PESHAWAR, April 21: The NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said the government is committed to the eradication of poppy cultivation from Fata, saying as in previous years, this year too the area would be cleansed of the curse.

Talking to a team of US officials comprising Brooke Derby, Narcotic Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Pakistan, Ariene Ferrill, Principal Staff Officer US Consulate Peshawar and Bob Traister, which called on him at the Governor’s House here on Monday, the governor said though it was a difficult task to implement such decisions we have been able to handle the situation well.

However, he added it is a very complicated issue, which demanded a multifarious approach.

The governor said we have already prepared a comprehensive package for the development of Fata, which also included administrative and financial reforms. Secretary to governor Sahibzada Saeed Ahmad was also present on this occasion.

Mr Shah said that the irrigation and agriculture sectors in Fata have the potential for improvement.

He added, implantation of such schemes was already in progress; there is scopes for more.

The members of the team appreciated the government’s efforts to improve the life of the people living in Fata.