Governor says efforts on to provide education, health facilities

Visits Fata University at Darra Adamkhel

KOHAT: Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said on Wednesday steps were being taken for sustainable peace, successful repatriation and rehabilitation of displaced persons and provide them better health and education facilities.

He was addressing tribal elders from Frontier Region (FR) Kohat during his visit to the Fata University at Darra Adamkhel. Additional Chief Secretary Fata Muhammad Aslam Kamboh, Commissioner Kohat division Mussarat Hussain, tribal elders and a large number of students were also present.

Fata University Vice-Chancellor Dr Muhammad Tahir Shah briefed the governor about the construction work and administrative affairs of the university. The governor was informed that formal education activities would start in the university from September this year at the Political Science, Sociology, Mathematics and Management Sciences departments.

He was told that 266 of the 466 kanal land for the university had been purchased at a cost of Rs133 million and the rest of the 200 kanal would be purchased soon. Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said the dreams of the tribal people would come true with the establishment of the Fata University.

He said the Fata University would pave the way for the development of this marginalised region and provide job opportunities to the local people.The governor said medical and engineering colleges would also be established in the tribal areas.

It was interesting that some women also attended the jirga. Some elders expressed displeasure at the prize distribution to the shining girl students on the occasion. They termed the practice against the tribal traditions. But the political administration took pride in the event.

The gathering was more political than inauguration of the university. Meanwhile, the governor during a visit reviewed the progress of the construction work on the university building.He directed the relevant officials to expedite the construction work on the university building.

The governor said that providing quality education to the tribal youth was top priority for the government. He said other basic needs of the people would also be met so that the tribal people could play their role in the development of the country.

Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said time had come to serve the tribal population and to redress their grievances. He added that tribal people had rendered sacrifices and left their homes for the restoration of peace.

The governor said that peace had been restored not only in Fata, but also in the entire country due to military operation Zarb-e-Azb and sacrifices of the tribal people. He said now the country was heading towards peace, stability and development.  “Steps have been taken to ensure the return and rehabilitation of the IDPs,” he added.

The governor said the government was committed to providing quality education to the tribal youth. “The promotion of education and health sectors in the tribal areas are top the priority areas of the policymakers,” he added.He said that education was key to socio-economic development.

Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said education emergency had been announced in tribal areas. He said no effort would be spared to achieve 100 percent literacy rate in Fata. He said the future status of Fata would be decided in line with the wishes of the tribesmen.