KHAR: The elders and political activists of Bajaur tribal district on Saturday pledged to stand by the security forces and local administration for maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

They were speaking during a jirga held here at the Bajaur Scouts headquarters. The jirga, called by the security forces, was attended by Army’s sector commander Brig Raja Naeem Akbar, Bajaur Scouts Commandant Col Rehman Qadar, deputy commissioner Usman Mehsood and others. Elders and notables of Tharkani and Utmankhel tribes of the district and local leaders of various political parties attended the meeting.

Addressing the jirga, Brig Akbar, who has recently assumed the charge of his post, said the purpose of the gathering was to further strengthen peace and normalcy in the district. He said that law and order situation was fully under control and there was no apparent threat to peace in any part of the region. He said that security forces were fully alert and had the capacity to keep peace and normalcy in the district. However, he sought support of the elders and notables of the region in this regard. He said that support of the local people was essential to maintenance of exemplary peace in the area.

Brig Akbar said that peace was a prerequisite for the socioeconomic development of the residents. Senior officials of the local administration said that the jirga was called to develop a peaceful environment in the region. They lauded sacrifices of the local people for peace and stability in the district.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2018