PESHAWAR, Sept 25: A delegation of Australian Parliamentarians called on the Governor of NWFP, Khalil-ur-Rehman, at the Governor’s House here on Sunday. The delegation, led by Peter Lindsay, Member for Queensland of Australian Parliament included Harry Quick, Member for Franklin; Peter Slipper, Member for Fisher and Ruth Stephanie, Senator for Western Australia. The Australian High Commissioner accompanied the delegation.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor apprised the guests of the historical background, geographical importance and system of governance in the province as well as in Fata.

The entire region especially the provincial capital, the governor said, enjoys unique position in the history and is still enjoying great attractions from many aspects especially from economic, trade and tourism point of view.

Responding to various points raised by the parliamentarians, the governor said the local government system was working successfully and people had shown keen interest in the first phase of the local government elections.

For the second phase of the elections, he added, the government had made foolproof arrangements to ensure that the verdict of the people was honoured.

The governor said that for the first time in FATA, real development was in progress.

Huge resources were being spent on the infrastructure development in FATA, he said adding, “We have to sustain the efforts to achieve the targets in this respect”.

Answering a question, he said: “We have a lot of mineral deposits in Fata especially copper and marble and every effort was being made to introduce modern ways and means for their exploitation”.

In response to the keen interest expressed by the delegates, Mr Rehman informed them that the copper deposits, found in Fata, are of good quality which is receiving great attraction from entrepreneurs including certain Australian firms.

As far as the government is concerned, he added, every possible effort is being made to facilitate investors and initiatives taken so far have been proving fruitful.

Referring to another point, he said, though the government is following a comprehensive plan of action for the over all development of FATA yet, the provision of basic education and health facilities are the focal point in this respect.

Secretary to Governor, Arbab Muhammad Arif, and Additional Secretary, Sikandar Qayyum were present on this occasion.—APP