1. General
A Seminar on ‘Development Initiatives in FATA’ was organised at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad on 20 May 2014, to highlight the role of Army & FWO towards the development of FATA. The event was attended by more than 100 persons, related to FATA in the capacity of Government Officials, Civil Society Organisations, politicians, opinion makers, researchers, residents and students.

2. Program

The sequence of events was as under:

1. Welcome and opening remarks by Mr Khalid Rehman, Director General IPS.
2. Introduction of topic and speakers by Air Commodore (Retd) Khalid Iqbal.
3. FWO’s Introduction by Husain A. Rehman, PRO FWO.
4. Screening of FWO FATA Documentary ‘Fulfilling Promises’.
5. ‘Infrastructure Development in FATA’ by Brig Shahid Hasan Ali, Commander 493 Engineer Group.
6. ‘Socio Economic Impact of FATA’ a presentation by Mir Zohair Mahmood, ‘Kapabilities’ (a firm undertaking socio-economic research).
7. ‘FATA Reconstruction’ a speech by Brig (Retd) Said Nazir, Senior Associate, IPS.
8. ‘What Development Model for FATA’ by Dr Fakhar ul Islam, Director Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar.
9. Mineral Potential of FATA’ by Dr Fazal e Rabbi, University of Peshawar.
10. Question & Answer Session, Tea and Informal Interaction.

3. Proceedings

1. In the opening remarks the DG IPS and the Chairman stressed upon to promote understanding / dialogue on FATA and to share the development aspects with stakeholders so that it becomes deep rooted.
2. Brig Shahid Ali in his keynote speech reflected upon various development projects and initiatives taken by FWO in the region. He apprised the audience that more than 550 kilometers of road has been constructed in FATA, which is more than the length of Lahore-Islamabad motorway. The Central Trade Corridor passes through the heart of FATA to connect Afghanistan and has opened up trade and development for the whole region. Gomal Zam Dam is set to bring a Green Revolution in South Waziristan while the repair of damaged electric system will provide relief for the populace and benefits to the cottage industry.
3. Mir Zohair Mahmood shared the findings of a research study conducted in FATA that shows positive socio-economic change after the development initiatives.
4. Brig (Retd) Said Nazir (from Mohmand Agency) stated that the tribal people are loyal to Pakistan, no foreign flag or demonstration has been raised against Pakistan however destruction has been more than construction and the Civil Administration should take up reconstruction of hospitals, schools, universities and to promote socio-economic uplift.
5. Dr. Fakhrul Islam shared the results of a survey conducted at Peshawar University that calls for engagement and participation of FATA citizens to develop an ownership for the projects. Social audit of the development work will improve the effectiveness of FATA development.
6. Dr Fazal e Rabbi highlighted the mineral potential of FATA and was of opinion that better roads and security situation will help in its extraction.

4. Remarks of the Audience

1. Ambassador (Retd) Ayyaz Wazir pointed out that the portion of Wana Road passing beside the Div HQ is closed for the general public. It may be either opened or the alternate route be improved for facilitating movement of the inhabitants.
2. Ajmal Khan Wazir (Senior Vice President Pakistan Muslim League), acknowledged that politicians failed to develop FATA. He greatly appreciated the development work of Army / FWO, stating that a large number of FATA inhabitants were linked with trade and transport and the development of high quality roads are a gift for the rehabilitation of the area. He specifically mentioned that Tank-Wana road has won the hearts and minds of local residents by reducing the travel distances and getting them rid of the local feuds over road usage.
3. Ambassador (Retd) Zahid Said highlighted the good work done by FWO for reconstruction of Kuwait after the 1st Gulf War in Kuwait and opined that the roads will not only establish the writ of state in an erstwhile inaccessible area but will also bring lot of facilities for the residents of FATA.
4. Dr. Maulana Taj Muhammad from Wana appreciated the development work in Waziristan that has provided great relief to the residents. He stressed however for the maintenance and upkeep of the roads by the Government of Pakistan. The transportation of vegetables etc from Waziristan to Punjab is growing due to the good roads and Cadet College Wana is a jewel of Waziristan, he said.
5. A student from FATA proposed for a lateral road from South Waziristan to Bajaur Agency be developed to provide travel and communication within FATA as better socio-economic opportunities will eradicate militancy from grass root level.
6. The pace of development has been hailed by FATA residents and Kurram Agency should also be included in development programs, a resident demanded.

5. Informal Interaction & Follow Up

1. DG IPS and the Chairperson appreciated the active participation by FWO and proposed to organize more sessions on FATA & Balochistan development.
2. Air Commodore (Retd) Khalid Iqbal was of opinion that direct interaction with the public and stakeholders will forge unity between civil and military to defeat the disinformation propagated by the enemy.
3. Dr Fakhr ul Islam invited FWO to conduct a session on FATA Development at Peshawar University.
4. Ms Jennifer Mckay a disaster management specialist / journalist said that information about FATA is rare being an inaccessible area and the transformation from war to peace through development will become a model for wide implementation.
5. Dr Maulana Taj Muhammad who had specially come from Wana to attend the seminar along with his son (studying in Cadet College Wana) was a focus of attention and shared his personal opinion with the participants while paying compliments to Army / FWO work in FATA.
6. A keen interest and appreciation was shown by the participation for FWO. The tea time was well utilized for a cordial interaction between FWO officers and the seminar participants.

6. All measures were taken to conduct the seminar in a cordial manner. The passage and the main hall were decorated by the graphics & illustrations of FATA projects for the visual education of the participants. Brochures about FATA development were provided to all persons in attendance. FWO souvenirs were distributed among the participants.

7. Conclusion.

The seminar provided a good opportunity to directly interact with the stake holders associated with FATA. Since information about FATA is restricted, the event was helpful in disseminating information to an enlightened group of people related with the region. It was helpful in fostering the civil military relations and to cut through the disinformation campaign propagated by the enemy.