PESHAWAR, Oct 12 (APP):Federal Minister for Interior Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Monday stressed the need for formulating a comprehensive development strategy for 12 restive districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in consultation with local representatives and tribal elders to ensure durable peace and accelerate socio-economic development.
Addressing a meeting of the Area Development Secretariat, constituted to oversee development, financial and emergency measures in eight tribal districts and four settled districts of KP, the Interior Minister said that the recommendations and suggestions of local elders, elected representatives and other stakeholders would be accorded due importance in planning and implementing development projects.
He said the federal government wanted to ensure fast-track development in the terrorism affected districts and provide the people with better civic amenities, employment opportunities and other essential facilities at their doorsteps.
The Interior Minister said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was personally overseeing the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and had directed all relevant institutions to extend maximum support for restoring peace and accelerating development in the province.
Rejecting speculations regarding any division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mohsin Naqvi categorically stated that the 12 districts under the emergency arrangements were an integral part of the province and would remain so.
He said the government would simultaneously focus on strengthening the security apparatus in these districts, adding that police and other law enforcement agencies would be provided with modern equipment and necessary resources to improve the law and order situation.
The minister said substantial funds would be allocated for development projects in the affected districts and directed the concerned authorities to ensure their transparent, timely and effective utilization.
He said the Additional Inspector General of Police and Additional Chief Secretary concerned would oversee security, financial and administrative affairs under the Area Development Secretariat, ensuring close coordination among relevant departments and institutions.
Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that the federal government would extend all-out support to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to strengthen the security apparatus and enhance the capacity of law enforcement institutions.
He particularly emphasized capacity building of the police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), saying that modern training, equipment, vehicles and institutional support were essential to effectively counter the evolving security challenges.
The Interior Minister stressed that security and development must move forward simultaneously, as sustainable peace could only be achieved through a combination of effective law enforcement, good governance and meaningful socio-economic development.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
