Peshawar:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary Shahab Ali Shah announced on Thursday that the provincial government has approved RS2 billion for rehabilitation of people affected by the ongoing operation in Bajaur.
In a speech with the media at Independence Day’s flag-hoisting ceremony at the Civil Secretariat, Shahab said the operation in Bajaur is an intelligence-based, targeted campaign, not a large-scale military offensive aimed at clearing the area of terror elements and recovering peace.
He said security forces are clearing houses along roads in the affected areas and that displaced residents will be able to return soon. “No matter where the government’s action has been taken against terrorists, some local people must temporarily move for their own security,” he said, adding that the government is taking all possible measures to ensure their protection and provide assistance.
The main secretary said the provincial cabinet has already sanctioned RS2 billion to facilitate the immediate rehabilitation of the impact so that their difficulties facilitate and normal life can be resumed quickly.
In response to a question, Shahab said a meeting with local Jirga and administration was held to discuss ways to restore normality. “The terrorists who have come to the merged districts are here for a meaningless war. No matter where they operate, trade, education and all normal activities are stopped. Their jobs are to attack, and the jobs of police and security forces are to protect,” he noted.
He noted that the current situation in the merged districts is largely the result of waste effects from a neighboring country, but emphasized that the provincial government and security agencies are carried out through mutual cooperation to establish lasting peace.
