MINGORA, March 2: Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has said that some foreign forces and anti-Pakistan elements who do not want peace in Swat are conspiring to sabotage the accord the government has reached with TNSM chief Maulana Sufi Mohammad.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Mr Hoti warned that the same elements were trying to create misunderstanding between the two sides to undermine the peace initiative.

“But we will frustrate their nefarious designs and work jointly for peace and development of Swat and Malakand,” the chief minister said.

He said the government was sincere and would take practical steps before the middle of this month to enforce the Nizam-i-Adl regulation which was the longstanding demand of the people of Malakand region.

He said no laws would be in violation of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.

Mr Hoti said measures would be taken to set up Qazi courts formation by the mid-March deadline set by TNSM chief Maulana Sufi Muhmmad.

Appellate courts, he said, would also be set up in seven districts of Malakand region and Kohistan district of Hazara division as soon as possible to provide speedy and cheap justice to the people. He said the decision to enforce Nizam-i-Adl regulation in Malakand had been taken in agreement with the president and the federal government and expressed the hope that President Zardari would sign it at an appropriate time.

He said the government had accepted the Sharia demand of the people of Malakand and, therefore, there was no justification now for taking up arms against the state. “There should be no more bloodshed because the people of Swat are fed up with violence and want peace and development,” he said.

The chief minister lauded the role of Sufi Muhammad for restoring peace in the region and said that each word of the agreement would be implemented in letter and spirit.

He appealed to Maulana Sufi Muhammad to move to Mamdheri, a former headquarters of the Taliban loyal to Maulana Fazlullah, and to pave way for turning it into an Islamic university. He said funds were available for the purpose.

He said peace in Swat was the top-most priority of the government, adding that all hurdles would be removed through talks and consultations.

Mr Hoti said that work to rebuild the destroyed educational institutions, offices, road and bridges would be taken up soon, adding that the federal government and welfare organisations would be approached to provide funds for the purpose.

The chief minister said that shelter schools would also be set up on an urgent basis.

Mr Hoti said that all girls should have access to schooling, but they must wear the dress in conformity with the culture of Pukhtuns and Islamic norms.

He said peace had retuned to Swat and, therefore, now the displaced people should return to their homes and participate in reconstruction work. He promised all possible financial help to them.

Mr Hoti said the provincial government would use all its resources and funds for the wellbeing of the people of Swat and to bring the region on a par with other districts.

Earlier at a ceremony, he distributed cheques among family members of victims of the violence.

He was accompanied by Minister for Environment Wajid Ali Khan, Minister for Science and Technology Ayub Khan Ashari, Information Minister Mian Iftikhar, Health Minister Zahir Ali Shah, members of National and NWFP assemblies and elected representatives.

A TNSM delegation led by its spokesman Amir Izzat and the chief of its Swat chapter Mohammad Iqbal met the chief minister at the Circuit House. A delegation of Swat peace jirga led by its chief Inamullah Khan also met the chief minister at the Circuit House and discussed progress made in the ongoing peace process.

FC men released

Meanwhile, Taliban released a paramilitary officer and his five bodyguards they had kidnapped on Sunday night.

Hassam Uddin, a district officer of the Frontier Constabulary, was kidnapped along with the five guards from near Qamber area when they were going to Mingora.

Malakand commissioner Syed Mohammad Javed confirmed their release.
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