A workshop regarding Feasibility Study for Small Industrial Estate(SIE) at FR Kohat, was held in Peshawar on 24th April, 2013. Feasibility Study For SIE at FR Kohat is one of the many feasibility studies undertaken by FATA DA. The workshop was arranged by Bridgeway Consulting(Smc Pvt.) Ltd. Around 20 Stakeholders attended the workshop.

Objective of the workshop
The main objectives were:

• To inform the OAK cluster ofthe proceedings on the SIE FR-Kohat by FATA-DA
• To inform the cluster of all the facilities to be provided in the industrial estate and the approval that the Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gave for Gas supply to the estate.
• To solicit the opinions of the stakeholders of the small industrial estate in FR Kohat:
  - Size of plots in the industrial estate
  - Electricity required for each unit and duration per day
  - Other facilities necessary to attract investors to the industrial estate

Participants of the workshop
Invitation for participation was made to the Industrialists, factory-owners of gun manufacturing sector from Darra Adam Khel & Peshawar and the chairman of the gun manufacturing association Mr. Samiullah Khan, both telephonically and through meeting. A total number of 50-55 stakeholders were expected at the workshop. Arrangements were made accordingly but since they lacked interest in the workshop, only 20 attended the workshop. This lack of interest was shown due to the fact that PHSADC had already on the same agenda called up meetings and seminars and no fruitful result came up which resulted in dilution of interest in the workshop.


Proceedings of the workshop
Mr. Muhammad Tariq, Project coordinator Bridgeway Consulting chaired the seminar and started off the proceedings by giving an introduction to the project. Mr Hammad, FATA DA Assistant Manager Industries, briefed the gathering about the facilities being made available at SIE, FR Kohat. He informed that SIE will be a state-of-the-art international standard industrial estate and will be tax-free zone.
The participants took active participation in the open discussion and gave valuable suggestions to various problems identified during the session. In the concluding session, Mr Hammad informed that this workshop will be followed by another one which will be organized on a higher forum including Governor KPK. M/s Bridgeway Consulting thanked all present on the occasion for their valuable participation.

FATA Development Authority has initiated work on construction of small dam in Gandao, Mohmand Agency to overcome shortage of water in Ghalanai and adjoined areas. In this connection, FATA DA signed an agreement with a private firm M/S National RCC Works on January 2, 2013. Chief Executive FATA DA Mr Shah Sahib graced the contract signing event held at FATA DA Head Office. The contract was signed by FATA DA General Manager Technical Mr. Naseem Golra and Managing Director National RCC Works Mr. Gohar Ali.

Gandao dam is 105-feet high and 250 feet long axis gavity dam. The project will be completed at a cost of Rs 449 million by the end of 2014. A water treatment plant is also part of the project which will supply water to Ghalanai, Miangano Kalay and Durpa Khel villages. Upon completion, the project will serve a population of 21,979. FATA DA has also identified 37 other dam sites in Mohmand Agency of which 6 have been recommended for further study.

In order to value-add the raw coal from FATA, FATA Development Authority has launched a feasibility for establishment of coal briquetting plant in collaboration with SMEDA. An agreement in this context was signed between FATA DA and SMEDA on 26th December, 2012 at the FATA DA Head Office, Peshawar.

Pakistan Hunting and Sporting Arms Development Company (PHASDC) organized an international exhibition of Target and Outdoor Shooting Sports (TOSS) at Islamabad from December 14 to 16, 2012. FATA Development Authority participated in the event and was also among the sponsors of the event.

This was the first time FATA DA participated in a national or international exhibition. FATA DA had an opportunity to display its Skills Development section’s garments and leather goods produced by the trainees of Skills Section undergoing training at various institutes in Pakistan. FATA DA also had separate stalls for Mineral Section and Small Dams Section including Solar Energy Project. The event was officially inaugurated by the wife of the Prime Minister of Pakistan on December 14, 2012. The first lady showed a keen interest in the FATA DA stalls. Later in the day Honorable Governor KPK visited the exhibition. He appreciated the efforts of FATA DA for the economic development of FATA. He was of the view that through this exhibition FATADA would be able to project its achievement not only to the national public but also to the outside world. Other visitors to the exhibition included general public, dignitaries and diplomats.

