Zardari assures FATA MPs to vouch for them

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday reiterated the commitment of the government to continue focusing on FATA and to take all possible measures for the socio-economic development of the people of tribal areas. He was talking to a delegation of FATA parliamentarians here at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The delegation was headed by MNA Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi. The delegation included MNA Zafar Beg Bhittani, MNA Malik Bilal Rehman, MNA Mohammad Kamran Khan, Senator Haji Khan Afridi, Senator Hilal-ur-Rehman and Senator Engr. Malik Rashid Ahmed Khan. Matters relating to developmental funds of the FATA parliamentarians, developmental activities in their respective areas and issues of expatriates belonging to FATA working in the Gulf countries were discussed during the meeting. The parliamentarians thanked the President for introducing local governments in tribal areas in the coming year in consultation with all stakeholders and termed it another important milestone in bringing the people of the areas into the mainstream of national life. The President said that the people of tribal areas have rendered huge sacrifices in the ongoing battle against militants and it was important to focus on their socio-economic development for winning the battle of minds. He reiterated that all the reforms would be undertaken in the area in accordance with the wishes, customs and traditions of the people. The President also said that the issues raised by them would be forwarded to the government for early redress. The delegation thanked the President for his personal interest in the development of the tribal area and socio-economic uplift of the people.