KHAR, Feb 18: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shaukatullah Khan said here on Monday that the federal government would provide civic facilities to the people of Fata, adding several mega projects would soon be initiated in the militancy-hit region.

Addressing a jirga of Bajaur tribal elders, the governor said Fata was very much part of the country and praised the tribesmen for their sacrifices for the country.

“Unfortunately the tribal areas had been ignored in the past and this was the reason that the tribesmen were facing a lot of problems,” the governor said.

A large number of tribal elders, traders and social and political workers attended the jirga while official of the local administration and officers of line deportments were also present.

The governor said that the present federal government was devoted to the development of Fata and for this purpose the government had not only increased the annual development funds but also ensured transparency and standards in all its development schemes.

He said that most parts of Fata, especially Bajaur, had been badly affected by violence. He said that he would use all his efforts for the betterment of the tribal areas and added that he was aware of the problems being faced by the tribesmen.

“My appointment as governor is a great honour for every tribesman and provision of basic facilities will be my top priority,” he said.

He appreciated the role of tribal elders in the war against terrorism in the agency and said that the government was proud of their role. He urged the elders to continue their support to the government for maintaining peace and writ of the government in the area.

The governor announced rehabilitation of educational institutions and levies post that had been destroyed by militants and said that amounts for these schemes would be released soon.

The governor announced setting up of a Rescue 1122 centre and emergency response unit in Khar and awarded town committee status to Khar, the agency headquarters of Bajaur Agency.

He also announced establishment of two model villages in Nawagai and Mamond tehsil and five additional seats for the students of Bajaur Agency in Cadet Collage Razmak.

Member National Assembly from Bajaur Syed Akhunzada Chattan and other elders also spoke on the occasion and appreciated President Asif Ali Zardari and the federal government for appointing Shaukatullah Khan as governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The governor also laid foundation stone for a grid station in the tribal agency.