FATA DA has signed contracts with two firms for construction of two small dams in FATA. The contract signing cermony was held in FATA DA head office on 30th August, 2012. The two dams to be constructed are Sheen Kach Small Dam in FR D I Khan and Moto Shah Small Dam in Mohmand Agency.

Mohmand Marble City (MMC), a joint venture of FATA DA and PASDEC, is the first of its kind industrial establishment in FATA to provide business, trade, socio-economic development, value addition and direct job opportunities mainly to the local population of FATA. In order to jump start the project Honorable Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reserved quota for allotment of 21 free industrial plots measuring 1 Acre each. As a first step towards establishment of Mohmand Marble City at FATA, applications are invited for allotment of free industrial plots in first phase. Detail Invitation Advertisement and Application Form will be available soon on the website.

FATADA management held a welcome ceremony for two new officers who joined FATADA on 21st June, 2012. Mr Humayun Khan joined FATADA as Agency Coordination Officer(Kurram Agency) and Mr. Muhammad Saud joined as Assistant Manager(M&E). A simple ceremony was held in the main Conference Hall of Head Office wherein the two officers were introduced to senior team members of FATA DA. Mr. Shah Sahib, Chief Executive FATA DA, welcomed the new officers. He stressed upon the officers to work hard for the uplift of war-stricken, backward FATA masses under their respective mandates. The CE aslo highlighted that merit has prevailed in the selection of officers and God help those who help themselves.

6th Meeting of FATA DA Steering Committee was held in KP House, Islamabad on 19th January 2011. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Barrister Masood Kausar, who is also the Chairman of the Committee, chaired the meeting. The meeting discussed a three-point agenda, including review of decisions taken in the fifth meeting of the steering committee, annual report of FDA for 2010-11 and the FDA Annual Development Programme for 2011-12.

The meeting was attended by Federal minister for SAFRON Shaukatullah Khan, secretary SAFRON Habibullah Khan, ACS FATA Fazal Karim Khattak, Chief Executive FATA DA Shahrukh Arbab and Mr. Asif Sheikh from Planning Commission. Private memebers who attended the meeting included Haji Bismillah Khan, Syed Ghazi Gulab Jamal and Muhammad Ibrahim Shinwari.

FATA DA Officials informed the meeting that Fata Development Authority will spend Rs1.45 billion on 30 ongoing and 20 new schemes on small dams, mineral resources, industries and skill development, while work on 14 schemes will be completed during the current fiscal. Details of the projects approved and completed during the year were also presented in the meeting. It was also informed that FDA was preparing an online monitoring system through which people would be able to evaluate its performance.

The Governor urged FDA to speed up its development efforts in a way that the work accomplished was visible on the ground. "Coordination among government functionaries must be established so that developmental activities and progress of work is not affected because of procedural and unusual delays," he said. The Governor also directed that all development activities should be made public and shared with the people for their confidence building and satisfaction. He said since security situation in Fata was far better than the previous years, FDA should concentrate on completion of ongoing projects on priority basis. "Progress must be achieved in the key development sectors like mineral, small dams and skill development. After the extension of Political Parties Order to Tribal Areas, the whole political set up and administration is being updated. Later, developmental activities will also be sped up," he said.

The Governor said the beginning of political activities in Fata would usher in a new era of the people`s empowerment in Fata boosting the people`s participation in development initiatives for the benefit of common tribesmen. While discussing skill development initiatives for tribal youth, he described it a more dynamic aspect of the development programme of FDA and said its impact was quite visible since common men were deriving benefits directly from it. He directed FDA to come up with survey and research to find out demanding trends in modern economics so that Fata youth could be trained in the market-oriented trades and technologies.

