Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Eng Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has said that as a result of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb, peace has been restored not only in FATA but across the country. To ensure sustenance of peaceful atmosphere, he added, all this has become possible because of the courageous decisions and the committed role of the nation taken under the leadership of Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

He was addressing as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the Governor's 2nd FATA Youth Festival at Jamrud in Khyber Agency on Friday. Parliamentarians from FATA, Nasir Khan Afridi and Haji Shahji Gul; senior officials of the FATA Secretariat and the locals were present in large number on the occasion. The festival is being participated by 1894 players from all over FATA to compete in 30 games, will continue till 1st May.

Apart from focusing upon promoting health and education facilities, the Governor said, the government is also concentrating upon promotion of sports. To overcome deficiencies in this respect, he added, sports stadiums are also being constructed in Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency as well as North and South Waziristan agencies.

He also announced the approval of establishing Flood Lights at the Jamrud Sports Complex. Highlighting the importance of the festival, the Governor said, for the first time in the history of FATA such a mega event has been arranged. The youth, he remarked, are the future builders of the nation. The youngsters from FATA, he said, are second to none and it is his earnest desire that they should be able to avail the purposeful opportunities; develop their capabilities and project the soft image of the country internationally.

Referring to the situation in FATA, the Governor said, just a year back when he assumed his present responsibilities, only 35% of the total IDPs had returned to their home places while today only 10% of them are staying outside FATA who will also return to their homes in near future. The Governor disclosed to establish an Independent Monitoring System to ensure availability of teachers in schools of FATA. Side by side, he added, economic activities are also being generated in FATA.

Furthermore, the Governor said, electronic service system is being established in FATA through which relevant facilities and services being offered by all the concerned government offices and bodies could be sought under a single roof. He also congratulated the organisers for holding a very purposeful event.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017