LANDI KOTAL (Khyber Agency), Feb 28: The passing-out ceremony of the first batch of 70 Khasadars was held at Shah Kas Fort near Jamrud in the Khyber Agency on Saturday after completion of their three-week paramilitary training.

Speaking on the occasion, Commandant of Mehsud Scouts Colonel Amir Iqbal said Khasadar training was part of the government's devolution plan and its attempts to introduce reforms in tribal areas.

He said after completion of its training the Khasadar force would take over the responsibility of maintaining law and order in tribal areas, while the Frontier Constabulary would resume its duty at the border areas. Mehsud Scouts were assigned the duty of imparting paramilitary training to the tribal force.

Upon the completion of their three-month training, Mohammad Shahid of F.R Kohat, Abidullah of Bara and Rahat Gul of Jamrud were awarded certificates for best performance. Col Amir Iqbal distributed certificates among Khasadars.

Major Waqar of Mehsud Scouts told Dawn that from the first batch of Khasadars, 18 had been selected who would impart training to fellow Khasadars as part of the federal government plan to enrol 22,000 Khasadars in all the seven tribal agencies for training.