ISLAMABAD – The numbers-weak and cash-strapped PPP government on Thursday doled out Rs 330 million in “development funds” to 11 independent MNAs from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani approved the provision of Rs 30 million for each MNA representing FATA for “identification of public welfare projects”. Talking to a delegation of FATA MNAs and Senators led by Haji Munir Khan Orakzai, Gilani asked the FATA legislators to work out the details of specific projects along with their exact financial implications.
The prime minister assured the FATA delegation that the government would streamline the procedure of prompt disbursement of funds for the development projects of FATA region. Regarding FATA’s elected representatives’ long-overdue demand for the construction of FATA House in the capital, the PM announced that he would himself lay down the foundation stone at the earliest.
The prime minister stressed upon the MNAs from FATA to extend complete support to the government with respect to eradication of polio from FATA.
Reiterating the government’s intention to interact with all parties and groups in parliament on national challenges, Gilani assured the delegation that he would direct the government’s financial team to brief FATA MNAs on the financial situation. Orakzai assured the premier of support from the FATA MNA. The delegation included Hameedullah Jan Afridi, Abdul Raziq, Senator Rashid Ahmed Khan, Senator Haji Khan Afridi, Senator Hafiz Rasheed Ahmed, Noorul Haq Qadri, Sajid Hussain Turi, Jawad Hussain, Muhammad Kamran Khan, Shaukatullah and Zafar Beg Batanni.
