British permanent Secretary of Department for International Development (DFID) Mark Lowcock called on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan on Tuesday. He discussed matters with the Governor of mutual interests with special reference to the function and role of DFID for the socio-economic development and uplift of the people of the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
British Permanent Secretary of DFID Mark Lowcock was accompanied by the country Head of Department for International Development (DFID), Richard Montgomery, Bill Kilby, Head of DFID, Islamabad, Pakistan and Sikandar Ali, representative of DFID for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA. Besides Additional Chief Secretary of FATA, Azam Khan, Principal Secretary to the Governor Dr Muhammad Fakhre Alam and others were also present on the occasion.
The initiatives and steps taken by the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the betterment and uplift of tribesmen, DFID engagements in the respective region and reforms process in FATA came under discussion. The co-operation which the government and the people of Britain have been extending in further strengthening the ongoing efforts of our government for socio-economic uplift of the people of the province and FATA especially also came under discussion. The KP Governor thanked the distinguished guest for his support in this respect and also mentioned the possibilities of more useful contribution of DFID of the British government in this connection and assured every possible support to make this possible. He also shed some light on various ongoing challenges that are infrastructure damage in tribal areas due to military operations, timely repatriation of displaced persons, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the damaged infrastructure. He also praised the role of international community for support and co-operation in this respect.
While expressing his condolence over the sad and horrific incident of the Army Public School in Peshawar, the British secretary of DFID condemned the terrorist attack on innocent children and said "we stand with the people of Pakistan". He expressed his support for endeavours of the authorities of Pakistan aimed at countering the menace of terrorism.
He also mentioned that the international community should pay respect to Pakistan as they suffered a lot due to extremism and militancy. The Governor termed the Army Public School terror incident an inhuman act and barbaric crime and said that the whole nation is united to curb militancy and extremism at every cost. The Governor said the incumbent government has the firm resolve to eliminate terrorism and extremism and measures have been taken to provide security to the people. He said "we intended to provide conducive atmosphere to tribesmen to ensure active participation of the tribes in the development efforts not only for the tribal areas but the development of the whole country.
The KP Governor urged the international community to come forward to play its role to ensure peace and sustainable development in the region. He said that there was no dearth of talent in FATA and for providing facilities to tribal youth steps have been taken in right direction.
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