GHALLANAI, March 1: Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah said on Tuesday that amendments to the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) in the tribal areas was inevitable.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a Cadet College here, he said changes in the FCR would come through an evolutionary process. "An overnight change in the century-old colonial system was not possible, rather we would prefer a gradual change," he said.

Mr Shah said the government was ready to repeal or improve some of its clauses but with the consent of tribesmen. Those who were opposing the change would never succeed, he remarked.

A jirga was also held which was attended by elders from all the tribal agencies. Fata senators, MNAs and representatives of the agency councils. Secretary Fata (security) Mahmood Shah, political agents of the tribal agencies also present at the jirga.

The governor said the Cadet College Mohmand Agency would be beneficial for all tribal students and promote quality education in Fata. He said that such institutions were imperative for the development of backward areas.

He also mentioned a plan for opening an engineering university campus in the Bajaur Agency and a medical college in Parachinar, Kurram Agency. He said that the institutions would not only ensure educational development but would also boost the economy of the respective areas.

During a briefing held at the proposed site for the college, the governor was informed that the college spreading over 600 kanals would have a modern building housing the entire academic, sports, administration and residential facilities.

The college would comprise three academic blocks, an administration block, four hostel blocks, a bachelor hostel, hospital, auditorium, mosque and playgrounds. Mr Shah said that the development process in Fata would certainly reduce poverty and strengthen its economy.

Referring to the allocation of Rs9 billion for Fata development during the current fiscal year, he said that the amount would help boost the economy of the region. The governor in response to a demand said that no more concessions would be given with regard to non-custom paid vehicles.

He said that with the establishment of agency councils, the prevailing democratic gulf at the grass-roots level had been bridged, adding that the councils would be delegated more powers and authority. "It is my faith that without delegating fullest authority to people, the dream of real development could not be materialized," he said.