PESHAWAR, Jan 9: Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti on Wednesday launched Baizai Irrigation Scheme in Katlang area of Mardan district. The project will cost Rs3.40 billion.

The agriculture production of the area, which up till now stood at 8,780 metric ton, will increase to 260,834 metric ton with the completion of this project in June this year.

Addressing a public gathering on the occasion, Mr Hoti said the project will prove base for agriculture revolution, and future development and prosperity of the province.

He said protection of the country, establishment of peace, stability and brighter future for next generation, were components of Awami National Party’s election manifesto.

The irrigation scheme had been a dream of our ancestors and Khudai Khidmatgars, who rendered enormous sacrifices for achieving independence from the colonialists, recalled the CM.

Mr Hoti said the government on coming to power adopted the path of dialogue and inked agreements with militants in order to restore peace in Swat valley, but elements with certain agenda sabotaged the peace initiatives, prompting the government to take decisive action to purge the Malakand division of militancy.The CM said the government adopted path of reconciliation and making peace at the cost of losing ‘our leaders and workers’.

He said 2.5 million people of Malakand division were displaced owing to action against militants, adding by grace of God and cooperation of the people of the host districts, return of the displaced people to their homes was made possible in just three months.

He said MPAs Shamsher Khan and Alamzeb Khan and senior ANP leader Bashir Ahmad Bilour had not rendered sacrifices of their lives, family or business, rather they laid down their lives for survival of the country.—APP