Fata to have its own bank

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Barrister Masood Kausar has hinted at setting up a bank for Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) so that tribal people working abroad can send their money to it easily. The money would be used for betterment of the people of the tribal areas, he told the launching ceremony of Economic Revitalisation Project for Fata and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Governor’s House here on Tuesday. The ceremony was also attended by Fata additional chief secretary, Fata law and order secretary, Fata parliamentarians, traders, officials of Smeda and tribal elders. The governor distributed cheque among those tribal traders, who suffered losses owing to terrorism and unfavorable situation in the area. He said that those cheques could not compensate the losses of traders, however, the gesture would encourage them to continue business activities. Mr Kausar said that tribal people were intelligent so they could start their businesses even with the help of a small amount of money. Highlighting the importance of Fata youth, the governor said that young people of tribal areas should not only be imparted proper education but should also be taught modern technical skills and advanced training in different fields. Mr Kausar said that peace was an essential element for progress of any business. Therefore, tribal elders and religious leaders should support the government for restoration of peace in Fata, he added. “We equally share the problems of Fata people that are not created by them but imposed on them by foreign hands,” he said. The governor said that Fata Development Authority was the backbone of Fata. “We should make it stronger to enable it not only to continue the ongoing development projects but to launch new schemes in Fata,” he said. Mr Kausar sought suggestions from businessmen for revival of Fata economy and progress and prosperity of tribal people. He thanked international community and those countries that supported Pakistan in the war against terrorism. The governor said that only those businessmen, who invested money in their businesses for development of Fata instead of utilising it for personal use, should be encouraged to get loans. He said that one day the entire world would be proud of tribal people.