RAWALPINDI, June 10: Pakistan, because of its important geo-strategic location, will continue to play its rightful role and contribute positively to peace and harmony in the region, says President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday.

He was presiding over the day-long 96th corps commanders conference at the General Headquarters.

The conference was attended by vice-chief of army staff, corps commanders and principal staff officers.

President Musharraf highlighted the international, regional and domestic environment with reference to Pakistan and said that with pragmatic policies and progressive approach to develop the country’s potential, Pakistan could play a significant role in promoting trade and economic activities in the region, adding that it also had the potential to become an important energy corridor.

The president also highlighted measures taken for the country’s progress and development.

Speaking about Fata, president said that a multi-pronged strategy had been put in place and was being implemented to deal with the situation in Federally-Administered Tribal Areas.

He said that the institution of the Political Agent was being reinvigorated and they would be given special incentives and salaries.

Political Agents, he said, would be suitably backed up to enable them exercise their authority and writ of the government in a beneficial manner, he added.

The president said that the Fata Secretariat was being energised and Fata Development Authority was being created. Councils were being formed where some maliks and ‘lungee holders’ would assist development plans for their areas.

He said that a huge amount would be spent annually for the development in tribal areas for poverty alleviation and job creation.

Undertaking of development projects on such a mass scale would require capacity-building in Fata which is also being undertaken, he added.

The President said that these measures would usher in a new era of socio-economic development besides opening up new vistas for the people of Fata.

He expressed the resolve that Fata would not be allowed to be used by anyone for carrying out terrorist activities, and said that the spread of extremism should be effectively checked.

The president paid rich tributes to professionalism, commitment and devotion of all ranks of the Army, the Frontier Corps, the Political Administration and other security forces and agencies in combating terrorism and success achieved in this regard both in Fata and Balochistan.

President Musharraf also appreciated the role of the Frontier Corps and Governor in stabilizing the situation in Dera Bugti and Sui in Balochistan.

He expressed the hope that development work in Balochistan would take off and go ahead without any interruption, adding that which were for the good of the people of Balochistan and the country at large.

The President reiterated the no one will be allowed to inflict damage to the national assets and writ of the government will be established at all costs.

He also apprised the conference of progress on the ongoing peace process and composite dialogue with India.

In the second session presentations were made on internal security situation in the country and other professional matters. — APP