KHAR: The Bajaur political administration on Saturday opened work on construction of a church and a community centre here.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, political agent Mohammad Yahya Akhunzada said that the administration was committed to the welfare of the minorities in the agency.

He said that minorities were the equal citizens of the country and that all out efforts were being made to ensure provision of modern facilities to them.

Tribal elders, workers of political and religious parties, leaders of Christian community and officials were present on the occasion.

Mr Akhunzada lauded the role being played by the Christian community in the socio-economic development of the agency and said that the administration valued their invaluable contribution.

The political agent called upon the tribal elders, political and religious workers and Christians to play role in promoting interfaith harmony in the agency.

“Religious tolerance is the only way to create interfaith harmony as all religions stressed tolerance and coexistence,” he added.

The political agent also announced to set aside land to establish a graveyard for the Christian community inside the civil colony, Khar.

On the occasion, Christian community leaders thanked the administration for starting work on the church, which they said had been their longstanding demand.

COMPENSATION PAID: The Bajaur political administration on Saturday distributed Rs8.1 million as compensation among the families of the victims of the bomb blasts.

The compensation cheques were distributed by assistant political agent Mohammad Fayaz Khan Sherpao at a ceremony here.

An amount of Rs7 million was distributed to the heirs of those killed, and Rs1.1 million to the injured. Individually, Rs300,000 were paid to family of the dead and Rs100,000 to the injured.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Fayaz Sherpao said that the administration was committed to maintaining peace and writ of the government in the agency.

He said that the measures being taken by the federal government would help to curb militancy in the region.

The assistant political agent said that the government and the nation were proud of the sacrifices the tribesmen had been giving for restoration of peace and elimination of militancy.

The official said that the administration was determined to provide more financial support to the victims of militancy.

On the occasion, the family members of the victims thanked the government for giving them financial assistance.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2014