ON the recommendation of the Senate Standing Committee on States and Frontier Regions, the federal government has approved writing off loans owed by the farmers of the tribal districts between 2009 and 2012. In addition, it has been reported that a food ration scheme would also be introduced for the tribal areas.
Indeed the tribal people have suffered the most in the war on terrorism. To pave way for the military operation in their areas, they also left their homes. Given these sacrifices, the tribal people deserve to be facilitated in whatever way and manner the federal and provincial governments can do. Writing off the loans of their farmers is a step in a right direction as they were not in a position to pay them back because of their prolonged sufferings. We will rather suggest that both the federal and KP governments come up with a special package for the farmers of these areas in order to help them stand on their own feet by providing them seeds, fertilizers and other input items on subsidized rates. Food ration scheme should also be implemented at the earliest but the focus should remain on helping the tribal people earn their own livelihood by imparting them education and vocational training in different fields. Then, as the process of merger of tribal districts stands completed, the government must expedite the process of reconstruction and development in the areas to bring them at the national mainstream. The country cannot afford ignoring these areas. Peace and prosperity in these areas is important for overall peace and development of the country. We cannot afford allowing anti-Pakistan elements to make these areas once again launch-pads for militancy. Hence, the promises made with the tribal people regarding development should be fulfilled. The announcement of spending one hundred billion rupees each year on tribal districts should not remain mere a lip service and all the provinces should come forward and contribute to the reconstruction of these areas. These areas are rich in mineral and natural resources. Sustainable peace and development of necessary infrastructure there will help exploit these resources for the benefit of the whole country.
