Summoning technology: UoP to develop project monitoring and analyses tool for FATA

MoU to this effect was signed between dignitaries from both institutions.

PESHAWAR: Institute of Geography, Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Peshawar (UoP) will develop a ‘SMART Planning and Monitoring Tool’ for the FATA Secretariat. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed between the FATA Secretariat and University of Peshawar on Wednesday.

University of Peshawar Vice Chancellor Professor Rasool Jan and FATA Projects Director General Yousuf Rahim signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions. A number of high-ups from the University of Peshawar and FATA Secretariat were also present on the occasion.



Jan said universities around the globe were extending support to organisations to strengthen communities. He said UoP, being the ‘mother university’, was playing its part in one way or another, however, the partnership between FATA Secretariat and the university, apart from benefiting both institutions, would also lead towards progress and prosperity in the tribal belt.

Expressing gratitude, FATA Projects Director General Yousuf Rahim said the MoU was to be a first among many and that both bodies have a glowing history of partnership and affiliation. Rahim hoped the mutual journey will last long, and continue to serve towards the well-being of the community.

Dr Zulfiqar Ali of the Institute of Geography, Urban and Regional Planning, University of Peshawar revealed the pilot phase of the project will include conducting a study in Khar, Bajaur Agency, along with developing a methodology for implementation of the monitoring system. In the second phase, the methodology will be replicated in the rest of agencies, after being fine-tuned to suit the needs of specific areas, he added.

Highlighting the objectives of the study, Dr Zulfiqar said the project intends to establish spatial-enabled data capturing, development data analyses and visualising a system for planners and decision makers. He said the system will be capable of tracking and monitoring ongoing projects as well as evaluating completed projects.

“Consequently, the project will also lead to capacity building of the staff of the line departments of the FATA Secretariat,” he remarked.

‘SMART Monitoring and Planning Tool’ will be developed by the University of Peshawar in collaboration with the Directorate of Monitoring & Evaluation and Implementation Support Unit of Post Crisis Needs Assessment FATA, with financial support from the FATA Secretariat.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 23^rd, 2014.