PESHAWAR, Nov 9: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Masood Kausar on Friday said sustained efforts for the promotion and strengthening of the ongoing process of reforms in Fata were needed for better outcome and it is encouraging that the response of the people of the area is highly positive in this respect.

Addressing the oath administering ceremony of Fata Lawyers Forum at the Governor’s House here on Friday, the governor said it was a beginning and for ensuring its successful continuity, the support of lawyer community is also must to ease the situation.

Taj Mahal Advocate, who took oath as the president of the forum, welcomed the governor and highlighted the forum’s role and services as well as legal requirements for ensuring protection of rights of the people of the area.

The ceremony was also addressed by senior lawyer and president of Peshawar High Court Bar Association Latif Afridi.

Mr Kausar said the government was focusing on all aspects of life for ensuring well being of the people of Fata in a democratic spirit wherein the economic development of the area is also getting priority to the utmost level.

He said in fact, the people of Fata were desirous to have equal opportunities for their development and progress and the government was doing its best to come up to their expectations.

“We are making efforts to mainstream the people of Fata for ensuring their socio-economic uplift in a democratic way which is also very much compatible with their thinking and approach,” he said.

Since, he said, the administrative system in Fata is also going through the strengthening process; therefore, he added the role and services of the law experts will also be highly important in making it a success.

Responding to various points raised in the welcome address, the governor said indeed, the circumstances prevailed in Fata were not of normal nature.

He, however, said despite many difficulties, the process of development was continuing and not only the annual budgetary outlay had been increased manifold compared to the past but it was also his earnest effort to enhance the volume of allocations to the maximum extent.

Mr Kausar paid tribute to the personnel of security forces for rendering great sacrifices for restoration of peace in the area and said the local residents should forge unity in their ranks and files to make their struggle a real success.

Earlier, the governor administered the oath of office to the newly-elected cabinet of Fata Lawyers Forum and congratulated them.