Government committed to development in FATA: Zardari
13 September, 2012
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday reiterated the commitment of the government to continue focusing on FATA and to take all possible measures for the socio-economic development of the people of the Tribal Areas. He was talking to a delegation of FATA parliamentarians headed by MNA Hameedullah Jan Afridi, at the Presidency. The delegation included MNAs Zafar Beg Bhittani, Malik Bilal Rehman, Mohammad Kamran Khan; and senators Haji Khan Afridi, Hilalur Rehman and Malik Rashid Ahmed Khan. Matters relating to developmental funds and activities in FATA and the issue of FATA expatriates working in Gulf countries were discussed during the meeting. The parliamentarians thanked the president for announcing the introduction of local governments in Tribal Areas in the coming year in consultation with all stakeholders. Zardari said the people of the Tribal Areas had rendered huge sacrifices in the ongoing battle against militants and it was important to focus on their socio-economic development for wining 'the battle of minds'. He reiterated that all the reforms would be undertaken in the area in accordance with the wishes, customs and traditions of the people. Meanwhile, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan called on the president, at the Presidency. The two leaders discussed the political situation and development of the area, and the issues relating to rehabilitation of the rain-affected people. Separately, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Aslam Gill called on Zardari at the Presidency late on Tuesday night. Gill thanked the president for acknowledging his services for the party and nominating him for the Senate seat in March 2012 elections. He lauded the leadership of the president for pursuing the policy of reconciliation and taking along all political forces on the issues of national importance. He said for the first time in the political history of the country, a democratically elected government was about to complete its mandated tenure by following consensus policies. It also achieved many important milestones in its democratic journey, he noted. End.
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