Grand Jirga proposes equipping police force against terrorism; Muqam says peace, security collective responsibility

SWAT, Nov 07 (APP):A grand jirga of Malakand division was held at Swat Police Training Centre on Saturday, with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, attending as the chief guest.

Inspector General of Frontier Corps, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed, Regional Police Officer Swat Zahid Nawaz Khan Marwat, deputy commissioners, district police officers (DPOs), politicians, educationists, lawyers and prominent representatives from different walks of life also attended the gathering.

Addressing the jirga, Federal Minister Amir Muqam termed the initiative a positive step towards resolving public issues, promoting peace and stability, and enhancing the operational capacity of the police.

He said the people of Malakand Division had rendered unprecedented sacrifices for the restoration of law and order and held it in high esteem.

He said the people, Pakistan Army, police and other security institutions had jointly written an unforgettable chapter of sacrifices in the war against terrorism, adding that lasting peace and stability could only be achieved through public support and cooperation.

Appreciating the initiative, the federal minister paid tribute to the IGP KP and RPO Zahid Khan for bringing representatives of different schools of thought onto a common platform to listen to their concerns and suggestions.

He proposed extending this successful model to other divisions, districts and tehsils of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to strengthen direct engagement with the public and find practical solutions to their problems.

Engr Amir Muqam said the people of Malakand Division, particularly Swat, had endured some of the worst periods of terrorism, displacement, and other difficult circumstances. “They had sacrificed their loved ones, abandoned their homes and extended full support to security institutions for restoring peace in the country.”

He also recalled the significant role played by army in providing relief and rehabilitation during the 2005 earthquake, floods and other natural disasters.

The federal minister said peace, security and stability of Pakistan were a collective responsibility, adding that Pakistan Army had defended the country through its professional capabilities and sacrifices during every difficult period and had demonstrated its strength in meeting recent challenges as well.

He stressed the need to further strengthen national unity, solidarity and cooperation with state institutions.

The federal minister said the people of Malakand division were patriotic and had always stood firmly with the state of Pakistan. Promoting mutual trust and cooperation between the public and security institutions was an urgent need of the hour, he added.

Discussing economic and developmental challenges, Engr Amir Muqam said the federal government had been apprised of the taxation-related and other economic difficulties faced by the people of the merged districts and Malakand division.

Engr Amir Muqam said he had consistently raised these issues in the National Assembly, relevant parliamentary committees, federal cabinet and before the prime minister, and would continue playing his role in safeguarding the rights of the people.

He called for collective efforts to address the burden of unnecessary taxes on the public and the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.

Referring to major development initiatives, including the Swat Motorway, he said progress had been made regarding land acquisition and compensation matters, but practical work on the relevant agreement needed to begin.

He also expressed hope for early progress on an Rs18 billion development project with the support of the Korea Export-Import Bank and urged the relevant authorities to take effective measures to ensure the timely completion of these projects.

Amir Muqam said all relevant institutions would have to work together to resolve public issues relating to healthcare, education, roads and other basic facilities in Malakand Division to ensure visible improvements in people’s lives.

Appreciating the role of police, he said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police had rendered immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He assured that the federal and provincial governments would continue playing their role in enhancing police capacity, providing modern facilities and utilising the professional capabilities of personnel.

He stressed that keeping the police free from political interference and ensuring merit-based appointments were essential for maintaining law and order.

The minister said accountability must be accompanied by tangible progress in development projects and public service delivery. While action against corruption and corrupt elements was necessary, the government must also ensure better facilities for the people, he added.

Thanking all tribal elders and participants, Amir Muqam reiterated that the federal government would continue making every possible effort to resolve the problems of Malakand division, promote peace and stability, and accelerate development in the region.

The primary objectives of the jirga were to pay tribute to the martyrs and deliberate on the challenges confronting the region in maintaining peace.

The jirga was attended by Vice Chancellor Swat University Professor Khushhali Amin, Vice Chancellor Veterinary University Swat Professor Dr Shakeebullah, MPA Rashad Khan from Shangla, MPA Afshan Hussain from Upper Swat, Brigadier (retd) Saleem Khan, former senator Rahat Hussain, Najmuddin Khan from Upper Dir, Wajid Ali Khan from Swat, former provincial minister Muhammad Ali Shah, Sahibzada Tariqullah, retired SP Shangla Bahaduruddin, retired SSP Amjad Khan, former deputy speaker Bakht Jehan, Mian Syed Laiq Badshah, former secretary Arshad Khan, Fayyaz Zafar, Khurshid Ali Khan from Dir, Shehraz Khan, Maulana Javed from Malakand and former provincial minister Malik Muzaffar Syed.

The participating elders underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The grand jirga unanimously proposed equipping the police force with the latest security equipment and modern gadgets. The elders said personnel of Pakistan Army and police were their own sons and enjoyed their wholehearted support.

The jirga also demanded the complete withdrawal of all kinds of taxes imposed on Malakand Division.