LAKKI MARWAT: The Marwat Qaumi Jirga and government officials have reaffirmed their resolve to launch joint efforts for establishing lasting peace and bringing sustainable development to the region.

The decision came at a meeting held at the District Headquarters Complex, Tajazai, on Friday.

A core committee of the jirga comprising former federal minister Anwar Saifullah Khan, former federal secretary Akhtar Munir Marwat, former MNA Naseer Mohammad Khan Maidadkhel and others attended the meeting.

The government team was represented by Bannu division commissioner Parweiz Sabatkhel, regional police officer Qasim Ali Khan, deputy commissioner Abdul Hadi, district police officer Mohammad Ashfaq Khan and others.

The elders reiterated that local residents won’t provide any support to the elements involved in disrupting peace. They assured the authorities of not allowing any organisation to use their soil for carrying out anti-state activities.

The elders said they would use their influence to pursue people, especially youth, to keep away from such entities. They also assured they would convince wanted men to lay down arms and surrender to law enforcement agencies.

It was recommended that instead of launching a general operation, the law enforcement agencies would continue targeted and intelligence-based actions against miscreants in Lakki Marwat.

The divisional commissioner said the government would utilise all available resources to maintain peace and bring development to the region. He said completion of uplift projects would enable locals to avail basic amenities of life at their doorsteps.

Mr Sabatkhel said eliminating militancy was inevitable to provide a peaceful environment to future generations. He said elders’ support would help divisional and district administrations counter anti-peace elements effectively.

INJURED: Two people were injured when an armed man opened fire on them at a musical concert in Manzar Faqeer village of Lakki on Thursday night.

Police said villagers were attending an outdoor musical concert during a wedding ceremony when a villager, Arifullah came there, started dancing and then opened fire with an AK 47 rifle, injuring Hanifullah, 21, and Abrar.

Injured Hanifullah told the police Arifullah opened fire with an intention to kill him. Police said both the injured were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital, Tajazai.

Serai Gambila police registered a case against the man.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2023