PESHAWAR, Aug 7: The 45-member Grand Tribal Jirga, constituted to seek a permanent and peaceful solution to the crisis in Waziristan, called on the NWFP Governor Lt-Gen (R) Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai at the Governor’s House on Monday

The members informed the governor about the steps taken by the jirga and hoped that they would succeed in achieving the task.

Gen Aurakzai said that he was satisfied with the performance of the jirga and said that both sides have full confidence in each other and have been taken positive and encouraging steps in the right direction.

The governor enumerated steps taken by the government on the recommendation of the jirga including release of prisoners, restoration of perks and privileges of the tribes, closure and relocation of some check posts and exercising extreme restraint despite some violent incidents.

The governor however said that continuous presence of foreign elements in the tribal areas has not only posed threat to the peace and stability but has also put the country into many troubles and difficulties.

“These foreigners must leave our soil”, the governor stressed and said, “however those who prefer to stay here due to some genuine reasons can be allowed on valid guarantees from local tribesmen and on the condition that they would fully obey the laws of the land”.

He said that the government was fully committed to restoration of peace in Waziristan and elsewhere in Fata and would support every effort in that direction.

Regarding peace initiatives taken by the jirga so far, the governor said that the government would certainly like to ensure the safety and security of its employees, properties and installations as well as those of the Tribal elders, Malik and chieftains. Similarly, he added the government couldn’t compromise on the establishment of its writ over the tribal areas.—PPI