DFID, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor discuss support in socio-economic programs

A team of the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Masood Kausar on Saturday discussed possible support from the donor agency in different socio-economic development programmes initiated in the remotely located areas of FATA.
A meeting of the visiting four-member mission of UK Department for International Development (DFID), led by Sarah Ladbury, held a meeting with the KP Governor and officials of FATA Secretariat here at Governor House. Other members of the mission were Wilfred Michael William Joseph, Rosemary Knite and Cat Evans.
Additional Chief Secretary FATA Fazal Karim Khattak, Secretary P&D FATA Jamal Nasir, Director General Projects FATA Ali Sher Mehsud, Political Agent Bajaur Agency Zakir Hussein Afridi and representatives of the political administrations of Kurram and Khyber Agencies also attended the meeting.
The meeting deliberated in detail the mode and areas of co-operation and reciprocated suggestions and proposals for having close co-operation and support from DFID in this regard. The Governor while welcoming the visiting delegation appreciated the DFID overall support and assistance in the development of tribal areas and expressed hope that the mission 's proposed interventions would further strengthen the mutual efforts for the socio-economic development of tribal areas.
The Governor highlighted different steps that the govt has been taking to bring a positive change in the overall condition in tribal areas. He pointed towards various steps aiming to bring these areas to the main national stream. He said that education, health, communication and skill development were the main priority areas that could lead to bring a visible change in the social set up as well as mindset of the tribal people.
He laid emphasis on creating economic opportunities for the people of FATA besides making the youth of FATA skillful together with plenty of employment opportunities. The Governor said that the govt would welcome DFID support in some particular areas of development. The leader of the mission highlighted the proposals and suggestions from her department and elaborated the areas of co-operation. She hoped to work closely with FATA Secretariat and assured the needed support.