15 January 2004	Thursday	22 Ziqa'ad 1424

PESHAWAR, Jan 14: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has underlined the need for computerizing the books of accounts at Agency Accounts Offices in Fata.

He said all the requirements, including computer hardware and office furnishing needs, would be met in each agency headquarter within the next fortnight.

During his visit to the Accountant General's Office here on Wednesday, he said the assistance to computerize the remaining seven districts of the province - Tank, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Battagram, Bunair, Chitral and Kohistan - would be provided at all cost. He said the scope of PIFRA, a project envisaging shifting of data to the online information system, should also be extended to the entire province and Fata as soon as possible.

It merits mention here that under this project seven out of 32 districts of Pakistan have been selected in the NWFP to provide online services not only to the respective offices but also to the individuals concerned so as to have constant contact as well as watch on financial matters. The project is under implementation through the help and financial assistance of the World Bank.

Responding to a question, the governor also assured help not only in providing proper office accommodation to the staff working in agency headquarters but also to sponsor training programmes for updating their knowledge and improving their efficiency.

He said the PTCL authorities would be asked to expedite provision of Internet facilities in each district headquarter of the province on a priority basis.

Earlier, Accountant General Ahmad Rasool Bangash briefed him about the working of his office. Besides dealing with matters pertaining to salaries, he added, contingencies, loans, advances and General Provident Funds of the employees, they also not only keep the government informed about the financial health of the province within the given timeframe but also act as financial advisers.

The governor was told that the AG office enlisted the employees retiring up to 2006 to complete their record whereas a comprehensive plan had been chalked out to finalize the pension cases of the employees expected to retire by 2010.