PESHAWAR, Aug 31: NWFP Governor Khalil-ur-Rehman on Wednesday pledged to remove within five years the 50-year backwardness and deprivation of Tirah Valley in the Khyber tribal region.

Under special instructions from President Musharraf, he said the government had chalked out a vigorous plan to provide maximum development resources over and above the regular funding.

Addressing a grand tribal jirga at Soor Kas in Tirah, Khyber Agency, during his fresh visit to the remote and picturesque Tirah Valley bordering Afghanistan, the governor said that President Musharraf had fully realized the backwardness of Tirah and the needs of the poverty-hit and economically-starved people of this newly-opened area.

He said that the president had donated 20 trucks loaded with relief edible items for free distribution amongst the people of the entire area who had been hit hard by the recent natural calamity.

Governor Khalil also laid foundation stones for development projects worth Rs100 million, including two road projects, upgrading of a primary school to middle status and construction of Levy posts and Political Tehsildar office.

He announced 10 hydle power generators for the area besides directing the authorities to plan the construction of a protection wall along the river to secure the agriculture land from erosion.