PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan has directed the concerned authorities to adopt austerity measures to make sure that ongoing development schemes in Fata completed within stipulated time for the betterment of the tribal people.

He said every possible step would be taken to bring the people of Fata into the mainstream.

He said peace was the topmost priority of the central government.

The governor expressed these views while speaking at a high level meeting to review performance of Fata secretariat and Fata Development Authority, at the Governor House here on Monday, according to a handout.

Mr Mehtab announced that quota of scholarships of technical education for male and female students of Fata in best technical institutions of Pakistan had been increased from 1,700 to 10,000 to provide them maximum employment opportunities.

`Technical training will help minimise increasing unemployment and uplift of the people of Fata,` he added.

A detailed briefing was also given to the governor byFata secretariat and FDA officials.

Mr Mehtab asked the Fata secretariat officials to include major development schemes in next ADP, and ensure transparency in the development schemes so Fata people could ripe the benefits of welfare schemes.

`Every possible step should be taken to enhance the progress of concerned departments,` he added.

The governor while appreciating the spirit of patriotism and sacrifices of tribal people for motherland said that tribesmen would continue to play their role in progress and prosperity of the nation.

Mr Mehtab said that major decisions would be taken with the consultation of the tribal elders in the larger interests of the tribal region.

Meanwhile, the governor took serious notice of the use of non-custom paid vehicles by Levies personal in settled areas Kohat district and ordered stern action against the officials involved in the illegal activities.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary Amjad Ali Khan, Fata additional chief secretary Arbab Mohammad Arif, secretary social sector, Fata Sardar Mohammad Abbas, FDA chief executive Dr Fida Mohammad Wazir and other concerned officials attended the meeting.