PESHAWAR: The government has ordered tax exemptions on the food items transported to Fata and material used for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons.

Chairing a conference of political agents here, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra issued directions for the resolution of the problems of Fata residents through jirgas in line with local traditions.

Fata additional chief secretary Sikandar Qayyum, political agents and deputy commissioners from Frontier Regions attended the conference, said an official statement said here on Thursday.

The political authorities levy tax on all food items transported from settled areas of the country to the tribal agencies. The political agents concerned issue permits to the local traders and businessmen for transporting edible commodities.

Also, the building material used in the reconstruction work in the conflict areas of Fata has also been exempted from taxes.

As militancy had caused widespread damages to infrastructure and public property in the region, there is a demand for construction material.

Governor orders steps for peace, resolution of tribals’ problems

Governor Jhagra told participants that the successful operations led by the Pakistan Army, sacrifices of the personnel of law-enforcement agencies and tribesmen had led to the restoration of peace in Fata.

He directed the respective political administrations to take imperative and concrete steps to maintain peace and resolve problems of the people in the region on urgent basis.

The governor said the problems facing IDPs should be sorted out on priority basis and that all political agents should submitted fortnightly report of their respective agencies in that respect to Fata additional chief secretary.

“Facilitating the people of Fata and IDPs is the top most priority of the government,” he said.

The governor claimed tremendous progress in the development of health sector in Fata and appreciated the efforts of political administrations in the fight against polio.

He directed political agents to ensure the early yet sustainable polio eradication from the entire region.

The governor also asked them to pay field visits to Fata and see the people’s problems by themselves for effective resolution.

Published in Dawn, Aprill 13th, 2018