Anwar Zada Gulyar
Bajaur: During an important visit to Bajaur district, Muhammad Sohail Afridi held detailed meetings with the leadership of the National Peace Jirga and tribal elders, where the overall law and order situation, prevailing challenges, and the future roadmap for sustainable stability were discussed in depth. Upon his arrival in Bajaur, tribal elders gave the Chief Minister a warm welcome and presented him with the traditional tribal cap and turban (lungi), reflecting strong local traditions and hospitality. Later, the Chief Minister addressed a large public gathering at the Bajaur Sports Complex, where he elaborated on his views regarding peace, government policies, and development initiatives.
During the meetings and public address, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the continuous efforts of tribal elders for maintaining peace, stating that they have handled difficult situations with wisdom and patience, which is highly commendable. He emphasized that peace is the fundamental prerequisite for the development of any society, and without it, prosperity, investment, and social stability cannot be achieved. He added that the current provincial government is taking serious and coordinated measures to ensure lasting peace, aiming to provide citizens with a secure and stable environment.
Speaking on the security situation, the Chief Minister said that the loss of lives of soldiers, personnel of security institutions, and innocent civilians in both the past and present is a major tragedy, and it is important to examine the conditions faced by ordinary people. He noted that on the floor of the Provincial Assembly, representatives of all political parties and schools of thought unanimously agreed that the long-term solution to problems does not lie in the use of force, but rather in dialogue, consensus, and political wisdom.
Criticizing past policies, he stated that certain decisions contributed not only to increased instability but also caused serious damage to infrastructure, government institutions, and especially the younger generation. He further remarked that flawed economic decisions led to inflation, while delays in the provision of adequate financial resources to the merged districts worsened the situation. He stressed the need to ensure transparent use of public resources and to raise an effective voice at policy-making forums.
Muhammad Sohail Afridi emphasized that unity among all institutions and segments of society is essential for peace and prosperity, and under this shared vision, the government, the public, and tribal leadership must move forward together. He said that if all institutions operate within their constitutional limits and perform their professional duties, not only can peace be established, but governance can also be made more effective.
Announcing development initiatives, the Chief Minister stated that work is underway on a special tribal development package of approximately one trillion rupees for the merged districts, under which 200 billion rupees will be allocated to health and 200 billion to education, while the remaining funds will be spent on other development projects. He also announced the establishment of a university campus in Bajaur, linking the area with Dir and Swat motorways, and the reactivation of the Bajaur Nursing College, which has been closed since 2007.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister reaffirmed that establishing peace remains the top priority, and for this purpose, both the government and the public must work together. He stressed the importance of learning from past experiences of unrest to ensure such situations are not repeated, adding that the responsibility of progress and prosperity lies with the government, which it will fulfill at all costs.
