PESHAWAR, Feb 10: The people across the Federally Administered Tribal Area (Fata) and various political parties have hailed the appointment of Engr Shaukatullah as the new governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The jubilant tribesmen distributed sweets and took out processions to welcome the federal government’s decision to appoint Engr Shaukatullah, who belongs to the Nawagai area of Bajaur Agency, as the governor. Mr Shaukatullah is the second provincial governor hailing from Fata after Lt-Gen (retd) Ali Mohammad Jan Aurakzai.

Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao welcomed the appointment of Mr Shaukatullah as governor, hoping that he would work to remove the sense of deprivation among the tribal people. In a press statement, he said being a tribesman the new governor would make efforts to help bring normalcy to Fata.

“The tribal people would expect him to help provide relief to the displaced persons, restore peace in the troubled areas and repatriate them,” the QWP leader said, adding practical steps were required to end the despondency among the tribal people.Aftab Sherpao called for implementing the Fata reforms in letter and spirit as it was the only way to bring the tribal population into the mainstream of life

KHAR: The tribesmen of Bajaur Agency resorted to heavy firing in the air to hail the appointment of Engr Shaukatullah as the new governor.

Various areas of Bajaur reverberated with intense gunfire after the announcement about the new governor was made. The celebratory firing continued throughout the night and on Sunday as Shaukatullah took oath of his office.

The people of Nawagai and Inayat Kallay areas distributed sweets and cooked rice for distribution to celebrate the installation of the new governor.

GHALANAI: The Mohmand tribesmen expressed the hope that the new governor would help bring change in the outdated tribal system and would restore peace in the tribal areas.

Talking to Dawn on Sunday, Malik Nisar Ahmad Haleemzai, a prominent elder, said having political background and a reputed tribal Khan, Engr Shaukatullah would bring positive changes in the existing system.

Malik Mohammad Ali Haleemzai, another prominent elder, believed that the appointment of Shaukatullah was a welcome gesture and a concrete step for the resolution of problems facing the tribal people.

Dr Farooq Afzal, president PPP Mohmand Agency, said as a tribesman the new governor was well aware of the inhuman clauses in FCR and its negative impact on the lives of tribal people.

ANP Mohmand president Nisar Momand also welcomed the appointment of new governor and hoped that he would take concrete steps for development of tribal areas.

PARACHINAR: The tribesmen of Parachinar, Kurram Agency, distributed sweets and held a march to welcome the appointment of Shaukatullah as the new governor.

The tribal elders said being a resident of Bajaur Engr Shaukatullah was well aware of the issues facing the tribal area.