The visiting British Minister of State for Asia in the Foreign and Commonwealth office Dr Kim Howlles accompanied by British high commissioner in Pakistan Sir Mark Lyall Grant and an eight member delegation, called on the NWFP Governor, Lieutenant General Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai (Retd) at Governor's House here on Friday.
They discussed various matters with special reference to the ongoing efforts for restoration of peace, especially in restive North Waziristan agency. The governor briefed the guests about the steps taken by the government, that culminated in an agreement with the tribesmen of North Waziristan.
Strategies for socio-economic uplift of Fata also came under discussion.
The Governor said that the peace agreement that has been signed with all Utmanzai tribes of North Waziristan will have a positive effect on other parts of Fata.
The impression that the government has inked an agreement with foreigners or Taliban is totally wrong and baseless, he said. This initiative, he added, should not come as a surprise to anyone. In fact, he remarked, we have been discussing this matter with our coalition partners in the war on terror from time to time.
Referring to another point, he said, under the agreement, there would be no cross border movement for militant activities in the area and this would prove helpful in bringing a positive change in the over all situation.