PESHAWAR, Jan 26: NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has said the government will provide modern weapons and training to the police force so that they could effectively counter the threat of militancy.

Keeping in view the present situation, the provincial government was trying its best to meet the requirements of the police force, like increasing its strength, providing professional training and latest weapons to them and preparing a sound infrastructure, the chief minister told a Qaumi jirga of the Lakki Marwat district, led by former minister Anwar Kamal Khan, which called on him here on Monday.

He said the provincial government, in order to strength law-enforcement agencies, was making efforts to meet their requirements on priority basis.

The NWFP government, apart from its own resources, was also in contact with the federal government and donor agencies to meet the requirements of the police force keeping in view the situation of the province, he said.

The chief minister praised the unity in the ranks of the Quami jirga in combating crimes in their areas, terming it a good example for other areas to maintain peace and harmony. He observed that close liaison between the people and law- enforcers was a good omen for establishing peace and tranquillity in the region.

He assured the delegation that the government would increase the strength of police and FC personnel in their areas, hoping that peace efforts of the government would soon bear fruit.

About problems of civic amenities in the Lakki Marwat district, the chief minister claimed that the government was following comprehensive programmes to provide basic facilities to people at their doorsteps.

He said maintenance of public order was the prime objective of the government. He added that finances would not be made a hurdle in provision of facilities of education, health, clean drinking water to the people.

The members of the delegation included MPAs Anwar Saifullah Khan and Pir Khalid Raza Zakori, former MNA Naseer Khan, Shafiullah Khan Begokhel, Aslam Khan Eisakhel, Idrees Khan and Mohammad Khan. — APP