ISLAMABAD: Fearing that a Swat-like situation might emerge in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) in the near future, President Asif Ali Zardari advised the government on Wednesday to launch a special relief package for the people of Kurram Agency to mitigate their sufferings caused by sectarian strife and militancy.

The package will include immediate start of a helicopter service between Parachinar and Peshawar for people’s movement till the road link is restored.

Pakistan International Airlines was asked to lease a small aircraft that could land in Parachinar. The national flag carrier was also asked to expand the runway.

A plan for rehabilitation of displaced people of the region will be prepared soon and the Benazir Income Support Programme will be extended to the area on a priority basis.

President’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar told journalists that the measures were announced during Mr Zardari’s meeting with a delegation from Kurram Agency. Members of the delegation said the people of the region wanted to live in peace but some external elements provoked sectarian strife.