PESHAWAR, Feb 2: NWFP Governor Syed Itkikhar Hussain Shah has directed immediate implementation on the development projects for Fata, with priority being given to construction of roads in inaccessible areas.

“We want to immediately put on ground some major development activities, particularly in communications, in inaccessible areas of FATA. I have given them a word during my visits to these areas,” he said, while addressing a meeting of the implementation committee on reforms in FATA here on Saturday.

He said that a development package of Rs7.5 billion has been prepared for the tribal areas. Moreover, a sum of Rs1,130 million, under the Annual Development Programme, and Rs644 million under the Khushal Pakistan Programme had been allocated for the tribal areas which was in addition to the development package.

He said that certain donor agencies had also assured to provide funds for the development of tribal areas.

The governor also ordered reorganization of law enforcing agencies in tribal areas, adding that sanction had already been given for arranging of transport and other necessary equipment for the border security forces.

He said that 1,000 vacancies of Frontier Constabulary should be filled with priority given to the people of inaccessible areas.

Lt-Gen Iftikhar also directed that eight platoons of the Frontier Constabulary be given in the charge of Inspector General of Frontier Corps. He said that correspondence and necessary arrangements for withdrawal of the FC troops given to other provinces should take place as more troops were needed to be deployed for the protection of borders after the establishment of local government in Fata. He ordered that the task of recruitments should be completed by March this year.

The meeting also reviewed the increase in the number of seats in the provincial assembly, the proposed amendment to the FCR and establishment of Fata secretariat.

Our Darra Adamkhel correspondent adds: NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah told a tribal delegation from Darra Adamkhel, Frontier Region Kohat, that the status of the tribal territory would be maintained, but said a crackdown could be launched against criminals and absconders hiding in the area.

The 16-member delegation of tribal Maliks headed by former senator Haji Noor Sher met the governor in Peshawar and discussed with him problems facing the people.

The governor expressed concern over the rising incidence of criminal activities, saying a crackdown would be launched against the anti-social elements operating out of the tribal areas.

The governor also ordered release of development funds amounting to Rs8.4 million under the Khushal Pakistan Programme.