PESHAWAR, Dec 22: Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani has said that efforts are being made to re-open the Bannu airport and bring it at par with other international airports to give trade and business activities in the city a boost.

Talking to a representative delegation of Bekka Khel tribe of FR Bannu that called on him on Sunday under the leadership of Malik Kakan Khan, the chief minister said that it was a matter of satisfaction that a private sector airline Aero Asia, and the Pakistani community in Dubai have offered financial support for the improvement of the Bannu airport.

He said that endeavours were being made to provide modern facilities to the people travelling to Bannu and its surrounding areas. He expressed the hope that the step would result in improving the socio-economic conditions of the people of these areas.

The chief minister said that the government was also embarking upon a comprehensive programme to provide facilities of health, education, communication, drinking water and irrigation to the people. He also referred to the construction of a hospital in Bannu and linking the Bannu township with the Indus Highway.

Akram Durrani said that the maintenance of law and order was the top most priority of the provincial government. The government would not allow a handful of anti-social elements to hijack the entire society, he added.

DIRECTIVE: The chief minister also directed the DIG Bannu to ensure his presence at Bannu and Kohat at every quarter to supervise the law and order situation in these areas.

He issued the direction to this effect at a meeting with a representative delegation of Kohat at the Frontier House. MNA Maulana Mufti Ibrar Sultan led the delegation, according to a handout.