Wajid for development of FATA for peace and stability of region

 

Pakistan’s high commissioner for UK Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hasan has called upon European Union particularly Britain to expedite investments in various development projects in Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan (FATA) and strengthen the capacity of democratic institutions of the country to ensure stability in FATA and which, in turn, will bring stability and peace in the entire region.

 

He said this while addressing a conference at Wilton Park on Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas: options for more coordinated policy approach, here, today.

 

Mr. Hasan said that the present government was following a comprehensive policy of three Ds that is Dialogue, Development and Deterrence with an objective to bring lasting peace in areas adjoining Afghanistan and put Tribal people on the path of peace and development. He further added that present government’s comprehensive strategy aims to use all methods rather than resorting to the use of force as the only option to tackle the situation effectively.

 

Mr. Hasan asserted that the objective must be to win the hearts and minds of the population so that the terrorists and extremists are not able to find hideouts in the areas. He said that there is an increasing realization that the use of force alone cannot yield the desired results. For lasting success, negotiations and reconciliation must be essential part of the process. The doctrine of reconciliation given by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto shaheed is a road map to new Pakistan and era of peace and cooperation. The Bhutto doctrine is the new century’s equivalent of the Marshal Plan. And economically viable Pakistan will be the centre piece of the victory of pluralism.

 

Mr. Hasan pointed out that reliance only on force will result in further alienation of the population. Drone attacks in FATA are threatening to undo what has already been achieved in difficult war. Our allies has to be more sensitive to our concerns and should rather put their faith in professional competence of Pakistan ’s armed forces in taking action by them self in the Trial Areas, he added.

 

Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hasan urged upon international community to hasten its action in helping Pakistan’s economy, as there is a dire need to generate employment in order to pull the youth out of terrorist pay roll. He said that strong democracy in Pakistan is an imperative for lasting peace and stability of FATA, Afghanistan and entire region.

 

 

November 9, 2008