PESHAWAR: Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan and some high-ranking former and sitting civil and military officers on Friday discussed the prevailing situation in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and reviewed the reforms plan in the context of geopolitical situation.

The consultative session was held at the Governor House which was attended by former governor Engineer Shaukatullah, Chairman Fata Reforms Commission and former chief secretary Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, former Corps Commander Peshawar retired Lt-Gen Khalid Rabbani, retired Lt-Gen Hamid Khan, Umer Khan Afridi, Badshah Gul Uzair, Sahibzada Imtiaz, Shakil Durrani, Prof Mohammad Jan, members of Fata Reforms Commission and prominent scholars from Fata.

The participants were called to the meeting because of their in-depth understanding of not only Fata, but also of the regional and international power play. In a sense, it was a strategic review of various proposals for Fata reforms advocated by various stakeholders, according to a handout.

A discussion took place on ways to improve the working of Fata Secretariat in policy implementation, speeding up development work, etc. The working of the political administration to improve law and order situation and provide better services to the people also came under discussion. The meeting was also intended to obtain suggestions on reforms agenda for Fata. The participants said that efforts should be made to ensure improvement of the overall system in Fata.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor said that wellbeing of the tribal people would be ensured so that they could play their role in the nation building process. He said that reforms strategy was being formulated to determine the scope and plans of development in Fata.

The governor reiterated the pledge to restore peace in Fata and bring about visible changes with the consent of tribal people there.

While talking to mediapersons, the governor said that the grievances of tribal people would be removed without harming their historical customs and traditions. He claimed that an effective administration in Fata would be ensured. He said that repatriation of all internally displaced people was the top priority of the government.

Chairman FATA Reforms Commission Ejaz Qureshi said that the commission was soliciting suggestions and involving Fata people in the developmental activities and oversight of government departments to ensure the best possible service delivery to the people. He said that the commission had been trying to build a consensus on the agreed plan of action.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2014