IT is learnt that IDPs will return to Fata by the end of February. The major task for the federal government is to manage Rs100bn for rehabilitating the IDPs as this amount is needed to build houses and provide other necessities to them.

Providing jobs is the joint responsibility of both the federal and KP governments. I suggest that the cottage industry or small-scale industries be established for the people of Fata. Cottage industries include carpentry, blacksmith work, pottery, handicrafts, cotton weaving, hand-woven carpets, electrical fans parts and embroidery.

Private-public partnership can also be introduced. I also urge philanthropists to come forward and mitigate the suffering of the people of Fata.

The cottage industry does not need much investment and high technology. It can be promoted in both rural and urban areas of Fata. The waste of large-scale industries, particularly cotton, sugar and steel industries, can be used as by-products. The women of Fata can also contribute by way of embroidery, carpet weaving and handicrafts in their houses. The cottage industry can contribute 30pc of exports in themanufacturing sector and can provide 80pc jobs to industrial labour.

The brave people of Fata deserve all such support by the government and people.

Engr. R. Riaz Akbar

Wah Cantt

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2015

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