FATA DEVLOPMENT AUTHORITY NEWS

January 18, 2010

A meeting was held on 18-01-2010 under the chairmanship of Governor NWFP to discuss six months performance of FATA DA ADP 2009-10.

In his opening remarks, Chief Executive, FATA DA informed that the meeting has been arranged to brief the Governor about the performance of various sectors/schemes achieved during the 1st half of the financial year 2009-10. He also informed that progress of the projects given to LDP will also be discussed in the meeting. He then asked General Manager (P&D) for detailed presentation.

General Manager (P&D), FATA DA, through various slides, explained the performance of various sectors/projects during the 1st six months of the financial year 2009-10. He also informed about the re-alignment of allocations of various sectors/projects during the 2nd half of the year. Projects given to LDP were also explained by him.

Details of the meeting can be seen here.

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November 25, 2009

14th Meeting of the Board of Directors FATA-DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, was held on 25th November, 2009.Following members attended the meeting:

1.     Mr. Attaullah Khan
        Chief Executive, FATA-DA/Chairman BOD.
2.    Mr. Jamal Nasir
        Secretary (P&D), FATA Secretariat, Peshawar.
3.    Mian Aftab Ali Shah
        Deputy Secretary Finance, FATA Secretariat, Peshawar.
4.    Mr. Nauman Wazir
        President Industrial Association, C/o Frontier Foundary,         Hayatabad Peshawar.
5.    Mr. Akbar Khan Mohmand
        President TACCI, Peshawar.
6.    Mr. Ihsanullah Khan
        Chairman Pakistan Stone Development Company, Islamabad.
7.    Muhammad Nasir
        Secretary, BODs FATA-DA.

Agenda items discussed are as follows:

Sr.No	Agenda Items
1	“Construction of 7 kms shingle road from Bashi Patti to Yakho Shah coal bearing area, Orakzai Agency” – a sub-project of the approved umbrella scheme “Construction of shingle roads in mineral bearing areas of Southern FATA”(FATA-DA ADP 2009-10 S.No.25)
2	“Construction of 8 kms shingle road from Ghazi Abad to Khanka Ghundai marble deposits, Ziarat area, Mohmand Agency” - a subproject of the approved umbrella scheme “Construction of shingle roads in mineral bearing areas of Northern FATA” (FATA-DA ADP 2009-10 S.No.24)
3	Annual Review of FATA-DA 2008-09. (i) Annual Report. (ii) Annual Review of FATADA ADP.
4	Deletion of Scheme “Establishment of FATA Skills Development Company (FASDEC)” (S/No: 30) from FATA DA ADP 2009-10.
5	Deletion of Scheme “Khyber Steam Safari” (S/No: 43) from FATA-DA ADP 2009-10.
6	Extension of contract period of Mr. Mohammad Gulzar, Consultant FATA-DA.
7	Creation of posts of additional staff for FATA-DA Headquarter and abolition of surplus posts.
8	Winding up of Orakzai Coal Mining Project.
9	Appointment of Assistant Project Director (Renewable Energy) for PSU Small Dams Section.
10	Grant of compensation to the family of Late Tufail Muhammad Naib Qasid of “Investigation & Evaluation of Manganese prospects in Bajaur & Mohmand Agencies” project.
11	Draft FATA-DA Employees (Leave) Rules, 2009.
12	Grant of Pension/Gratuity to FATA-DA Employees.
13	Selection of Chartered Accountant for conducting Internal Audit of the FATA-DA accounts 2008-09.
Additional item 1	Appointment of Project Manager for the Project “Construction of FATA-DA Building”

NWFP Governor Mr. Owais Ahmed Ghani in a simple but impressive ceremony today laid the foundation stone of the Head Quarter Building of FATA DA. Located in Phase V Hayatabad. Present on the occasion were Mr. Habibullah Khan Additional Chief Secretary FATA and Mr Attaullah Khan Chief Executive, FATA Development Authority.
Welcoming the Governor Mr. Attaullah thanked the Governor for performing the ceremony and briefed him on the salient features of the building. He said the building is spread over an area of one acre and the building has two portions. One portion shall house the main office of FATA Development Authority while the other portion shall be let on rent to corporate sector. Costing 198 millions the building has been designed by a reputed Lahore based firm. The construction shall be completed in a record 18 month time.
Speaking on the occasion the Governor appreciated the design and lauded the construction firm for mobilizing so rapidly. The Governor also hoped that with their own building the FATA DA team would get conducive environment to work with more commitment and zeal. The Governor also directed the Chief Executive Pesco and GM Development PTCL both present on the occasion to immediately remove the underground as well as overhead wire from the building site so as to ensure smooth construction activity. The Chief Executive Pesco and the Director Development PTCL assured the Governor that the wires would be removed soon. Later on the Governor asked various questions relating to the design and expressed his satisfaction.

