11 October 2004	Monday	25 Shaban 1425

PESHAWAR, Oct 10: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said that the formation of agency councils is the first step towards devolution of power in Fata and these would be entrusted with the authority to utilize development funds as well as monitor projects.

The basic aim of this decision is to improve the functioning of the system and move forward with complete cohesion, an official handout quoted him as saying. He was addressing tribal elders at the end of his day-long tour of Bajaur Agency.

The governor laid the foundation stone for the construction of a small dam and a new building for the boys' section of Bajaur Public School, inspected the Agency Headquarters Hospital and witnessed the passing out parade of Bajaur Levies during the visit.

The earth-filled dam in the Mandal area, with 68ft height and 759AF reservoir capacity, will cost Rs61.4 million and be completed in nine months. It will irrigate 200 acres of land.

Addressing the gathering, the governor praised the tribes for their 'deep interest' and 'enthusiasm' in electing their representatives in the agency councils, saying this demonstrated their awareness and mental maturity as well as a sense of responsibility.

The agency councils represent a new experience and they will improve with the passage of time, he said, adding that "we want to streamline the system of governance in Fata."

He said those opposing the councils in fact desired to keep the outdated system in place which, he remarked, neither conformed to the thinking of tribal people nor met the present-day requirements.

No system can succeed without people's direct participation, he said. Talking about the Wana situation, the governor said the actions taken in the area were in the national interest.

He criticized certain political and religious parties who, he said, were continuously trying to misrepresent the situation. The governor made it clear that the government did not have any dispute with the tribes on any issue and 99 per cent tribes of the Amadzai Wazirs had renewed their pledge through fresh agreements.

"In fact, we have been trying to resolve this problem in accordance with the tribal customs and have succeeded to a great extent," he said. "We had offered shelter to foreign elements subject to fulfilment of our conditions.

If we can provide refuge to almost three million Afghan refugees on humanitarian grounds we can also provide shelter to these few hundred people. But they did not avail themselves of the opportunity," he said.

About development process in Bajaur Agency, the governor said Rs630 million were being spent during the current financial year. The amount, he added, did not include its share out of the recently announced Rs1 billion by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

The Agency Headquarters Hospital, Bajaur, has been upgraded by providing it state-of-the-art facilities and now it can be compared with any other tertiary hospital, he said. To share its load of patients, the tehsil headquarter hospitals are also being improved and developed by equipping them with latest facilities, he added.

The governor stressed the need of controlling the population increase and said the government would launch a vigorous campaign for the purpose. The tribal people would be requested to extend their full cooperation in this behalf.

Responding to demands put forward by tribal elders, the governor said the ratio of membership strength in the councils had been determined in accordance with the strength of population. He assured that the potable water problem in the Charmang area will be resolved.