PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra on Thursday said the dignified return of internally displaced persons to Fata and restoration of peace in the country was the government’s top priorities.

He also said some drastic steps had been taken to bring the youths of Fata into the main pool of talents at national level to help them play role in the nation’s building.

The governor was speaking to reporters after attending the final of a football tournament here as the chief guest.

He said after the successful execution of the Zarb-i-Azb military operation against militants, Fata was entering a phase of peace and stability due to the matchless sacrifices of security forces and tribesmen.

Mr. Jhagra said peace had been restored not only in the tribal region but also in the entire country due to the success of the Zarb-i-Azb operation.

He said the federal government was committed to eliminating terrorism from the country and rehabilitating Fata people in their region and that the task was challenging but it would be done with the support of the people.

The governor said the government was making efforts to ensure the successful and dignified return of all IDPs to their homes in Fata by the end of the year.

“The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had seen a very difficult time during the last few years in the shape of terrorism. That had a direct negative bearing on social, economic and psychological aspects of the people’s life. We’re making sincere efforts at all levels to restore normalcy in the province,” he said. Mr. Jhagra said the importance of sports in promoting healthy activities couldn’t be denied.

Accompanied by KP Football Association president Syed Zahir Ali Shah, the governor said Pakistani youths were endowed with great talents and sports events provided youths with an opportunity to come to the national pool of talents.

He said KP had produced champions of international fame and that their contribution to the promotion of sports in the province and country was significant.

“Both KP and Fata have contributed shinning stars to almost all internationally-acknowledged popular games like squash, football, hockey, wrestling, badminton and table tennis,” he said. Mr. Jhagra said Fata and KP people were peace-loving people.

“We have made great sacrifices for the restoration of peace. We will continue our efforts for permanent peace in the country,” he said.

The governor appreciated young footballers for active participation in the tournament.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2016