PESHAWAR, June 2: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said that improvement and development of communication facilities in the far-flung and backward areas of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas is at the top of the government priorities.

Speaking at a jirga at Rajgal Kokikhel in Tirah valley of Khyber Agency, the governor announced that the under construction road passing through Tirah valley would be extended up to Sadda town in Kurram Agency, which, he added, would improve the communication system in the entire area, says a handout on Monday.

The governor also visited a free medical camp set up by the Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar.

The two-day medical camp was attended by 13 surgeons and physicians, besides paramedical staff of the institution. Over 2,000 patients, including children, were treated free of cost. They were also provided with medicines worth more than Rs10,00,000. Over 200 diagnostic tests were also carried out at the camp.

The governor highlighted the efforts which the government was making during the last three years for the speedy development of the tribal areas. He also mentioned the special package worth Rs1 billion announced by President Pervez Musharraf for the development of inaccessible tribal areas.