Pak tribal jirga pledges support to govt to fight terror

A grand jirga of tribal elders in northwest Pakistan today said they would expedite efforts to protect the region from militants and anti-social elements and pledged full support to the government and security forces in fighting terror in the restive region.
The jirga was attended by scores of elders from different areas and tribes of the Bajaur agency bordering Afghanistan.
The participants of the jirga said that militant activities in the region were not only against peace and normalcy but also a big threat to the socio-economic development of the region.
The militant activities are not only creating law and order situation in the region but also affecting the local customs, traditions and norms, they said.

The tribal jirga decided to form an alliance of the elders to counter the militants and other anti-state elements.
They said that the intra-tribe alliance was necessary to unite all the elders for foiling the activities of the terrorists.
They vowed to support security forces and the local administration for keeping peace and the writ of the government.