The federally administered tribal area is going to get 90 billion annual developmental budget in addition to the 20 billion it’s getting now for the next ten years after merger. Not only this 3% of the NFC will be additionally allocated to the development for the under privileged area. This was revealed by Secretary SAFRON Muhammad Shehzad Arbab while addressing a one day workshop on the Reforms in FATA: A futuristic approach for economic development arranged by the Cell for FATA Studies UoP  at the Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum Hall of the University of Peshawar.

He said that reforming of FATA will lead to the consolidation of Pakistan and none of its area will then be used as safe haven for the enemy of homeland. The former chief secretary KP further added that the tribal riwaz act will soon be enacted after approval from the parliament following which the FCR will be repealed and people of the area would have access to the Honorable High Court of Peshawar and the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

In reply to a student`s querry Mr. Arbab said that restriction of the easement rights for the tribes living on both sides of the border were imperative for long-lasting peace and effective border management. He added that due to Zarb Azab most of the militants have fled from Pakistan to Afghanistan and there is every likelihood that they might come back if the border management system is not in place.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Jan in his address said that FATA was contributing 1.5 % to the country`s GDP, however its potential to add more to the national economy was far more than that. He added that 71 % of the people of FATA live below poverty line and we need to bring them at par with at least Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He termed merger with major reforms as the major tool for long-lasting peace and development of the area.

The moot was also addressed by Dr. Hussain Shaheed Soherwordi, Coordinator Cell for FATA studies, Birg. (R) Mahmood Shah, Mr. Ayaz Wazir and representative of UNDP Mr. Skype Chiristensen.