US ambassador visits Peshawar

PESHAWAR: United States Ambassador Richard Olson Saturday met government officials and political leaders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Fata.
A communiqué of US Consulate General, Peshawar said the visit of the US delegation to the provincial capital highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the US and Pakistani governments in the region.
The ambassador met the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan and the Corps Commander Peshawar Lt Gen Hidayat Ur Rehman. Special security measures were made for his visit to Peshawar.
The communiqué said the trip included a series of high-level meetings with provincial government leadership, as well as an interview with Peshawar-based journalists, to discuss ongoing efforts to improve the lives of people in KP and Fata.
Since October 2009, the United States has provided over $1.58 billion in development and humanitarian assistance to the region, which the ambassador underscored to the press.
The ambassador also hosted an Iftar dinner at the US Consulate General in Peshawar. It was attended by local government officials, educators, administrators, and civil society leaders from KP and Fata.
“In the spirit of Ramazan, Americans and Pakistanis shared the Iftar meals to end the day’s fast, as well as to celebrate the 4th of July, which is the date that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence for the United States,” the press release added.
Earlier, talking to the US Ambassador at the Governor’s House, Governor Sardar Mahtab said that peace had been restored in Fata after successful military operation and the process of displaced families’ repatriation had been started.
The governor said the first phase of the return of the internally displaced persons of South Waziristan had been completed.
He added that about 40,000 households had been repatriated to their respective areas in North Waziristan and Khyber tribal regions.
US Consul General in Peshawar Jon F. Danilowicz, US Defense Representative in Pakistan Lt. Gen Anthony J Rock and Minister Counselor for Public Affairs Thomas Leary also accompanied the ambassador, said an official handout.
The governor apprised the ambassador about the administrative reforms introduced in Fata and the ongoing process of strengthening the system of administration aimed at ensuring stability and security in the area.
Appreciating the US support, he said the civil administration was back on track in Fata and law and order was improving day by day.
Referring to the potential for economic development in Fata, the governor said the revival of small industries in the tribal region would offer opportunities for economic development and generate employment.