Pakistan

Govt to ensure CPEC benefits reach FATA

Provincial civil-military huddle also discusses transition to civilian LEAs

Our Correspondent November 02, 2017

PHOTO: REUTERS

PESHAWAR: The Apex Committee for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Wednesday agreed to take steps to ensure that the benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were shared with the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

The 48^th meeting of the committee reviewed security situation of the province, including Fata and progress of operation Raddul Fasaad. The forum also discussed Fata reforms in detail and pledged to boost the process by constituting a committee to chalk out plans for future course of action.

The meeting, chaired by K-P Governor Engineer Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, was attended by the provincial chief minister, the corps commander Peshawar Corps, besides relevant provincial government and Fata secretariat officials.

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A detailed briefing was given by the military officials on peace and stability, progress on various developmental projects in Fata and measures taken to enhance the border-management along the Pakistan-Afghan border.

The participants acknowledged the efforts of the army, intelligence agencies and the law enforcement personnel in the fight against terrorism and pledged that concerted efforts would continue to energise the National Action Plan and eradicate root causes of terrorism and militancy.

The participants appreciated the tremendous efforts being undertaken by the security forces in border management, especially the construction of fence along the border which would help control the cross-border terrorist movement.

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The forum also discussed Fata reforms and pledged to boost the process by constituting a committee to chalk out plans for future course of action. It was also decided that efforts would be made to ensure that the benefits of CPEC were shared by Fata.

On the occasion, K-P government and Fata secretariat officials briefed the participants on various development projects. The transition to civilian law-enforcement agencies was also discussed, according to sources.