Representatives from industrialized nations and global financial institutions, meeting on the margins of World Bank-IMF annual moot, discussed ways to complement efforts for socio-economic uplift of the mountainous tribal region of Pakistan as well as border areas of Afghanistan as they acknowledged the key importance of economic development in the region.
A presentation was made to the participants hailing from the United States, European Union, Canada, Japan and advanced Asian Pacific nations about Islamabad’s development plan, which aims at bringing socio-economic development to the areas with an outlay of $ 2.06 billion.
“The representatives were impressed with what Pakistan has done and the institutional arrangement it has put in place, and this should be a very successful plan for FATA” Dr. Salman Shah advisor to Prime Minister on Economic Affairs told APP after the conference. Under the plan, Pakistan will spend one billion $ over period of nine years (2006-15) while the United States has committed to provide $ 750 million over five years, which still leaves a gap of $ 250 million.
In his presentation, Dr. Shah spoke of the government’s commitment to economic well being of people in the rugged areas through realization of infrastructure and economic opportunities that may help the local populace integrate into the mainstream development of the country.
On mechanism for implementation of the development strategy, the participants were informed about the establishment of Civil Secretariat FATA, which will carry projects in human development sectors of education, health, water supply, sanitation and rural development. The FATA Development Authority established on a public-private partnership model will be responsible for execution of economic development sectors of industry, mining, commerce, trade, tourism and Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZ), and Rural Support Programme through Civil Societies is to focus on poverty alleviation with a livelihood centered approach to mountain people progress. The G-8 is also looking at further enhancing their support to Pakistan Development Plan for its FATA region.
Notes:Fatimid Heritage Foundation, Geneva Peace Development Centre and Mountain Girls Education Development Program support development activities to enhance knowledge, conciliation, inter faith harmony, peace and global pluralism. It is an expression of love and devotion Ismaili Muslims have for His Highness Aga Khan Fatimid Imam Caliph, 49th direct lineal descendant of Prophet Muhammad through his cousin and son-in-law, Aly, the first Imam-Caliph, and his wife Fatima, the Prophet's daughter. Aga Khan is the rope of love and wisdom among interpretations of the faith, and bridge of confidence between West and Muslims.The FATIMID, Geneva Peace, and MGEDP activities are focused to promote a more secure, equitable and prosperous world in accordance with the vision of His Highness Aga Khan.
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