1.  Mr. Attaullah Khan            Chief Executive, FATA-DA/Chairman BODs.
2. Shah Sahib                      FA/Secretary Finance, FATA Secretariat,Peshawar.
3. S. Farooq Aiman               Dy. Chief (D&AD) Planning Commission,Islamabad.
4. Syed Mazhar Ali Shah        Deputy Secretary(P&D),FATA Secretariat,Peshawar.
5. Mr. Akbar Khan Mohmand   President TACCI, Peshawar.
6. Mr. Ihsanullah Khan          Chairman Pakistan Stone Development Company,                                          Islamabad.
7. Muhammad Gulzar            Secretary, BODs FATA-DA.

1. The proposal of imposing water rate be included in the agenda of next Political Agents Conference with Governor.
2. The Political Agents should start consultation for the transfer of O&M responsibilities of canal system to beneficiaries so that a system is placed by the time the dams are complete. FATA DA to provide details to Political Agents.
3. In the next 7-10 days, Chief Executive, FATA DA to visit WAPDA House, Lahore for a meeting with Chairman, WAPDA to know the intention and plans of WAPDA regarding the implementation/funding of Bara dam.
4. As informed by PA Khyber the site of Jabba dam is clear for survey, therefore, the team should plan visit of the site.
5. Pak Army deployed in NWA and Political agent should be approached to organize visits of FATA DA officials to Dandy dam. The visiting team should also take media persons.
6. PA South should be approached for scheduling the visit of Governor to Dargai Pal dam at the earliest.
7. Regarding feasibility study of 25 Nos dams, Chief Executive, FATA DA to contact Political Agents and secure security clearance for feasibility and design consultants for various dam sites by explaining the benefits of such dams to the local population by the Political Agents.
8. The resource person of the NCEG is to make a presentation to Governor on the existing status of project “Source Rock Mapping and Investigations for Hydrocarbon Potential in FATA”.
9. Follow up and monitoring be ensured of the safety equipments being provided to mine owners and mine workers so as to assess reduction in mine accidents. FATA DA to report the impact of the safety equipments in relation to reduction of accidents and casualties.
10. Transfer of responsibilities of establishment of Model Quarry to PASDEC should be avoided. Rather it should be asked to provide technical assistance in the establishment of model quarry in Ziarat Kaly, Mohmand Agency. Cost of machinery should also be obtained so to ensure quick action in finalizing bid documentation.
11. Chief Executive, FATA DA to obtain the Board’s approval in employing the professionals on work charge basis instead of employing them on fixed pay and long term basis.
12. The ceiling of Rs. 20 million for design consultancy of shingle road projects is enhanced to Rs. 50 million.
13. Regarding exemption of shingle roads of mineral sector from open tender, ACS (FATA) and Chief Executive, FATA DA and Secretary to Governor to jointly discuss the proposal with the governor.
14. HQ 11 corps should be approached and requested to admit more FATA trainees by inducting them in other centers under their control operating in different parts of NWFP like Bannu, Kohat etc.
15. The Director of Dimension Stones Centre PCSIR is to make a presentation to the Governor on how to improve the quality of training of the Center.
16. Block provision in the current ADP for Governor’s directives should be dropped and amount re-appropriated.
17. The shortlisted advertising firm of the project “Media campaign of FDA initiatives” be asked to make presentation to Governor.
18. PA Khyber committed in the meeting, to handover possession of another piece of land for Tribal Areas Chamber of Commerce and Industry to FATA DA.
19. The identified site for Small Industrial Estate at Dara Adam Khel should be reviewed. In order to avoid further delays dispute free site should be selected.
20. Next meeting of the Core Group on township be fixed for 31-01-2009.
21. Mr. Tahir Abbas of PICIC should be invited for a meeting on his proposals made to the Governor NWFP. Bankers like Amjad Arbab, Javed Hashmat and Mohsin Khan of IM Sciences should also be invited to the meeting. The recommendations of the meeting be presented to the Governor.
22. Inspection report of each project be sent to Governor regularly on six monthly basis duly accompanied by photographs.
23. ADP funds should not be surrendered. Efforts should be made to fully utilize these.
24. Secretary to Governor to put up the file regarding ban on recruitments for discussion with the competent authority.

