Malakand division seeks lasting peace: Top officials announce major security measures at Grand Jirga

A grand jirga was held at the Police Training School in Mingora under the arrangements of Swat Police to discuss the law-and-order situation

SWAT:  A grand jirga was held at the Police Training School in Mingora under the arrangements of Swat Police to discuss the law-and-order situation in Swat and other parts of Malakand Division.

The meeting was attended by local elders, jirga members, political and social figures, journalists, and senior officials of security institutions. Participants shared their suggestions and concerns about the security situation, efforts to eliminate terrorism, and problems faced by local people.
Addressing the jirga, Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam said the people of Swat, police and security forces had made great sacrifices for peace in the region. He said security forces had always stood by the people during difficult times and had lost many personnel in the fight against terrorism.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir were committed to peace, adding that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Malakand Division, stood with the state.
Amir Muqam stressed that security personnel should maintain a visible presence across the mountains and remain with local communities until the area was fully rehabilitated. He also said that taxes should not be imposed on the people of Malakand Division until lasting peace was restored. He added that all stakeholders would jointly raise the issue with the government.

The federal minister assured participants that the longstanding problems of Malakand Division would be addressed on a priority basis.
He said the introduction of a new political setup following the imposition of governor’s rule had created new hopes among the people. He stressed that accountability and practical steps to resolve public problems were both necessary.

Amir Muqam said Rs160 billion had been allocated to strengthen the police force, adding that police could play a key role in the fight against terrorism. He also claimed that the police force had been freed from political interference.
Inspector General of Frontier Constabulary (FC) Rao Imran said the people of Malakand Division had always supported security forces and would continue to work with them for peace.
He said sacrifices for Pakistan would continue and that security forces would not step back from their responsibilities. A small number of misguided individuals could not be allowed to damage peace in the country or the region, he added.
The FC chief said an improvement in the security situation in Lower Dir and Bajaur would also help restore peace across Malakand Division.
He urged the public to avoid any contact or cooperation with militants, saying the region had paid a heavy price for peace. He added that the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism were a responsibility shared by everyone.
Rao Imran said local communities were playing a leading role in efforts to restore peace and that security institutions would continue working with the people.
Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, said participants had openly shared their views and highlighted the problems facing the region. He said the main purpose of the jirga was to listen to public concerns and understand the challenges faced by local communities.
He said Malakand Division had made enormous sacrifices for peace over the years.
The provincial police chief said discussions had been held with the government about increasing police salaries and financial assistance for the families of police martyred in the line of duty.

He said a proposal had been made to increase the compensation package for police martyrs by three to four times. The aim was to provide sufficient financial support to their families so they could build their own homes.
He added that steps would also be taken to increase police salaries so they were higher than those offered in other provinces.
According to the IGP, 20 four-wheel-drive pickup vehicles had already been provided to Malakand Division Police. Other vehicles, including armored vehicles, additional weapons, sniper equipment and thermal weapons, had also been supplied.

He said more than 2,000 new police personnel had been recruited in the division. The IGP added that capable and suitable individuals would be included in District Resolution Committees (DRCs), while police stations across the province were being digitalized.
Zulfiqar Hameed stressed that lasting peace required unity among the public and all relevant institutions. He said there would be no compromise on security and that a handful of individuals would not be allowed to destroy peace in the region.

He assured participants that all necessary resources would be provided to restore and maintain peace.
The IGP also said the government would seek a middle ground on the taxation issue in Malakand Division. He promised to follow up with the relevant authorities for the early completion of the motorway project.

He further said Tourism Police would be strengthened to ensure the safety of visitors and promote tourism in the region.
The police chief assured participants that Malakand Division would receive its due share from the announced Rs160 billion package for improving the police force.