Lauding the role of the security forces and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in restoring peace in the country, President Dr Arif Alvi Saturday said Pakistan has rendered great sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
Addressing a press conference here, the president said people of the country have suffered immensely because of terrorism and extremism in the country. Lauding the role of the security forces, he said that valiant forces and people of the country paid a heavy price to restore peace.
He assured that Levies and the Khasadar forces will be merged into the police force to be formed for the tribal areas. He said 30,000 more police personnel will be recruited to maintain law and order in the region.
On the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, the president reiterated that 3% resources from the award would be allocated for the newly merged tribal districts. During the next decade, he pledged, an amount of Rs 1000 billion will be spent for the development of infrastructure in the tribal areas. He said the infrastructure damaged due to terrorism in the province will be rebuilt.
In response to a question about KP-FATA merger, he said the governor has been tasked to complete the process at the earliest. “This merger is not an easy task,” he said.
The president highlighted the importance of increasing tourism and said the country is blessed with many tourist areas which lack development and basic facilities. “Take Muree for example, such structures have been built there that it has lost its charm. No uncontrolled development will be allowed in future,” he added.
He said a project is being undertaken for out-of-school children, adding that the government is trying to introduce a common curriculum.
Published in Daily Times, December 2nd 2018.