December 31, 2008

Mr. Shehzad Arbab, the first Chief Executive of FDA, was given a farewell by his colleagues at the Authority. He has been assigned a new post as Additional Secretary at the president secretariat, Islamabad. Mr. Shehzad Arbab, the founding Chief Executive of FDA, was one of the brains and architects behind the formation of this authority. He was member of the Task Force that recommended the creation of FATA Development Authority. Soon after its creation in September 2006, Mr. Shehzad Arbab was designated as the first Chief Executive of the Authority in November that year.
During his 2 years stay in FDA, Mr. Shehzad Arbab built the foundation of a new organization starting right from the scratch. He carefully selected a team of competent officers blended with young and experienced persons. Under his worthy leadership, important milestones were achieved in a very short time period. These included the constitution of FDA Board of Directors and Steering Committee, notification of FDA Rules of Business, financial and procurement rules. He firmly believed in public private partnership model for a development authority and left no stone unturned in establishing links with important partner organizations. It was his dynamic leadership that resulted in the conception of wide-ranging development projects for the people of FATA. His transfer news was received with mixed emotions at the FDA. The employees were saddened by his transfer but at the same time delighted for their boss being assigned an important position.
The FDA staff arranged a farewell function in his honor. Addressing the party, Mr. Shehzad Arbab thanked the FDA staff for their support. He told the gathering that FDA has now stood on its feet due to their collective hard work and dedication. He advised them to carry on the good work and consider it as a mission as FATA is deprived of development works for decades and this poverty-stricken area is badly in need of fast track development projects that can alleviate their sense of depravation.
Earlier, the GM Finance Mr. Abdul Siddique, on behalf of the staff members, addressed the gathering. In his speech, the GM praised the Chief Executive for his visionary leadership qualities that have helped FATA Development Authority from its formation to a stable development organization. He thanked the Chief Executive for posing confidence in him and other colleagues on taking them on board and giving them opportunity to work under his dynamic leadership. He expressed good wishes of all FDA staff for the future assignment of Mr. Shehzad Arbab.
At the end of the farewell party, GM P&D, Mr. Muhammad Salim presented a souvenir to the Chief Executive. FDA will surely miss the absence of Mr. Shehzad Arbab. All FDA staff wishes him success in his future career.

December 03, 2008

A team of Geologists from minerals Dept. FATA DA visited South Waziristan Agency from 23rd October to 3rd Nov.2008. A number of copper, Chromite and Manganese prospects were identified. A total of 64Nos. of representative hard rock samples were collected in the field from these prospects for chemical analyses in order to formulate further detailed follow up work. In addition, a new rock type which can be marketed as a dimension stone in the name of black granite was discovered. Cut and polished blocks have already attracted a number of investors. FATA DA intends to facilitate the potential investors to provide infra-structure to the mining areas apart from technical assistance and negotiations with the locals and political Administration in this regard.

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November 03, 2008
10th Meeting of the Board of Directors FATA-DA held on 22nd May 2008. Following agenda items were discussed.

Sr.No	Agenda Items
1	Settlement of Terms and Conditions of Services of Govt. Servants on Deputation to FATA-DA.
2	Draft FATA-DA Travelling Allowance Rules, 2008.
3	Extension in Contract Appointment of Muhammad Azam Khan, Consultant (Skills Development), FATA-DA.
4	Extension in Contract Appointment of Mr. Khalid Mahmood Khan, Consultant (Industries), FATA-DA.
5	Extension in Contract Appointment of Muhammad Gulzar, Consultant, FATA-DA.
6	Extension in Contract Appointment of Mr. Arshad Khan Afridi, I.T. Operations Manager, FATA-DA
7	Extension of Facilities of Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance to the Employees of the FATA-DA.
8	“Provident Fund” for the Employees of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas Development Authority.
9	Construction of Shingle roads in Mineral bearing areas of Northern FATA.
10	Construction of Shingle roads in Mineral bearing areas of Southern FATA.
11	Lifting of Ban on Appointments in FATA-DA.

September 11 , 2008
RESULTS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSIS CONDUCTED ON PRELIMINARY OUTCROP SAMPLES TAKEN NEAR GABARAI
Results of chemical analyses conducted on preliminary outcrop samples taken near Gabarai, (lat: 34.88°N, long: 71.34°E), Bajaur Agency FATA, Pakistan has confirmed anomalous values for Copper, Silver and Gold in some samples that suggest a porphyry style of mineralization for occurrence of these metals.
5 Nos. of outcrop samples taken from porphyritic granitoids and associated pyroclastic andesitic volcanic rocks has confirmed presence of Copper, gold and silver after conducting their chemical analyses at Mineral testing Laboratories, Directorate General Mines and Minerals Govt. of NWFP and PCSIR Labs (Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) Peshawar. The values ranges between (copper:-0.94 to 7.5%, Gold:-0.2 to 1.45 gms/ton, Silver:-4.67 to 81 gms/ton). The Centre of Excellence in Geology University of Peshawar has also been provided these samples with a request for conducting additional laboratory research and accordingly their recommendations to enable FATA DA for planning future field activities on the prospect.

August 09 , 2008
PHYSICAL WORK ON DANDE DAM IN NORTH WAZIRISTAN AGENCY COMMENCED
After launching of construction work on Dargai Pal Dam in South Waziristan Agency in April 2007 FATA DA could now inter in implementation stage of Dande Dam in North Waziristan. Layout of dam was given at site on July 30, 2008. Contractors as well as Consultants have mobilized their teams for preliminary preparation and planning at site.

