2 April, 2005	Saturday	22 Safar 1426

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PESHAWAR, April 1: NWFP Governor Khalil-ur-Rehman has said that reform in the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) is part of the government’s reform package and the document would be carefully reviewed and certain unjust clauses would be amended to fulfil demands of tribesmen. He said these amendments would be made in line with principles of justice. Amendments to the FCR would reduce sufferings of tribesmen to a great extent, the NWFP governor said while talking to a delegation of senators and MNAs hailing from Federally Administered Tribal Areas, which met the governor at Governor’s House on Friday.

The governor said that issues relating to Fata would be resolved through mutual consultations and held out an assurance that Fata parliamentarians would be involved in the process of decision making. The governor said that parliamentarians hailing from Fata had an important role to play in resolving problems of their areas in the shortest possible time.

He said that tribal customs and traditions would be fully protected. and the social system in Fata would be protected. The tribal areas were part of the country and these areas would be developed collectively. He assured the delegation that government would ensure social justice and equality in Fata.

Regarding development strategy, the NWFP governor said that education was the top priority of the government but other social sectors would be equally focussed. He said only education could change the mindset of tribesmen and ensure rapid development in the area.

The governor said that corruption would be brought to an end and merit upheld in Fata. He said all honest and dutiful officials would be encouraged and given promotions. Earlier, Fata lawmakers senators Hafiz Abdul Malik, Mateen Shah, Hamidullah Jan Afridi, Mian Sajjad Hussain, Rasheed Ahmad, Mohammad Hussain and Tahir Iqbal, Maulana Merajud Din, Munir Orakzai, Dr. Javed Hussain, Maulana Abdul Malik, Maulana Khalilur Rehman, Sahibzada Haroonur Rashid, Maulana Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq, Dr, Nasim Afridi and Maulana Nek Zaman assured the governor of their full support in Fata affairs.

They also informed him of their suggestions and proposals regarding social and economic development, reforms including amendments to the FCR and development process in Fata.