PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Engineer Shaukatullah on Thursday directed the relevant authorities to check high maternal and infant mortality rate in the Federal Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) by taking concrete steps to improve the health of mothers and children.

He issued the directions while chairing a high-level meeting of Fata health department at the Governor`s House here to evaluate and review the progress of Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in tribal areas.

A detailed briefing was also given to the governor by the officials of Fata health department. Besides, Fata additional chief secretary Arbab Mohammad Arif, principal secretary to the governor Fakhr-i-Alam, Fata social sector secretary Sardar Abbas and Fata health services director Dr Pervez Kamal also attended the meeting, says a handout.

The governor said all possible facilities would be provided to Fata people for better health. He said necessary initiatives were needed to increase immunisation coverage in Fata to save children from fatal deceases.

Mr Shaukatullah stressed the need for improvement of basic health facilities in tribal areas and that would help protect people against dangerous diseases.

He said inactive health centres in Fata should be restored without delay to pro-tect the people`s lives.

The governor also directed the relevant officials to make a comprehensive plan to utilise the services of health workers and vaccinators under the EPI programme to their maximum level.

PEACE TOP PRIORITY: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor on Monday told a delegation from North Waziristan Agency that restoration of peace in the country through dialogue was the federal government`s top most priority.

Talking to the visitors led by MNA Mohammad Nazir Khan at the Governor`s House, Mr Shaukatullah said the government was serious about talks for restoring peace in the country.

`To ensure peace, we are committed to addressing all challenges and take prompt steps,` he said.

The governor appreciated the patriotism of tribesmen, who, he said, would continue offering sacrifices for the country. He said the people of Fata had practically proved that they liked the country more than their own lives.

Mr Shaukatullah said tribal elders should help clear hurdles to the construction of Kurram Tangi dam for the benefit of tribal people.

The visitors apprised the governor of the problems faced by the people of North Waziristan Agency.

The governor assured them that the government would take corrective measures without delay and that all possible steps would be taken to ensure provision of modern educational facilities to tribal people.

Mr Shaukatullah appreciated tribal elders` efforts for promotion of peace and harmony in their region.

He urged them to unite and guide the government on peace process for its success.