SOUTH WAZlRISTAN: A peace march was held in the Lower South Waziristan district on Tuesday under the banner of Muttahida Siyasi Aman Pasoon.

The participants marched for five kilometres from Kari Kot Bazaar to Wana Bazaar, chanting slogans for restoration of lasting peace to the region. They carried placards and banners inscribed with slogans for peace.

They demanded the immediate and safe release of the kidnapped customs superintendent Nisar Abbasi, inspector Khushal, a doctor of Pakistan Red Crescent Society, and Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Saifur Rehman Wazir.

The speakers said that the state must fulfill its responsibility and restore peace to the region.

Addressing the marchers, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Ashfaq Wazir, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl leader Maulana Rafiuddin Wazir, Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz local president Ziaul Haq, and Awami National Party leader Taj Wazir emphasised that ensuring peace was the fundamental responsibility of the state and its institutions.

They warned that if the government and security forces failed to fulfill their responsibilities, the people would be compelled to `take steps` for maintaining peace.