The FATA Development Authority’s Board of Directors in their 23 rd meeting resolved to undertake scheme aimed at imparting modern and effective skills for the benefit of economic development of women in fata. The meeting was held at FDA headquarters under the chairmanship ship of Chief Executive, Mr. Shahrukh Arbab, on Dec 09, 2011. The meeting was attended among others by Mr. Ihsanullah Khan, chairman PASDEC, Ms. Lubna Farooq both the members from the private sectors, while Dr. Jamal Nasir Secretary planning FATA, Syed Farooq Deputy Chief (D&AD) Planning commission Islamabad and Mr. Nazir Khan from Finance Division Islamabad, participated as members.

The Board of Directors approved award of consultancy services for feasibility study, detail design and preparation of PC-Is for 04 numbers Small dams in FATA. The BOD also approved amendment No. 3 in FATA-DA Employees (pay, allowances and other financial benefits) Standing Order, 2010. Meanwhile the BOD approved different access roads to mineral bearings areas in Upper Mohmand Agency to the tune of Rs. 199.965 million, Construction of 19 km shingle roads in coal bearing areas of F.R Kohat, F.R Peshawar, Khyber and Orakzai agencies to the tune of Rs. 199.765 million and Construction of 14 km shingle roads in coal and soapstone bearing areas of Kurram Agency to the tune of Rs. 199.996 million. The BOD also approved blacktopping of existing shingle roads in mineral bearing areas of FATA at the cost of Rs. 195.500 million.

The BOD approved project ‘Skilling FATA through joint venture’ and ‘Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Training Program’ and stressed on the need that Skilling of FATA youth should be given importance and especially, the tribal women should be trained in modern skills other than stitching and knitting as well. Besides the BOD also recommended that FATA DA should focus on specialized training for passed out trainees of women skill centers in order to get product and quality enhancement to bring it at par with market standard and market demands. FATA entrepreneurs will be provided entrepreneurship trainings under the first scheme and FATA DA is entering into this domain for the first time.

Chief Executive FATA DA, in his opening remarks, informed the participants about the projects initiated by FATA DA. He highlighted various issues which has affected the progress of the schemes of FATA DA. He specifically pointed out the release of inadequate funds for implementation of the projects. The Chief Executive then invited the General Managers for presentations of their respective sectors.

General Manager (P&D) FATA DA, through various slides, gave detailed positions of the ADP macro picture as well as projects of different sectors. Other General Managers also briefed the participants on the performance of their respective sectors/schemes.

During the presentation, different queries were made by the praticipants about various projects of FATA DA. These queries were answered by the respective officers. FATA Parliamentarians also provided useful proposals which were noted down. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks.

General Manager Planning while giving presentation on the achievements of the Authority, said 11 new schemes were approved during the period, including four schemes of Smalls Dams and two each in mineral, industry and physical planning & housing sectors. Twenty-five potential sites of Small Dams had been indentified out of which feasibility of 21 initiated, of five completed and PC1s of three dams approved. He said the authority had also been working on the project of electrifying far-flung villages through solar energy. The meeting was also updated on a number of mineral sector projects including coal in Sherani area, copper in North Waziristan, precious stones and oil and gas potential in different parts of FATA.

The Governor said the government was focusing its attention on Fata because of its backwardness, and with the aim to improve the socio-economic condition of the people. “FATA needs to be focused in development as it is not an ordinary area,” the governor remarked while discussing the issue of tmely release of funds for FATA Annual Development Programme. He stressed the need that the issue must be vigorously pursued and those areas should be identified where funds utilization had remained 100 per cent.

While reviewing progress on small dam projects, the governor directed that quality of construction must be taken care of and asked the concerned officials to regularly monitor the construction work on the spot. He took keen interest in the solar energy programme and directed that possibility of initiation of similar projects in other areas should also be explored.

