Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan has said tribesmen had rendered great sacrifices for the peace of entire region and now the time has come to take steps for their development. Talking a delegation from South Waziristan Agency led by member national assembly, Ghalib Khan here at governor's house on Wednesday, he said temporarily displacement of people from FATA was indeed a big responsibility adding that repatriation process of temporary displaced persons (TDPs) has been started simultaneously and is underway successfully.
He said without any discrimination, our focus is made on the progress and development of all the areas in FATA in order to ensure equitable development instead of protecting the individual interests. He said due to the great sacrifices by tribesmen and security forces we have strongly combat the wave of militancy and terrorism and now entering in to the new phase of peace and our focus is on the development of the tribal region. He said socio economic development and lasting peace in FATA was a prerequisite for the development of Pakistan. He said more than 800,000 TDPs has returned to their homes and hoped that all the TDPs will be repatriated to their homes in the mid of next year.
They discussed with the Governor certain issues and problems of the people of the region and presented their proposals to streamline the developmental and other people-oriented welfare activities. MNA Ghalib khan thanked the governor and appreciated their steps been taken for the development of the tribal region. While talking to delegation, the governor said that Fata is soon to be heading towards a progressive era that will also positively change the fate of its people. He said steps been taken to promote agricultural and mineral sector in FATA which will provide the job opportunities to the tribesmen and will improve their living standard. He said that Agriculture and mineral sectors in the FATA would be focused and advanced, so that people of FATA will come at par with the rest of the country in these sectors. He said the transparency and quality of the ongoing development projects in FATA will be ensured. He said all available resources will be utilised to bring the people of FATA into mainstream so that they can play their due role in the development of Pakistan.
He said that to resolve the people's problems, remove their grievances and improve the socio-economic condition of the people of the region was one of the governments' priorities in FATA. Governor stated efforts for the dignified return of TDPs in FATA would continue along with development activities in the region. He said steps are being made to ensure the dignified return rehabilitation, reconstruction and socio economic development of FATA with special focus on the provision of health and education facilities. He said steps have been taken to promote trade related and economic activities in tribal areas for ensuring lasting peace.