July 4, 2008
CONTRACT AGREEMENT FOR SOURCE ROCK MAPPING
A contract agreement for conducting source rock mapping and investigations for hydrocarbon potential in FATA between FATA DA and the National Centre of Excellence in Geology (NCEG) University of Peshawar signed. The Project costing Rs.39.852 million with 3 years duration shall generate base-line geo-technical data on hydrocarbon potential in eastern parts of the southern tribal belt.
Recent probes and discoveries in the adjoining parts of N.W.F.P have proved that the area has great potential for occurrence of Oil & Gas. However, due to lack of preliminary geological information on the subject, the area remained unattended for advance stage exploration and exploitation of these resources.
In this context, a contract signing ceremony was held in the NCEG on 04/07/2008, which, amongst others, was attended by the Vice Chancellor, University of Peshawar and Chief Executive FATA DA. An amount of Rs.16.481 million was initially released for implantation of the project.

June 27, 2008
REANALYSIS OF FURTHER 39 SAMPLES OF COPER IN SHINKAI
Reanalysis of further 39 Nos. of samples from previously drilled holes in Shinkai copper prospect, North Waziristan Agency, FATA, Pakistan has confirmed presence of Gold in 37 Nos. of samples with values ranging from 1.57-0.12 grams per ton. This prospect was previously reported to contain no gold in it.

June 26, 2008
AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH NUST CONSULTING FOR SOLAR ENERGY PROJECT IN FATA.
The agreement for feasibility study of solar electrification and solar pumping in 450 villages of FATA signed with NUST consulting Islamabad on June 26, 2008.

June 18, 2008
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF GOVERNOR NWFP ON 18-06-2008 REGARDING FDA ADP 2008-09.
A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Governor NWFP, on 18-06-2008 regarding FDA ADP 2008-09.
Following participants attended the meeting:

1. Governor NWFP (In Chair)
2. Additional Chief Secretary (FATA)
3. Chief Executive, FDA
4. Secretary P&D (FATA)
5. General Manager (P&D), FDA
6. General Manager (Minerals), FDA
7. Manager (Small Dams), FDA
8. Manager (Skill Development),FDA
9. Manager (P&D), FDA
10. Manager (Industries), FDA

1. Governor NWFP to be briefed by the NESPAK Consultants on the economic analysis aspect of the Bara dam.
2. Concept Papers on each dam project included in ADP 2008-09 be put up to Governor NWFP.
3. All Reconstruction Opportunity Zones should be located within FATA.
4. The nomenclature of the new sub-project “Feasibility Study of Regulatory Regime of Trade, Commerce and Industry” be amended as “Feasibility Study of Regulatory Regime of Trade, Commerce, Industry and Mining”.
5. The identified projects for USAID funding be evaluated so as to clear the role of all stake holders.
6. A note showing detail position of “Enterprise Development and SME Financing” be processed for perusal of Governor NWFP.

1. Existence of minerals like chromate in NW Agency.
2. Feasibility of small dams especially in Bajaur and Kurram Agencies.
3. Construction of roads in mineral bearing areas, especially in Kurram Agency.
4. Extension of mines rescue facilities to other Agencies/FRs.
5. Minister Environment, Federal Government informed lifting of ban on recruitment from 01-07-2008 under development projects.
6. Minister Environment, Federal Government raised the issue of inclusion of environmental impact in the PC-Is of major projects.

1. Mr. Najmuddin Khan - Minister SAFRON
2. Mian Muhammad Jamil - Secretary SAFRON
3. Sahibzada Riaz Noor - Chief Secretary NWFP
3. Lt Gen Rtrd Muhammad Zubair - Member Planning Commission
5. Mr. Javed Iqbal - ACS NWFP
6. Mr. Habibullah - ACS FATA
7. Mr. Muhammad Shehzad Arbab - Chief Executive, FDA
8. Dr. G.G. Jamal, Orakzai - Member
9. Haji Bismillah Khan, Bajaur Agency - Member
10. Malak Ajmal Khan, NWA - Member

Governor NWFP ............................................................................Chairman

Minister for States & Frontier Regions (SAFRON) .................................Member

Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of Pakistan...............................Member

Secretary SAFRON, Govt of Pakistan.................................................Member

Chief Secretary, Govt of Pakistan.....................................................Member

Additional Chief Secretary FATA.......................................................Member

Additional Chief Secretary (P&D, NWFP).............................................Member

Haji Bismillah Khan of Bajaur Agency.................................................Co-opted Member

Syed Ghazi Gulab Jamal of Orakzai Agency.........................................Co-opted Member

Malik Ajmal Khan of North Waziristan Agency......................................Co-opted Member