PM promises uplift of tribal areas very soon

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to overview the arrangements for the implementation of the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Law Minister Farogh Naseem, Minister for Religious Affairs Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Adviser to the prime minister Shehzad Arbab, Governor KP Shah Farman, Chief Minister KP Mehmood Khan, federal and provincial secretaries of concerned departments and other officials.

The meeting made several important decisions regarding the merger of FATA with KP and the tribal people. The prime minister said the federal government will provide more resources for the development of erstwhile FATA.

He said the federal government will also play its role to get a development package for these areas in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award as well.

The prime minister said efforts will be made to improve health and education facilities, especially girls’ schools in the tribal areas. He said a strategy should be devised to provide speedy and inexpensive justice.

He directed to enforce local government system in the tribal areas in line with suggestions and decisions of the people for the development of the tribal belt.

PM Imran said no individual should be made jobless as a result of new administrative measures. He said quota reserved for tribal people in schools, colleges, and universities should not be affected in any way, and more job opportunities will be created for the youth of these areas.

He said consultation with tribal people will be ensured while implementing new system in the area, keeping in view the customs and traditions of the tribal people.

The meeting also reviewed the progress, legal and administrative measures taken so far towards the merger of erstwhile FATA with KP.