Resolution of issues of tribal people state's first priority: DG ISPR

MIRANSHAH: Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor on Sunday said redressal of issues of tribal people was the first priority of the state and all the issues should be resolved through negotiations, ARY News reported.

“There’s no such an issue that could not be resolved through talks. Tribal people rendered great sacrifices along security forces personnel and because of those sacrifices peace could be restored in Federally Administered Tribal Areas. Now we have to move on from here for the betterment,” he said while addressing a jirga held in Miranshah.

The jirga was held on directive of the army chief to compensate the traders in North Waziristan who were affected as a result of the military operations.

Additional chief secretary Fata, political agents and a large number of businessmen were also present on this occasion. Tribal elders on this occasion also chanted ‘Long Live Pakistan Army’, ‘Long Live Pakistan’.

Asif Ghafoor said no one was more concerned than the state, government and armed forces for resolution of issues of the region.

“We are consolidating dividends of peace.Through hardships is road to peace.Hard times are over, good ones are in the sight. Let’s stay steadfast. Difficulties/comforts both are shared,” he said.

“We can do it. We are doing it. We shall, In sha Allah!, do it together till final destination of enduring peace in our Pakistan.”

He said the anti-terrorists operations were conducted with shrewd planning to eliminate terrorists from the tribal areas.

“It is better to carry forward peace than holding rallies. We should not get ourselves trapped into enemies’ tactics,” he said.

Moreover, committees were formed in the jirga for estimating the losses incurred to the shopkeepers. The administration was directed to right away compensate the losses on completion of the survey for estimation.

The political administration announced to hold weekly meeting till complete compensation of the losses. Two committees were constituted for Mir Ali Bazaars.

Expressing confidence on the jirga, state and administration, representatives of shopkeepers thanked the DG ISPR for his efforts in the tribal areas.

“We would like to say that out loud that the issues could be resolved through talks. Our issues are of local nature which could only be resolved by the government.

“Pakistan comes first. We are due to our country. We will not participate in any campaign against the state institutions,” they said.