SWABI, Aug 2: There is a need for Americans and Pukhtuns to hold talks to understand each other’s point of view and avoid committing mistakes in future, according to Lynne M. Tracy, principal officer of the US consulate.

She held talks with the district nazim Shahram Khan, DCO Adil Khan and the DPO and later addressed a gathering at the residence of Liaquat Khan Tarakai here on Thursday.

Janie Byrd and Justin Kolbeck, political officers, and Michael Abel, economic and public affairs officer, accompanied Ms Lynne.

The main objective of her visit was to exchange views with the district government officials to understand their approach towards the current complex situation in various Pukhtun regions.

Insiders said that the peace in the district, local government system and the role of maddressahs was also discussed. They expressed satisfaction over the prevailing peace and tranquility in the district, sources said.

“If we can learn from the past, we can build a better future,” she said, adding that Pakistan had rendered great sacrifices since after the 9/11 and relations between the US and Pakistan strengthened.

“There is a need for dialogue to avoid mistakes in future,” she said. “Negotiations are very important.”Earlier, Pukhtun elders urged the US government to assist in development of Swabi district because people there had already given up poppy cultivation, which was one of the main sources of their earning.

Roohal Amin Yousfzai, a Pushto literary icon told the American officials that Pakistan had given tremendous sacrifices during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan and western powers had assembled all religious-minded people and motivated them to fight a jihad against the now defunct Soviet Union.

However, after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, Americans left “us alone, especially the Pukhtun regions suffered greatly and the continued conflict in various Pukhtun areas is a clear-cut proof”.

“Instead of talking about hitting us, the best available option to the US is to hold talks with us to understand our culture and traditions because we, the Pukhtuns, are a very peaceful people. We want to live in peace and harmony,” he said.

Ashraf Khan Jadoon, president of the Gadoon Amazai Graduate Council and Abdur Rehman, union council nazim, said that the US had given Rs860 million for development in the region but the funds had not been properly utilised, adding that a major chunk of that money had gone into the pockets of various vested interest groups.“We gave up poppy cultivation, which was the main source of our income but we did not get anything in return, “said Mr Khan. “Our women are still carrying water pitchers from far-flung areas in the mountainous regions.”