PESHAWAR: NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Hoti on Tuesday praised the lawyers for their unprecedented struggle for the restoration and independence of the judiciary.

"The sacrifices rendered by the lawyers for the reinstatement of deposed judges will not go waste as the judgesí issue is nearing resolution," Hoti told a Mardan District Bar Association delegation that called on him at his office on Tuesday, said a handout.

The delegation also included the representatives of the People's Lawyers Forum and the Malgari Wakeelan. The chief minister said the political parties in the government were backing lawyers for their struggle to restore the judiciary, saying the lawyers were close to attaining victory with the support of the civil society and political forces.

Referring to the law and order, Hoti said some vested interests were trying to sabotage the government's efforts for peace. He, however, added that their sincere efforts would continue till restoration of lasting peace in the province and its adjacent tribal belt. "The fire that broke out in Waziristan has now reached the province, but we will not allow it to burn down our houses," the chief minister said.

In order to purge the society of criminals, Hoti said his government was taking administrative measures to improve the security situation across the province. He appealed to the masses to help the government curb crimes, including kidnappings for ransom, extortion, car lifting and robberies, etc.

The chief minister said stern action would be taken against the people involved in the dirty business of human trafficking, which was not the issue of a particular area. He praised the members of the People's Lawyers Forum and the Malgari Wakeelan for keeping their alliance intact, saying the solution to every issue was in unity.

The provincial government, the chief minister said, was taking steps in every direction in consultation with all the allied parties, adding that every problem would be resolved through consensus. "We have a judicious stance over the development of the province and distribution of funds," Hoti said.

On the request of the delegation, the chief minister announced construction of sheds and provision of books to the library of Mardan Bar Association and assured them that all their problems would be solved on a priority basis.