PM Imran reviews development projects initiated in former FATA region

Funds allocated in 2018 have been released by the Centre, briefs information minister

Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting on Monday to review development progress in former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), that have now been merged with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (K-P).

PM Imran expressed his wish for development projects to be initiated in the region soon, said Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Shibli Faraz, in a video statement released to brief on the meeting. Faraz quoted the PM as saying that the people and the youth of FATA are dear to him.

Faraz added that the federal government has released the funds allocated in 2018 in this regard.

Besides, a committee has been constituted to coordinate with other provinces and ensure the availability and release of remaining funds, he said.

The minister further added that PM Imran expressed his wish for the 'sacrifices' of the people of FATA, with regards to countering terrorism, being recognised.

According to Faraz, the prime minister wants development works in the region to be initiated as soon as possible.

Also present at the meeting were Federal Planning Minister Asad Umar, Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill, and others.

Besides, K-P Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, K-P Finance Minister Taimur Khan Jhagra, and Punjab Finance Minister Hashim Jawab Bakht attended the meeting through video link.