The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Barrister Masood Kausar on Wednesday said that the government has top priority to restore everlasting peace, democracy and development in Fata, which would be achieved very shortly. Addressing at the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected cabinet of Fata Lawyers' Forum here at Governor's House on Wednesday.
"Our policies derive from three basic principles that is adherence to constitution, promotion of democracy and independence of judiciary and every step taken in Fata will be in the ambit of these three basic principles", He added. He said that the Fata people would get very soon their democratic, legal and fundamental rights, as being enjoyed by the people of other parts of the country. The Governor dilated in detail on difference issues confronting Fata and the government intended policies to address these issues in line with the aspirations of the people of Fata.
Regarding the Fata reforms, he said that it had been finalised and introduced after normalisation of situation in Fata, saying that the situation had been restoring internally in tribal areas. He, however, said that there was some tension alongside the border areas, which would also be addressed very soon. He added that introduction of Fata reforms was not that far away. "It was not the matter of years or months rather in weeks' time, the thing would be done", the Governor said.
He said that the government was fully committed to restore peace, democracy and development in Fata and will take every step in this regard. The prevailing situation in Fata, he said, was the matter of grave concern for the entire nation and we will have to overcome the situation through collective efforts.
The Governor said that that the government needs an active support of the people to improve the situation, and it would be more encouraging sign that the people of Fata had realised this reality and were co-operating and supporting the government efforts in this regard.
He said that the civil and military leadership were fully united on the issues confronting the Fata and furthering the national interests with total confidence and cohesion." It is a very positive change as for as the national institutions are concerned", he added, saying "a new thinking is emerging as to see Pakistan an totally independent, democratic, self-reliant, strong and prosperous country and we are moving towards it".
About the administrative and development initiatives in tribal areas, he said that Fata would be given an efficient, honest and vibrant administration and the process had been initiated with the appointment of fresh lot of Political Agents. "We have selected best of the best among the available officers and they have been told to make a departure from their previous role by taking along the people through a process of effective consultation", he said.
Referring the space of development in Fata, he said that the government had been first time allocated Rs 15 billion in the history of Fata, which was reflected commitment of the government for taking interest in development of Fata. He said that the line departments had also been told to enhance their efficiency, ensure transparency and devise an effective monitoring mechanism for development projects.
"I will also monitor the development process personally by visiting the areas to see the progress on development projects on-the-ground", he informed. "We want to accelerate the process of education, healthcare delivery and infrastructure development, he added. To overcome the shortage of staff in education and health sectors, contractual appointments were being made with attractive incentives and preference would be given to candidates from Fata, he informed. He said that the process of development would not be hampered, saying that the people will see development, transparency and an overall change and difference from past practices in Fata".