PESHAWAR, Jan 21: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said that the homework for holding local government elections in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) has almost been completed and the process would be initiated after the Senate elections.

He was talking to a 10-member delegation comprising office-bearers of Tiarza Social Welfare Organization of South Waziristan Agency, led by Haji Ahmad Jan, here on Tuesday.

The governor said there might be some delay in initiating the process as the beneficiaries of the existing system opposed the reforms. He, however, stressed that the process had to be completed at every cost.

He also made it clear that neither the tribal customs and values would be changed nor the Khasadari system abolished. However, he added, reforms would be effected in the Khasadari system to ensure merit-based recruitments from among the respective tribes.

About the preparations for holding of local government elections, Iftikhar Hussain said even the delimitations of union, Tehsil and agency councils had been completed and printed material had already been finalized.

Referring to the demand for the expansion of electrification network, he said the government was ready to improve the electricity system in tribal areas, but it would be linked to depositing of electricity bills by the tribesmen.

SPORTS COMPLEX: Addressing a function after opening the newly-constructed sports complex, gymnasium and a squash court at the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education offices, the governor said concerted efforts were needed to enable the nation to keep pace with the developed world.