The 22nd FATA Development Authority Board of Directors meeting was held on 25th October,2011 in the headquarters in Peshawar. The meeting was presided by Chief Executive FATA DA, Mr. Shahrukh Arbab. The directors who attended the meeting inlcuded Mr. Ihsan ullah khan Chairman PASDEC and Mr. Akbar Khan Mohamand, members from the private sector while Secretary Planning and Development FATA Secretariat, Dr. Jamal Nasir and Mr. Farooq from Planning Commission, Islamabad attended the meeting as public sector members.

The Board approved the recommendation of Gandao Small Dam in Mohmand Agency for approval to CDWP (Central Development Working Party). The Gandao Small Dam is purely a drinking water project of FATA DA for Ghalanai area. This project was initiated keeping in mind the scarcity of drinking water and the problems faced by the locals of Ghalanai in getting water. The locals had to bring water from faraway places on mules and other means to their houses to meet their daily needs. The approval of this project will be a land mark achievement for the people of the drought stricken area because of its great utility and importance. The Board of Directors also approved long awaited service regularization of all FATA DA employees.

Meanwhile the BOD also made recommendations that FATA DA should complete the schemes for FATA Youth Skills Development (Institution Based) and 70 Women Skills Development Centers (WSDC), and include new scheme on the same subject, in the ADP 2011-12. Among other agenda items, Board of Directors approved the extension in services of two media agencies hired for media campaign for year 2011-12, and emphasized on effective promotion of FATA DA initiatives throughout tribal areas in order to bring positive change in their thinking about government of Pakistan. The Directors insisted that more and more focus should be given to the activities and development projects going on in tribal areas so that all and sundry may know about the initiatives of FATA DA. Meanwhile the Board of Directors approved the appointment of some fresh officers inducted and also granted extension to some of them already working in FATA DA.

Governor Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Barrister Masud Kausar approves FATA Development Authority ADP 2011-12, in a high level meeting, in Governor House under his chairmanship on 16 July 2011. Governor was given presentation by GM planning & Development FATA DA, about all ongoing schemes in different sectors and new schemes included in the current year, while Chief Executive FATADA Mr. Attaullah khan was also present on the occasion. Salient features of the ADP include 4.5 % increase from last year ADP 2010-11, which now will be Rs. 1452.0 million. Twenty new schemes have been included for New Year including construction of Small Dams, Minerals and Skill Development Sector. The meeting was told that FATADA has decided to allocate 84% of funds to on-going schemes whereas per scheme allocation stands at Rs. 27.396 millions. During the meeting various issues related to FATA DA like law and order were put before the Governor. The Governor approved the proposed ADP 2011-12 and assured his commitment to bring peace and stability in the region through development.

Members of the Senate and the National Assembly from FATA have appreciated the performance of FATA Development Authority in carrying out speedy and fruitful developmental work in the tribal areas. They expressed these views at a presentation arranged for the FATA parliamentarians by FDA at the Civil Officers Mess on the Friday. The presentation was made by Chief Executive and General Managers of the respective departments of FDA. During the last five years since its inception, FATA Development Authority has achieved great progress in building Small Dams, exploration of minerals and imparting of vocational training to the FATA youth in the tribal areas.

The parliamentarians urged FATA DA authorities that there are no security issues in eighty percent of the tribal areas and they will assist in solving all political and social issues which are the cause of delays in certain projects. The parliamentarians urged FATA DA to start a scheme of SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) for tribal areas and requested that the scheme should be named " Qabail Rozgar Scheme". The parliamentarians gave a commitment to FATA DA authorities that they will arrange funds for this scheme from the Federal Government through Standing Committee on SAFRON. The parliamentarians urged FATA DA authorities to keep close liaison with them regarding every developmental scheme in their respective areas.

