Battle to continue until militants eliminated: Hoti

PESHAWAR: The Independence Day was celebrated across the Frontier(PUKHTUNKHWA) province with national zeal and fervour on Friday.In Peshawar various colourful functions were held. The main flag hoisting ceremony was held at Malik Saad Khan Shaheed Police Lines where NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti was chief guest.
Throwing light on importance of the day, he recalled the sacrifices rendered by the people for creation of the country and said that the credit went to those who fought against the British Raj.‘Our province is playing as frontline region against terrorism. Terrorists are trying to snatch our independence but we will never let them do so and continue to fight them till complete elimination of anti-state elements,’ he vowed.In order to defeat the extremists and militants, he said it was need of the hour that people irrespective of their political affiliation, colour, creed and region should take a united stand and come forward and support the government.Referring to the sufferings of the people of Malakand, he said the provincial government faced serious challenges including financial constraints but did not bow to the terrorists and managed to facilitate the internally displace persons.He said Pakhtuns revived the country’s history by supporting the displaced people. He appreciated the people of Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera and other host districts.