Funds allocated for FATA development almost utilized: Najamuddin
By Muhammad Ali Malik

ISLAMABAD—Minister for SAFRON, Najmuddin Khan Wednesday said the funds of Rs. 7 billion allocated for the development of FATA for year 2007 have almost been utilized. He said this while giving a briefing to Senators belonging to FATA on issues relating to development projects, law and order situation and FCR.
He said concerned quarters have been conveyed that FATA representatives (MNAs and Senators) and Ministry of SAFRON must be onboard in utilization of development funds to make it streamline and transparent for the welfare of the people of the area.
On law and order situation, he said it was getting better day-by-day because the present government believes in dialogue and political solution of the problems.
He assured that amendments in FCR and political reforms in FATA would be brought in consultation with FATA representatives and people.
The Senators thanked the Minister for having briefing and said it was the first time that Ministry of SAFRON has consulted FATA representatives and assured full support of every positive step of the government.
The Senators demanded that full detail of development schemes and utilization funds in FATA, may be provided by the quarter concerned to ascertain whether these funds are being used for the people or other way.
They also demanded that industrial estate should be established within FATA and as well as Directorate for Levies in order to streamline the system and structure of levies.
They decided that next meeting will be held soon to give practical shape to the proposals.
FATA Senators including Abdur Raziq, Eng. Rasheed Nasir Khan Afridi, Saleh Shah and Senator Hafeez Rasheed and other high level officers of the Ministry attended the meeting.