FATA Development Authority and PASDEC (Pakistan Stone Development Company) signed an agreement in Islamabad on 11th May, 2011 regarding up-gradation of existing mines in Bajaur and Mohmand agencies. The agreement was signed by FATA DA Chief Executive Mr.Attaullah Khan and PASDEC Chairman Mr.Ihsanullah Khan. As per agreement PASDEC will introduce mechanized mining in tribal areas through which Marble stones would be cut in square blocks.

Presently people extract marble through blasting and other outdated methods resulting in huge amount of wastages of this precious commodity. The other demerit of this old method is that only small sizes of Marble tiles are produced which are not able to compete in international markets. With the introduction of mechanized mining, big size of tiles as per international demands will be produced resulting in investment and bringing more capital and development to tribal areas.

FATA Development Authority is planning to place 12 new schemes before the competent forum for approval to be included in ADP 2010-11. These include five numbers of Small Dams, solar electrification projects, industrial estate in FR Kohat and shingle roads in different agencies and Frontier regions. This was informed during an in-house meeting regarding approval of new schemes headed by Mr. Attaullah Khan, Chief Executive FATA Development Authority, in FDA headquarters on 9th may 2011. The Chief Executive emphasized on inclusion of new skills in skill development program of FATA DA incoming intake, based on emerging trends, and also for the introduction of the same in women skill centers, besides embroidery, knitting and tailoring. He stated that women skills development should be given special consideration and laboratory technician and nursing courses should be included as a part of their training for their empowerment. The meeting was briefed that FATA DA will start work in next financial year on Chao Tangi Dam (SWA), Moto Shah Dam (Mohmand Agency), Raghagan Dam (Bajaur Agency),Baz Ali Dam ( Kurram Agency) and Sheen Kach Dam in FR Tank. Chief Executive stressed on the Small Dams sector to expedite work on construction of Small Dams, in prime areas under FATA DA. During the meeting Chief Executive was given briefing about upcoming projects of provision of electricity in FATA through solar energy. Meanwhile Chief Executive approved construction of shingle roads to mineral bearing areas keeping in mind their utility and access to these far flung areas. Chief Executive was also briefed about latest updates on industrial zone in FR Kohat.

The monthly review meeting of FATA Development Authority, ADP 2010-11, was held on 23rd and 25th April, in the FDA office Peshawar, under the chairmanship of Mr. Attaullah Khan, Chief Executive, FATA DA. All the General Managers, Managers, Agency Coordination Officers and Project Directors of the Small Dams, Mining Sector, Skill Development Centers, Industries, Media sector and Solar Power attended the meeting and presented their monthly progress reports. The Chief Executive directed ACOs to keep close liaison with government departments for placement of skill development graduates as trainees. The meeting was briefed that PC-I for Small and Medium Enterprise financing is ready and would be presented before next Board of Directors meeting for approval. Similarly PC-I for land acquisition of industrial estate in FR Kohat is ready and would also be presented for approval. The meeting was briefed that under Skill Development program, FDA is planning to increase the intake from next year and in this connection, talks were in progress with National Logistic Cell. In the meeting, Manager Skills Development informed that a contingent of candidates had already been despatched to Gujrat for training in Fan-Making as part of expansion scheme. Chief Executive FATA DA directed all concerned departments to formulate a strategy, wherever necessary, to divert funds from works that have been stalled due to some reason for indefinite period to projects that are progressing well. Chief Executive also directed ACOs to seek help of the concerned parliamentarians, in the conflict resolution in their respective areas.

