ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa made a joint visit to Miranshah in North Waziristan on Monday.
The military and civilian leaders of the country inaugurated new markets, bus terminals and the Ghulam Khan National Logistics Cell (NLC) terminal. Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and Corps Commander Peshawar were also present during the trip.
“Miranshah is the gateway to Central Asia,” said the prime minister while addressing a gathering of tribal elders. “People of FATA should have access to the same facilities as enjoyed by people of Lahore and other Pakistanis.”
“Government and all political parties are serious in bringing FATA into the national mainstream,” PM Abbasi reiterated. “Work for bringing FATA into the national mainstream is seeing rapid development.”
The elders of the Utmanzai tribe demanded fulfilment of promises made to the affected of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. “The government should give reasonable compensation to the affected traders, shopkeepers and house owners,” the tribal leaders maintained.
In January, PM Abbasi and COAS visited the Special Service Group (SSG) Headquarters at Cherat, an ISPR press release stated.
Upon arrival, PM laid a floral wreath at the martyr’s monument. He was briefed about the SSG, their capabilities and performance. The Army’s special forces also demonstrated their skills and operational capabilities.
While addressing SSG officers, the prime minister wholeheartedly appreciated their performance contributions during the ongoing effort against terrorism.
Agencies add: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi says basic facilities will be provided to tribal people on priority basis. Addressing a tribal Jirga in Miranshah, the headquarters of North Waziristan Agency on Monday, he said FATA will be included in the national mainstream and all political parties are serious of about it.
He said Miranshah will be developed as it is the gateway to Central Asia. These include the newly constructed bazar, a bus terminal and Ghulam Khan National Logistics Cell Terminal. These projects will promote trade and business activities in the agency.
Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zafar Iqbal Jhagra and Corps Commander Peshawar Lt. General Nazir Ahmed Butt were also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, in Islamabad, Foreign Minister of Kenya Ms. Monica Juma called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Monday.
The Kenyan Foreign Minister is visiting Pakistan as Special Envoy of the President of Kenya to deliver an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Kenya.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister recalled his cordial meeting with the Kenyan President at the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the United Kingdom earlier this month.
The two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as international matters of mutual concern. While expressing satisfaction with the existing cordial relations between the two countries, the Prime Minister stressed on enhancing and diversifying bilateral trade with Kenya. Among her other engagements, Foreign Minister Ambassador Dr. Monica Juma will be attending the Kenya – Pakistan Trade and Investment Conference to be held in Karachi on 02-03 May 2018.