USAID projects in Fata discussed

Published February 28, 2003

PESHAWAR, Feb 27: A delegation of US Agency for International Development headed by Mr Frederick W. Schieck called on NWFP Governor Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah here on Thursday.

The delegation comprising Mr Mark S. Ward, director USAID Mission to Pakistan, Ms Arlene Ferril, United States Consul at Peshawar, Ms Maureen Dugan, special assistant USAID, and Mr Jim Bever, director ANE\SAA, discussed with the governor prospects of USAID-funded projects for Fata development.

The governor, while talking to the delegation, also mentioned the multidimensional development process, which the government had initiated for the uplift of tribal areas, according to a handout.

In this connection, he also referred to the low literacy rate prevailing in Fata, saying the government had given top priority to the promotion of education in the tribal areas to improve the literacy rate.

The governor said that in addition to the provision of modern health-care facilities to the tribal people, the government had also focused on the development of other related social sectors in Fata.

Members of the delegation hinted at the participation of the agency in the social sector development of tribal areas.