PESHAWAR, April 28: US Ambassador Nancy Powell visited the Torkham checkpoint at the Pakistan-Afghan border, some 45 kilometres west of here. She travelled to the border checkpoint amid tight security arrangements along the Peshawar-Torkham highway.

Senior officials of the Khyber Rifles briefed the ambassador on the ongoing trade activities between Pakistan and Afghanistan via Torkham checkpoint and security situation along the Durand Line.

Ms Nancy Powell also called on NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah at the Governor's House here, said an official handout. She was accompanied by Arlene Ferrill, Principal Officer of the US Consulate in Peshawar, and Ms Isachiles, Mission Director of the US Aid in Pakistan.

Various matters with special reference to the ongoing US-funded projects in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) came under discussion during the meeting. The US government has provided a grant of $200 million for strengthening education institutions in Fata.

The governor informed the ambassador that female education was receiving due importance in Fata and the desire for having more educational facilities amongst the tribal people was increasing tremendously.

The ambassador appreciated the steps being taken by the government, particularly for the promotion of education in the tribal areas.