The Steering Committee for the project ‘Source Rock mapping and investigation of Hydrocarbon potential in FATA’ held a meeting under the chairmanship of the Chief Executive FATA DA, Mr. Attaullah Khan at the FDA headquarters on 31 March 2011. Principal Investigator of the project, Dr. Fazal e Rabbi briefed the meeting about the progress of the project. The project conducts surveys and studies for oil and gas exploration in FATA and has succeeded in locating potential sites in many parts of the tribal area. Because of the successful studies and surveys a number of oil and gas exploration and marketing companies have now entered into the tribal areas and are reserving blocks of areas for their future operations on commercial basis. This will bring more investment to the tribal areas resulting in higher employments and prosperity for tribal areas in the near future. Keeping in mind the limitations in operating in the tribal belt the overall performance of the project in the current year is deemed to be satisfactory. Given the enormous future potential of this scheme, Chief Executive issued directions for the extension of the project for one more year. Moverover, the Chief Executive stressed on the timely completion of all ongoing schemes and issued direction to speed up the work.

The monthly review meeting of FATA Development Authority, ADP 2010-11, was held on 18th and 19th March, in the FDA office Peshawar, under the chairmanship of Mr. Attaullah Khan, Chief Executive, FATA DA. All the General Managers, Managers, Agency Coordination Officer’s and Project Directors of the Small Dams, Minerals Sector, Skill Development Centers, Industries, Media sector and Solar Power attended the meeting and presented their monthly progress reports. The Chief Executive stressed on the need to speed up the work on Small Dams Projects and instructed the ACO’s that all social and political hurdles in this regard may be resolved, on priority basis, amicably and peacefully. Meanwhile he also issued directions to seek help of the concerned parliamentarians, belonging to those areas in the conflict resolution, where work has been halted due to non clearance certificate from the concerned authorities. The Chief Executive also directed the ACO’s to send reports regarding feasible sites for Women Skill Development Centers as there is need for more skill centers. He also told them to send details of non functional sites and machinery damaged due to blasts and other similar activities. He further issued instructions to Skill Department FATA DA to inquire from overseas employment corporation of Pakistan and foreign embassies about demands of skills and latest technologies in their home countries, so that tribal youths may be trained based on market demands. Chief executive stressed on Small Dam Sector to complete Dandy Dam NWA before the end of the current financial year. He also directed Manager Industries to take every effort in establishing industrial estate in FR Kohat without further delays.

The 19th Board of Directors meeting was held in FATA-DA headquarters Peshawar on 8th March, 2011. The meeting was presided by Chief Executive FATA DA, Mr. Attaullah Khan and attended among others by Mr. Ihsanullah Khan, Ms. Lubna Farooq, Mr. Nauman Wazir and Mr. Akbar Khan Mohmand, all four directors from the Private Sector. The BOD in commemoration of March 08, World Women Day, aimed to take affirmative action for the socio economic uplift of tribal women by providing them quality training from reputable world class Skill Training Centers and upon completion of their training, arranging stalls for their handmade items at different business centers.

The BOD approved PC1s of different Projects including Media Campaign of FATA DA initiatives, to highlight the activities of FATA DA in the tribal areas and also to remove the misconception in the minds of the tribal’s. The BOD emphasized on the speedy completion of all running Projects specially the FDA building and approved PC 1 of the phase 2 of FDA building Project. The BOD appreciated different handmade items like clothes, school uniforms, gowns, sweaters, bed sheets displayed in the conference room and decoration pieces carved from precious stones by the tribal’s youth in the skill training centers. The BOD also approved the new selection criteria for incoming candidates in FATA DA, where in future experience and ability will be given more preference so that capable and experienced may find place in the projects under FDA. Meanwhile construction and black topping of access road to Marble city and purchase of additional piece of land was also approved. The BOD members also promised to present incentive package for Mohmand Marble City to ensure investment and tribal participation.

FATA has some presence of Industries and reasonable trading and commercial activities are also undertaken. However, number of Industrial and service entities are always estimated by guess work and no authentic data is available to substantiate such estimation. Therefore, in order to know the present state of Industrial, service sector base and the labor force employed therein a survey has been successfully completed through a questionnaire administered by a FATA based consultant M/S Community Appraisal & Motivation Program (CAMP) under the three thematic areas in all the seven agencies and six Frontier Regions of FATA. The survery report can be downloaded from the link below: