PESHAWAR, July 11: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) returned to the region after about 22 years to oversee expansion of its development programmes in the NWFP and adjoining tribal regions.

“This is a statement of our commitment to Pakistan,” US Ambassador Ryan Croker said at a ceremony held at the US Consulate in Peshawar to mark the opening of the USAID office. NWFP Chief Secretary Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi represented the provincial government.

A press release issued by the US Embassy in Islamabad says the office in Peshawar will oversee expansion of USAID development programmes in the fields of education, health, private sector development and governance in the NWFP and Fata.

“The region has strong economic potential and is benefiting from a number of USAID activities,” adds the press release.

The US, through the USAID, will provide more than $1.5 billion assistance to Pakistan over the next five years for education, health, governance and economic growth. The agency had run a number of developmental projects in the NWFP and Fata before its closure in 1984.

USAID Pakistan Director Jonathan Addleton highlighted the earlier contribution made by the agency in the NWFP and said the USAID had supported agricultural research, on-farm water management, area development and establishment of an agricultural university in Peshawar. USAID Peshawar Representative Sherry Carlin was also present.

It is still to be known as to how much of the promised $1.5 billion is meant for the NWFP and Fata, but the USAID has already undertaken construction and refurnishing of 65 primary, middle and high schools in the tribal regions.

It is also improving water and sanitation facilities in 190 girl schools in Khyber and Mohmand agencies.

The NWFP chief secretary, appreciated re-opening of USAID office in Peshawar.