PESHAWAR, July 20: NWFP Governor Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai has said that restoration of peace in Fata is vital for the socio-economic uplift of tribal areas.

Talking to a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors (CPNE) at the Governor House here on Thursday, Mr Aurakzai said the government was taking concrete steps to maintain peace in the area so that the development process could be furthered in the larger interest of the people.

He said the formation of a grand Jirga was the latest move aimed at resolving the crisis in Waziristan through the traditional tribal means. He also briefed the delegation on the overall law and order situation in the province and Fata, and answered questions.

The governor said that under a comprehensive strategy, extra platoons of Frontier Constabulary were being deployed and the policing system was being strengthened to curb illegal activities and monitor the movement of criminals between the settled districts and adjoining tribal areas.

To a question, he said: “Crisis always brings challenges and opportunities. Let us strive to convert the challenges that we face today into opportunities for tribesmen.”

In this regard, he mentioned the massive development programme initiated in Fata over the past few years and hoped that it would create best economic opportunities for the tribesmen.

Mr Aurakzai said the development outlay for Fata had witnessed a tremendous increase and currently more than Rs6 billion was being spent in tribal areas.

He said the government had a clear vision about Fata, based on efforts for utilisation of all available resources for the economic uplift of these neglected area.

Speaking on the Fata Sustainable Development Programme, he said that under a well-thought-out strategy, Rs80 billion to Rs100 billion would be spent during the next nine years on Fata development.

The governor also highlighted the “important and responsible” role of media in the prevailing situation, adding that media enjoyed the status of an important organ in the state activities.

“It moulds and builds public opinion and provides guidance to the masses. It must put the supreme national interest above everything,” he said, adding that in the confronting situation, the media should play a positive role by adopting constructive approach.

Leader of the delegation and CPNE President Arif Nizami thanked the governor on behalf of the delegation for his hospitality. He appreciated the good work undertaken in Fata and the peace initiatives taken for ensuring lasting peace in Waziristan and elsewhere in Fata.