Muqam wants army to stay in Malakand

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Our correspondent

MINGORA: Provincial chief of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) Amir Muqam said on Tuesday the presence of the Pakistan Army in Malakand division was a must for durable peace in the area.

Speaking at a ceremony organised by the army at Charbagh to mark the Pakistan Day, he said cantonments should be constructed in different districts of the division. “By carrying out a successful military operation in Malakand region, the Pakistan Army had not only eradicated terrorism from the region but also saved the country,” he opined.

A large number of women and Col Ejaz of the Baloch Regiment attended the ceremony, which was the first of its kind after the restoration of peace following the military operation. Amir Muqam said the Pakistan Army was one of the best forces of the world and the people should support it in its fight against terrorism. He said leniency should be shown to those people who did not take up arms willingly but were forced to do so by the militants at gunpoint.

Amir Muqam said it was time to heal the wounds of the affected people of Swat and extend them a helping hand in their rehabilitation. The PML-Q leader said the promise about gas supply to the Charbagh tehsil would be honoured and the development work would go on with the support of the Army.