Daily Times

Sir: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has rightly stated that the mainstreaming of FATA as per popular aspirations of the tribal people is essential for the development and enduring  stability of the region.

The COAS also inaugurated two mega projects in the South Waziristan Agency, including the Agriculture Park at Wana and a Market at Makeen. Both of these projects have been executed by Pakistan Army Engineers and both facilities are part of the socio-economic uplift programme for the FATA region. The Wana agriculture park comprises multiple components, including a pine nut processing plant that has a 1000 ton capacity, a cold storage facility, warehouses, go downs and as many as 128 shops.

Addressing a gathering of the tribal elders afterwards, according to reports in the print media, the Army Chief duly acknowledged the FATA locals for their full support and cooperation with the army and their resolve to maintain and strengthen their gains.

Tribal elders present thanked the Pakistan Army for restoring peace and undertaking development work as well, and quite firmly and categorically stated that the tribes stand with the army in the journey towards enduring peace and stability in the tribal areas.

It is quite appreciable and commendable that the Pakistan Army is working for the restoration of peace and stability by eliminating militants, extremist and terrorist elements. It is is also undertaking various development works in the tribal areas for the socio-economic uplift of the local tribal people and their lives to normal at the earliest possible moment.

M.Z.RIFAT

Lahore

Published in Daily Times, April 7^th 2018.