GHALANAI/KHAR, Feb 17: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Engr Shaukatullah Khan has said the government will use all means, including the traditional jirga forum, to resolve problems of the tribesmen and restore durable peace in Fata.

Talking to tribesmen at his arrival here on Sunday, the governor said the tribal people had rendered great sacrifices for restoration of peace, which he said, would be maintained at every cost.

He linked establishment of durable peace in Fata with restoration of normalcy in Afghanistan, saying ‘we believe in talks and not in force’. He urged the tribesmen to cooperate with the government in the maintenance of peace. He said the doors of Fata Secretariat will remain open for resolution of problems of the tribesmen.

Earlier, the governor inaugurated construction work on the Ganado Dam near Ghalanai, which would be completed at a cost of Rs449 million in 2015. He also inaugurated work on the construction of a new jirga hall in Ghalanai, which would cost over Rs18 million and would be completed in June 2013.

The governor said work on establishment of a cadet college in Ghalanai will start soon. “Royalty of the Munda dam is the right of Mohmand Agency,” he said.

Engr Shaukatullah said work on Ambar-Bajaur road will start soon to link Mohmand and Bajaur agencies.

The governor directed the education and health department officers to ensure their attendance in offices and advised the tribesmen to keep close watch on the performance of the two departments.

He also announced a Rescue 1122 centre for Fata which would start work from Mohmand Agency.

About elections he said: “We want free and fair elections in the tribal areas and want every political party to organise public gatherings and political activities freely.”

Meanwhile, the governor, during his visit to Bajaur Agency on Sunday afternoon, inaugurated a solar energy run tube-well. He also laid foundation stone for construction of a student hostel at College of Management Sciences at Khar and reconstruction of Bajaur Levy checkposts.

He was warmly welcomed by elders of the agency at the helipad where a large number of students of Bajaur Public School also showered flower petals and shouted welcoming slogans while receiving the governor.

MNA Akhuzada Chitan, Senator Saleh Shah, Commissioner Malakand Division Fakhar-i-Alam Khan and Bajaur Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabbar Shah were also present. The governor also went to the monument of martyrs of Bajaur Levies where he offered prayers for the departed souls.