PESHAWAR/SWABI, Sept 6: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Masood Kausar on Thursday paid tribute to the people, who laid down life for the country, and said the nation was proud of them.

“Developed nations have gone through the same circumstances we have experienced in the recent past and therefore, families of our war heroes deserve the greatest level of respect,” he told a Defence Day function.

The function was organised for the members of the national heroes’ families and internally displaced persons at the Governor’s House.

The governor told participants that though the replacement of those who rendered great sacrifices for the country was impossible but the government would go all-out to resolve problems faced by members of their families.

He appreciated the ‘performance, keen interest and spirit’ of Fata students and advised them to focus on their studies.

“The government is doing its best to create the maximum opportunities of higher and quality education across the country for Fata students. It is now up to them to make the best use of these opportunities,” he said.

Mr Kausar said the government was considering introducing special marriage packages for the children of national war heroes and health cards and early redressal of their problems. He said a cell had already been established at the secretariat for the purpose.

The governor expressed solidarity with internally displaced persons from Fata.

“No doubt, the camp life doesn’t match home life.

However, I’m striving to ease the situation at camps besides taking efforts to ensure their early return to their respective areas,” he said.

The address was followed by a declamation contest, national songs, skits, tableaus and a band march by students.

Also, stalls displaying items made by Fata skill development centres were put up at the lawn of the Governor’s House.

The governor later went to stalls and appreciated the quality of items displayed there.

In Swabi, presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid leader Mushahid Hussain Syed paid tribute to Nishan-i-Haider holder Captain Karnail Sher Khan by visiting his grave on Defence Day.

A special ceremony was later held at the grave, where Brigadier Mushtaq Faisal also laid floral wreath and offered Fateha.

A contingent of Pakistan Army paid respects to the national hero.

Mr Farhatullah said Captain Karnail would always be remembered by the nation for bravery in Kargil sector.

“The whole nation is proud of Captain Karnail’s act of valour. He’s the first man from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to receive Nishan-i-Haider,” he said.

The presidential spokesman said if the relevant authorities felt a need for work on the grave, the federal government could sanction funds for it without delay.

Mr Mushahid said he had a great regard for Captain Karnail because he was a brave son of the soil.

He said it was the third time that he visited Capitan Karnail’s grave, showing his love for the hero.

“I also have special relations with the people of Swabi and always feel proud to visit the region, which I always call the land of lions,” he said.

Sikandar Sher, brother of Captain Karnail, said his brother, who got commission in Pakistan Army in 1965 in Sindh Regiment, laid down life defending the country at a forward location in Kargil at an altitude of 18,400 feet on June 28, 1999.

He said heroic and courageous fight in the battlefield earned his brother the highest gallantry award and that he emerged as a symbol of courage and valour among young Pakistan army officers.

Special security measures were taken on the occasion.