Economic revitalisation programme for FATA inaugurated

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PESHAWAR: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) Secretariat here Tuesday inaugurated the ‘FATA Economic Revitalisation Programme for South Waziristan, North Waziristan and Khyber Agency’.

Representatives from USAID and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed Rs1.6 billion awards for building sustainable livelihoods in three agencies affected by insecurity and displacement, including South Waziristan, North Waziristan and Khyber Agency.

Speaking at the ceremony, USAID Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs Administrative assistant Gregory F Huger said, “The FATA Economic Revitalisation Programme will help to improve quality of life for residents of FATA.  I am confident this new initiative will not only contribute to livelihood and resilience but will also lead to sustainable economic development in the region.”

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, US Consul General Stephen Fakan and USAID Pakistan Mission Director Jerry Bisson also spoke on the occasion.

FATA Economic Revitalisation Programme would benefit nearly 17,000 families over three years, improving access to non-farming livelihoods for people returning to FATA after being displaced. The programme would also foster a partnership among government and private sector for the creation of long-term employment opportunities and for inclusive economic growth.

“This partnership builds on our successes over two years of working with communities under the FATA Transition and Recovery Programme to rebuild livelihoods after years of insecurity,” said UNDP Country Director Ignacio Artaza.

The United States is helping the Government of Pakistan to improve lives of residents in FATA and rebuild stable communities through humanitarian assistance including housing, educational, and livelihood support.

 

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