GHALANAI, Oct 30: The terrorists hiding in Afghanistan were carrying out attacks inside Pakistan with the backing of Afghan authorities to disturb peace in the area, said Commandant Mohmand Rifles Col Mushtaq Hussain.

He was addressing a jirga at the headquarters of Mohmand Rifles here on Monday. Political Agent Adil Siddique, officials of political administration and security forces, a large number of tribesmen from Haleemzai, Trakzai, Baizai, Khawezai, Safi and Utmankhel tribes and heads of different peace committees attended the jirga.

Col Mushtaq said that terrorists were present across the border. He said that terrorists were backed by Afghan government to attack checkposts in Mohmand Agency to destabilise the area. The official said that Afghan government should play its role to stop terrorist activities. He said that security forces had apprehended five groups involved in blasts in the area during the past two months.

“Security forces have taken solid steps to improve law and order in the area. For this purpose, six new checkposts have been established in the border areas to check movement of militants,” he said. Col Mushtaq said that they wanted to revive jirga system in Mohmand Agency to resolve issues of tribesmen. “Two members from each tribe will be included in the jirga, to be set up at agency level,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Siddique said that militants had ruined education and health sectors and tribal customs including jirga system in the area. He said that anti-Pakistan elements spent huge money on insurgency in the area.

Tribal elders including Malik Sahab Khan, Malik Said Mahmood Jan, Malik Nusrat Tarakzai, Malik Sultan Kodakhel, Malik Mohammad Gul, Malik Sherzada, Malik Mohammad Ali Haleemzai and Malik Khandan assured the officials of their cooperation on the occasion. — Fauzee Khan Mohmand