FATA: USAID projects shelved over security

[Naveed Yaseen]

LAHORE: Around 25 projects operated by USAID in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and settled areas of the NWFP have been temporarily closed over security concerns, a private TV channel quoted its sources on Wednesday.

According to the channel, staff members working on several projects in Tank, DI Khan, and North and South Waziristan agencies have been called back due to worsening security in those areas. The work on the projects would resume once the law and order situation improves, the channel said.

USAID was working on a comprehensive programme to support short, medium and long-term objectives of the government of Pakistan’s FATA Sustainable Development Plan (FSDP) 2006-2015. USAID’s objectives included enhancing the government’s legitimacy and writ in FATA, improving economic and social conditions for local communities, and supporting sustainable development. To achieve the objectives, USAID had expanded its earlier programmes and initiated new activities that included, building the capacity of FATA institutions to deliver services to citizens; improving livelihoods; strengthening health and education services; and developing FATA’s infrastructure.

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