KHAR / MINGORA: Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said that security forces are committed to providing basic facilities to the people of militancy-hit areas in Fata and urged tribal elders to cooperate with the forces for maintaining peace and upholding the writ of government in the region.

Talking to elders of Tharkani and Uthmankhel tribes during a visit to Bajaur Agency on Friday, he said peace is necessary for development and prosperity in the region.

He lauded sacrifices rendered by tribal people for elimination of militancy and restoration of peace in the area.

Gen Kayani said security forces were aware of the problems being faced by the people of militancy-affected areas and added that keeping in view those difficulties various rehabilitation schemes would be launched soon.

The elders assured him that they would continue to support the security forces in their efforts to maintain peace.

Gen Kayani inaugurated a technical education institute at Inayat Kili in Khar tehsil. The project costing Rs266 million has been completed by the Army engineers in less than two years.

Up to 45 students will be enrolled by the college for each term and diploma-level education will be provided in various disciplines of engineering.

Unprecedented security arrangements were made in Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur Agency, during the army chief’s visit. An unannounced curfew was imposed in most parts of the region. Schools, colleges, banks and offices of the local administration remained closed and public transport and mobile phone services were suspended till midday.

Gen Kayani also visited the Swat valley and inaugurated projects completed under the UAE-Pakistan Assistance Programme, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

UAE Ambassador Essa Abdullah Albasha Al Noaimi and Programme Director Abdullah Al Ghefeli were present.

The army chief went to Shamozai and inaugurated Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Bridge built at the site of the old Shamozai Bridge, said a press release. The project has been completed by the Frontier Works Organisation at a cost of Rs897m in one and a half years.