Peshawar Times

LG system detrimental to Provincial autonomy: Mian Iftikhar

2009-07-23T10:56:00.002-07:00

The Provincial information minister of Frontier, Mian Iftikhar Hussain has denounced LG system as detrimental for Provincial autonomy.

While addressing the Provincial convention of Women Councilors, he said that Former President Musharraf introduced this system for the benefit of non-political elements, which was foiled by advent of democracy.

He also lauded the active of Pakhtoon women in politics, saying that being a secular party, ANP always welcomed the approach and encouraged women to follow the footsteps of Nasim Wali Kahn And late Benazir Bhutto.

Referring to governmental steps against terrorism, he said that due to successful steps taken against terrorism, the terrorists had become a symbol of contempt and hate among the masses and were hiding their (Terrorists) faces of shame and fear.

He expressed the government's resolve to carry on the war against terrorism to its logical end, and paid glowing tributes to sacrifices rendered by Army and police personnel in their war against terrorism; urging masses to come to help rid the federation of these terrorists, not giving them a chance to raise their heads, for a better future.

Jamat Islami calls APC meeting on 1st August in NWFP

2009-07-23T10:56:00.001-07:00

Provincial Ameer of Jamat Islami (JI) from NWFP Siraj-ul-Haq has called All-Parties Coordination Council meeting on 1st August in frontier House to hold discussions on the burning issues of the NWFP province.

According to details JI provincial Ameer has authorized former speaker NWFP assembly to harmonize with the provincial leadership of all the political parties of the province to ensure their presence in the APC meeting.

Provincial Ameer JI Siraj-ul-Haq further elucidated that all the political parties of NWFP should get united working collectively to steer the province out of prevailing crisis and all the political parties at this juncture of time should evolve a unanimous strategy beyond their political affiliations, Siraj-ul-Haq said.

It is pertinent to mention that the decision regarding establishing a coordination council was decided in the 18th July conference of all parties of the province that was attended by Pir Sabir Shah of PML-N, Provincial Minister of ANP Afrasayab Khattak, Syed Zahir Shah of PPP, Syed Alam Masood of Pakhtoonkhwa Milli Awami party, Ameer Muqam of PML-Q, Maulana Gul Naseeb of JUI-F, Yousuf Shah of JUI-S, Muhammad Fiaz JUI-Pakistan and Syed Mukhtar Bacha of National party.

The 18th July APC meeting was not participated by ANP and PPP' leaders, however the provincial leadership of these parties will also be invited in the APC meeting.

Repatriation of Afghan refugees postponed for 3 years

2009-07-23T10:55:00.003-07:00

The federal minister for Frontier and tribal affairs (SAFRON), Najam-uddin Khan has announced that, despite the approaching deadline of 31 Dec 2009, for repatriation of Afghan refugees, their repatriation has been delayed for three years on UN request.

Addressing a press conference in the Afghan High Commission, the federal minister announced of action against illegally scattered refugee camps, while the matter for the repatriation of Afghan refugees would be raised at the tri-lateral commission, where the issue would also be reviewed. He informed that billions of Pakistani exchequer's kitty had been disbursed on these refugees.

He also a massive expense of U$. 2 billion on rehabilitation of IDPs, for whom a massive allocation of Rs. 50 billion have been allocated by government.

Replying to a question, the federal minister informed that to-date 3 personnel of UNHCR, have fallen prey to terrorism, and also announced latest weaponry for 400 security guards of Afghan High Commission, for safeguarding UNHCR personnel.

Announced the immediate closure of Yar Hussain refugee camp, he also announced the future closure of Jalala Afghan refugee camps after the departure of 300 families, there.

NGOs offices shifted to safer places

2009-07-23T10:55:00.001-07:00

In view of possible terrorist threats, various offices of NGOs in government buildings have been shifted to safer places on security grounds.

Sources say that the Provincial Government has taken the said step to ensure safety of people as threats are being received since last many days that NGOs offices present in government buildings could be targeted.

Thus taking belligerent action, NWFP government has decided to shift them to safer places in view of possible terrorist threats.

Stringent security measures are being taken in this regard.