“Terrorists were on the run and their command and control system had annihilated in the wake of success of operation Zarb-e-Azb and operations Khyber One and Two” claimed Sardar Ahmed.
The ring leaders of terrorists had either been killed or fled, said Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KPK) Governor, Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan while addressing a representative `Jirga’ of the Pakhtun tribes settled in Karachi earlier today.
The Governor informed the gathering that after coming to power, the present government took serious and sincere efforts for the restoration of peace, but the terrorists instead of coming up with positive mind resorted to targeting the country under various names.
The governor pointed out that even during the dialogue process they also stormed Karachi airport.
He said that upon this, the valiant armed forces initiated operations Zarb-e-Azb as well as Khyber One and Two to eradicate the menace of terrorism.
Sardar Mehtab said the nation should know that days of such elements were numbered as the entire nation from Khyber to Karachi was standing shoulder to shoulder behind the officers and jawans of the country’s valiant armed forces who were chasing the terrorists.
He said that for elimination of terrorism and restoration of peace, along with the brave armed forces and law enforcement agencies, the tribal people also had rendered sacrifices.
Some two million people left their homes for the cause of restoration of peace in the country, the Governor added.
He said that he realised that honourable return of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and reconstruction in their respective areas was the need of the hour.
He said that soon after assuming the office of governor KPK last year, he initiated a comprehensive programme for return of tribal IDPs from Bara Khyber Agency.
Sardar Mehtab pointed out that on his request, the federal government from its resources provided food items and other assistance to large numbers of IDPs from North Waziristan after operation Zarb-e-Azb.
For the first time, they were extended cash assistance of Rs 32,000 each head of family through mobile SIM.
The Punjab Chief minister also provided cash relief for several months, he added.
The governor said that honourable return of IDPs to their homes and rehabilitation and reconstruction in their areas was our priority.
Every required resources would be made available for infrastructure, water and electricity etc.
