WHILST inaugurating a number of development projects in Mohmand and Bajaur on Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan assured to ensure provision of funds for the socio-economic development of tribal districts which, in fact, lag far behind when compared with parts of the country.
Nobody else understands the geography of tribal districts better than the Prime Minister as he is the one who explored the region when it was considered a no go area. Hence one expects him to accelerate efforts to address the grievances of tribal people and provide a healing touch to them as they are ones who suffered the most in the war against terrorism. To pave way for the operation against terrorists, they even had to leave their homes. We understand that the country is currently faced with economic challenges but no resource constraint should be allowed in the way of development of the tribal districts. Projects such as road infrastructure should be executed on a fast tract basis whilst focus should also be given to establish better education and health facilities to bring visible change in the life of tribal people. Whilst addressing the notables in the two tribal districts, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that industries will be established in the districts to bolster exports to Afghanistan and up to the Central Asian States. Border markets are also being established for trade with Afghanistan. These indeed are welcome steps that need to be implemented at the earliest as these entail benefits not only for the local tribal people but the whole country. Promise of holding local bodies elections in the tribal districts must be fulfilled as the local representatives can better address the problems of their people at the grassroots level. In recent weeks, a surge has been seen in terror incidents in some tribal districts. This shows that the sleeper cells of terrorists have once again become active to stoke anarchy in the region. The tribal people have already suffered a lot and we must eradicate these remnant elements supported and financed by our arch enemy India. It is only through peace and stability in the region that we can exploit their rich and vast mineral resources and can use them for the development of tribal districts and the whole country.
