PESHAWAR, Dec 11: Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro has said that the government will provide funds for development of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas despite severe economic constraints because of rising oil prices.

Presiding over a meeting held here on Tuesday on the law and order situation and development in Fata, he promised the issue of funds for the Sustainable Development Programme would be taken up with international donors.

He emphasised the need for including all stakeholders, including the tribal elders, in development activities. He said education and awareness should be the focus of the efforts.

The caretaker prime minister called for strengthening the monitoring mechanism to determine the future development requirements.

Mohammedmian Soomro said the law and order situation in Fata had improved as a result of comprehensive efforts by the government.

The planning and development secretary of the Fata civil secretariat gave a presentation about the Sustainable Development Programme and funds required to implement it over nine years.

Mr Soomro said delay in release of economic assistance by the international donors was causing shortfall of funds.

The caretaker prime minister was briefed about the law and order situation and measures taken to maintain the writ of the government in the tribal region.