MANSEHRA, June 18: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti on Saturday announced creation of a new division by splitting the Hazara division for what he called effective administration.

He made the announcement for creation of Abaseen division at a public gathering in Battagram district. On this occasion, local MPA Taj Mohammad Tarand, former minister Yousuf Tarand and former district nazim Attaullah Tarand also joined the Awami National Party along with their supporters.

The chief minister said that the new division would be set up by December 31, 2011, raising the number of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s divisions to eight.

Speaking about the security situation, he offered to pardon militants if they surrendered arms and promised to follow the Shariah and constitution of the country.

“I once again offer a hand of friendship to those militants who are ready to give up subversive activities and follow the constitution and law of the land,” Mr Hoti said.

He said that the terrorism was a big hurdle in the way of development of the people of the country.

“We accepted the demand for enforcement of Shariah in Malakand, but they (terrorists) breached the agreement. Now, we will sacrifice our lives or kill them, but terrorism will not be allowed to prevail in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.

The chief minister said that peace had been restored in Malakand and time was not far when all people of this province would live in environment of peace.

Mr Hoti claimed that people wanted the ANP in power and there was sufficient money with the government to serve them.

On this occasion, he also announced a development package of Rs200 million for Battagram district and upgradation of three high schools – Thakot, Pemal Sharif and Pashora – to the status of higher secondary.

He also announced that a branch of Khyber Bank would soon be inaugurated in Battagram.

Provincial ministers Bashir Bilour, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Aqeel Shah, Nimroz Khan, and Sardar Babak were also present on the occasion.

FUNDS FOR ORPHANS: The Helping Hand (HH) NGO has provided school kits and Rs21,000 each to over 400 orphan students in Balakot, Mansehra, Battagram and Shangla for their education in 2011, said Azmat Akbar, the HH regional coordinator, while speaking at the scholarship and kits distribution programme here at Balakot on Saturday.

He said that more orphans were being included in the programme.

He said that the NGO had also been running a skill development center at Mansehra where men and women were being imparted three to six months courses in embroidery, sewing, knitting, computer, mobile repairing etc. He said that on completion of the course each person was provided Rs20,000 interest-free loan for starting own business.

Mr Akbar said that a rehabilitation center for the disabled would start functioning in Swat by next month.