PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday visited North Waziristan and was given a detailed briefing on the prevalent security situation with a special focus on terrorists’ activities from across the border.
He also received a briefing on the western border management system including the status of border fencing during which he lauded the sacrifices rendered by the defence forces in the war against terror.
He announced setting up of a university and a medical college in the area while promising to extend Punjab government’s Daanish School System to the militancy-hit region.
A day earlier, the Prime Minister expressed resolve of his Government to take measures on a priority basis for all-round development of Balochistan and the visit to the troubled region of North Waziristan in the initial days of his rule is reflective of the concern of his administration about the security situation there and the need for steps that could help further stabilize the situation.
There is no doubt that the situation has markedly improved due to the comprehensive counter-terrorism operation undertaken by the defence forces and security agencies.
It is because of their sacrifices and the visionary plan of border management that normalcy has almost been restored in the otherwise volatile region but there are still issues caused by cross border attacks as highlighted by recent incidents in which precious lives were lost.
Pakistan has been raising the issue with the new Government in Kabul emphasizing the need for taking strong action against terrorist elements using Afghan soil for activities against Pakistan but so far no worthwhile success has been achieved in this regard.
We hope that once cabinet formation is completed, the lingering issue would be taken up afresh with Kabul as its continuation poses a serious threat to the bilateral relations. At the same time, it is important that the civil administration i.e.
federal government as well as KP government should plan and execute development projects and schemes in the formerly FATA as per local needs with a view to generating economic and employment opportunities for people, especially the youth so that they are not lured in by negative forces.
In this backdrop, the announcement of the Prime Minister for establishment of a university in NW, medical college and Daanish school system is a step in the right direction as education would change the destiny of the local population.
Infrastructure facilities like roads, electricity/cellular phone networks should also be ensured to improve mobility and raise the level of socio-economic awareness in the region.
