PESHAWAR, Jan 18: Senior Provincial Minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour has claimed that his government is determined to initiate development schemes in the restive districts but blamed militancy for the delay. He, however, claimed that militancy was on its last legs.

The holding of 31st national games in a peaceful manner, he said, was an example of improvement in law and order situation.

Senior journalists Rahimullah Yousafzai, Rashid Javed, Iqbal Khattak, Waqar Maroof, Faizur Rahman, Amjad Aziz Malik, Azmatullah Khan and Kashifuddin Syed also spoke on the occasion.

Giving credit to the ANP-led KP government Bashir Ahmad Bilour said that being a frontline state in the war on terror, the government had achieved most of its targets, which included provincial autonomy through 18th Amendments and National Finance Commission award.

With the restoration of peace, he said, now the government would try to shift focus to development projects across the province in order to meet its election commitment.

About the uplift schemes in Peshawar, he said that government intended to construct 11 underpasses at various points but due to the recent devastating flood, funds were shifted to the affected areas.

He said that the government planned to revive the historical gardens and parks in Peshawar and in this regard the renovated Shalimar Bagh would soon be inaugurated. He added that maximum facilities would be provided in various parks for the general public.

He said that a digital fountain and 400-metre high national flag would be installed in Jinnah Park.

The former presidents of the association were awarded shields for their role in promoting sports in the province, particularly in Peshawar. Sports journalists, photographers and cameramen were also given awards for best coverage of the national games.