KHAR, Nov 28: Army Sector Commander (North) Brigadier Haider on Thursday said maintaining peace in Bajaur Agency and provision of basic and modern civic facilities to tribesmen was the top most priority of security forces.

The army commander also asked local residents to continue supporting the forces and administration in maintaining law and order, saying peace was vital for development of the region.

He was speaking at a ceremony organised here to inaugurate a month-long cleanliness campaign.

Tribal elders, political and religious leaders, social activists, traders, students, commandant of Bajaur Scouts, political agent of Bajaur Abdul Jabbar Shah and senior officials of security forces and local administration attended the event.

Brigadier Haider said all possible means were being used to make the drive a success.

He said security forces were committed to providing basic and modern facilities to the people of militancy-hit areas of Bajaur Agency and had initiated extraordinary efforts for the purpose.

The army commander said peace had been restored and the writ of the government had been established in the agency after the successful operation by security forces against militants.

He praised tribesmen and personnel of Bajaur Levies forces for their outstanding efforts in restoration of peace.

Political agent Abdul Jabbar Shah highlighted the importance of the cleanliness drive and said the administration was determined to make the agency beautiful as Bajaur was famous of its beauty and flowers.

He urged participants to promote cleanliness.

The political agent asked traders to keep bazaars and surrounding areas clean saying clean enlivenment is very important for a healthy society.

He asked shopkeepers to hire sweepers in trade centers on permanent basis.

The political agent advised the officials of the administration and traders to monitor cleanliness situation in the agency.