensation,” said a speaker.

The speakers alleged that Smeda discriminated against local traders for provision of grant.

They said hundreds of traders affected by military operation had applied for Smeda grant long ago but the money had yet to be offered to them.

The speakers urged the government and local administration to take immediate steps to revive and boost trade and commerce in the militancy-hit areas of the agency.

Published in Dawn January 26th , 2015

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